NL2036019B1

NL2036019B1 - Fastener and kit of parts comprising such fastener

Info

Publication number: NL2036019B1
Application number: NL2036019A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Josephus Hendrikus Seelen Johannes; Maria Wiegant Bartholomeus
Original assignee: Sw Int B V
Priority date: 2023-10-12
Filing date: 2023-10-12
Publication date: 2025-04-30
Also published as: WO2025080138A1

Abstract

Title: Fastener and kit of parts comprising such fastener Abstract Fastener for attaching a board or plank to a support structure, said fastener comprising a base portion and at least one snap-fit connector for interlockingly engaging a corresponding snap-ﬁt element, in particular an elongate slot or recess, of the board or plank, wherein said snap-ﬁt connector includes at least one hook member, for hooking into said snap-ﬁt element, characterized in that the base portion comprises two first legs, extending from a lower end towards the at least one snap-fit connector, said first legs extending in mutually diverging directions away from said lower end towards the at least one snap-fit connector, wherein at least one first leg and preferably each ﬁrst leg comprises at least one locking lip, extending outward from the respective first leg, for locking the first legs in or below an edge portion in or of an opening through which the base portion is inserted

Description

P135739NL00

Title: Fastener and kit of parts comprising such fastener

The invention relates to a fastener for attaching a board or a plank to a support structure. The invention further relates to an assembly of at least one fastener and a support element. The invention further relates to a system for providing a fastener in a support element. The invention further relates to a method for mounting a plank or board to a surface.

EP3521528 discloses a fastener for attaching a board or plank to a support structure, in order to form a deck or wall or the like including multiple juxtaposed boards or planks. The fastener comprises a base portion and at least one snap-fit connector for interlockingly engaging a corresponding snap-fit element of the board or plank. Said snap-fit connector includes a support member protruding from the base portion in a substantially upward direction. The support member is provided with at least a first hook member.

In this known fastener the base portion is provided with a lower surface, opposite the support member, which comprises a bayonet type locking element for engaging a support element through an opening in an upper surface of said support element. The opening has a circular middle part with two elongated side extensions, for receiving the bayonet and allowing the fastener to be rotated for locking the bayonet under said upper surface. The lower surface moreover comprises two locking flanges, one at each longitudinal end, which can engage below a ridge of the support element when the fastener is rotated to the locked position. The fastener is made of plastic, for example by injection molding.

An aim of the present disclosure is to provide an alternative fastener for fastening planks or boards to a support structure. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a fastener which is easily positioned in a support element and cannot easily be removed again. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a fastener which is sturdy and able to endure stresses over a long period of time. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide an alternative assembly of a fastener and at least one support element. An aim is to provide such assembly which is easy to use. An aim is to provide such assembly in which fasteners can less easily be removed from the support element and is safe during use. An aim is to provide a system for positioning fasteners mechanically, preferably automatically in a support element. An aim is to provide a method for positioning a fastener in a support element in an easy, preferably automated manner.

At least one of these aims is at least partly achieved with a fastener, assembly, system and/or method according to the disclosure.

In an aspect a fastener according to the disclosure for attaching a board or plank to a support structure comprises a base portion and at least one snap-fit connector for interlockingly engaging a corresponding snap-fit element. The corresponding snap-fit element can for example be an elongate slot or recess or an opening of the board or plank, wherein said snap-fit connector includes at least one hook member, for hooking into said snap-fit element. In a fastener according to the disclosure the base portion comprises two first legs, extending from a lower end of the fastener towards the at least one snap-fit connector. Said first legs extend in mutually diverging directions away from said lower end towards the at least one snap-fit connector. At least one first leg and preferably each first leg comprises at least one locking lip, extending outward from the respective first leg, for locking the first legs in or below an edge portion in or of an opening through which the base portion 1s inserted.

With a fastener according to the disclosure the or each locking lip can act like a barb, hooking below an edge portion of the opening into which the base portion is inserted. Such edge portion can for example be directly below the surface in which the opening is provided, or lower down in a mounting element of the support structure.

In embodiments a fastener according to the disclosure comprises two second legs, wherein each first leg is connected to a second leg, the second legs extending in a direction away from the first legs, in mutually converging direction.

In embodiments a fastener according to the disclosure comprises two third legs, the third legs extending in a direction away from the first legs, in mutually diverging direction. In such embodiments preferably each third leg is provided with at least one hook member and preferably at least two hook members, forming part of the at least one snap-fit connector. In embodiments the third legs can be connected directly to the first legs.

In preferred embodiments a fastener according to the disclosure is made using metal, especially steel. Preferably a fastener according to the disclosure is made of spring steel. A metal fastener, especially a fastener made of spring steel has the advantage that it can easily be made using known manufacturing techniques, whereas spring steel provides the advantage that the fastener can be elastically deformed for mounting, whereas it can be stressed over a long period of time without running the risk of undesired relaxation. Metal, especially steel such as spring steel is highly resistant to high temperatures and fire, and therefore increases safety of constructions in which they are used.

In advantageous embodiments a fastener according to the disclosure comprises a central plane, extending between the first legs, wherein the fastener is mirror symmetrical over said central plane.

Preferably in a fastener according to the disclosure the or each locking lip extends outward and upward from the relevant first leg, wherein the or each locking lip is folded out of the relevant first leg over a folding line extending parallel to the direction of the relevant first leg or at an angle to the direction of the first leg. The folding line preferably extends perpendicular to the direction of the relevant first leg.

In the same or further advantageous embodiments a fastener according to the disclosure comprises four hook members, forming in a top view of the fastener a stretched X-shape, comprising two third legs extending in said top view substantially parallel to each other, with a gap in between them. Each third leg in such embodiments preferably has two hook members extending therefrom, from opposite ends of the third legs, in a direction away from said gap. The hook elements are preferably connected to the third legs through folding lines, so that they can be elastically pushed towards each other for passing into a corresponding snap-fit element of a board or plank.

In an aspect an assembly of at least one fastener according to the disclosure and at least one support element 1s provided, wherein the support element comprises an opening comprising at least two opposite edge portions. The base portion of the fastener extends through said opening, such that the at least one locking lip engages a side of at least one of said side edge portions within the support element and the snap-fit connector extending outside said support element. The edge portions can be directly next to the opening or can be provided further down into the support element, such as for example ridges extending along an inner surface of the support element.

In advantageous embodiments the first legs of the base portion are biased in a direction towards the opposite edge portions of the opening, locking the at least one locking lip below the relevant side edge portion of the opening, wherein the first legs are preferably biased in said direction by elastic deformation of the fastener.

In embodiments of an assembly of the disclosure, especially during use, upper ends of the first legs extend outside the support element, wherein the or each hook member of the fastener engages inside an opening or slot of a plank or board fitted on the fastener. Preferably hook members of the fastener extend above a surface of the support member in which said opening 1s provided, such that a plank or board can be snap fit onto the fastener by pushing an opening or groove onto and over the hook members, elastically deforming the fastener, especially the at least one snap-fit connector. 5 In an aspect a system for mounting a fastener according to the disclosure to a support element, wherein the support element is provided with at least one opening or slot having two opposite side edge portions, during use a fastener is supplied to a pushing device for pushing a base portion of the fastener into the opening. The pushing device is designed for forcing the first legs of the base portion towards each other by sliding along the said opposite side edge portions, such that the locking lips are forced through the opening. The pushing device is further designed to allow the first legs to move away from each other again after said locking lips have passed through the opening, for locking below said side edge portions.

In such system preferably the system comprises a supply device, especially a vibrating drum, for supplying fasteners to the pushing device and dropping the base portion of the fastener into an opening of a support member, such that the pushing device can engage a top end of the fastener, opposite the base portion, for pushing the fastener further into the opening.

In an aspect a method for mounting a plank or board to a surface, comprises the steps of mounting at least one mounting element such as a mounting profile to a surface, said mounting element comprising at least one opening for receiving a fastener. A fastener, preferably according to the disclosure 1s mounted in said at least one opening, such that a base portion of the fastener is pushed into and/or through said at least one opening, such that locking lips of the fastener lock inside the mounting element. During mounting of the fastener legs of the fastener are pushed together for reducing a distance between at least two of said locking lips, wherein when released in said opening the said legs are biased towards the said edges, increasing said distance.

Further advantageous embodiments according to aspects of the present disclosure are described in the appended claims and the description of the figures below.

By way of non-limiting examples only, embodiments of different aspects of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which schematically:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastener according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 shows a front or rear view of a fastener of fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a side view of a fastener of fig. 1 and 2;

Fig. 3A shows part of an alternative embodiment of a fastener;

Fig. 4 shows a top view of a fastener according to fig. 1 — 3;

Fig. 5 shows partially cut away an assembly of a support element, a fastener and a plank according to the disclosure, in a first embodiment;

Fig. 6 shows partially cut away an assembly of support elements, a fasteners and boards according to the disclosure, in a second embodiment;

Fig. 7 shows partially cut away an assembly of a support element and a fastener according to the disclosure, in a third embodiment;

Fig. 8 shows partially cut away an assembly of a support element, a fastener and a plank according to the disclosure, in a fourth embodiment, during mounting;

Fig. 9 shows in frontal view an assembly of a support element, a fastener and a plank according to the disclosure, in a fifth embodiment;

Fig. 10 shows in top view an assembly of a support element, a fastener and a plank according to fig. 9;

Fig. 11 shows part of a system of the disclosure for mounting fasteners in openings in a mounting element, especially a profile, comprising at least a supply device and a pressure device; and

Fig. 12 shows part of the system of fig. 11, during pushing of a fastener into an opening in a mounting element.

It is noted that the figures show merely preferred embodiments according to the invention. In the figures, the same or similar reference signs or numbers refer to equal or corresponding parts.

Fastener for attaching a board or plank to a support structure according to the disclosure comprise a base portion and at least one snap-fit connector for interlockingly engaging a corresponding snap-fit element of the board or plank. The said snap-fit connector includes at least one hook member, for hooking into said snap-fit element. Snap-fit element should be understood as a provision into which the snap-fit connector can be snap fit for holding the relevant plank or board comprising said snap-fit element attached to the fastener and thus to a support structure to which the fastener is attached. A snap-fit element can for example be an elongate slot

OF recess or groove, or an appropriately shaped opening. A base portion of a fastener comprises two first legs, extending from a lower end towards the at least one snap-fit connector, said first legs extending in mutually diverging directions away from said lower end towards the at least one snap-fit connector. At least one first leg and preferably each first leg comprises at least one locking lip, extending outward from the respective first leg, for locking the first legs in or below an edge portion in or of an opening through which the base portion is inserted. A locking lip should be understood as meaning at least but not limited to an element extending from, for example folded out of the first leg, in a direction such that it can act as an element preventing the base portion from being pulled out of the opening into which 1t 1s introduced, like a barb.

Figure 1 — 4 show an exemplary embodiment of a fastener 1. The fastener 1 is for attaching a board 2 or plank 2 to a support structure 5.

Advantageously, the fastener 1 may be used to form a construction, in particular a surface or surface construction, more in particular a wall or the like, including multiple juxtaposed boards 2 or planks 2. For example, the boards 2 or planks 2 may be used to form for instance a wall, such as a fence or other wall, a wall covering or cladding, a ceiling cladding, a floor, especially an outdoor deck, a floor covering or floor cladding, or the like. The board 2 or planks 2 may for instance be formed from bamboo or a bamboo based material, wood, plastic, or for example a wood-plastic composite material or metal. A fastener 1 according to the disclosure is especially suitable for mounting planks or boards 2 made using a natural material, such as bamboo, to a support structure 5, for forming a wall cladding 7.

In the exemplary wall construction shown in the partly cutaway view of Figure 5 and 6, the support structure 5 comprises multiple support elements 3, each of which support elements 3 can be formed as a respective elongate profile 30. The support elements 3 can for example be attached to a support face 40 of wall 4. The support face 40 can be considered as the face 40 facing the boards 2 or planks in the installed position of the construction.

In case of a wall cladding, said support face 40 can thus be formed by a vertical or inclined face of a wall 4.

In the shown exemplary embodiment, the fastener 1 can be attached to the support element 3 formed as an elongate profile 30 by means of a mounting mechanism 8, as will be discussed below in more detail. The fastener 1, in particular a base portion 10 of said fastener 1, is arranged for attachment to the a support element 3. The support element 3, such as an elongate profile 30, is in embodiments formed as a substantially beam- shaped profile, especially an extrusion profile, preferably being provided with attachment means to attach fasteners 1 to said profile. Alternatively the support members may be formed differently, such as for example as a wooden joist.

With respect to the elongate profile 30, it is noted that it is advantageously formed by an extrusion process. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate profile 30, which may be an extrusion profile, may be formed from a metal or metal alloy, for instance from aluminium or an aluminium alloy, or steel. The profile 30 can for example be extruded with a groove or slot for receiving fasteners 1, or can for example be formed with a closed top surface, into which openings are formed for receiving fasteners 1.

In embodiments a fastener 1 according to the disclosure, as for example in more detail shown in fig. 1 — 4, can be made of metal, such as steel. In advantageous embodiments the fasteners 1 are made of spring steel. Especially when combined with metal support elements 3 this can increase fire resistance of the mounting construction and therefore increase safety of for example a wall, floor or ceiling provided therewith.

A fastener 1 according to the disclosure comprises a base portion 10, and a top portion 11. The base portion 10 comprises or forms a mounting mechanism 8, for mounting the fastener to a mounting element 3. The top portion 11 comprises at least one snap-fit connector 12 for interlockingly engaging a corresponding snap-fit element 13 of the board or plank 2. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5 and 6 the or each snap fit element 13 of a plank or board 2 is formed by an elongate slot or groove or recess 14 at a side of the board or plank 2 during use facing the wall 4, such that the snap fit element 13 need not be visible from a side of the cladding 7 facing away from the wall 4. The slot or groove or recess 14 can for example have a substantially T-shaped cross section, such that the groove or slot or recess 14 is narrower at a surface 2A of the plank or board in which it is provided than further away from said surface, inward to the plank or board 2. In fig. 5 and 6 by way of example a plank 2 is shown, having a width Wi, wherein in a surface 2A a groove 14 is formed having a T-shape, with a leg 14A of the groove 14 opening in the surface 2A and having a width Ws, whereas the cross section 14B of the groove has a width W: which is larger than the width W: but smaller than the width Wi. Instead of elongate slot or groove the snap fit elements 13 in the board or plank 2 can also be formed differently, for example as individual openings or recesses in the board or plank 2, for receiving one or a limited number of snap fit connectors 12 each.

A fastener 1 according to the disclosure preferably is substantially mirror symmetrical over a central plane C, shown in fig. 2 by the line C — C, and can be formed from a single metal sheet element, such as spring steel, for example by punching and folding. A fastener according to the disclosure can be formed in a single process step or in consecutive steps. By providing the fastener in metal, such as spring steel, the fastener is resilient and can be deformed elastically from an uncompressed state, providing relatively high strain and forces back towards the initial, uncompressed state. For example fig. 2 shows, in side view, a fastener in such uncompressed, initial state, whereas for example fig. 5 and 6 show the fastener 1 in a partly compressed state, wherein in fig. 5 in striped lines also the uncompressed state is shown. In fig. 7 on the left hand side of the central plane C the fastener is shown in a compressed state, such that it can pass through an opening or slot 18 in a support element 3, whereas at the right hand side the fastener is shown in a less compressed state, such that the fastener cannot be pulled out of said opening or slot 18 again, because of locking lips 19, as will be discussed.

A snap-fit connector 12 in a fastener 1 according to the disclosure preferably includes a support member 15 protruding from the base portion 10. The or each said support member 15 is provided with at least a first hook member 16. The snap-fit connector 12 is configured such that said first hook member 16 can flex about a real or virtual axis V, extending in a direction away from the base portion 10. The hook member 16 can therefore be moved resiliently inward, towards a central plane C of the fastener 1, such that it can pass through the narrower leg section 14A of the groove, in order to reach the cross section 14B, where the hook member 16 will move back outward, thus locking in said wider cross section 14B over a shoulder 14C of the groove 14. Preferably the top portion 11 has at least two such hook members 16, and even more preferably at least four such hook members 16, each extending in a different direction, as will be explained, for engaging over two shoulders 14C, as schematically shown in e.g. fig. 5 — 8.

The base portion 10 comprises at least one and preferably at least two locking lips 19 as part of the mounting mechanism 8. The lip or lips 19 extend upward and outward relative to a lower most part 20 of the fastener when in a position as show in e.g. fig. 2, 7 and 8. The locking lips 19 have a free end which can lock below an edge 22 of the opening 18, such that the fastener 1 can only be pulled out of said opening 18 by compressing the fastener as shown in fig. 7 at the left hand side. Since the fastener is biased towards the uncompressed state, the lip 19 will be biased to the locking position as shown in fig. 7 at the right hand side.

In preferred embodiments the fastener 1 is formed from a single strip of metal, especially spring steel, and is symmetrical over said central plane C. The fastener comprises a lower most portion 20, extending in general perpendicular to said plane C. Here one side of the fastener 1 shall be described, the other side of the fastener being the mirror image thereof over said plane C. From a side of the lower most portion 20 a first leg 23 extends, at an angle a relative to the lower most portion, outward and upward in the position of fig. 2 and 7. At an end of the first leg 23 facing away from the lower most portion 20 the first leg 23 transitions into a second leg 24, at an angle 6 relative to the first leg 23, upward and inward, i.e. towards the central plane C. The second leg transitions into a third leg 25, extending upward and outward again, at an angle y relative to the second leg 24, i.e. away from the central plane C. In these embodiments, the first legs 23 and lower most portion 20 form the base portion 10 of the fastener 1, the second legs and third legs 24, 25 forming part of the top portion 11.

As can be seen in the embodiments shown, at least the third legs 25 can form part of the support member 15, from which the hook elements 16 extend. The locking lips 19 are part of or at least extend from the first legs 23, at an angle §, upward and outward, i.e. away from the central plane

C. As can be seen in fig. 1 and 3, a fastener 1 according to the disclosure can have multiple locking lips 19 at each side of the central plane C, for example two such locking lips 19 at each first leg 23, for example two at opposite edges 26 of the first legs 23.

As is shown especially in fig. 1 and 4, the snap-fit connector 12 in advantageous embodiments comprises four hook elements 16, two at each side of the central plane C. Each hook element 16 is in advantageous embodiments formed as a curved portion, with an apex 27 facing in a direction away from the lower most portion 20, wherein the hook element 16 is connected to a side edge portion 28 of a third leg 25 by a side edge portion of the curved hook element 16. The hook element 16 is curved outward, i.e. away from the central plane C, when such than a free end 29 of the hook element is further away from the central portion than the side edge portion 28. The axis V preferably substantially coincides with the transition between the hook element 16 and the third leg 25.

As can for example be seen in fig. 4, each hook element 16 has a longitudinal direction L extending along or parallel to the apex 27, wherein the axis L includes an angle £ with the central plane C, such that the hook elements extends outward relative to the central plane C, and the hook elements 16 at each side of the plane extend away from each other. In top view the snap-fit connector 12 is somewhat stretched X-shaped.

A support element 3 according to the disclosure can be formed by an elongate profile 30, such as an extrusion profile, which is provided with an opening, slot or recess 18 for mounting the or each fastener 1. In fig. 4 — 6 the profile is hollow, whereas in fig. 8 the mounting profile is shown as a massive profile. The opening or slot has a width Ws; which is smaller than the distance Ds; between the third legs 23 directly above a lower end of the locking lips 19, when the fastener 1 is in its normal position, i.e. not being compressed. And at least the free ends 21 of the locking lips 19 are further apart than the width of the opening 18, measured perpendicular to the central plane C.

As is schematically shown in fig. 5, the support element 3 can be mounted to a surface 40, such as for example against a surface 40 of a wall 4, or to a surface of a floor, ceiling, roof or the like, or to a surface of for example a beam, such as a post of a fence. In fig. 5 this is schematically shown by screws 31 screwed through the profile 30 into the wall 4. However, a mounting element can be mounted to a surface in any suitable way, the or each opening 18 facing away from said surface.

A fastener 1 can be mounted in the support element by compressing the fastener 1. This can be achieved by pushing the first legs 23, as indicated by arrows F in fig. 8, such that they bend or tilt closer to the central plane C and thus to each other, reducing the width Ds temporarily.

Then the fastener is pushed into the opening 18 in the direction P, with the lower most portion 20 facing forward. In fig. 8 by way of example it is shown that the third legs 25 can be pinched, for example by pliers or a robot, in order to elastically deform the fastener 1. Alternatively the second legs 24 or first legs 23 can be engaged for forcing at least the first legs 23 closer together. In a further alternative, as schematically shown in fig. 11 and 12, the fastener 1 can be pushed into the opening 18 in said direction P such that the first legs 23 engage edges 22 of the opening 18, thus forcing the fist legs 23 closer together for allowing the locking lips 19 to pass through the opening 18 and under the edges 22.

Once the locking lips 19 have passed through the opening 18 they lock under the edges 22 of the opening, because the third legs 23 are biased into such position by the resilience of the material. Then the top portion 11 extends at least mostly outside the mounting element 3, such as profile 30, whereas most of the base portion 10 is enclosed therein, as shown in fig. 5, 6 and 7.

It should be noted that the fasteners 1 can be mounted into the mounting elements 3 or profiles 30 after mounting the elements 3 or profiles 30 to a surface 40, or can be pre-mounted. Especially when providing the fasteners in spring steel the latter may be preferable, since this may require relatively much force. Pre-mounting of the fasteners 1 will allow use of a robot for squeezing the fasteners and pushing them into the opening or openings.

When the or each fastener 1 has been mounted in a mounting element 3 or profile 30, a plank or board 2 can be mounted to the snap-fit connector 12, by pushing a plank or board 2 with the groove or opening 14 over the or each relevant snap-fit connector 12. The hook elements 16 will be pushed inward, resiliently, towards the central plane C, by bending and/or pivoting along the axis V, and/or by forcing the third legs 25 closer towards each other. The shoulders 14C on either side of the smaller section 14A of the opening or groove 14 will engage the curved portion 16A of the hook elements 16, at or near the apex 27 thereof, such that upon pushing the plank or board 2 further in the direction Q toward the mounting element 3, 30, the hook elements 16 will be forced closer together for passing into the opening or groove 14. The hook elements 16 will then pass into the cross section 14B of the groove 14, such that they can expand again, above the shoulders 14C, as is for example shown in fig. 5 and 6. The plank or board 2 is in that position locked to the fastener 1 and thus to the mounting element 3 or profile 30. The edges 29 of the hook elements 16 in this locking position preferably engage an upper side 14D of the shoulders 14C, whereas the apexes 27 preferably engage a surface 14E of the cross section 14B of the groove 14 opposite the shoulder 14C.

For example in fig. 5 the locking lips 19 engage a shoulder 22A inside the locking element 3 or profile 30, which acts like the edge 22 in fig. 7, preventing the fastener 1 from being pulled out of the groove or opening or recess 18.

By way of example only, without limiting the disclosure in any way, in embodiments of a fastener of the disclosure, the angle a can for example be between 90 and 120 degrees, for example between 100 and 120, such as for example between 105 and 110 degrees. The angle B can for example be between 100 and 130 degrees, such as for example between 110 and 130 degrees, such as between 115 and 125 degrees. The angle y can for example be between 90 and 140 degrees, such as for example be between 110 and 130 degrees, such as for example between 115 and 125 degrees. The angle ô can for example be between 10 and 40 degrees, for example between 20 and 35 degrees, such as between 25 and 30 degrees. The angle £ can for example be between 5 and 30 degrees, such as between 10 and 25 degrees, such as for example between 10 and 20 degrees. In alternative embodiments the angle ¢ can be far larger, e.g. more than 45 degrees, such as 60 degrees or more, for allowing a groove to be formed over the locking members 16, when the groove has a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the central plane C.

In alternative embodiments a fastener 1 according to the disclosure can have locking lips 19 positioned and/or formed differently. For example locking lips can be provided by or at a transition between the first and second legs 23, 24, for example locking lips 19 extending substantially as elongation of the first legs, wherein the first legs 23 are pushed into the opening 18 entirely. Locking lips 19 can be provided in different positions, for example punched out of a middle section of the first legs 23. In further embodiments locking lips 19 may extend in a different direction, for example having been bent from an edge 26 of the first legs 23 along a bending line substantially parallel to the edge 26, as schematically shown in fig. 3A.

In the embodiments shown each mounting element 3 is formed by a profile comprising, during use, a series of fasteners 1. In alternative embodiments mounting elements 3 can be designed to fit only one fastener each.

In the embodiments shown for example in fig. 5 and 8 each plank 2 is supported by one profile 30 or one series of mounting elements 3. In fig. 6 each plank or board 2 is mounted to two parallel profiles 30, each comprising one or a series of fasteners 1. It will be clear that a board or plank 2 can be supported by any number of mounting elements 3 and/or profiles 30 and/or fasteners. In the embodiments shown in fig. 5 and 6 the profiles 30 and planks or boards 2 have parallel longitudinal directions extending perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. In for example fig. 7, 9 and 10 the longitudinal directions Lz and Ls include an angle 6, for example but not limited to extend perpendicular to each other. As can be seen in fig. 10 in such embodiment the groove 14 in the plank or board 2 can have a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction Lz of the plank or board 2.

In embodiments the fasteners can be used in an upside-down orientation, in which the plank or board 2 is provided with a groove or recess or opening for receiving the base part 10, and the mounting elements or profiles 3, 30 an opening or recess or groove 14 for receiving the snap-fit locking provision 12.

Fig. 9 and 10 schematically show an embodiment of a profile 30, forming a mounting element 3, and fasteners 1. The profile 30 is an extruded profile having a longitudinal direction Ls, a top surface 50, side surfaces 51 and preferably also a bottom surface 52. In the top surface 50 a series of openings 18 is provided, for example punched out of said top surface 50. The openings 18 have opposite side edges 22, which in this embodiment are straight and extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Ls. In fig. 10 at the right hand side a fastener 1 is show, in standard shape, without deformation. The fastener 1 is moved in the direction T towards a position in which the body part 8 is directly above the opening 18, where after the body portion 8 is inserted into the opening 18, and pushed down, for example as shown in fig. 11 and 12, such that the locking lips 19 are forced into the inner space 53 of the profile 30, locking below the edges 22, as shown in e.g. fig. 5 — 7 or 9. Thus the fastener 1 is secured in the opening 18 and thus in the profile 30. The snap-fit locking mechanism 12 extends outside the profile 30, adjacent the top surface 50. In this embodiment the first legs 23 are pushed towards each other, such that the third legs 25 are close together, as e.g. shown in fig. 9.

After securing the fastener 1 inside the opening 18, and preferably securing a series of such fasteners 1 in openings 18 of neighbouring profiles 30, a plank 2 or board 2 can be pushed over the snap-fit locking mechanism 12, such that the locking members 16 are received inside the wider part 14B of the slot 14. To this end the locking members 16 are pivoted elastically towards each other over the actual or virtual axis V. Since the locking members 16 are curved at the upper side, facing away from the body part 8, this will be obtained by pushing the plank or board 2 down. Once the locking members 16 have passed the narrower part 14A of the groove 14 they will move back towards their initial position, as shown e.g. in fig. 10, above the shoulders 14C, locking the plank or board 2 to the fastener or fasteners 1 and thus to the profile 30. Preferably the third legs 25 are pushed so close together that the hook elements cannot exit through the part 14A of the groove 14 without being flexed towards each other over the axis V again.

Fig. 11 and 12 schematically show a system 60 for mounting a fastener 1 according to the disclosure to a support element 3, such as profile 30. The support element 3, 30 is provided with at least one opening 18 or slot 18 having two opposite side edge portions 22. The fastener 1 is supplied to a pushing device 61 for pushing a base portion 8 of the fastener 1 into the opening 18, by pushing in the direction P. The pushing device 61 is designed for forcing the first legs 23 of the base portion 8 towards each other by sliding along the said opposite side edge portions 22, such that the locking lips 19 are forced through the opening 18. The pushing device 61 is further designed to allow the first legs 23 to move away from each other slightly again after said locking lips 19 have passed through the opening 18, for locking below said side edge portions 22. As discussed, in this position the third legs 23 preferably are biased towards the edge portions 22 of the opening 18.

As can be seen in fig. 11 and 12 the pushing device 61 can have a lower side 62 which engages the snap-fit locking mechanism 12, for example the upper edges of the third legs 25 between the hook members 16, for pushing the fastener 1 down, wherein the lower side does not need to grab the fastener 1. The lower side 62 can thus for example be substantially flat, allowing the third legs 25 to move along it while pushing, when the legs 23, 25 are forced together.

In a system 60 as shown the system 60 comprises a supply device 63, such as a vibrating drum 64, for supplying fasteners 1 to the pushing device 61 and dropping the base portion 8 of the fastener 1 into an opening 18 of a support member 3, 30. The fasteners 1 are fed such that the pushing device 61 can engage a top end 65 of the fastener 1, opposite the base portion 8, for pushing the fastener 1 further into the opening 18, as described. Then the pushing device 61 can be moved up again, and the mounting element 3, especially the profile 30 can be moved along its longitudinal axis Ls, such that a next opening 18 is moved under the pushing device 61 and a next fastener 1 can be mounted, as discussed.

By making the fasteners of metal, especially steel such as spring steel, they are highly resilient and fire resistant, such that a cladding provided with such fasteners is better resistant to fire, reducing risk for people and property, whereas the fasteners will be durable, even when stressed for long periods of time, for example providing a biasing force as discussed, since the fasteners will be less prone to relaxation than plastic fasteners.

It is noted that the invention is not restricted to the embodiments described herein. It will be understood that many variants are possible.

For example the snap-fit locking mechanism 12 can be designed differently, for example by providing hook elements 16 directly to an upper edge 65 of the third legs 25, such that the longitudinal axis L thereof are parallel to the central plane C and to each other. A pushing device can be designed for pinching the fasteners 1 to force the legs 23, 24, 25 together for mounting. As is schematically shown in fig. 9, a fastener 1 can be provided with multiple locking elements or lips 19, such as for example in separate rows above each other. A profile 30 can be made differently, for example from a different material, such as plastic or a composite material, and using other techniques, for example folding, injection or extrusion molding, or fasteners 1 can be mounted in different mounting elements, such as a plate comprising said openings, recesses or slots.

Such and other variants will be apparent for the person skilled in the art and are considered to lie within the scope of the invention as formulated in the following claims.

Claims

Conclusions

1. A fastener for securing a panel or board to a support structure, said fastener comprising a base portion and at least one snap-fit connector for engaging a corresponding snap-fit element such that both elements engage each other, in particular an elongated slot or recess, of the panel or board, said snap-fit connector comprising at least one hook member for engaging said snap-fit element, characterised in that the base portion comprises two first legs extending from a bottom toward the at least one snap-fit connector, said first legs extending in mutually diverging directions away from said bottom toward the at least one snap-fit connector, at least one first leg and preferably each first leg comprising at least one locking tab extending outwardly from the respective first leg for locking the first legs into or under an edge portion in or of an opening through which the base portion is inserted.

2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises two second legs, each first leg being connected to a second leg, the second legs extending in a direction away from the first legs in a mutually converging direction.

3. A fastener as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastener comprises two third legs, the third legs extending in a direction away from the first legs in a mutually divergent direction.

4. Fastener according to claim 3, wherein each third leg is provided with at least one hook part and preferably at least two hook parts, which form part of the at least one snap-fit connector.

5. Fastener according to claim 2 and 3 or 2 and 4, wherein the second legs are provided between the first legs and the third legs.

6. Fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastener is made using metal, in particular steel, preferably spring steel.

7. A fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener comprises a central plane extending between the first legs, the fastener being mirror-symmetric about the central plane.

8. A fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each locking tab extends outwardly and upwardly from the first leg, the or each locking tab being folded out of the respective first leg, the unfolding being effected along a fold line extending parallel to the direction of the respective first leg or at an angle to the direction of the first leg, preferably perpendicular to the direction of the respective first leg.

9. A fastener as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fastener comprises four hook members so as to form an elongated X-shape in a plan view of the fastener, comprising two third legs extending parallel to each other in said plan view, with a gap therebetween, and each third leg having two hook members extending therefrom from opposite ends of the third legs, in a direction away from said gap.

10. An assembly comprising at least one fastener according to any preceding claim and at least one support member, the support member comprising an opening comprising at least two opposed edge portions, the base portion of the fastener extending through said opening so that the at least one locking tab engages a side of at least one of said edge portions within the support member and the snap-fit connection extends outside the support member.

11. An assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first legs of the base portion are biased in a direction towards opposite side edges of the opening, the at least one locking tab being locked under the respective side edge portion of the opening, the first legs preferably being biased in said direction by elastic deformation of the fastener.

12. An assembly as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the upper ends of the first legs extend beyond the support member, the or each hook member of the fastener engaging an opening or slot in a board or panel secured to the fastener.

13. An assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein hook members of the fastener extend above a plane of the support member in which said opening is provided, so that a board or panel can be snap-fitted to the fastener by pressing an opening or groove onto and over the hook members, thereby elastically deforming the fastener, in particular the at least one snap-fit connector.

14. A system for attaching a fastener according to any of claims 1 to 9 to a support member, the support member comprising at least one opening or slot having two opposite side edge portions, wherein a fastener is fed to a pusher for pushing a base portion of the fastener into the opening, the pusher being designed to push the first legs of the base portion toward each other by sliding along said opposite side edge portions so that the locking tabs are pressed through the opening, the pusher being further designed to cause the first legs to move away from each other again after said locking tabs have passed through the opening, to lock beneath said side edge portions.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the system comprises a feed device, in particular a vibrating drum, for feeding fasteners to the pusher and for dropping the base portion of the fastener into an opening of a support member such that the pusher can engage a top of the fastener, opposite the base portion, to push the fastener further into the opening.

16. A method of securing a board or panel to a surface, wherein at least one securing element such as a securing profile is secured to a surface, said securing element comprising at least one opening for receiving a fastener, a fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 9 being secured in said at least one opening such that a base portion of the fastener is pushed into and/or through said at least one opening such that the locking tabs of the fastener lock into the securing element, wherein during securing of the fastener the legs of the fastener are pushed together to reduce a distance between at least two of said locking tabs, said legs having a bias towards said edges when released in said opening such that said distance is increased.