초록 ▼

The invention is an apparatus and method for assembling a planar surface for multiple sheets of building material connected by multiple retaining clips. Each of the retaining clips comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first receptacle defined by a central wall and

The invention is an apparatus and method for assembling a planar surface for multiple sheets of building material connected by multiple retaining clips. Each of the retaining clips comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first receptacle defined by a central wall and an upper and lower flange. The second receptacle is defined by an opposite side of the central wall and a second lower flange. A first sheet is inserted into the first receptacle through the open side between the upper and lower flanges and opposite the central wall. A second sheet is pivoted through the open sides of the second receptacle, which are opposite the central wall and the second lower flange. The second portion comprises a T-shaped element having opposing tabs extending from a retaining tongue. The opposing tabs are received within a slot on the first portion such that the retaining tongue overlies the upper surface of a second sheet and closes one of the open sides of the second receptacle.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The embodiments for which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A retaining clip for connecting adjacent sheets of building material to form a planar surface of abutting planar sheets, each sheet having upper and lower planar surfaces connected by a peripheral

[ The embodiments for which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A retaining clip for connecting adjacent sheets of building material to form a planar surface of abutting planar sheets, each sheet having upper and lower planar surfaces connected by a peripheral edge, the retaining clip comprising:a first portion comprising:a first receptacle opening in a first direction adapted to receive a peripheral edge of a first sheet from the first direction; anda second receptacle opening opposite to the first direction and in a second direction not parallel to the first direction adapted to receive a peripheral edge of a second sheet from the second direction, the second receptacle being in opposing relationship to the first receptacle; anda second portion moveable relative to the first portion between an open position wherein the second portion does not obstruct the second sheet from being inserted into the second receptacle from the second direction and a closed position wherein the second portion prevents movement of the second sheet in the second direction;whereby the first sheet and the second sheet are maintained in a planar relationship when the second portion is located in the closed position.