CLIP

Abstract

A clip for holding a first article in contact with a second article, comprising a first portion for insertion into a groove in the first article and a second portion abutting against the second article, the first portion extending substantially at right angles to the second portion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a clip for holding a first article, such as an under-slung sink, to a second article, such as a work surface, and a method relating thereto.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

When fitting an under-slung stainless steel sink to a granite work surface, a strong connection is required. However, the life of a sink is considerably shorter than that of a granite worktop and it is therefore desirable that the sink should be removed and replaced at a later date.

Granite is an extremely hard material which is very difficult to drill. Conventional clips supplied with stainless steel sinks require drilling of the work surface, and are thus very difficult to use with granite.

An alternative method of fixing an under-slung sink is to make a softwood frame, place the sink in position on the frame, place silicone sealant around the edge of the sink and fit the granite work surface over the sink. This has the problem that if the sink needs to be replaced, the granite work surface first needs to be lifted. This means that damage to the work top, surrounding tiles and fittings is likely. Replacing an under-slung sink is thus time consuming and costly and may result in a work area around the sink that is damaged.

A further alternative is to place silicone sealant around the top of the sink, and use a two-part resin to adhere the sink in place. Not only is it time consuming to use the two-part resin, but also problems occur with the resin failing and the sink becoming detached from the work surface. This is potentially unsafe as well as unsatisfactory for the user of the sink.

An aim of the present invention is to address the problems that the prior art has described herein or elsewhere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a clip for holding a first article in contact with a second article, comprising a first portion for insertion into a groove in the first article and a second portion abutting against the second article, the first portion extending substantially at right angles to the second portion.

Preferably the clip is adapted such that the greater a separating force between the first and second articles, the stronger the grip of the clip.

Preferably the clip is resilient. The clip may have a first portion in the form of a shallow V shape.

Preferably the first portion is adapted to be held in the groove by friction.

Preferably the first article is a work surface, and may be a kitchen work surface. Preferably, the work surface is granite.

Preferably the second article is a sink. Alternatively the second article may be a kitchen unit or a support leg.

Preferably the clip is made of spring steel. Preferably the clip is 2 mm or 3 mm in width.

Preferably the groove is 15 mm or 22 mm in depth. Preferably the groove is 2.5 mm or 4 mm in width.

The second article may be a temporary fencing arrangement.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a clip for holding a sink in contact with a work surface, comprising a first portion for insertion into a groove in the work surface and a second portion abutting against the sink.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a sink clip as hereinbefore described.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a sink arrangement comprising a sink and a plurality of clips, wherein the clips are as hereinbefore described.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of attaching a first article to a second article, comprising the steps of cutting at least one groove in the first article, locating the second article on the first article, and inserting each of at least one clips into a corresponding groove to attach the first article to the second article.

Preferably, the step of cutting the at least one groove in the first article comprises cutting the at least one groove substantially parallel to an edge of the second article. The at least one groove may be cut by means of an angle grinder. The angle grinder may be a 41″ angle grinder.

Preferably, the step of inserting each clip into a corresponding one of said at least one groove comprises partially inserting each clip into the corresponding groove, optionally adjusting the position of the second article, and then fully inserting each clip into the corresponding groove.

Preferably, the step of partially inserting each clip into the corresponding groove is carried out by means of the fingers of a fitter.

Preferably, the step of fully inserting each clip into the corresponding groove is carried out by means of a hammer.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of attaching an under-slung sink to a work surface, comprising the steps of cutting a plurality of grooves in the lower surface of the work surface at a distance from an opening in the work surface under which the sink is to be located, locating the sink under the opening, inserting each of a plurality of clips into a corresponding groove.

Preferably the step of placing silicone around the edge of the sink is carried out before the step of locating the sink in position under an opening.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of attaching a first article to a second article, wherein the clip is as hereinbefore described.

The present invention includes any combination of the herein referred to features or limitations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clip according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view from below of a sink installed on a work surface by means of the clips of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view from the side of a sink installed on a work surface by means of the clips of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a clip arrangement of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5a shows a cross sectional view through the groove of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5b shows a cross sectional view through the groove of FIG. 4 when an alternative clip is inserted;

FIG. 6 is a view from below of a leg arrangement for supporting a work surface using the clip of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a temporary fencing arrangement using a further embodiment of the clip of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a clip 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The clip 10 comprises a first portion 12 and a second portion 14 extending substantially at right angles to the first portion 12. The clip 10 is designed to have a degree of resilience as will be described below. The clip 10 may be made from 3 mm or 2 mm thick spring steel.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a sink 22 which has been attached to the lower surface of a granite work surface 20 by means of clips 10. The granite work surface 20 has a number of grooves 24 machined into the lower surface, each groove 24 being parallel to the closest edge of the sink 22. Each groove 24 is 22 mm deep and 4 mm wide or 15 mm deep and 2.5 mm wide, according to the thickness of the clip 10.

In use, the sink is placed in position under an opening 26 in the granite work surface 20. The first portion 12 of each clip 10 is received in a respective groove 24. The relative size of the first portion 12 of the clip and the groove 24 are determined such that the clip 10 can be partially inserted in the groove 24 using finger pressure, and is held in position in the groove 24 by friction between the first portion 12 and the surface of the groove. In this position the clips 10 are able carry the weight of the sink 22 on their second portions 14. This enables a fitter to move the sink on the clips until the sink 22 is in the correct position. The clips 10 are also designed such that the first portions 12 can be fully inserted in the respective grooves 24 by tapping with a hammer. In the fully installed position each clip 10 is capable of carrying a greater amount weight placed on the second portion 14. Indeed, the shape of the clip 10 means that in the fully installed position, as the force on the second portion 14 increases, the clip 10 becomes more strongly wedged within the groove 24.

The first portion 12 of the clip 10 may have a shallow V shape as illustrated in FIG. 1 and 5a. The V shape is resilient and provides three areas of strong contact with the inside of the groove. Alternatively, first portion 12′ of the clip 10 may be flat, as illustrated in FIG. 5b. The fact that the work surface 20 is made of granite means that the interior of the groove provides a very hard, high friction surface which is excellent for the clip to engage with.

An exemplary method of installing an under-slung sink 22 will now be described. The granite work surface 20 is placed with its lower side facing upwards. The sink 22 is placed in the desired position on the lower side of the granite work surface 20. A line is then drawn around the sink 22 with chalk and the sink 22 removed. At each of the points around the chalk line where it is desired to place a clip 10, a groove 24 is cut parallel to the chalk line and at 20 mm from the chalk line and externally of the chalk line. Each groove 24 is cut using a 41″ angle grinder. The granite work surface 20 is then located in its desired position.

When attaching the sink 22 to the granite work surface 20, silicone is first applied around a flange 28 of the sink 22 and the sink 22 lifted into place. The silicone provides a water tight seal between the sink 22 and the granite work surface 20. The first portion 12 of each of the clips 10 may then be located in a partially inserted position in respective grooves 24 by pressing with a finger or thumb. In the partially inserted position, the clips 10 are sufficiently secure within the grooves 24 to hold the sink 22 in place whilst allowing play between the sink 22 and the work surface 20. This allows the sink 22 to be accurately aligned and yet be supported by the clips 10. A hammer, such as a pin hammer, is then used to finally tap the clips 10 to a fully installed position in the granite work surface 20. This secures the sink 22 firmly between the second portion 14 of the clip 10 and the work surface 20.

Once installed, the shape of the clip 10 is such that the more downwards pressure that is applied to the sink 22, and hence to the second portion 14 of the clip 10, the more securely the clip 10 is held in the respective groove 24. The limiting factor for failure of the sink 22 arrangement when under load is therefore likely to be failure of the sink 22 itself.

The simple design of the clip 10 of the present invention enables the fitter to install an under-slung sink 22 easily and quickly, and also ensures its safeness and sturdiness. A standard sink 22 can be fitted and secured by the clips 10 in around 10 to 15 minutes.

The clips 10 not only secure the sink 22 to the granite work surface 20, but is capable of withstanding extreme pressure that may be encountered in retail and domestic environments, such as the weight of an average person.

When it is desired to replace a sink 22, the clips 10 can be tapped sideways by means of a hammer to release the sink 22 from the work surface 20. The clips 10 may have to be tapped several times in opposing directions before they finally work loose. Thus the work surface 20 can remain in position, avoiding unnecessary damage.

Although the clip 10 has been described above for use in supporting a sink 22, it could be used in any application where one item needs to be held in close contact with another item. When a separating force is applied to the items the clip 10 serves to hold the items in even stronger contact.

For example, the clips 10 may be used to fit kitchen units to granite work surfaces. Again, the clips 10 are strong in use, but are easily removable, thus avoiding damage to both the units and the work surfaces.

FIG. 6 shows a work surface 40 in a kitchen that requires a support leg 42. The support leg 42 may be provided with a plate fitting 44. The plate fitting 44 is shown as triangular, but may be any suitable shape. Three grooves 46 are cut in the lower surface of the work surface 40, one at the centre of each side of the plate fitting 44, parallel to the side and at a predetermined distance from the side. Each groove 46 receives in use a clip 10 for securing the plate fitting 44 to the lower surface of the work surface 40 as described above.

FIG. 7 shows temporary safety fencing 60 of the type used to keep pedestrian and/or traffic away from road works. The fencing 60 includes a weighted base 62 to prevent the fencing 60 from falling over. However, this weighting is often not sufficient in high winds or if the fencing 60 is accidentally or deliberately pushed over. One or more larger scale versions 64 of the clip 10 described above may be used to secure the base 62 to a road surface. A first portion 70 of the clip 64 is inserted in a groove 66 cut in the road surface, whilst a second portion 72 of the clip 10 bears on an inner surface of a recess 68 in the base 62. If a force is applied to the base, tending to lift the base from the tarmac, the clip will apply a counter force to the inner surface of the recess 68.

The clip 10 functions most effectively in conjunction with grooves 24 cut in hard surfaces such as granite, but could be used with any other suitable surfaces.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1-31. (canceled)

32. A clip for releasably clamping an article to a support that comprises a hard material and includes a surface having a groove machined therein, wherein the clip comprises an inserted portion for insertion into the groove and a clamping portion for abutting against the article in order to, in use, clamp the article between the clamping portion and the surface of the support, and wherein the clip is shaped such that, in use, when the clamping portion abuts the article, the inserted portion is angled across the groove such that a first location on the inserted portion engages a near side of the groove relative to the clamping portion and a second location on the inserted portion spaced from the first location and towards the surface engages a far side of the groove relative to the clamping portion.

33. The clip according to claim 32, wherein the clip is resilient and made of spring steel.

34. The clip according to claim 32, wherein the inserted portion forms a shallow V shape.

35. A work surface clip comprising a clip as claimed in claim 32.

36. A granite work surface clip comprising a clip as claimed in claim 32.

37. A sink clip comprising a clip as claimed in claim 32.

38. A kitchen unit clip comprising a clip as claimed in claim 32.

39. A support leg clip comprising a clip as claimed in claim 32.

40. A sink arrangement comprising a sink and a plurality of sink clips, wherein the sink clips are as claimed in claim 37.

41. The sink arrangement according to claim 40, wherein the inserted portion is held in the groove by friction.

42. A method of attaching an article to a support comprising a hard material, the method comprising the steps of cutting at least one groove in the support, locating the article on the support, and inserting a clip into each groove to attach the first article to the second article, wherein the clip is as claimed in claim 32.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of cutting the at least one groove in the support comprises cutting the at least one groove substantially parallel to an edge of the article and cut by means of an angle grinder.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of inserting a clip into each groove comprises partially inserting each clip into the corresponding groove, optionally adjusting the position of the article with respect to the support, and then fully inserting each clip into the corresponding groove to firmly clamp the article.

45. A method of attaching an under-slung sink to a work surface using sink clips as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method comprises the steps according to the method as claimed in claim 42.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the step of placing silicone around the edge of the sink is carried out before the step of locating the sink in position under an opening.