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(11) | EP 4 428 322 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | CLIP, SYSTEM COMPRISING SUCH A CLIP, AND USE OF SUCH A CLIP |
| (57) Clip, comprising: a plate having a length and a width, wherein an imaginary line
halfway the width divides the plate into a first section and a second section; a plurality
of hooks extending from a front surface of the plate and configured to engage with
an edge of a board; wherein a first aperture is arranged in one of the first section
and the second section to allow user to arrange a fastener therethrough and thereby
mount the plate to the frame; and wherein at least one longitudinal protrusion is
arranged in the same section as the first aperture, at a minimum offset relative to
the first aperture of at least 4 mm to provide an unobstructed area around the first
aperture that allows a user to place a head of a nail gun. The invention further relates
to a system comprising such a clip, as well as to the use thereof.
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Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a clip suitable for mounting cementitious boards, or sidings made of word or composite, to a frame, such as in particular for mounting fiber cement boards or sidings to a support, typically a wooden support. The invention furthermore relates to a system comprising such a clip, as well as to the use of such a clip.
Background of the invention
[0002] Cementitious boards, in particular fiber cement boards, also known as cementitious boards, or sidings of wood or composite, are well known nowadays for providing a low maintenance facade for houses, offices, buildings etc., often to replace wooden or maintenance intensive alternatives. In this application, boards and sidings are considered equivalents in the context of the invention.
[0003] Compared to wooden alternatives, such cementitious boards, like fiber cement sidings, are stiff and heavy. As such it requires special mounting systems to mount these and keep these boards fixed to walls.
[0004] Typically a frame, often a metal such as an aluminum or galvanized steel frame, or a wooden support structure or frame is fixed to the load bearing wall, to which frame the boards are fixed.
[0005] Mounting aids and clips are known to provide a more easily mounting. Such clips comprise a rectangular plate with an aperture to allow the plate to be fastened to a frame with a fastener, such as a screw. A plurality of hooks allow the clip to engage with an edge of a cementitious board, and thereby mount said cementitious board to the frame to which the clip itself is mounted.
[0006] There is an ongoing need to improve the versatility and ease of handling of said clips. For example, in view of specific requirements in some markets, that may require that a single hook of the clip may only engage with one board at the same time, the use of prior art clips may be limited to one specific orientation that does not always suffice the needs to securely mount a cementitious board. Preferably, one clip may be used in different orientations, also in markets where one hook may only engage with one board at the same time. Another ongoing desire is to increase the ease of use and safety. In practice, the space to use professional tools such as nail guns as to apply nails as an alternative to conventional screws may be limited. Consequently, if such nail guns are nevertheless used, sometimes accidents occur, that may even lead to the user being injured. There is an ongoing need to provide the option to use professional tools such as nail guns in a safe way.
Summary of the invention
[0007] A first objective of the present invention is to provide a clip, that is improved relative to the prior art and wherein at least one of the above stated problems is obviated or alleviated.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, said first objective is achieved with a clip configured to mount boards, in particular cementitious boards, to a frame, wherein said clip comprises:
- a plate having a length and a width and a front surface, which plate is provided with a first aperture extending from the front surface to a back surface, and at least one protrusion extending from the first surface;
- a plurality of hooks extending from the front surface of the plate
[0009] The at least one protrusion herein provides a separation between an area with the first aperture and the plurality of hooks, in addition to providing reinforcement to the clip against bending. The clip may then be fastened to a frame by inserting a nail through the first aperture using a nail gun. The nail gun can be placed on an unobstructed area around the first aperture on the one side of the at least one protrusion. A person using the nail gun may manually adjust the position of the clip at the opposite side of the protrusion. This will reduce the risk of accidents.
[0010] The shape of the at least one protrusion enclosing an obtuse angle is preferably one of a Y-shape, a V-shape or a truncated V-shape. The implementation of a protrusion with a Y-shape has been found to be beneficial, since it provides strength in two opposed directions. At the same time, it leaves enough space for placement of the plurality of hooks and any optional further apertures. The obtuse angle is an angle larger than 90 degrees.
[0011] Most preferably, the at least one protrusion is a single protrusion. However, in an alternative embodiment, the at least one protrusion may comprise more than one protrusion, for instance two or three. In one implementation, the three legs of the Y-shaped protrusion may be subdivided into two or three protrusions, each thereof containing one or two legs, for instance a substantially V-shaped protrusion and an additional I-shaped protrusion extending from the center of the V-shaped protrusion so as to define jointly a Y-shape.
[0012] In general, the unobstructed area around the first aperture will depend on the type of nail gun. Preferably, said unobstructed area is created by means of a minimum offset between the protrusion and the first aperture of at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 4 mm.
[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, said first objective is achieved with the clip configured to mount boards, in particular cementitious boards, to a frame, wherein said clip comprises:
- a plate having a length and a width, wherein an imaginary line halfway the width divides the plate into a first section extending from the imaginary line to a first longitudinal side of the plate, and a second section extending from the imaginary line to a second longitudinal side of the plate;
- a plurality of hooks extending from a front surface of the plate;
- wherein a first aperture is arranged in one of the first section and the second section to allow user to arrange a fastener therethrough and thereby mount the plate to the frame; and
- wherein at least one longitudinal protrusion is arranged in the same section of the first section and the second section as the first aperture, at a minimum offset relative to the first aperture of at least 4 mm to provide an unobstructed area around the first aperture that allows a user to place a head of a nail gun.
[0014] As specified in the second aspect of the invention, the minimum offset guarantees that there is sufficient place to place the head of the nail gun. Thus, a nail gun can be placed and thereby allows the user to apply a tool that allows him/her to work faster. After all, applying a nail with a nail gun is faster than driving a screw into a mounting structure. Moreover, because there is sufficient place available to place the head of the nail gun, the user may also safely operate such nail gun.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one longitudinal protrusion that is arranged in the same section of the first section and the second section as the first aperture, is arranged at a maximum offset relative to the first aperture of at most 12 mm to provide a support that allows the user to support the head of the nail gun for driving a nail through the first aperture.
[0016] The maximum offset guarantees that a user may rest a head of a nail gun against the protrusion and thereby support the nail gun in an approximate alignment with the first aperture. In this way, a user may easily align the nail gun for driving a fastener through the first aperture. The protrusion may have a dual purpose of supporting a nail gun on the one hand, and providing stiffness to the plate of the clip on the other hand.
[0017] The combination of the minimum offset and the maximum offset provides a range that guarantees that there is, one the one hand, sufficient space available for use of a tool such as a nail gun, while, on the other hand, said tool may be supported by the protrusion to enhance user comfort and safety.
[0018] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a mounting method and to provide a cladding system wherein a board may be safely and quickly mounted to a frame.
[0019] This further objective is achieved by using or implementing the clip according to the first and/or second aspect of the invention.
[0020] Such a system comprises a frame and a plurality of boards, in particular cementitious boards, that are mountable or mounted to the frame using a plurality of clips according to the first and/or second aspect of the invention. When installed, such a system is also known as a cladding system. The installed system will further comprise fasteners, which are preferably nails, but can also be screws or rivets, arranged through the first apertures of the clips.
[0021] The boards are herein preferably planks, having a length, width and thickness, wherein the length is larger than the width. Preferably, the length is at least twice the width, more preferably at least threefold, at least fivefold, at least eightfold, or even at least tenfold. For instance, in one suitable implementation, the length may be in the range of 1.2 to 5.0 meter, preferably between 3.0 and 4.0 meter. The width may be in this implementation, in the range of 0.10 to 1.0 meter, preferably in the range of 0.15 to 0.25 meter. More preferably, the boards are provided with side edges including a thinned portion, such as a tongue. Alternatively, use may be made of boards comprising a groove on at least one side, and to be used with a mating side edge. Such groove is more particularly a cavity arranged in between of two adjacent portions of the board. The boards may herein be of one type, configured to cooperate with each other to create a surface. Alternatively, there may be boards of a first and second type having mutually different side edges, so that a surface can be created using said boards of the first and second type.
[0022] In one specific implementation, the board is provided with a thinned portions at both a first and an opposed side edge, such that the thinned portions of different boards may overlap to to hide the used clips and/or fasteners. The thickness of the board is herein for instance between 8 and 15 mm, such as 10-12 mm, whereas the thinned portion may each have a thickness from 3-12 mm, for instance 4-6 mm. According to a preferred implementation, the clips may then be mounted in a manner that these are invisible from the outside surface. The boards are typically mounted on frames such as wooden beams, while the use of alternative frames such from aluminium, steel or plastic is not excluded. In a most preferred embodiment, the boards are fiber cement boards. When mounting fiber cement boards, these are arranged so as to create a ventilation channel on a rear side of the boards.
[0023] The invention is also directed to the use of such a clip for mounting boards, in particular cementitious boards, to a frame. Said use preferably comprises the steps of:
- positioning the clip relative to the frame;
- supporting a tool, in particular a nail gun, against a longitudinal protrusion of said clip and aligning said tool with a first aperture of said clip; and
- driving a fastener with said tool through the first aperture and thereby mounting said clip to the frame.
[0025] While it has been emphasized in the foregoing that the clip according to the first and the second aspects of the invention may be effectively and safely mounted to a frame by means of a nail gun using nails, the same clip may also be mounted to a frame by means of other fasteners, such as screws or rivets. In fact, it is deemed advantageous that an installer may choose himself what type of fasteners he could use.
[0026] The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied in combination, or individually, wherever possible. More particularly, a preferred embodiment as described hereinbefore and/or hereinafter and/or claimed in a dependent claim with respect to one aspect of the invention, is also applicable and deemed disclosed with respect to any other aspect of the invention. These individual aspects, and in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, may be an invention in its own right that is related to a different problem relative to the prior art.
Brief description of the drawings
[0027]
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clip according to the invention; and
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the use of clips as shown in Fig.1 in two different mounting orientations.
Description of illustrative embodiments
[0028] The clip 1 according to the invention is configured to mount boards 2, in particular cementitious boards, to a frame 3. It is remarked that Figure 2 is a perspective view seen from the frame, and although the frame 3 is not shown, the position thereof is indicated with the schematic contours 3. The clips 1 are mounted to said frame 3 with a back surface 14 thereof. Said back surface 14 is preferably a substantially flat surface.
[0029] The clip comprises a plate 4 having a length L and a width W, wherein an imaginary line I halfway the width divides the plate 4 into a first section 5 and a second section 7. The first section 5 extends from the imaginary line I to a first longitudinal side 6 of the plate 4, and the second section 7 extends from the imaginary line I to a second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4. The first longitudinal side 6 and the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4 are opposite longitudinal sides of the plate 4.
[0030] A plurality of hooks 9 extend from a front surface 10 of the plate 4, wherein said hooks 9 are configured to engage with an edge 11 of a board 2 (Figure 2). In practice, it is not necessary that all hooks of a single clip are engaged. Moreover, as will be apparent from Figure 2, it is not necessary or even impossible, that all hooks engage or are configured to engage with a single board.
[0031] In the shown embodiment, the plate 4 is substantially rectangular, having a thickness in the range of about 0.4 -1 mm, a length in the range of about 30 - 100 mm and a width in the range of about 20 - 50 mm. The width is equal to or smaller than the length, and consequently the plate 4 may also be substantially square. The apertures may comprise a substantially circular shape having a diameter in the range of about 2 - 8 mm.
[0032] In the clip 1 shown in the Figures, the at least one aperture 12 is arranged in the first section 5. The other of the first section 5 and the second section 7 is divided halfway the length L thereof in a first subsection 7-1 and a second subsection 7-2 that each comprise at least one further aperture 12. The presence of such further apertures is however not essential or necessary. Rather, , by virtue of the plurality of apertures 12, that are divided over the first section 5 and the second section 7, the clip 1 of the illustrated embodiment allows the user to apply said clip 1 in different orientations. A user may selectively arrange a fastener 13 through one or more than one aperture 12 and mount the plate 4 to the frame 3. The plurality of apertures 12 is distributed in a length direction 15 of the plate 4. At least one aperture 12 is arranged in one of the first section 5 and the second section 7. As such, the clip 1 according to said illustrated embodiment provides increased versatility.
[0033] The at least one aperture 12 that is arranged in one of the first section 5 and the second section 7 is arranged substantially halfway the length L of said respective section. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, said at least one aperture 12 is a single aperture 12, also referred to as "the first aperture 12-1", that is arranged in the first section 5. The other of the first section 5 and the second section 7, i.e. the second section 7 in the shown embodiment, is the section that is divided halfway the length L thereof in the first subsection 7-1 and the second subsection 7-2 that each comprise at least one aperture 12. Throughout this description, the apertures 12 that are arranged in the second section 7, more in particular in the subsections 7-1, 7-2 thereof, are also referred to as the "further apertures 12-2".
[0034] The plurality of hooks 9 preferably comprises at least three hooks 9 that are distributed in the length direction 15 of the plate 4. One or more than one hook 9, 9a of the plurality of hooks 9 comprises an opening 16 that is directed towards the first longitudinal side 6 of the plate 4, wherein this hook 9, 9a defines a hook of a first type. One or more than one hook 9, 9b of the plurality of hooks 9 comprises an opening 16 that is directed towards the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4, wherein this hook 9, 9b defines a hook 9b of a second type. In the shown embodiment, the hooks 9a of the first type are arranged near the sides of the plate 4, whereas the hooks 9b of the second type are - seen in the length direction 15 of the plate 4 - arranged in between the hooks 9a of the first type. The number of at least three hooks has been found in practice to provide an adequate fixation of boards. Herein the one or more hooks of the first type can be or have been connected to a first board, whereas the one or more hooks of the second type can be or have been connected to a second board. However, a lesser number of hooks, such as two with openings to opposed sides, is not excluded.
[0035] One of the at least one aperture 12 that is arranged in the first subsection 7-1, i.e. the further aperture 12-2 shown on the left side in Figure 1, is arranged substantially between one of the hooks of the first type 9a and the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4. Similarly, one of the at least one aperture 12 that is arranged in the second subsection 7-2, i.e. the further aperture 12-2 shown on the right side in Figure 1, is arranged substantially between one of the hooks of the first type 9a and the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4. Preferably, the further aperture 12-2 in each subsection 7-1, 7-2 is arranged substantially between one of the hooks of the first type 9a and the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4. More in particular, the further aperture 12-2 in each subsection 7-1, 7-2 is arranged directly between a corresponding hook of the first type 9a and the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4.
[0036] At least one aperture 12 that is arranged in the first section 5 is arranged substantially between at least one hook of the second type 9b and the first longitudinal side 6 of the plate 4. In Figure 1, the first aperture 12-1 is arranged substantially between both hooks of the second type 9b and the first longitudinal side 6 of the plate 4.
[0037] The clip 1 comprises one or more than one protrusion 17 extending outward relative to the front surface 10 of the plate 4. Said protrusion 17 may define a reinforcement of said plate 4, i.e. increasing the stiffness of said plate 4. The protrusion 17 is preferably a longitudinal protrusion, such as a protrusion comprising one or more portions of longitudinal shape, and may be defined by a bulge or a rise, e.g. being one or a fold, a ply or a rib. Typically, the protrusion 17 will be made from the same material as the plate, using any shaping technique known per se in the art. However, it is not excluded that the protrusion 17 is made from a separate material, such as a metal wire, which is assembled to the plate, for instance by means of soldering or welding.
[0038] As shown in Figure 1, said protrusion 17 is absent in an area of the plate between the at least one aperture 12-1 in the first section 5 and a closest distance to the first longitudinal side 6 of the plate 4.
[0039] Figure 1 also shows that said one or more than one protrusion 17 is absent in an area of the plate 4 between the at least one aperture 12, 12-2 in the second section 7 and a closest distance to the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4.
[0040] Said one or more than one protrusion 17 is arranged so that the first aperture 12-1 and the plurality of hooks 9 are located on opposite sides of the at least one protrusion 17. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the at least one protrusion 17 is arranged in an area of the plate between the at least one aperture 12-1 in the first section 5 and the imaginary line (I) halfway the width W of the plate 4. Said one or more than one protrusion 17 defines a support configured to support a tool, in particular a nail gun, to arrange a fastener 13 through the aperture 12-1 to mount the plate 4 to the frame 3.
[0041] The protrusion 17 may have a dual purpose of supporting a nail gun on the one hand, and providing stiffness to the plate 4 of the clip 1 on the other hand. In view of strengthening the plate 4 of the clip 1, the at least one longitudinal protrusion 17 preferably crosses the imaginary line I that divides the plate 4 into the first section 5 and the second section 7. The at least one longitudinal protrusion 17 preferably extends oblique relative to at least one of the first longitudinal side 6 and the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4. In this way, the protrusion 17 may add stiffness to the plate 4 in the longitudinal direction 15, as well as in the width direction 21.
[0042] Preferably, the one or more than one protrusion 17 comprises a shape enclosing an obtuse angle α. This allows that the tool may be supported from multiple sides, thereby providing a very reliable support. In Figure 1, a circle shown in dashed lines indicates an area A that may be a contact surface with a (not shown) head of a (not shown) nail gun that rests against opposing segments of the longitudinal protrusion 17.
[0043] The at least one protrusion 17 comprises or defines a shape enclosing an obtuse angle α. The at least one protrusion 17 preferably comprises or defines a Y-shape, V-shape or truncated V-shape. More in particular and even more preferably, a single protrusion defines a Y-shape, V-shape or truncated V-shape. A single protrusion 17 provides additional strength relative to a plurality of independent protrusions. The Y-shaped is most preferred. As will be discussed hereinafter, the legs 18-1, 18-2 may support the nail gun in addition to providing strength, whereas the further leg 19 of the Y-shaped protrusion 17 provides strength and stiffness to the second section 7.
[0044] In the shown embodiment, a single protrusion 17 defines a Y-shape. The legs 18 of the Y-shape enclose the obtuse angle α. On the one hand, the distance of the legs 18 relative to the first aperture 12-1 is large enough to provide sufficient place for safely positioning a head of a nail gun. However, on the other hand, the distance of the legs 18 relative to the first aperture 12-1 is also small enough to support the head of the nail gun. More in particular, the user may support the head of a (not shown) nail gun simultaneously against both legs 18-1, 18-2 of the Y-shape, that form opposing segments of the longitudinal protrusion 17, for aligning the nail gun for driving a fastener 13 through the first aperture 12-1. In this way, the longitudinal protrusion allows the user to easily and securely align the nail gun with the first aperture 12-1, thereby facilitating safe use. Moreover, the Y-shape at the same time also provides significant strength to the plate 4 by virtue of the two legs 18 that extend oblique relative to at least one of the first longitudinal side 6 and the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4, while said legs 18-1, 18-2 also cross the imaginary line I. The short leg of the Y-shaped protrusion 17 provides strength and stiffness to the second section 7. A Y-shaped protrusion 17 therefore offers a synergistic effect by providing sufficient space around the first aperture 12-1, providing a support for a head of a nail gun. It even guarantees that further apertures 12-2 may be arranged.
[0045] The Y-shape may be considered to divide the plate 4 in a total of three segments, that roughly coincide with the previously described first section 5, the first subsection 7-1, and the second subsection 7-2. A first segment S1 is defined as the area enclosed in between the first and second legs 18-1, 18-2 of the Y-shape, i.e. where obtuse angle α is defined and where area A is situated. The obtuse angle α is preferably in the range of larger than 90 to 170 degrees, more preferably between 100 and 150 degrees, more preferably in the range of 105 to 135 degrees, such as 120 degrees. A second segment S2 is defined as the area below the first leg 18-1 (lefthand side of the drawing) of the Y-shape as shown in Figure 1, i.e. where the two left hooks 9, 9a, 9b and the left further aperture 12-2 are situated. Finally, a third segment S3 is defined as the area below the second leg 18-2 (right-hand side of the drawing) of the Y-shape as shown in Figure 1, i.e. where the two right hooks 9, 9a, 9b and the right further aperture 12-2 are situated.
[0046] The first segment S1 is preferably free from protrusions 17 to provide an unobstructed area for placement of a tool, such as a nail gun, of which the contact area of a head thereof is indicated as area A in Figure 1. The first and second legs 18-1, 18-2, besides providing an abutment for the tool, contribute to the stiffness of the clip 1.
[0047] Preferably, a first aperture 12, 12-1 is arranged in one of the first section 5 and the second section 7 to allow user to arrange a fastener 13 therethrough and thereby mount the plate 4 to the frame 3. The first aperture 12-1 is preferably arranged substantially halfway the length L of said respective section 5, 7. The illustrated but optional one or more than one further aperture 12-2, if any, preferably comprises at least two further apertures 12-2, and the other of the first section 5 and the second section 7 is divided halfway the length L thereof in a first subsection 7-1 and a second subsection 7-2 that each comprise at least one of the at least two further apertures 12-2.
[0048] The main legs 18-1, 18-2 of the at least one longitudinal protrusion 17 are suitably arranged, at least predominantly in the same section of the first section 5 and the second section 7 as the first aperture 12-1, at an offset relative to the first aperture to provide an unobstructed area around the first aperture 12-1 that allows a user to place a head of a nail gun. The size of the offset and therewith the unobstructed area may depend on the tooling and any further developments by tool suppliers. Preferably, use is made of a minimum offset relative to the first aperture of at least 4 mm. In Figure 1, a circle shown in dashed lines indicates an unobstructed area A that may be a contact surface with a (not shown) head of a (not shown) nail gun. The minimum offset guarantees that there is sufficient place to place the head of the nail gun. This contact area A may be provided with a texture to provide additional grip between the tool, i.e. the head of the nail gun, and the clip 1. In this way, the chance of the tool slipping away may be significantly reduced, resulting in a more secure and safe use of the tool, i.e. the nail gun. In addition, there may be visual markings such as 'crosshair' like lines that are pressed or engraved to facilitates the alignment between nail gun head and the aperture 12.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the clip comprises three apertures 12 that are arranged in the plate 4 and allow a user to selectively arrange a fastener 13 through one or more than one aperture 12 and mount the plate 4 to the frame 3 may be absent.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment which is a preferred implementation, the at least one longitudinal protrusion 17 is arranged at a maximum offset relative to the first aperture of at most 12 mm to provide a support that allows the user to support the head of the nail gun for driving a nail through the first aperture 12-1. In the shown embodiment, the main legs 18-1, 18-2 of the protrusion 17 are predominantly arranged in the first section 5. The maximum offset guarantees that a user may rest a (not shown) head of a (not shown) nail gun against the protrusion 17 and thereby support the nail gun in an approximate alignment with the first aperture 12-1. In this way, a user may easily align the nail gun for driving a fastener 13 through the first aperture 12-1.
[0051] In the shown embodiment, the first aperture 12-1 is arranged in the first section 5 of the plate 4. The at least one protrusion 17 is absent in an area of the plate 4 between the first aperture 12-1 in the first section 5 and a closest distance to the first longitudinal side 6 of the plate 4. The at least one protrusion 17 is arranged in an area of the plate 4 between the first aperture 12-1 in the first section 5 and the imaginary line I halfway the width W of the plate 4. It is explicitly mentioned that the positioning of the protrusion is not limited to the closest distance, i.e. not necessarily directly between, but also encompasses oblique directions towards the imaginary line. The Y-shaped protrusion 17 thus also fulfills this condition. In the illustrated embodiment with at least three apertures, the at least one protrusion is absent in an area of the plate between the one or more than one further aperture in the second section and a closest distance to the second longitudinal side of the plate.
[0052] The plurality of hooks 9 comprises at least three hooks 9 that are distributed in the length direction 15 of the plate 4. At least one hook 9a of the plurality of hooks 9 comprises an opening 16 that is directed towards the first longitudinal side 6 of the plate 4, and defining a hook of a first type (9a). At least one hook 9b of the plurality of hooks 9 comprises an opening 16 that is directed towards the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4, and defining a hook of a second type 9b.
[0053] In the shown embodiment, one of the at least one further aperture 12-2 that is arranged in the first subsection 7-1 is arranged substantially between one of the hooks of the first type 9a and the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4. Likewise, one of the at least one further aperture 12-2 that is arranged in the second subsection 7-2 is arranged substantially between one of the hooks of the first type 9a and the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4. More in particular, the further aperture 12-2 in the first subsection 7-1 and the second sub-section 7-2 are arranged directly between the hook of the first type 9a in the respective sub-section 7-1, 7-2, and the second longitudinal side 8 of the plate 4.
[0054] The at least one aperture 12-1 that is arranged in the first section 5 is arranged substantially between at least one hook of the second type 9b and the first longitudinal side 6 of the plate 4. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the first aperture 1 is arranged substantially between two hooks of the second type 9b and the first longitudinal side 6 of the plate 4.
Figure 2 shows a system 20, comprising a frame 3 (of which the contours are indicated with dashed lines), and a plurality of boards 2, in particular cementitious boards, that are mounted to the frame 3 using a plurality of clips 1 as described above. It is noted that the system 20 in Figure 2 is shown from behind, i.e. looking from the frame 2 outward. Therefore, the boards 2 are drawn behind the clips 1. The fasteners 13 are schematically drawn (and cut off) at the back surface 14 of the plate. In practice, the fastener 13 would extend out of the paper and into the frame 3.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the cementitious board 2 is a fiber cement board, which is a visually nice material with high requirements as to dimensional stability, water absorption and mechanical properties. Compositions and manufacturing methods of fiber cement boards are known, and include both cement, such as Portland cement and fibers, such as cellulose and/or synthetic fibers. The Hatschek and flow-on method are preferred industrial manufacturing methods. More preferably, the fiber cement board is a so-called medium density or high-density board, with a density of at least 1.0 kg/dm3 and at least 1.5 kg/dm3 respectively. Many of such fiber cement boards have a thickness in the range from 4 to 14 mm. The clips of the present invention are particularly configured for such medium- or high-density boards with such a thickness, more preferably a thickness in the range of 8-12 mm. Most preferably, the clips are used for plates with a plank-form, in which the plate is much larger in a length direction than in a width direction. In the shown embodiment, the board 2 is substantially rectangular, having a thickness in the range of about 5 - 15 mm, a length in the range of about 1000 - 5000 mm and a width in the range of about 50- 300 mm.
[0056] The clip 1 is used for mounting boards 2, in particular cementitious boards, to a frame 3. As shown in Fig 2, the boards have a plank-form, which type of boards 2 is also known as "siding". In practice, a first board 2 may be arranged with a (not shown) dedicated profile, before one or more than one clip 1 according to the invention are arranged to the frame 3. For the board 2 being a siding, the longitudinal sides thereof may be provided with thinned portions, which are arranged so that such thinned portions of adjacent boards overlap each other after mounting. However, alternative designs are not excluded, for instance wherein one of the first and the second longitudinal side thereof is embodied as a tongue of the siding, and the other of the first and the second longitudinal side thereof is embodied as a groove of said siding.
[0057] Generally, using the clips 1 for mounting boards 2 to the frame 3 in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation of the boards 2 comprises the steps of:
- a) mounting one or more than one clip 1 to the frame 3;
- b) arranging a board 2, in particular a cementitious board, with a first longitudinal side thereof in engagement with at least one of the plurality of hooks 9 of the one or more than one clip 1, to thereby support the board 2 at the first longitudinal side thereof;
- c) arranging one or more than one further clip 1 at an opposite longitudinal side of the board 2,;
- d) mounting said one or more than one further clip 1 to the frame 2 by arranging one or more than one fastener 13 in an aperture 12 that is freely accessible past the opposite longitudinal side of the board 2, to thereby hold the board 2 by said further clip 1 at the opposite longitudinal side thereof and mount said board 2 to the frame 3 by said one or more than one clip 1 and said one or more than one further clip 1; and
- e) repeating steps b), c) and d) to mount further boards 2 to the frame 1.
[0058] This arrangement is particularly advantageous, when mounting the clips in a manner so as to cover lateral ends of a first and a second board, as shown in Fig. 2. Clips may however also be mounted on other positions of the boards. Then there is no need or desire to arrange a first and a second clip in an upside down orientation above each other. Rather, the clips may all be mounted in the orientation conform Figure 1. Moreover, the clips 1 do not need to be mounted above each other, but could for instance be arranged in a staggered pattern, clearly in a manner so as to fasten the clip and board to the frame, typically in the form of beams. Please note that it is required, in order to practice the method illustrated in Fig. 2, that at least the second clip that is mounted in the upside down orientation is provided with further apertures 12-2 on the opposite side of the longitudinal protrusion than the first aperture 12-1. If just mounting in the conventional orientation as shown in Fig. 1 is foreseen, a single aperture (12-1) suffices. It is furthermore observed that the clip 1 has been designed so as to allow nailing by means of a nail gun through the first aperture 12-1. Nailing through further apertures by means of a nail gun may not be feasible, clearly dependent on the total size of the clip and the space around said further apertures 12-2.
[0059] Preferably, the step of mounting said one or more than one clip 1 or said more than one further clip 1 comprises the step of choosing an orientation of said clip 1 that satisfies the condition that each of the plurality of hooks 9 of a respective clip 1 engages only one board 2.
[0060] Thus, in summary, the clip 1 is used for mounting boards 2, in particular cementitious boards, to a frame 3. More in particular, said use may comprise the steps of:
- positioning the clip 1 relative to the frame 3;
- supporting a tool, in particular a nail gun, against a longitudinal protrusion 17 of said clip 1 and aligning said tool with a first aperture 12-1 of said clip 1; and
- driving a fastener 13 with said tool through the first aperture 12-1 and thereby mounting said clip 1 to the frame 3.
[0061] The above described embodiment is intended only to illustrate the invention and not to limit in any way the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that where features mentioned in the appended claims are followed by reference signs, such signs are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and are in no way limiting on the scope of the claims. The scope of protection is defined solely by the following claims.
1. Clip (1) configured to mount boards (2), in particular cementitious boards or sidings
of wood or composite, to a frame (3), said clip comprising:
- a plate (4) having a length (L) and a width (W), wherein an imaginary line (I) halfway the width divides the plate into a first section (5) extending from the imaginary line to a first longitudinal side (6) of the plate, and a second section (7) extending from the imaginary line to a second longitudinal side (8) of the plate;
- a plurality of hooks (9) extending from a front surface (10) of the plate (4);
- wherein a first aperture (12-1) is arranged in one of the first section (5) and the second section (7) to allow user to arrange a fastener (13) therethrough and thereby mount the plate (4) to the frame (3); and
- wherein at least one longitudinal protrusion (17) is arranged in the same section of the first section (5) and the second section (7) as the first aperture (12-1), at a minimum offset relative to the first aperture (12-1) of at least 4 mm to provide an unobstructed area around the first aperture (12-1) that allows a user to place a head of a nail gun.
2. Clip according to claim 1, wherein the at least one longitudinal protrusion (17)
that is arranged in the same section of the first section (5) and the second section
(7) as the first aperture (12-1), is arranged at a maximum offset relative to the
first aperture (12-1) of at most 12 mm to provide a support that allows the user to
support the head of the nail gun for driving a nail through the first aperture (12-1).
3. Clip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one longitudinal protrusion
(17) crosses the imaginary line (I) that divides the plate into the first section
(5) and the second section (7).
4. Clip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one longitudinal protrusion
(17) extends oblique relative to at least one of the first longitudinal side (6) and
the second longitudinal side (8) of the plate (4).
5. Clip according to one or more than one of the foregoing claims, wherein the at least
one protrusion (17) comprises or defines a shape enclosing an obtuse angle (α).
6. Clip according to one or more than one of the foregoing claims, wherein the at least
one protrusion (17) comprises or defines a Y-shape, V-shape or truncated V-shape.
7. Clip according to one or more than one of the foregoing claims, wherein a single
protrusion (17) defines a Y-shape, V-shape or truncated V-shape.
8. Clip according to one or more than one of the foregoing claims, wherein the imaginary
line (I) halfway the width (W) of the plate (4) divides the plate in a first section
(5) of the plate (4) extending from the imaginary line (I) to a first longitudinal
side (6) of the plate (4), and a second section (7) of the plate (4) extending from
the imaginary line (I) to a second longitudinal side (8) of the plate (4).
9. Clip according to claim 8, wherein:
- the first aperture (12-1) is arranged in the first section (5) of the plate (4);
- said at least one protrusion (17) is absent in an area of the plate between the first aperture (12-1) in the first section (5) and a closest distance to the first longitudinal side (6) of the plate (4); and
- said at least one protrusion (17) is arranged in an area of the plate (4) between the first aperture (12-1) in the first section (5) and the imaginary line (I) halfway the width (W) of the plate (4).
10. Clip according to one or more than one of the foregoing claims, comprising one or
more than one further aperture (12-2), wherein the first aperture (12-1) and the one
or more than one further aperture (12-2) define a plurality of apertures (12) that
are distributed in a length direction (15) of the plate (4), wherein preferably:
- the first aperture (12-1) is arranged in one of the first section (5) and the second section (7), and is preferably arranged substantially halfway the length (L) of said respective section (5, 7);
- the one or more than one further aperture (12-2) comprises at least two further apertures (12-2); and
- the other of the first section (5) and the second section (7) is divided halfway the length (L) thereof in a first subsection (7-1) and a second subsection (7-2) that each comprise at least one of the at least two further apertures (12-2).
12. Clip according to claim 11, wherein said at least one protrusion (17) is absent in
an area of the plate (4) between the one or more than one further aperture (12-2)
in the second section and a closest distance to the second longitudinal side (8) of
the plate (4).
13. System, comprising
- a frame (3): and
- a plurality of boards (2), in particular cementitious boards, that are mounted to the frame (30 using a plurality of clips (1) according to one or more than one of claims 1 to 12.
14. Use of a clip according to one or more than one of claims 1 to 12, for mounting boards
(2), in particular cementitious boards or sidings of wood or composite, to a frame
(3).
15. Use of a clip according to claim 14, comprising the steps of:
- positioning the clip (1) relative to the frame (3);
- supporting a tool, in particular a nail gun, against a longitudinal protrusion (17) of said clip (1) and aligning said tool with a first aperture (12-1) of said clip (1); and
- driving a fastener (13) with said tool through the first aperture (12-1) and thereby mounting said clip (1) to the frame (3).