BATTEN FIXING SYSTEM

Abstract

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a batten fixing system includes a clip having an attachment to attach the clip to a surface so that a first side of the clip faces the surface, and having parallel spaced rails on a second, opposite side of the clip to the first side. The batten fixing system further includes an engagement profile provided on a batten, the engagement profile having spaced apart feet that are held in engagement under force by the parallel rails of the clip.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to batten fixing systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Architectural decorative linings are becoming more widely used for external claddings and facades, as well as internal ceilings and feature walls. These linings can be in the form of linear timber or aluminium battens that are secured to the structure for aesthetic appeal. For example, spaced apart battens may be applied to a wall for purely aesthetic appeal, or they may form the structure of an external wall/divider to provide both an aesthetically appealing and functional structure. The fabrication and installation of these products can be difficult, which can impact the commerciality of the products and timeframes to get the product installed on the work site. For example, there is a higher demand in meeting architect specifications, such as concealment of the fixings and an aesthetic look, while providing a product that is relatively simple to install. Most commercial facades are designed and engineered on a project specific basis rather than being based on an efficient, pre-engineered, modular system.

It is in light of the complexity of the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of architectural decorative linings that the invention was conceived.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a batten fixing system comprising:

a clip having an attachment to attach the clip to a surface so that a first side of the clip faces the surface, and having parallel spaced rails on a second, opposite side of the clip to the first side; and

an engagement profile provided on a batten, the engagement profile having spaced apart feet that are held in engagement under force by the parallel rails of the clip.

It will be understood that the term batten includes items such as facade blades and fins.

The batten fixing system may also comprise a locking piece located on the clip to anchor one of the feet to the clip, preferably by setting the foot in compression. The locking piece may include a biasing member, such as an upstanding barb, that bears against one of the feet to force the foot into compressed engagement between one of the rails and the locking piece. The locking piece may be substantially rigid but may exhibit a small degree of resilience. The upstanding barb may cut into one of the feet to restrict relative movement between the clip and the engagement profile.

The clip may further have a protruding guide positioned near and biased towards one rail, the protruding guide defining a gap with the rail into which a foot can be guided and latched under bias from the guide. The protruding guide may include a curve that deflects to widen the gap and guide the foot into the gap.

The spacing between the feet, measured at a base of the feet, is defined by a section on the engagement profile that extends between the feet. The distance between outer extremities of the feet may be the same or larger than the distance between inner engagement surfaces on the rails. At least one of the feet or the rails may exhibit resilience. The feet may have underhooked ends that engage with overhooked ends on the rails.

By providing a resilient foot or rail the foot or rail can flex to allow assembly and to latch the underhooked/overhooked end of the corresponding foot/rail. If the feet are wider than the rails the feet may be held in place under compression between the rails.

The attachment on the clip may attach the clip to a track. The attachment may include the clip having flanges shaped to create a twist lock connection with the track.

The engagement profile may be formed with the batten frame. Alternatively, the engagement profile may be provided on an insert comprising a tenon extending from the engagement profile, where the tenon is adapted to be inserted and secured in a mortise of a batten.

The invention also provides a method of fixing a batten to a surface including: fixing a track to a surface; attaching a clip to the track; engaging a batten having an engagement profile on one side thereof to the clip by hooking a first foot of the engagement profile into engagement with a first rail of the clip, hinging the batten about the first foot and guiding a second foot of the engagement profile into engagement with a second rail of the clip so that the engagement profile is held in engagement under force by the clip.

The method may include fixing multiple tracks at spaced apart intervals, and fixing one or more clips to each track, wherein the clips are in line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment, incorporating all aspects of the invention, will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

FIG. 1A is a front view of a first embodiment of a batten fixing system, showing an engagement profile of a batten moving into engagement with a clip;

FIG. 1B is an isometric view of the batten fixing system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the clip shown in FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 2B to 2D are front, plan and side views of the clip shown in FIG. 2A, respectively;

FIG. 2E is a front view of the engagement profile shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2F is a front view of the engagement profile shown in FIG. 2E in engagement with the clip shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2G is an isometric view of the clip and a locking piece;

FIG. 2H is an isometric view of the clip and locking piece of FIG. 2G with the engagement profile connected to the clip;

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the clip being positioned into a track;

FIG. 3B is a plan view of the clip being rotated into a locking position in the track;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are end views of the track shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively;

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of the locking piece;

FIGS. 5B to 5D are front, plan and side views of the locking piece shown in FIG. 5A, respectively;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of two different styles of track;

FIG. 7A is another embodiment of a batten fixing system including a tenon for inserting into a mortise of a timber batten;

FIGS. 7B and 7C are front and side views, respectively, of the tenon shown in FIG. 7A;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are front isometric and side isometric views of metal battens installed across multiple levels of an open building structure;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of battens installed on a panel;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are front isometric and side isometric views of wooden battens installed across multiple levels of an open building structure;

FIG. 10C is an enlarged view of a tenon and rail connection shown in FIG. 10B;

FIG. 11A is a front view of an alternative batten fixing system, showing an alternative engagement profile of a batten moving into engagement with an alternative clip;

FIG. 11B is a front view of the engagement profile and the clip shown in FIG. 11A in engagement;

FIG. 11C is an isometric view of the batten fixing system shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are close up views of the engagement profile and clip shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, respectively;

FIG. 13A is an isometric view of the track shown in FIG. 3B with multiple clips attached to the track;

FIG. 13B is an isometric view of the track shown in FIG. 13A with multiple battens installed on the clips;

FIG. 14A is a front view of various nose sections for a batten;

FIG. 14B is a front view of various battens and stackable batten sections;

FIG. 15A is a front view of a batten with a stacked batten/batten section and a stacked nose section;

FIG. 15B is a close up view of area ‘A’ in FIG. 15A, showing the connection between the batten and the stackable batten section;

FIG. 15C is an isometric view of installation of an end cap on the batten shown in FIG. 15A; and

FIG. 16 is a front view of the removal process for a batten attached to a clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A to 16 show embodiments of a batten fixing system 10. The batten fixing system comprises a clip 20, 120 having an attachment to attach the clip 20, 120 to a surface so that one side 22 of the clip faces the surface, which could be a carrier track 80. The clip 20, 120 has parallel spaced rails, shown as first rail 24, 124 and second rail 25, 125, on an opposite side 23 of the clip 20, 120. The batten fixing system 10 also has an engagement profile 40 adapted to be provided on a batten 50. The engagement profile 40 has spaced apart feet, shown as first foot 44, 144 and second foot 45, 145, that locate between, and are held in engagement under force by, the first rail 24, 124 and the second rail 25, 125 of the clip 20, 120.

The engagement profile 40, which has a constant cross-sectional profile, can be integrally formed with the batten 50, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Integrally forming the engagement profile 40 with the batten 50 is advantageous when, for example, the batten 50 is manufactured from an extruded material, such as aluminium. Extruding the batten 50 and engagement profile 40 as a single piece results in the engagement profile running along the entire length of the extruded batten 50. The engagement profile 40 is located at a longitudinal edge of the batten 50, such as a side or the rear 52 of the batten 50. An advantage of providing the engagement profile 40 at the rear of the batten is that it is possible to hide the engagement profile 40 and the clip 20 behind the batten 50, forming a more aesthetically pleasing product.

Alternatively, the engagement profile 40 may be a separate component that is connected or joined to the batten 50, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C and discussed in more detail below. Having the engagement profile 40 as a separate part to the batten 50 is advantageous when, for example, the batten 50 is manufactured from a non-extruded material, such as wood (as discussed later). The engagement profile 40 is positioned at a longitudinal edge of the batten 50, such as the rear 52, allowing the engagement profile 40 to be partially or fully hidden by the batten 50 when installed.

Referring to FIG. 2E, the engagement profile 40 includes a section 48 extending between the feet 44, 45 to maintain the spacing between the feet. Each of the feet 44, 45 have underhooked ends 46, 47 and a ridge 49 at a lowermost part of each of the feet 44, 45. The engagement profile 40 is symmetrical, allowing it to be attached to the clip 20 in two orientations. In other words, the engagement profile 40 is reversible.

Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2D, the first rail 24 and the second rail 25 of the clip 20 have different profiles. First rail 24 has a hinging profile 24′ and second rail 25 has a latching profile 25′. The hinging profile 24′ has an overhooked end 26 that forms a recess 27 having a pivoting surface 27′. The latching profile 25′ has an overhooked end 28 that forms a latch 29.

Referring to FIGS. 2F to 2H, 3A, 3B and 5A to 5D, the batten fixing system 10 has a locking piece 60 to set one of the feet 44, 45 in compression. The locking piece 60 is attached to the clip 20 and has two locating members, shown as end flanges 61, 62, that locate the locking piece 60 on the clip 20, optionally together with other fasteners such as rivets. The locking piece 60 is positioned so that it abuts the inside edge of the first rail 24. The flanges 61, 62 assist in keeping the locking piece 60 in position until it is fastened to the clip 20 (discussed later). The locking piece 60 is rigid, for example it is made from stainless steel, and has one or more biasing members, shown as four upstanding barbs 64. The barbs 64 aid in restricting relative movement between the engagement profile 40 and the clip 20 when connected.

In order to connect the engagement profile 40 to the clip 20 one of the two feet 44, 45 is hooked into engagement with the hinging profile 24′ of the first rail 24. For example, the underhooked end 46 of the first foot 44 is positioned in the recess 27 (see FIG. 2B) and hooked into engagement with the overhooked end 26 of the first rail 24 to engage the hinging profile 24′.

At this stage of connecting the engagement profile 40 to the clip 20 the batten 50 is at an angle to the clip 20 (as shown in FIG. 1A) and the first foot 44 bears against the upstanding barbs 64 on the locking piece 60. Further rotation of the engagement profile 40 causes the underhooked end 46 of the first foot 44 to zero against the recess 27 and force the first foot 44 into compression engagement with the first rail 24. The upstanding barbs 64 bear against the first foot 44 to force the foot into compressed engagement between the first rail 24 and the locking piece 60.

In other words, the first foot 44 is compressed between the locking piece 60 and the first rail 24 of the clip 20. At the same time, the upstanding barbs 64 cut into the ridge 49 of the first foot 44. The barbs 64 dig into the ridge 49 to anchor the foot resisting relative movement between the first foot 44 and the clip 20. At this stage of connecting the engagement profile 40 to the clip 20 the batten 50 is not yet perpendicular to the clip 20.

Still further rotation of the engagement profile 40 about the hinging profile 24′ guides the second foot 45 to latch into engagement with the second rail 25 of the clip 20 by flexing the second foot 45 so that the underhooked end 47 of the second foot 45 can pass the overhooked end 28 of the second rail 25. The second foot 45 is sufficiently resilient so that the underhooked end 47 of the second foot 45 is latched by the latch 29, thereby preventing the engagement profile 40 from rotating out of engagement with the clip 20 (i.e. through a latching force). In this position the underhooked ends 46, 47 of the feet 44, 45 engage with the overhooked ends 26, 27 of the rails 24, 25 and the batten 50 is perpendicular to the clip 20. The engagement profile 40 and the clip 20 are held in engagement by force (namely the compression force on the first foot 44 and the latching force on the second foot 45). The “rolling in” of the engagement profile 40 into the clip 20 allows for easy assembly of the batten fixing system 10.

The upstanding barbs 64 of the locking piece 60 resist relative sliding or slipping movement between the clip 20 and the engagement profile 40. For example, if the batten fixing system 10 is used for attaching a batten 50 vertically (see FIGS. 8 to 10), the upstanding barbs 64 will resist the downwards force induced by gravity and prevent the batten 50 from sliding lower, thereby maintaining the vertical positon of the batten 50. For battens that are mounted horizontally, such as on ceilings, the upstanding barbs 64 resist horizontal movement of the battens.

The distance between the outer extremities of the feet 44, 45 may be larger than the distance between inner engagement surfaces on the rails 24, 25 (i.e. the hinging profile 24′ and the latching profile 25′). The feet 44, 45 of the engagement profile 40 may therefore be under compression when attached to the clip 20.

The clip 20 also has a protruding guide 70 positioned near and biased towards the second rail 25. The protruding guide 70 defines a gap between it and the second rail 25 into which the second foot 45 can be guided and latched under bias from the guide 70. The protruding guide 70 is curved and deflects to widen the gap and guide the second foot 45 into the gap as the engagement profile 40 is rotated into engagement.

The clip 20 is manufactured from a metal, such as aluminium. This allows the clip 20, which has a constant cross-sectional profile, to be extruded. A length of the clip extrusion can be formed and then cut to size to form several clips 20.

The clips also have a twist lock connection, such as bayonet type geometry, to assist in attaching clip to a surface, for example if the clip is to be attached to a track 80. The clip 20 is shaped to create the twist connection and has a first flange 74 and a second flange 76. The first flange 74 extends beyond the main body of the clip 20 in one direction and the second flange 76 extends beyond the main body of the clip 20 in an opposite direction. The first and second flanges 74, 76 have end surfaces 75, 77. The bayonet type geometry is formed by machining the extruded aluminium clips 20. The machining step may be carried out after the clips 20 have been cut to size. Alternatively, a single machining step can be used to cut the clips 20 to size and form the bayonet geometry. Standard machining, such as CNC milling, is used to form the bayonet type geometry.

Referring to FIGS. 3A to 4B, in order to attach the clip 20 to the track 80, the clip is rotated so that it will fit past the retaining arms 81, 82. The clip 20 is then rotated (clockwise in this example) into a locking position so that the end surfaces 75, 77 of the first and second flanges 74, 76 are perpendicular to and abut side walls 83, 84 of the retaining arms 81, 82. Rivets 85 are then used to secure the orientation and position of the clip 20 (and the locking piece 60). The rivets are not designed to add strength to the connection. Instead, the retaining arms 81, 82 provide the strength of the fitting, and the rivets help to keep the bayonet type geometry in the correct orientation so that the clip engages the retaining arms.

It will be understood that while the clip 20 has been described as being secured to the track 80 by rivets, it is possible to use any type of fastener or attachment means to secure the orientation of the clip 20. For example, screws, nuts and bolts or adhesives could be used to secure the orientation and position of the clip 20. For example, if the track is made from metal a tek screw could be used to secure the clip 20 to the track 80.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show aluminium battens 50 attached to tracks 80 across multiple levels of the exterior of an open building structure, such as a car park. The tracks 80 are attached to pillars 87 that form part of the building structure. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the battens 50 can also be attached to panel structures 88 by fixing the tracks 80 directly to the panel structure 88. Each track 80 can accommodate multiple clips 20 to allow for multiple battens to be mounted using a single track. In practice, when forming a wall of substantially vertical battens, two or more spaced apart tracks 80 will be positioned substantially horizontal and parallel to each other. A clip 20 will be attached to each track 80 for each batten 50. That is, if there are two tracks 80 and three battens 50, six clips 20 will be attached to the tracks 80, three in each track 80. The clips 20 that correspond to a single batten 50 will be located substantially vertically in line with each other. Alternatively, a wall of substantially horizontal battens can be formed with two or more spaced apart substantially vertical tracks.

Once the clips 20 and tracks are installed the battens 50 can be easily attached to the clips via the engagement profile 40. If two or more tracks are used, the installation of the batten to the two in line clips 20 assists in keeping the clips in the correct orientation to engage the retaining arms 81, 82. The tracks may be attached to an existing wall. Alternatively the tracks 80 may be attached to a substructure that allows the attached battens to form a divider between two spaces. The tracks may be curved to fit curved walls or to create curved dividers. Due to the strength of the interaction between the bayonet type geometry of the clips 20 and the retaining arms 81, 82 of the track 80 it is possible to increase the spacing between the tracks 80. A strong connection is important in order to resist wind load and handle the weight of larger battens.

The clips 20 can be attached to the tracks 80 in a factory before they are transported to the final location for installation (i.e. for a pre-designed structure). This allows the quick and precise assembly of the battens 50 onto the clips 20 once the tracks 80 are installed. The modularity of the system allows workers at the factory to easily preassemble the clips 20 and tracks 80 to custom designs specified by the client (e.g. an architect).

For example, an architect can specify the size, shape and spacing of the battens to the designer. The designer then designs and manufactures the rails 80 and the battens 50, and attaches the clips 20 to the rails 80 before sending the rails 80 (with the mounted clips 20) and the battens 50 to the builder. The builder can then attach the rails 80 to an exterior or interior of the building (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13A), after which the battens 50 can be quickly attached to the pre-installed clips 20 (as shown in FIG. 13B). This helps to reduce the on-site installation time of the battens.

Alternatively, the tracks 80, clips 20 and battens 50 can all be purchased separately and assembled on site to any desired set up.

Referring to FIG. 13B, the length of the engagement profile 40 is greater than the length of the clip 20 to allow the vertical position of the batten 50 to be decided on site when it is installed. If the batten 50 is made from an extrudable material, such as aluminium, the engagement profile will run the entire length of the extrusion. This is possible as the cross-section of the engagement profile is constant.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, different tracks 80, 180 may be provided for various installation situations. Track 80 is suitable for piggybacking off continual surfaces. Track 180 is suitable for spanning purposes between vertical surfaces.

Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7C, an alternative embodiment is shown in which the batten is made from wood. The batten 50 has a mortise 90 to allow a tenon 95 to be inserted and secured therein. The tenon 95 is glued into the mortise 90 before the batten is attached to the clips 20. The tenon 95 has an engagement profile 40 at the base of the tenon 95. The tenon 95 is made from a metal, such as aluminium. The tenon 95 is extruded. The extruded tenon shape can be cut to a desired length for insertion into the mortise 90. For example, the mortise 90 may be 150 mm long and the tenon extrusion cut to produce a tenon 95 that fits into the mortise 90.

Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10C, the wooden battens 50 are shown installed on an open structure across multiple levels. The mortise 90 does not extend the entire length of the wooden batten 50. One or more discrete mortises 90 are cut into the wooden batten 50 and a tenon 95 is inserted into each mortise 90. The location of the mortises 90, which have the engagement profile 40 attached thereto, are designed to correlate with the desired location of the tracks 80 (FIG. 10C), and therefore the clips 20.

The method of fixing a batten 50 to a surface includes: fixing a track 80 to a surface; attaching a clip 20 to the track 80; and engaging a batten 50 having an engagement profile 40 at an end thereof to the clip 20 by hooking a first foot 44 of the engagement profile 40 into engagement with a first rail 24 of the clip 20, hinging the batten 50 about the first foot 44 and guiding a second foot 45 of the engagement profile 40 into engagement with a second rail 25 of the clip 20 so that the engagement profile 40 is held in engagement under force by the clip 20.

The above steps do not need to proceed in the order identified above. For example, as described above, the clip 20 may be attached to the track 80 before the track is fixed to a surface.

Referring to FIGS. 11A to 12B, an alternative batten fixing system is shown in which like features are shown with like numbers prefixed by the number ‘1’. The batten fixing system 110 comprises a clip 120 having an attachment to attach the clip 120 to a surface so that one side 122 of the clip faces the surface, such as carrier track 80. The clip 120 has parallel spaced rails, shown as first rail 124 and second rail 125, on an opposite side 123 of the clip 120. The batten fixing system 110 also has an engagement profile 140 adapted to be provided on a batten 50. The engagement profile 140 has spaced apart feet, shown as first foot 144 and second foot 145, that locate between, and are held in engagement under force by, the first rail 124 and the second rail 125 of the clip 120. Notably the clip does not have the protruding guide 70.

The engagement profile 140 includes a section 148 extending between the feet 144, 145 to maintain the spacing between the feet 144, 145. Notably the spacing between the end of the feet 144, 145 and the root of the feet where they meet section 148 is greater than in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 2H. The greater spacing increases the effective length of the feet 144, 145, which in turn increases their flexibility and ability to deflect resulting in attachment of the engagement profile 140 to the clip 120 to occur with less force.

The batten fixing system 110 also has a locking piece 160 to set one of the feet 144, 145 in compression. The locking piece 160 is attached to the clip 120 as described above. The engagement profile 140 is attached to the clip 120 in the same manner as described above when referring to attaching engagement profile 40 to clip 20.

Each of the feet 144, 145 have underhooked ends 146, 147 and a ridge 149 at a lowermost part of each of the feet 144, 145. The engagement profile 140 is symmetrical, allowing it to be attached to the clip 20 in two orientations. In other words, the engagement profile 40 is reversible. The underhooked ends 146, 147 of the feet 144, 145 are wider than the space between the first and second rails 124, 125 so that the feet 144, 145 are held in place under compression between the rails 124, 125.

The first rail 124 and the second rail 125 of the clip 120 have different profiles. First rail 124 has a hinging profile formed by an overhooked end 126 that forms a recess 127. The second rail 125 has a latching profile formed by an overhooked end 128 that forms a latch 129. The latching area formed by the overhooked end 128 is greater than the latching area formed by the overhooked end 28 (shown in FIG. 2F). The larger latching area helps to ensure that the second foot 145 of the engagement profile 140 remains latched by the overhooked end 128.

Although engagement profile 140 is only shown connected to clip 120, the engagement profile 140 can also be used with clip 20. In addition, the engagement profile 40, whether integrated with the batten 50 (FIGS. 2E and 2F) or the tenon 95 (FIGS. 7A to 7C), can be used with clip 120. Furthermore, the engagement profile 40 of the tenon 95 (shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C) can also be modified to more closely replicate the engagement profile 140 by increasing the effective length of the feet 44, 45.

Furthermore, the clips 20, 120 can be provided with variable spacings between the rails in order to accommodate batten engagement profiles of different widths. Referring specifically to FIG. 13A, clips 20 are illustrated mounted to a track 80 where the clips have different spacings between their respective rails. FIG. 13B illustrates battens 200 having different widths mounted on the track/clip system of FIG. 13A, where battens and clips of corresponding widths are engaged.

Referring to FIGS. 14A to 15B an alternative version of a batten member is shown in which the batten member protruding from the batten fixing system can be extended outwardly of the mounting surface and presents different aesthetic nosings, or finishes, at the outer end of the batten member.

The batten 200 shown in FIG. 14B has an attachment means at the front of a base batten 200 (namely, at the end opposite to the engagement profile 40) for attaching to the batten 200 a batten extension piece 210 or a nose piece 220. Accordingly, the final batten member can comprise a stacked arrangement of a base batten piece 200, extension pieces 210 and a nose piece 220.

The attachment means is shown as a male and female connection, and more specifically as push-click system that allows a batten extension piece 210 or a nose piece 220 to be pushed directly into the batten 200. The batten has the female portion 202 of the push-click system. The extension pieces 210 have two attachment means, a male portion 212 at one end and a female portion 214 at the opposite end. This allows the extension pieces 210 to be stacked one on top of another to a desired depth. The extension pieces 210 can be supplied in different depths to suit the length and width of a base batten.

Referring to FIG. 14B, the batten 200 has a section 48 extending between the feet of the engagement profile 40 to maintain the spacing between the feet. The batten 200 has a bracing member 208 that is connected to the outer walls 209 of the batten 200. The bracing member 208 is angled relative to the section 48 to provide support when lateral forces are applied to the batten 200. The batten extension pieces 210 have a section 216 extending between the male portion 212 of the attachment means. The batten extension pieces 210 have a bracing member 218 that is connected to the outer walls 219 of the batten extension piece 210. The bracing member 218 is angled relative to the section 216 to provide support when lateral forces are applied to the batten extension piece 210.

The nose pieces 220 have a single attachment means, namely a male portion 221. A nose piece 220 may be attached to a base batten 200 or a batten extension piece 210 through the male portion 222. The nose piece can be formed as a flat end piece 228 or in various other shapes for aesthetic appeal as illustrated in FIG. 14A. For example, the nose piece may be formed as a semicircle (or “dome) 222, a peak 224, or an inverted semicircle (or “flute”) 226. The nose pieces 220 can be supplied in different lengths and widths to match the base batten to which it will directly or indirectly be attached.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the battens 200 may come in different widths. For example, the batten may be between 20 mm and 300 mm in width, between 40 mm and 200 mm in width, between 50 mm and 150 mm in width, 50 mm in width, 100 mm in width or 150 mm in width. The corresponding engagement profile may be substantially the same width of the batten, substantially greater than the width of the batten, or substantially smaller than the width of the batten, depending on the desired aesthetic effect. The length of the battens 50 can vary from as short as 500 mm to as long as 7000 mm. The battens 50 can have a length of between 2000 mm and 5000 mm. The battens can have a length of between 3000 mm and 4000 mm. The battens can have a length of between 3000 mm and 3500 mm.

The attachment means can also include an arm 204 that, once the male and female portions are connected, forms a hole for a screw. Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15C, when extension piece 210 is connected to batten 200 the arm 204 on the batten and the male portion 212 of the attachment means forms a hole 206. The attachment means between the first extension piece 210 and the second extension piece 210, and between the second extension piece 210 and the nose 228, also form corresponding holes.

Referring to FIG. 15C, an end cap 230 is attached to the batten and stacker assembly using screws that locate in the holes 206 in the attachment means. The screws secure the end cap 230 to the batten 50. The screw also secures the extension piece 210 to the batten, thereby preventing disassembly without first removing the screw. The end cap 230 acts to hide the hollow core of the batten 50. The end cap 230 extends to cover the engagement profile 40, resulting in the end cap overlying the clip 20 when assembled. If the end cap 230 is in contact with a clips (i.e. if a clip is located at the extremity of the engagement profile) the end cap 230 prevents the batten 50 from slipping or sliding relative to the clip 20.

While the attachment means has been described as a push-click system it is envisaged that any suitable attachment means can be used. For example, the attachment means could be screws, bolts, glue, etc.

Referring to FIG. 16, the batten fixing system is designed to allow disassembly of the engagement profile 140 from the clip 120 without damaging either component. A tool, for example a lever 240, can be inserted between the foot 145 and the second rail 125 and used to pry the foot 145 from being retained by the second rail 125. The batten 50 can then be removed from the clip by rotating the batten 50 away from the clip 120 (i.e. the reverse of the installation process). This allows one or more of the components to be reused in the future.

It will be understood that multiple tracks 80 can be fixed at spaced apart intervals. A clip 20 can be fixed to each track with the two clips 20 being positioned in line with each other.

While the invention has been described as preferably having feet 44, 45 that locate between rails 24, 25, it is envisaged that the feet 44, 45 could be redesigned to locate on outer surfaces of the rails 24, 25 so that the feet 44, 45 are held in engagement under force by the first rail 24 and the second rail 25 of the clip 20. In other words, the rails 24, 25 of the clip can locate between the feet 44, 45 of the engagement profile.

Although the second foot 45 has been described herein as deforming to allow the underhooked end 47 of the second foot 45 to pass the overhooked end 28 of the second rail 25, the batten fixing system could still function if only at least one of the feet 44, 45 or the rails 24, 25 is flexible.

While the first foot 44 has been described as being compressed between the locking piece 60 and the first rail 24, the batten fixing system would function without the locking function. For example, the clip 20 or the foot 44 could be specifically shaped to allow the hinging action to function without the locking piece 60. Such a shape could, for example, include the foot ridge 49 being larger and shaped with an increasing radius to act as a cam against to allow the foot to hinge and then lock against overhooked end 26. In addition, for horizontally mounted ceiling battens the anti-slip functionality of the barbs 64 on the locking piece 60 provide a desired feature, rather than an essential feature.

It will be understood that while the upstanding elements on the locking piece have been described as barbs, the barbs could be any suitable structure, including tabs, that will assist in locking the engagement profile in position. For example, the locking piece may be made from a steel sheet that is pressed to form the barbs (protrusions) and the flanges 61, 62 (downwards extending elements).

The present batten fixing system provides a quick and simple to install pre-indexing system that can be formed according to architect design. The pre-engineered clips and interlocking engagement profile provide a system that unskilled persons can install with ease yet provide a professional, architectural appearance by way of the concealed fixings.

The battens, or blades, can also be made to an unlimited number of different designs, specifications and sequences that will in turn provide architects with an almost unlimited design palette.

While the batten fixing system has been described as being attached to an open building structure, such as a car park, it is envisaged that the batten fixing system can be used with any suitable building structure. For example, the batten fixing system can be used with an open or closed building structure. The batten fixing system can also be used with a multistory building.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A batten fixing system comprising:

a clip having an attachment to attach the clip to a surface so that a first side of the clip faces the surface, and having parallel spaced rails on a second, opposite side of the clip to the first side; and

an engagement profile provided on a batten, the engagement profile having spaced apart feet that are held in engagement under force by the parallel rails of the clip.

2. The batten fixing system of claim 1, wherein the spaced apart feet locate between the parallel rails of the clip.

3. The batten fixing system of claim 2, wherein the distance between outer extremities of the feet is larger than the distance between inner engagement surfaces on the rails.

4. The batten fixing system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the feet or the rails exhibit resilience.

5. The batten fixing system of claim 1, wherein the feet have underhooked ends that engage with overhooked ends on the rails.

6. The batten fixing system of claim 1, the clip comprising a locking piece to restrict axial movement of the engagement profile relative to the clip.

7. The batten fixing system of claim 6, wherein the locking piece includes a biasing member that bears against one of the feet to force the foot into compressed engagement between one of the rails and the clip.

8. The batten fixing system of claim 6, wherein the locking piece has an upstanding barb that cuts into one of the feet to anchor the engagement profile relative to the clip.

9. The batten fixing system of claim 1, wherein the clip has a protruding guide positioned near and biased towards one rail, the protruding guide defining a gap with the rail into which a foot can be guided and latched under bias from the guide.

10. The batten fixing system of claim 9, wherein the protruding guide includes a curve that deflects to widen the gap and guide the foot into the gap.

11. The batten fixing system of claim 1, wherein the attachment on the clip attaches the clip to a track.

12. The batten fixing system of claim 11, wherein the attachment is defined by flanges on the clip that are shaped to create a twist lock connection with the track.

13. The batten fixing system of claim 1, wherein the engagement profile is formed with the batten frame.

14. The batten fixing system of claim 1, wherein the engagement profile is provided with an insert comprising a tenon extending from the engagement profile, where the tenon is adapted to be inserted and secured in a mortise of a batten.

15. The batten fixing system of claim 1, further comprising multiple tracks in which multiple clips are each mounted, wherein the engagement profile on a batten engages with clips across multiple tracks.

16. The batten fixing system of claim 1, wherein the batten comprises a stacked arrangement involving a base batten and one or more of a stackable section piece and a nose piece.

17. A method of fixing a batten to a surface including:

fixing a track to a surface;

attaching a clip to the track;

engaging a batten having an engagement profile on one side thereof to the clip by hooking a first foot of the engagement profile into engagement with a first rail of the clip, hinging the batten about the first foot and guiding a second foot of the engagement profile into engagement with a second rail of the clip so that the engagement profile is held in engagement under force by the clip.

18. The method of claim 17, including fixing multiple tracks at spaced apart intervals, and fixing a clip to each track, wherein the clips are in line between tracks.