AU2018264022B2 - Retaining clip - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a retaining clip for concealed securing of a profiled roofing sheet to an underlying support structure, the profiled roofing sheet including a plurality of ribs extending along the sheet in a longitudinal direction with each rib having a pair of inwardly angled portions on opposing side walls of the rib that each define a re entrant ledge on an inner surface thereof. The retaining clip includes a mounting member having a base by which the retaining clip is mountable to the underlying support structure, and a retaining portion located distal to the base; and two retaining members pivotably mounted at laterally opposing sides of the retaining portion, wherein each retaining member is configured to pivot arcuately at said retaining portion to engage an upwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the pair of re-entrant ledges of a rib of the profiled roofing sheet, and remain substantively engaged with said re-entrant ledge surface in the event the rib flares under wind loading on the roofing sheet.

Description

RETAINING CLIP Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a retaining clip for securing profiled roofing sheets, and more particularly to a retaining clip for use in concealed fixing of roofing or other cladding means, and to a retaining clip device incorporating the retaining clip.

[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country as at the priority date of any one of the claims of this specification.

Background of Invention

[0003] One method of fixing sheet metal profiled roofing sheets to an underlying support structure involves the use of retaining clips. In this method, the retaining clips are first secured to an underlying support structure of the roof such as by way of purlins. The profiled roofing sheets are then laid over the retaining clips and pressed down to engage a channel defined by each of respective ribs of the sheets down over a retaining clip. Typically, a number of retaining clips may be mounted along a common strap to form a series of retaining clips, with the spacing between the retaining clips corresponding to the spacing between successive ribs of the profiled roofing sheet.

[0004] Typically, the retaining clips are integrally formed and have a base by which they may be secured directly on an upper surface of the underlying support structure using mechanical fasteners or the like. From the base, the retaining clips have a pair of upstanding walls down over which the channel defined by a rib is able to be received. The walls may have a width which extends transversely or longitudinally with respect to the channel but, with either arrangement, the walls define or are bent to provide abutments for locating against an upwardly facing surface of a re-entrant ledge defined by the inner face of opposite side walls of the rib.

[0005] The method of concealed fixing of profiled roofing sheets enables very good securement of the sheets. However, roof failure can often occur under very high wind conditions, such as in cyclonic conditions. During high wind conditions, wind gusts that strike the side of a building are forced upwards and over the building, creating a partial vacuum immediately above the roofing. The wind gusts and resulting variation in the magnitude of the partial vacuum enables the atmospheric pressure prevailing at the underside of the roofing to give rise to a pulsed force effect on the roofing. The pulses can vary in amplitude, and may have a frequency of many cycles per minute.

[0006] The pressure created by these high wind conditions at the underside of the roofing sheets causes the roofing sheets to distort and bow upwardly, between the ribs by which they are held down by the retaining clips. Roof failure occurs when a roofing sheet bows up to an extent that the side walls of a rib are pulled outwardly away from each other so that the rib flares, that is, opens out, to disengage the rib from a retaining clip. Typically, when the underlying support structure includes a plurality of purlins, each rib is engaged on a respective retaining clip on each purlin traversed by the rib. The engagement is by the downwardly facing abutment surface defined by each of opposite sides of each retaining clip locating against the upwardly facing surface of a re-entrant ledge defined by the inner face of each of opposite side walls of each rib. Disengagement occurs when the rib opens sufficiently, as this pulls the re-entrant ledge of at least one side wall of the rib from below the respective abutment surface of the retaining clip.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide a retaining clip, and a retaining clip device incorporating said retaining clip, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

Summary of Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a retaining clip for concealed securing of a profiled roofing sheet to an underlying support structure, the profiled roofing sheet including a plurality of ribs extending along the sheet in a longitudinal direction with each rib having a pair of inwardly angled portions on opposing side walls of the rib that each define a re-entrant ledge on an inner surface thereof, the retaining clip including: a mounting member having a base by which the retaining clip is mountable to the underlying support structure, and a retaining portion located distal to the base; and two retaining members pivotably mounted at laterally opposing sides of the retaining portion, wherein each retaining member is configured to pivot arcuately at said retaining portion to engage an upwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the pair of re-entrant ledges of a rib of the profiled roofing sheet, and remain substantively engaged with said re-entrant ledge surface in the event the rib flares under wind loading on the roofing sheet.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mounting member includes a pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls upstanding from the base, wherein an upper portion of each of said walls, when combined, defines the retaining portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, each retaining member includes an elongate plate and a pair of pivot arms extending generally orthogonally from laterally opposing end portions thereof.

[0011] In one embodiment, the upper portion of each of the two laterally opposing walls includes a pair of gaps located at laterally opposing sides thereof, wherein each gap is configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair of pivot arms of a corresponding retaining member to enable said retaining member to pivot arcuately at the retaining portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, each pivot arm includes an engaging portion at a terminal end thereof that is configured to abut against an inwardly facing surface of the upper portion above and/or below the gap to restrict over-rotation of the retaining member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the base includes at least one aperture extending substantially therethrough for receiving a mechanical fastener to mount the retaining clip to the underlying support structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mounting member includes: a base member that includes the base and a first pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls upstanding from the base; and an insert member configured to locate between the first pair of walls, wherein the insert member includes an insert base mounted substantially adjacent to the base and a second pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls upstanding from the insert base; wherein each of said first pair of walls includes a pair of flanges that extend outwardly from a corresponding side edge portion thereof, and each of said second pair of walls includes a pair of shoulder portions that extend outwardly from a corresponding side edge portion thereof, and wherein, when the insert member is mounted to the base member, each of the flanges is located substantially below a corresponding one of the shoulder portions to define a gap therebetween for pivotably mounting the retaining members at laterally opposing sides of the retaining portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls are upstanding from the base in a first plane and the second pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls are upstanding from the base in a second plane, wherein the first and second planes are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0016] In one embodiment, each retaining member includes an elongate plate and a pair of pivot arms extending generally orthogonally from laterally opposing end portions thereof, wherein each gap is configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair of pivot arms of a corresponding retaining member to enable said retaining member to pivot arcuately at the retaining portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, each pivot arm includes an engaging portion at a terminal end thereof that is configured to abut against an inwardly facing surface of the flange and/or shoulder portion to restrict over-rotation of the retaining member.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the base and the insert base includes at least one aperture extending substantially therethrough for receiving a mechanical fastener to mount the retaining clip to the underlying support structure.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the two retaining members includes at least one tooth depending from a bottom edge of the engaging plate to engage the upwardly facing surface of the re-entrant ledge of the rib.

[0020] In one embodiment, the mounting member is constructed from sheet metal.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of the two retaining members is constructed from sheet metal.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a retaining clip device for concealed securing of a profiled roofing sheet to an underlying support structure, the profiled roofing sheet including a plurality of ribs extending along the sheet in a longitudinal direction with each rib having a pair of inwardly angled portions on opposing side walls of the rib that each define a re entrant ledge on an inner surface thereof, the retaining clip device including: an elongate strap; and at each of a plurality of locations spaced along the strap, a respective retaining clip according to the first aspect, wherein each retaining clip is secured to the strap with its base substantially parallel to and against an upper surface of the strap, and the two retaining members of each retaining clip are positioned for engaging an upwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the pair of re-entrant ledges of a respective one of the ribs of the profiled roofing sheet.

[0023] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0024] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of a retaining clip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein a pair of retaining members of the retaining clip are mounted to a retaining portion of a mounting member in a first position consistent with a low wind loading;

[0026] Fig. 2 provides a perspective view of the retaining clip of Fig. 1, in exploded form to show the two-part construction of the mounting member, comprising of a base member and an insert member;

[0027] Figs. 3 and 4 provide perspective views of the base member part of the mounting member of the retaining clip of Fig. 1;

[0028] Fig. 5 provides a front view of the mounting member of the retaining clip of Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 6 provides an end on view of the mounting member of the retaining clip of Fig. 1;

[0030] Figs 7 to 9 provide perspective views of the insert member part of the mounting member of the retaining clip of Fig. 1;

[0031] Fig. 10 provides a top down view of the insert member part of the mounting member of the retaining clip of Fig. 1;

[0032] Fig. 11 provides a perspective view of the retaining clip of Fig. 1, wherein the pair of retaining members are shown in a second position consistent with a high wind loading;

[0033] Fig. 12 provides a side view, and close up view (see insert), of a retaining clip device for concealed securing of a profiled roofing sheet to an underlying support structure according to another preferred embodiment, including a plurality of retaining clips of Fig. 1 premounted to an elongate strap, in which each retaining clip is concealed within a corresponding rib of the profiled roofing sheet under a low wind loading;

[0034] Fig. 13 provides a side view, and close up view (see insert), of the retaining clip device of Fig. 12 under a high wind loading;

[0035] Figs. 14 to 16 provide perspective views of a retaining clip according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein a pair of retaining members of the retaining clip are shown in a position consistent with a high wind loading;

[0036] Fig. 17 provides a side on view of the retaining clip of Figs. 14 to 16;

[0037] Figs. 18 and 19 provide perspective views of a mounting member of the retaining clip of Figs. 14 to 17;

[0038] Fig. 20 provides an end on view of the mounting member of the retaining clip of Figs. 14 to 17;

[0039] Fig. 21 provides a side view of the mounting member of the retaining clip of Figs. 14 to 17; and

[0040] Fig. 22 provides a perspective view of the pair of retaining members of the retaining clip of Figs. 14 to 17.

Detailed Description

[0041] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0042] The present invention is predicated on the finding of a retaining clip, and a retaining clip device incorporating a plurality of said retaining clips premounted to an elongate strap (S) that can be used in the concealed fixing of roofing or other cladding means to an underlying support structure in high wind loadings such as in cyclonic conditions.

[0043] More specifically, and as will become apparent from the following description and the figures, the retaining clips described in the embodiments of the present invention provide useful application in terms of affixing profiled roofing sheets 28 to an underlying support structure such as a roof structure having steel purlins (P), wherein the roofing sheets 28 each have a plurality of uniformly spaced longitudinal ribs 29 extending along the roofing sheet 28 in a longitudinal direction with pans 27 located therebetween, and wherein each rib 29 has a pair of inwardly angled portions on opposing side walls 33, 33' of the rib 29 that define a re-entrant ledge on each inner surface of the rib 29 so as to provide a mushroom-like appearance when viewed end on in profile.

[0044] Retaining Clip 100

[0045] Figs. 1 to 11 show various views of a retaining clip 100 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046]In its simplest form, the retaining clip 100 includes a mounting member 110 for use in mounting the retaining clip 100 to an underlying support structure of a roof, such as a steel purlin (P), and two retaining members 140, 150, each configured specifically to engage an upwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the two re-entrant ledges of a rib 29 of the profiled roofing sheet 28.

[0047] Mounting Member

[0048] In this embodiment, the mounting member 110 is of a two-part construction including a base member 120 and an insert member 130.

[0049] The base member 120 is integrally formed of a suitably resilient sheet material, including but not limited to: steel, brass or aluminium. The base member 120 is shaped to provide a generally rectangular base 122, and a first pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls 124, 126, which are upstanding from the longer side edge portions of the generally rectangular base 122, being substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0050] As shown in, for example, Figs. 3 and 4, the base 122 of the base member 120 includes an upwardly dished portion in a central region 123 of the base 122 to afford the base 122 with added strength. Extending substantially through the central region 123 of the base 122 is an aperture 123a, which is intermediate a longitudinally spaced pair of apertures 122a, 122b. The purpose of the central aperture 123a will become apparent from the description below relating to the insert member 130, while the purpose of the two additional apertures 122a, 122b will be described later herein with reference to Figs. 12 and 13.

[0051] As shown in, for example, Fig. 2, the two walls 124, 126 of the base member 120 each have a generally triangular shape that is truncated at an upper end portion 124t, 126t thereof. Each of the two walls 124 and 126 includes a pair of flanges 124x, 124y and 126x, 126y, respectively that extend outwardly from a corresponding side edge portion of the walls 124, 126 at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the walls 124, 126. Each of the flanges 124x, 124y and 126x, 126y is located at a generally midway portion along the height of the corresponding wall 124, 126.

[0052] As shown in, for example, Fig. 2, the insert member 130, which is integrally formed of a suitably resilient sheet material, such as the same sheet metals described above, is also shaped to provide a generally rectangular base, (herein after, referred to as an insert base 132) and a pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls (hereinafter, referred to as the second pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls 134, 136), which are upstanding from the longer side edge portions of the generally rectangular insert base 132, being substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0053] As shown in, for example, Figs. 7 to 10, the insert base 132 includes an aperture 132a that extends substantially through a central region of the insert base 132, and has dimensions similar to the central aperture 123a in the base 122 of the base member 120.

[0054] As shown in, for example, Figs. 7 to 10, each wall of the second pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls 134, 136 of the insert member 130 can be divided into a lower portion 1341, 1361 having a spacing therebetween defined by the width of the insert base 132, and an upper portion 134u, 136u. The upper portion 134u, 136u, when viewed from end on (see, for example, Fig. 7), has a generally kinked profile, whereby the spacing between the two laterally opposing walls 134, 136 at a generally midway point of the upper portion 134u, 136u is wider than at the lower portion 1341, 1361, but then narrows to generally the width of the insert base 132 to define a gently sloped region that then curls outwardly at a terminal end portion 134t, 136t thereof.

[0055] As shown in, for example, Figs. 5 and 6, when the insert member 130 is mounted to the base member 120, the insert member 130 is configured to locate between the first pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls 124, 126 of the base member 120, such that the first pair of walls 124, 126 are oriented in a first plane, and the second pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls 134, 136 of the insert member 130 are oriented in a second plane, which is orthogonal to the first plane.

[0056] The insert base 132 is mounted substantially adjacent to the base 122 of the base member 120 such that the central aperture 132a extending through the insert base 132 is substantially aligned with the aperture 123a extending through the central region 123 of the base member 120 to allow a mechanical fastener such as a self-drilling screw (not shown) to be received through the aligned apertures for use in securing the assembled retaining clip 100 and an elongate strap (S) upon which a plurality of retaining clips 100 will be mounted, to the underlying support structure of the roof.

[0057] As shown in, for example, Fig. 3, each of the two walls 124, 126 of the base member 120 includes a generally rectangular shaped and inwardly directed flap 124f, 126f located toward the base 122 on opposing sides thereof. Thus, when the insert member 130 is mounted to the base member 120, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the two flaps 124f, 126f extend inwardly and overlap the insert base 132, on either side thereof, to provide a means to lock the insert member 130 to the base member 120.

[0058] As shown in, for example, Figs. 5, 8 to 10, the upper portion 134u, 136u of each of the second pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls 134, 136 of the insert member 130 is slightly wider than the lower portion 1341, 1361 of the wall 134, 136 when viewed from face on. Indeed, referring specifically to Fig. 5, it becomes clear that this slight increase in width allows a lower end of the upper portion 134u, 136u of each wall 134, 136 to engage with, on either side thereof, an outwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the pairs of flanges 124x, 124y and 126x, 126y extending outwardly from the two laterally opposing walls 124, 126 of the base member 120. The outwardly curled terminal end portion 134t, 136t of each wall 134, 136 of the insert member 130, when viewed from face on, is wider still, defining shoulder portions 134x, 134y and 136x, 136y extending outwardly from respective side edge portions of the walls 134, 136.

[0059] Thus, as shown in Fig. 5, when the insert member 130 is mounted to the base member 120, each shoulder portion 134x, 134y and 136x, 136y is located directly above a corresponding flange 124y, 126y and 124x, 126x of the base member 120 to define a gap substantially therebetween.

[0060] For instance, the two flanges 124x and 126x extending outwardly from the side edge portions of the opposing walls 124, 126 of the base member 120 which are visible in Fig. 5, are located substantially below a corresponding shoulder portion 136x and 136y of the insert member 130 to define gaps X 1 and Y1, respectively, therebetween. These two gaps X 1, Y 1, together with the corresponding gaps X 2 (not evident in the figures), Y2 (see Figs. 1 and 11) on the opposing side of the retaining clip 100 form a retaining portion at the upper portions of the two pairs of laterally opposing side walls 124, 126 and 134, 136 that is located distal to the base 122, and configured to receive two retaining members 140, 150 on laterally opposing sides thereof in a pivotably mounted fashion.

[0061] Retaining Members

[0062] As shown in Figs. 1 to 2 and 11, the two retaining members 140, 150 of the retaining clip 100 are each pivotably mounted at laterally opposing sides of the retaining portion of the retaining clip 100,

[0063] Specifically, and as shown in Fig. 2, the retaining member 140, which is integrally formed from a suitably resilient sheet material, including but not limited to: steel, brass or aluminium, is shaped to define a generally rectangular shaped plate

142 with a pair of pivot arms 147, 148 extending perpendicularly from the laterally opposing side edge portions of the plate 142. The second retaining member 150, which is also integrally formed from a suitably resilient sheet material, including but not limited to: steel, brass or aluminium, is too shaped to define a generally rectangular shaped plate 152 with a pair of pivot arms 157, 158 extending perpendicularly from the laterally opposing side edge portions of the plate 152.

[0064] For ease of reference, the following describes how the first retaining member 140 is pivotably mounted at the retaining portion of the retaining clip 100. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art that the second retaining member 150 will be mounted to the laterally opposite side of the retaining portion of the retaining clip 100 in a similar manner.

[0065] As shown in, for example, Fig. 1, when the retaining member 140 is mounted at the retaining portion of the retaining clip 100, the elongate plate 142 can be defined as including an upper end portion with a top edge (defined hereinafter as a leading edge 143) and a lower end portion with a bottom edge (defined hereinafter as a trailing edge 144). Extending outwardly from the trailing edge 144 of the plate 142 in substantially the same plane as the plate 142 is a pair of laterally spaced apart teeth 144a, 144b, positioned slightly inset from the laterally opposing side edge portions of the plate 142. As will become apparent from the description that follows, it is the teeth 144a, 144b that engage an upwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the pair of re-entrant ledges of a rib 29 of a profiled roofing sheet 28. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art that the use of one or more teeth such as the teeth 144a, 144b at the trailing edge 144 of the retaining member 140 is optional, and that in other embodiments, it is the trailing edge 144 itself that engages the upwardly facing surface of the corresponding re-entrant ledge of the rib 29.

[0066] Each of the two pivot arms 147, 148 of the retaining member 140 is configured to locate through a corresponding one of the two gaps X 1 , Y1 located either side of the retaining portion of the retaining clip 100.

[0067] As shown in, for example, Fig. 2, each of the two pivot arms 147, 148 has a curvature to allow the retaining member 140 to pivot arcuately at the retaining portion of the retaining clip 100. Located at the terminal end of each of the two pivot arms 147, 148 is an enlarged portion 147e, 148e that is greater in size than the gap X 1 , Y 1 through which the pivot arm 147, 148 extends to prevent the retaining member 140 from becoming detached from the retaining portion of the retaining clip 100. This same enlarged portion 147e, 148e also assists in restricting the rotation of the retaining member 140 about the retaining portion of the retaining clip 100 by engaging an inwardly facing surface of the corresponding shoulder portion 136x, 136y and/or flange 124x, 126x that define the gaps X 1, Y1 through which the corresponding pivot arm 147, 148 extends.

[0068] As shown in, for example, Fig. 2, the two pivot arms 157, 158 of the second retaining member 150 also include enlarged portions 157e, 158e at their respective terminal ends.

[0069] By virtue of this arrangement, the retaining member 140 is configured to pivot arcuately at the retaining portion of the retaining clip 100 between a first position (consistent with low wind conditions), where the plate 142 of the retaining member 140 lies substantially against an outwardly facing surface of the corresponding sloped region at the upper portion 134u of the wall 134 of the insert member 130 (see Fig. 1), and a second position of maximum rotation (consistent with high wind conditions), whereby the leading edge 143 of the plate 142 abuts against an outwardly facing surface of the corresponding outwardly curled terminal end portion 134t of the wall 134 of the insert member 130 and, as described above, the enlarged portion 147e, 148e at the terminal end of each of the two pivot arms 147, 148 abuts against the inwardly facing surface of the corresponding shoulder portion 136x, 136y and/or flange 124x, 126x that define the gaps X 1, Y1 through which the corresponding pivot arm 147, 148 extends (see Fig. 11).

[0070] As is evident from Fig. 1, the two retaining members 140, 150 are mounted at the retaining portion of the retaining clip 100 in an offset manner, such that the pivot arm for one retaining member overlaps the pivot arm from the other retaining member at the same side of the retaining clip 100 to allow the retaining members 140, 150 to pivot freely without the pivot arms of one retaining member engaging the corresponding pivot arms of the other retaining member.

[0071] Retaining Clip Device

[0072] Figs. 12 and 13 show schematic representations of a retaining clip device incorporating a plurality of retaining clips 100 premounted to an elongate strap (S) for use in the concealed securing of a profiled roofing sheet 28 to one of a plurality of steel purlins (P) as part of an underlying support structure of a roof under different wind loadings.

[0073] The roofing sheet 28 has uniformly spaced longitudinal ribs 29 and a pan 27 between each successive pair of ribs 29, which is relatively flat and lies substantially adjacent to the underlying purlins (P). Each rib 29 has a generally mushroom-like profile defined by a pair of opposing side walls 33, 33' that taper inwardly to a top wall 34 that is generally horizontal with the underlying purlin (P) when the roofing sheet 28 is mounted thereto. Each of the two side walls 33, 33' is stepped inwardly at a point along a length of each side wall 33, 33' to define a re entrant portion on either side of the rib 29.

[0074] The profiled roofing sheet 28 has, in addition to the uniformly spaced ribs 29, respective side margin formations 30, 31. The underlapping formation 30 of one roofing sheet 28 is able to be received in the overlapping formation 31 of a laterally adjacent roofing sheet (not shown), to form a composite rib (not shown). However, given that a composite rib has a similar structure to the uniformly spaced ribs 29, the following will simply describe how the retaining clip 100 can be used to secure the profiled roofing sheet 28 to the roof structure by engaging the uniformly spaced ribs 29, with the understanding that the same approach applies in respect of the composite ribs.

[0075] To mount a roofing sheet 28, a plurality of retaining clips 100 are pre mounted in spaced apart arrangement to an upper surface of an elongate strap (S) manufactured from a high tensile steel or spring steel by the use of mechanical fasteners such as self-clinching fasteners (not shown). Each fastener extends through a corresponding one of the apertures 122a, 122b in the base 122 of the base member 120 of the retaining clip 100. Each of the retaining clips 100 is mounted to the strap (S) in a transverse manner relative to a longitudinal axis of the strap (S) such that the generally rectangular base 120 of the retaining clip 100 is substantially parallel to and against the upper surface of the strap (S). The strap (S), replete with the plurality of retaining clips 100 mounted thereto, is then subsequently mounted to an upper surface of a support structure of the roof, such as a purlin (P), by the use of a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as self-drilling screws, whereby each screw is passed through a corresponding pair of aligned apertures 132a, 123a of the insert base 132 and base 122 for each retaining clip 100, and then self-drilled into the purlin (P).

[0076] By virtue of this arrangement, when a profiled roofing sheet 28 is applied onto the roof structure, the ribs 29 are oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the strap (and purlin P) such that the two retaining members 140, 150 of each retaining clip 100 along the length of strap (S) are positioned for engaging with an upwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the pair of re-entrant ledges of a respective one of the plurality of ribs 29 of the roofing sheet 28.

[0077] Once the profiled roofing sheet 28 is mounted in place transversely across the purlin (P), each rib 29 is then pressed down against a corresponding retaining clip 100. For instance, in the case of the first retaining member 140, the downward force against the rib 29 causes the re-entrant ledge on the inner surface of the corresponding side wall 33 of the rib 29 to be forced past the teeth 144a, 144b at the trailing edge 144 of the plate 142 to facilitate a snap-fit type engagement, whereby the teeth 144a, 144b substantially engage an upwardly facing surface of the re-entrant ledge of the rib 29. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that the teeth (not shown) at the trailing edge of the plate 152 of the second retaining member 150 will substantially engage an upwardly facing surface of the re-entrant ledge on the opposing side wall 33' of the rib 29 according to the same action.

[0078] In the case of low wind loadings such as in normal wind conditions, as schematically represented in Fig. 12, the profiled roofing sheet 28 remains relatively flat and lies substantially adjacent to the purlins (P).

[0079] By contrast, under high wind loadings, such as that schematically represented in Fig. 13, the profiled roofing sheet 28 is caused to lift away from the underlying roof structure, thereby causing the ribs 29 to flare. Yet, by virtue of the free pivotable movement of the two retaining members 140, 150, the teeth (for example 144a, 144b at the trailing edge of retaining member 140) remain substantively engaged with the upper surface of the corresponding re-entrant ledge of the rib 29. To this end, the ribs 29, and thus the profiled roofing sheet 28 as a whole, remain secured to the roof structure even under high wind loadings such as in cyclonic wind conditions.

[0080] Retaining Clip 200

[0081] Figs. 14 to 22 show various views of a retaining clip 200 for concealed securing of a profiled roofing sheet to an underlying support structure, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] In its simplest form, and as shown in, for example, Figs. 14 to 17, the retaining clip 200 includes a mounting member 210 for use in mounting the retaining clip 200 to an underlying support structure of a roof, such as a steel purlin (P), and two retaining members 240, 250, each specifically configured to engage an upwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the two re-entrant ledges of a rib 29 of the profiled roofing sheet 28.

[0083] Mounting Member

[0084] In this embodiment, and as shown in, for example, Figs. 18 to 21, the mounting member 210 is of a one-part construction, which is integrally formed from a suitably resilient sheet material, including but not limited to: steel, brass or aluminium. The mounting member 210 is shaped to provide a generally rectangular base 222 and a pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls 224, 226, which are upstanding from the longer side edge portions of the generally rectangular base 222, and which taper inwardly toward each other to a point substantially above the midway point of the side walls 224, 226 that marks the starting point to an upper portion 224u, 226u of each side wall 224, 226.

[0085] Extending substantially through a central region of the base 222 is an aperture 223a, which is intermediate a longitudinally spaced pair of apertures 222a, 222b. Each aperture is configured to receive a mechanical fastener to mount the retaining clip 200 via the use of an elongate strap (S) to the underlying support structure such as steel purlins (P) in a similar manner to that which is described above in respect of the concealed fixing of the profiled roofing sheet 28 to the support structure using retaining clips 100.

[0086] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that while the mounting member 210 does not show an upwardly dished portion in a central region of the base 222, such a modification could easily be introduced in order to strengthen the base 222 if required.

[0087] As shown in, for example, Figs. 18 to 20, each of the two opposing side walls 224, 226 of the mounting member 210 is stepped inwardly at the starting point to the upper portion 224u, 226u to define a re-entrant ledge on an inner surface of each side wall 224, 226. Above the re-entrant ledges, the upper portion 224u, 226u of each of the two side walls 224, 226 continues to taper inwardly at a similar angle with respect to the base 222 to define a gently sloped region before terminating at a respective end portion 224t, 226t thereof, which takes the form of an elongate bar with a slight inwardly facing curvature.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 20, when viewed from end on, the mounting member 210 has a generally mushroom-like profile very similar to the ribs 29 of the profiled roofing sheet 28 for which the retaining clips 200 are to be used.

[0089] As shown in, for example Figs. 18 to 20, side wall 226 includes a pair of laterally opposing, generally L-shaped flanges that are integrally formed at a first end thereof with the terminal end portion 226t, and which are each folded inwardly along a first respective fold line, such that a first flange portion 230, 235 is oriented in a first plane being generally parallel with the base 222, but falls short of reaching the terminal end portion 224t of the opposing side wall 224. Each of the two flanges are further folded at a respective second fold line to define a second flange portion 230a, 235a that are each oriented in a second plane, which is generally orthogonal to the first plane. Both second flange portions 230a, 235a extend almost to an inwardly facing surface of the sloped region of the upper portion 224u of the opposing side wall 224, and are shaped at their respective terminal end thereof to conform to said inwardly facing surface of the sloped region.

[0090] As the two second flange portions 230a, 235a are not connected to the opposing side wall 224, the small spacing between the ends of these flange portions 230a, 235a and the sloping region of the opposing side wall 224 means that this wall 224 can flex freely. By virtue of this arrangement, when the profiled roofing sheet 28 is being mounted to the underlying support structure, and a corresponding rib 29 is being pressed down over the retaining clip 200, the downward force is sufficient to cause the side wall 224 to flex inwardly, thereby facilitating a simpler snap-fit type engagement between the rib 29 and the retaining clip 200.

[0091] As shown in, for example, Figs. 18 to 21, the upper portions 224u, 226u of the two opposing side walls 224, 226, each include gaps located at laterally opposing sides thereof. Specifically, the two gaps X 1, Y 1 at the upper portion 224u of side wall 224 are defined by shoulder portions 224v and 224x that extend outwardly from laterally opposing ends of the terminal end portion 224t, and outwardly curled lip portions 224w and 224y that extend outwardly from laterally opposing ends of the side wall 224, at the point that marks the starting point to the upper portion 224u.

[0092] While, the two gaps X 2 , Y 2 at the upper portion 226u of side wall 226 are defined by shoulder portions 226v and 226x that extend outwardly from laterally opposing ends of the terminal end portion 226t, and outwardly curled lip portions 226w and 226y that extend outwardly from laterally opposing ends of the side wall 226, at the point that marks the starting point to the upper portion 226u.

[0093] The two gaps X 1, Y 1, together with the corresponding gaps X 2 (not evident in the figures), Y 2 on the opposing side of the retaining clip 200 form a retaining portion at the upper portions 224u, 226u of the two laterally opposing side walls 224, 226 that is located distal to the base 222 of the mounting member 210, and configured to receive two retaining members 240, 250 on laterally opposing sides thereof in a pivotably mounted fashion.

[0094] Retaining Members

[0095] As shown in Figs. 14 to 17, the two retaining members 240, 250 of the retaining clip 200 are each pivotably mounted at laterally opposing sides of the retaining portion of the retaining clip 200.

[0096] Given that the two retaining members 240, 250 in this particular embodiment have the same dimensions, the following will describe only the features of retaining member 240 for ease of reference.

[0097] Specifically, and as shown in Fig. 22, the retaining member 240, which is integrally formed from a suitably resilient sheet material, including but not limited to: steel, brass or aluminium, is shaped to define a generally rectangular shaped plate 242 with a pair of pivot arms 247, 248 extending perpendicularly from laterally opposing side edge portions of the plate 242. The plate 242 further includes an upper end portion with a top edge (defined hereinafter as a leading edge 243) and a lower end portion with a bottom edge (defined hereinafter as a trailing edge 244). Extending outwardly from the trailing edge 244 in substantially the same plane as the plate 244 is a pair of laterally spaced apart teeth 244a, 244b, positioned slightly inset from the laterally opposing side edge portions of the plate 242. As will become apparent from the description that follows, it is the teeth 244a, 244b that engage an upwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the pair of re-entrant ledges of a rib 29 of the profiled roofing sheet 28. Again, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art that the use of one or more teeth such as teeth 244a, 244b at the trailing edge 244 of the retaining member 240 is optional, and that in other embodiments, it is the trailing edge 244 itself that engages the upwardly facing surface of the corresponding re-entrant ledge of the rib 29.

[0098] Each of the two pivot arms 247, 248 of the first retaining member 240 is configured to locate through a corresponding one of the two gaps X 1, Y 1 at the retaining portion of the retaining clip 200.

[0099] Referring specifically to Fig. 22, each of the two pivot arms 247, 248 of the retaining clip 200 has a bottom edge 247a, 248a which extends from the corresponding side edge portion of the plate 242 with a gently convex curvature that then becomes concave toward a generally terminal end of the arm 247, 248.

[0100] As also shown in Fig. 22, and with specific reference to retaining member 240 for ease of describing the two retaining members 240, 250, the distance between the bottom edge 247a, 248a and a top edge 247b, 248b of the corresponding pivot arm 247, 248 is greater than the distance between the trailing edge 244, 254 and the leading edge 243, 253 of the plate 242, 252, such that a first part of the top edge 247b, 248b of the corresponding pivot arm 247, 248 extends along this axis to a point slightly beyond the leading edge 243, 253 of the plate 242, 253 with a gently concave curvature, before reaching a point distanced from the leading edge 243, 253 of the plate 242, 252 where the curvature then becomes convex so as to define a sharply rounded end portion 247x, 248x where the top edge 247b, 248b then continues as a second part along a generally orthogonal axis to the terminal end of the corresponding pivot arm 247, 248.

[0101] As shown in Figs. 14 to 17, the curvature along the first part of the top edge 247b, 248b and the full length of the bottom edge 247a2, 248a of the two pivot arms 247, 248 allows the retaining member 240 to pivot arcuately at the gaps X 1, Y1 of the retaining portion. The sharply rounded end portion 247x, 248x at the first part of the top edge 247b, 248b of each of the two pivot arms 247, 248 acts to engage the inwardly facing curvature of the elongate bar at the terminal end portion 224t of the side wall 224 to prevent the retaining member 240 from becoming detached from this side of the retaining portion as defined by the upper portion 224u of the side wall 224, and assists in restricting the rotation of the retaining member 240 about the retaining portion.

[0102] By virtue of this arrangement, the retaining member 240 is configured to pivot between a position of rest, where the plate 242 abuts against an outer facing surface of the sloped region at the upper portion 224u of the corresponding side wall 224 of the mounting member 210, and a position of maximum rotation, whereby the leading edge 243 of the plate 242 abuts against an outwardly facing surface of the elongate bar at the terminal end portion 224t of the corresponding side wall 224.

[0103] Retaining Clip Device

[0104] It will be appreciated that a plurality of these retaining clips 200 can be premounted in spaced apart arrangement to an upper surface of an elongate strap (S) to provide a retaining clip device in much the same manner as the retaining device described above.

[0105] Other Embodiments

[0106] In other embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that the two retaining members 140, 150 of the retaining clip 100are not limited to comprising one or more teeth at the trailing edge of the corresponding plate of the retaining member (such as the teeth 144a, 144b at the trailing edge 144 of the plate 142 of the first retaining member 140). Rather, the trailing edge of the plate itself might be used to engage the upwardly facing surface of the re-entrant ledge of the rib 29 of the profiled roofing sheet 28. The same equally applies in respect of the plates 242, 252 of the corresponding retaining members 240, 250 of the retaining clip 200.

[0107] In other embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that the two retaining members 140, 150 of the retaining clip 100 are not limited to having the same dimensions as each other, and that one retaining member may be larger than the other. The same equally applies in respect of the two retaining members 240, 250 of the retaining clip 200.

Definitions

[0108] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0109] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0110] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0111] While the invention has been described in conjunction with a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications and variations in light of the foregoing description are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed.

[0112] Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereof.

Claims (15)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A retaining clip for concealed securing of a profiled roofing sheet to an underlying support structure, the profiled roofing sheet including a plurality of ribs extending along the sheet in a longitudinal direction with each rib having a pair of inwardly angled portions on opposing side walls of the rib that each define a re-entrant ledge on an inner surface thereof, the retaining clip including:

a mounting member having a base by which the retaining clip is mountable to the underlying support structure, and a retaining portion located distal to the base; and

two retaining members pivotably mounted at laterally opposing sides of the retaining portion, wherein each retaining member is configured to pivot arcuately at said retaining portion to engage an upwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the pair of re-entrant ledges of a rib of the profiled roofing sheet, and remain substantively engaged with said re entrant ledge surface in the event the rib flares under wind loading on the roofing sheet.

2. A retaining clip according to claim 1, wherein the mounting member includes a pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls upstanding from the base, wherein an upper portion of each of said walls, when combined, defines the retaining portion.

3. A retaining clip according to claim 2, wherein each retaining member includes an elongate plate and a pair of pivot arms extending generally orthogonally from laterally opposing end portions thereof.

4. A retaining clip according to claim 3, wherein the upper portion of each of the two laterally opposing walls includes a pair of gaps located at laterally opposing sides thereof, wherein each gap is configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair of pivot arms of a corresponding retaining member to enable said retaining member to pivot arcuately at the retaining portion.

5. A retaining clip according to claim 4, wherein each pivot arm includes an engaging portion at a terminal end thereof that is configured to abut against an inwardly facing surface of the upper portion above and/or below the gap to restrict over-rotation of the retaining member.

6. A retaining clip according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base includes at least one aperture extending substantially therethrough for receiving a mechanical fastener to mount the retaining clip to the underlying support structure.

7. A retaining clip according to claim 1, wherein the mounting member includes:

a base member that includes the base and a first pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls upstanding from the base; and

an insert member configured to locate between the first pair of walls, wherein the insert member includes an insert base mounted substantially adjacent to the base and a second pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls upstanding from the insert base;

wherein each of said first pair of walls includes a pair of flanges that extend outwardly from a corresponding side edge portion thereof, and each of said second pair of walls includes a pair of shoulder portions that extend outwardly from a corresponding side edge portion thereof, and

wherein, when the insert member is mounted to the base member, each of the flanges is located substantially below a corresponding one of the shoulder portions to define a gap therebetween for pivotably mounting the retaining members at laterally opposing sides of the retaining portion.

8. A retaining clip according to claim 7, wherein the first pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls are upstanding from the base in a first plane and the second pair of spaced apart laterally opposing walls are upstanding from the base in a second plane, wherein the first and second planes are substantially orthogonal to each other.

9. A retaining clip according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each retaining member includes an elongate plate and a pair of pivot arms extending generally orthogonally from laterally opposing end portions thereof, wherein each gap is configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair of pivot arms of a corresponding retaining member to enable said retaining member to pivot arcuately at the retaining portion.

10. A retaining clip according to claim 9, wherein each pivot arm includes an engaging portion at a terminal end thereof that is configured to abut against an inwardly facing surface of the flange and/or shoulder portion to restrict over-rotation of the retaining member.

11. A retaining clip according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein each of the base and the insert base includes at least one aperture extending substantially therethrough for receiving a mechanical fastener to mount the retaining clip to the underlying support structure.

12. A retaining clip according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each of the two retaining members includes at least one tooth depending from a bottom edge of the engaging plate to engage the upwardly facing surface of the re entrant ledge of the rib.

13. A retaining clip according to any one of claims 1 to12, wherein the mounting member is constructed from sheet metal.

14. A retaining clip according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each of the two retaining members is constructed from sheet metal.

15. A retaining clip device for concealed securing of a profiled roofing sheet to an underlying support structure, the profiled roofing sheet including a plurality of ribs extending along the sheet in a longitudinal direction with each rib having a pair of inwardly angled portions on opposing side walls of the rib that each define a re-entrant ledge on an inner surface thereof, the retaining clip device including:

an elongate strap; and at each of a plurality of locations spaced along the strap, a respective retaining clip according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein each retaining clip is secured to the strap with its base substantially parallel to and against an upper surface of the strap, and the two retaining members of each retaining clip are positioned for engaging an upwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the pair of re-entrant ledges of a respective one of the ribs of the profiled roofing sheet.