AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: FIXING CLIP Applicant: Robert Baird Watson The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 U:\ECP\Patens~im82650-comptee Ionns(15.1.08) doc 2 FIXING CLIP Field of the Invention 5 This invention relates generally to mounting of articles onto support structures and, in particular, to fixing clips for mounting elongate members onto the surface of a support structure. The fixing clip is applicable to mounting furring members, such as sheet metal furring channels, onto existing building wall or ceiling structures in order to provide a furring support framework for new 10 wall or ceiling cladding. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to that exemplary application, although it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. Background of the Invention 15 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 20 knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application. Internal walls and ceiling structures of buildings are sometimes refurbished by applying a new wall or ceiling cladding over the existing surface. That cladding, which for example may be plasterboard, is usually secured in 25 position overlying the existing wall or ceiling surface by means of a support framework of elongate furring members mounted on to the existing wall or ceiling surface. The framework includes an array of furring members arranged in parallel, spaced apart relation over the existing surface. The new cladding then overlies the framework, and is attached thereto in order to secure the 30 cladding in position. Securing of the new cladding to the framework may be achieved, for example, by means of adhesive, or fasteners such as screws and nails. X:ECP\Patent Spedficaons\Provionalsfiing dp\Fing Clip -Complete doc 3 The furring members may be mounted to the existing wall or ceiling by fasteners such as bolts, screws or nails, positioned in spaced apart relation along the member. Alternatively, and particularly in the case of metal furring channels, fixing clips have been developed for that purpose. Those clips are 5 attached on to the existing wall or ceiling with fasteners in spaced apart relation along a line on which the furring channel is to be located. The channel is then positioned over those clips, and snap connected thereto in order to mount the channel on to the wall or ceiling. 10 One such fixing clip is described in the applicant's United States patent No. 5,720,450. This fixing clip includes a base plate through which the clip is attached to the support structure and a connection section onto which a furring channel can attach. The base plate has a pair of plate sections arranged so that the base plate is generally T-shaped, each plate section providing a 15 respective bearing surface region positioned for individual face-to-face bearing on a surface of the support structure. Each plate section has a centrally located fastening hole. The fastening holes in this fixing clip configuration are longitudinally 20 aligned through the center of the connection section. Accordingly, when the furring channel is attached to the connection section, the fastening holes are obscured by the furring member. It is therefore necessary to attach the fixing clip to the support surface using the fastening holes prior to attaching the furring channel to the clip. Consequently, in order to properly mount the furring 25 members with a series of clips, each clip must be linearly aligned with each adjacent clip along the length of the furring channel using a plum line or other alignment device. This procedure can be time consuming and expensive as considerable skill and attention is required to align each clip. Lack of skill or attention can result in poor alignment of one or more fixing clip, which could 30 prevent the furring member being properly received in each clip. Corrective action would therefore be required. It is therefore desirable to provide an alternative fixing clip for furring members which substantially addresses these issues. X:\ECP\Patent Speaficatons\rvisionalsxing dip\Fixing Cip - Completedoc 4 Summary of the Invention 1. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fixing clip for mounting a furring channel onto a support structure, including: 5 a base portion through which the clip is attached to the support structure, the base portion having at least one fastening extension for fastening the clip to the support structure; and a connection portion on the base portion, the connection portion having a pair of connection regions extending from the base portion so as to outstand from the 10 support structure when the clip is attached thereto, the connection regions being spaced apart so as to define a furring channel receiving gap therebetween through which the furring channel passes in clip use, and the connection portion including clipping recesses spaced apart along each of the connection regions at different distances from the base portion and facing across the furring channel receiving gap; 15 whereby, in clip use, a furring channel passes through the furring channel receiving gap and a pair of outwardly projecting flanges of the furring channel are receivingly engaged in selected respective clipping recesses in each of the connection regions in order to locate the furring channel at a predetermined distance from the support structure, and 20 the fixing clip is attachable to the support structure using the at least one fastening extensions, which extend from the base portion so as to outstand from the connected arrangement of the furring channel and connection portion thereby allowing the fixing clip to be attached to the support structure with the furring channel connected to the connection portion. 25 Accordingly, the arrangement of the fastening extension(s) outstanding from the connection between the furring channel and the connection portion allows the fixing clip to be attached to the support structure with the furring channel connected to the connection portion. This therefore enables a user to use the furring channel to 30 linearly aligned each adjacent clip along the length of the furring channel, and then position the furring channel and clip arrangement at the desired location against the support structure. This arrangement automatically aligns and positions each clip in the desired location relative to the furring channel and support structure. A user can C:\oford\SPEC-826509.doc 4a therefore be confident that when they fasten each fixing clip to the support structure, that each fixing clip will be substantially linearly aligned. The fastening extension is typically a section of the base portion which has been 5 designed to be accessible to a user when a furring channel is connected to the connection portion. In one embodiment, the at least one C :\pOnwrSPEC-826509.doc 5 fastening extension is a plate section which extends substantially perpendicularly from the connection portion to outstand from the connected arrangement of the furring channel and connection portion. The plate section can be a separate section which is attached to a main body forming the base 5 portion or an integral section of a body forming the base portion. In this regard, the base portion can have any suitable form which can be mounted against a support structure. However, in one preferred form the base portion is provided by a rigid base plate having a surface providing at least one 10 bearing surface region for individual face-to-face bearing on a surface of the support structure. In this embodiment, the at least one fastening extension is preferably formed from a plate section of the base plate, each plate section being arranged in side-by-side relation with other sections of the base plate. It is also preferable in some forms for the plate sections to be relatively arranged 15 so that the base plate is a generally elongate rectangular plate with at least one fastening extension arranged at a longitudinal end thereof. The fixing clip can be fastened to the support structure at one or more locations. As can be appreciated, the fastening section may not in some cases 20 be located near or at the center of the fixing clip. Accordingly, it may be desirable to include two or more fastening locations in the clip. In some embodiments, the fixing clip therefore includes at least two spaced apart fastening extensions. The fixing clip can therefore be secured to the support structure using one or more of these fastening extensions. 25 Of course, the fastening extension preferably includes some form or means of fastening the base portion to the support structure. Accordingly, it is preferable for the at least one fastening extension to include a fastening fixture through which a fastener can be received or attached to fasten the clip to the 30 support structure. More preferably, the fastening fixture is a through hole. A fastener such as for example a screw, rivet, or nail can be received through the hole and secured within the support structure to fasten the fixing clip to the support structure. X:\ECP\Patent Specficatns\mvisionalsfxing dip\Fixing Cip - Conplete.doc 6 The base portion preferably has a bearing surface for face-to-face bearing on a surface of the support structure. Preferably, a rigid base plate provides the base portion, that base plate having a surface forming the bearing surface. 5 In preferred arrangement, the clip has a pair of elongate connection members providing the connection regions. Those connection members are rigid connection plates outstanding from the base portion in a common plane, at least substantially perpendicular to the base portion, in one arrangement. 10 Preferably, the connection portion includes clipping means for clip connecting the furring channel to the connection regions. The clipping means permit the connection of the fixing channel to the connection portion at a selected one of the connecting positions. 15 The clipping means preferably includes clipping recesses positioned along each of the connection members at the connecting positions. With this arrangement, corresponding recesses on each connection member are positioned to receive a respective furring channel flange therein in order to connect the furring channel to the fixing clip. 20 C:4xwrdMSPEC-826509 doc 7 In one preferred arrangement, the clipping recesses are clipping slots. Those slots are spaced apart along side edges of the connection plates and face across the furring channel receiving gap. 5 C:WvfOrd\SPEC-8265O9.doc 8 According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fastening a fixing clip to a support structure, including the steps of: connecting two or more fixing clips according to the present invention at 5 spaced apart locations along the length of a furring channel; arranging the fixing clips and furring channel in a desired location and configuration on a support structure; and fastening the fixing clips to the support structure using the fastening extensions. 10 Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular preferred 15 embodiments of the present invention, wherein: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a fixing clip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 20 Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the clip of Figure 1 with a furring channel connected thereto; and Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the clip and furring channel through section Ill--Ill of Figure 2 and showing the clip in one orientation mounting the 25 furring channel to a support structure. Detailed Description Referring to the drawings there is generally shown a fixing clip 1 used in 30 mounting an elongate furring channel C on to a support structure T, such as an existing wall or ceiling structure. The furring channel C shown in Figures 2 and 3, and particularly suitable for use with the clip 1, is composed of sheet metal and is of generally square U X.\ECP\Patent Speoficahtions risionalsVfixing dip\Fixing Cip - Complete doc 9 shaped cross-sectional profile. The channel C is of one piece construction, and has a bottom wall B and a pair of side walls S outstanding therefrom. In use, the channel C will be orientated so that the side walls S form spacing strips extending out from the surface U of the support structure T, while the bottom 5 wall B provides a fastening strip spaced from the surface U and to which cladding (not shown) can be secured, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. This furring channel C also has a pair of elongate flanges F extending 10 along respective side walls S and projecting laterally therefrom. With one particularly suitable furring channel C (as shown), the flanges F extend along free edges E of the side walls S remote from the bottom wall B, and project at least outwardly therefrom. The flanges F may also project inwardly, on one particular channel C (not shown). Those flanges F are co-planar, and extend 15 parallel with the plane of the bottom wall B, in this particular channel C. It will be convenient to hereinafter further describe the fixing clip 1 with reference to this particular furring channel C. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in this art, the fixing clip 1 is not limited to use with such a 20 channel C, and that other furring members may be equally suited for use with the clip 1 of the present invention. The fixing clip 1 has a base portion 2 through which the clip 1 is attached to the support structure T. The base portion 2 is of generally planar 25 configuration and, in use, will be positioned between the support structure surface U and the furring channel C. Thus, the furring channel C will generally overlie the base portion 2 during use of the fixing clip 1. The base portion 2 provides a generally flat bearing surface 3 for face-to 30 face bearing on the surface U of the support structure T, when the base portion 2 is attached thereto, as shown in Figure 3. The base portion 2 is provided by a rigid base plate 4. That plate 4 has opposed surfaces 5, 6, one of which forms the bearing surface 3. XAECP\PateM Specficons\Povisionalsfxing cip\Fixng Cip- Complete.dac 10 The base portion 2 can be attached to the support structure T in any suitable manner. In this embodiment, that attachment is achieved with fasteners A, such as bolts, screws or nails. To that end, the base portion 2 is provided 5 with at least one attachment hole 7 in the base plate 4, the holes 7 being suitable for receiving a fastener A therethrough for attaching the base plate 4 to the support structure T in order to attach the clip 1 thereto. The base plate 4 is a generally square or rectangular primary plate 10 having a pair of side edges 9 and a pair of end edges 10. The base plate 4 is divided in to three separate but integrally formed and connected plate sections 4', 4" and 4"', each of which provide separate features to the base plate 4. Each of the plate sections 4', 4" and 4"' are longitudinally connected along the elongate length of the base plate 4 forming a planar body. The separate 15 sections are: A central plate section 4', which is a planar plate section forming a central portion of the base plate 4 which functions to provides a mounting surface 6 from which the connection portion 13 outwardly extends. The central 20 plate section 4' includes a central fastening hole 7, being a through hole, which can receive a fastener, and can be used, where desired to mount individual fixing clips 1 to a support structure T. Fastening plate sections 4" and 4"' form the longitudinal end sections of 25 the base plate 4, and extend outwardly from the connection section 13 and connector regions 14" and 14"'. Each plate section 4" and 4"' includes a central fastening hole 7, being a through hole, which can receive a fastener, and can be used, where desired to mount individual fixing clips 1 to a support structure T. 30 Each of the plate sections of the base portion 2 provide a co-planar bearing regions 3', 3", 3' respectively which are relatively positioned along the length of the plate corresponding to the different sections which can be fastened X :ECP\Patent SpedficatnPrvisionaIsifing dp\Fixng Cip - Completedoc 11 to and abut a support surface when the fixing clip 1 is fastened to the support surface U of structure T. Each of the plate sections 4', 4" and 4"' are sized relative to the furring 5 channel C so that, in use, the central plate section 4' is substantially confined between the side walls S and flanges F of the channel C and is obscured by the furring channel C (this is required by its very function of mounting the connector section 13 and connector regions 14" and 14"' thereof), while each of the fastening plate sections 4" and 4"' projects longitudinally outwardly beyond the 10 side walls S and flanges F of the channel C. With this arrangement, when the central plate section 4' is in face-to-face relation with the support structure T, the secondary plate sections 4" and 4" project outwardly and away from the side walls S into the furring channel C. In this way, a fastener A can be passed through that fastening hole 7 in the fastening plate section 4" and/or 4' when 15 the furring channel C is connected to the connection section 13 of the clip 1, and allow the user to attached the clip 1 to the support structure T, as shown in Figure 3. The fixing clip 1 also includes a connection portion 13 extending from the 20 base portion 2 so as to outstand from the central plate section 4' of the base plate 4 when the clip 1 is attached thereto. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the furring channel C is connectable to the connection region 13 in order to mount the channel C to the structure T. The connection portion 13 includes a pair of connection regions 14', 14". Those connection regions 14', 14" outstand from 25 the base portion 2 so as to engagingly connect with respective flanges F of the furring channel C, in order to connect the channel C to the clip 1. The connection regions 14', 14" are spaced apart so as to define a gap 15 therebetween through which the furring channel C passes. With this arrangement, the connection regions 14', 14" extend to each outside of the 30 channel C, and engage with the outwardly projecting flanges F. The connection regions 14', 14" are provided by elongate connection members 16', 16" respectively, outstanding from the base plate 4. Those members 16', 16" outstand from the primary plate section 4', at or adjacent the X:\ECP\Paten SpeoficatonsPrvisionalsVIing cpTxng CJip - Complete.doc 12 side edge 9 thereof opposite the transitional edge 8. The connection members 16', 16" are located adjacent respective end edges 10. In this embodiment, the connection members 16', 16" are rigid 5 connection plates 17', 17". Those plates 17', 17" extend in a common plane, at least substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary base plate section 4'. Each plate 17', 17" has a pair of longitudinal side edges 18 and a pair of 10 lateral end edges 19. Moreover, those plates 17', 17" are arranged, each with one end edge 19 fixed along that side edge 9 of the base plate section 4' opposite the transitional edge 8. With this arrangement, opposite side edges 18 of the connection plates 17', 17" face one another across the furring channel receiving gap 15. 15 The connection portion 13 includes clipping means 20 for clip connecting the furring channel C to the connection regions 14', 14", and thus to the fixing clip 1. That clipping means 20 permits the connection of the furring channel C to the connection portion 13 at a selected one of a plurality of connecting positions 20 along the connection regions 14', 14". Those connecting positions are at different distances d from the base portion 3, so that the distance D of the connecting positions and thus the furring channel C from the support structure surface U can be selectively varied depending on the connecting position adopted. 25 The clipping means 20 is located on each of the connection members 16', 16", and cooperate with respective flanges F of the furring channel C to achieve connection. To that end, the clipping means 20 includes clipping recesses 21 positioned along the connection members 16', 16", corresponding 30 recesses 21 on each connection member 16', 16" being positioned to receive a respective furring channel flange F therein in order to connect the furring channel C. Thus, clipping recesses 21 on each connection member 16', 16" are arranged in aligned pairs at different distances d from the base portion 3. X:\ECP\Patent SpeciicatornsoPmvisionalsing cp\Fixng Clip - Complete.doc 13 The clipping recesses 21 are provided by clipping slots 22 spaced along the connection plates 17', 17". Those slots 22 are formed in the opposite side edges 18 of the connection plates 17', 17" facing across the furring channel receiving gap 15. 5 The slots 22 are spaced apart along the connection plates 17', 17", commencing immediately adjacent the primary base plate section 4'. Any suitable slot spacing may be selected, although in the exemplary application of the clip 1, a centre-to-centre spacing of about 4 mm is appropriate. That will 10 allow positioning of the furring channel C at incrementally varying distances D of 4 mm from the support structure surface U. In the exemplary application of the fixing clip 1, a series of four clipping slots 22 are spaced apart along each connection plate 17', 17", although it will 15 be appreciated that other slot numbers may be adopted. The clipping slots 22 are shaped and sized so that the furring channel flanges F are interferingly engaged therein in order to firmly secure the channel C. In this embodiment, the slots 22 are of a shape and size that requires the 20 side walls S of the furring channel C to be resiliently deflected inwardly toward one another in order to position the channel C in the receiving gap 15 between the connection plates 17', 17" and locate the flanges F adjacent selected clipping slots 22. Upon release, the deflected side walls S resiliently return outwardly, causing the flanges F to move into the selected slots 22. However, 25 the shape and size of those slots 22 are such that the flanges F interferingly engage against end faces 23 of the selected slots 22, with some deflection return force remaining in the side walls S. In this embodiment, the side wails S of the channel C are manually deflectable, release of the deflected side walls S tending to cause the flanges F to snap return into the selected clipping slots 22. 30 The clipping slots 22 are generally rectangular in shape (as shown). However, other shapes are contemplated and, in particular, the end face 23 of the slots 22 may be curved or otherwise profiled to correspond with the channel flange F shape so that the engaging flanges F are neatly received thereagainst. XAECP\atent SpedicatisProvisionaIsfixIng dipFixing Clip - Complete doc 14 Moreover, in one embodiment (not shown), the slots 22 may be shaped so as to provide a narrowed or restricted opening 24 in order to inhibit accidental flange removal therefrom. 5 The fixing clip 1 is constructed in any suitable manner from any appropriate material, having regard to its intended application. In this embodiment of the clip 1 intended for the exemplary application, the clip 1 is formed in one piece from sheet metal, such as galvanised steel sheet. The clip 1 is stamped, cut and folded into shape as necessary. 10 Use of a fixing clip 1, according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, in mounting a furring channel C on to an existing support wall surface U will now be outlined. 15 Furring channels C are attached to an existing wall surface U in an array so as to form a furring channel framework (not shown) for supporting a new wall cladding (not shown). Typically, the channels C are mounted vertically on the existing wall surface U at about 600 mm centre-to-centre spacing. The clips 1 used to so mount the channels C are attached along channel lines at about 20 1200 mm spacings. Each fixing clip 1 in turn is attached to the existing wall surface U in alignment with the furring channel C. That is achieved by prearranging each clip 1 into its desired position and spacing along the length of the furring channel C 25 and then placing the furring channel C and secured fixing clips 1 in position with bearing surface 3 of each clip 1 abutting the support surface U, with each clip 1 orientated along the proposed position of the respective furring channel C. Each fixing clip 1 can be mounted on the furring channel C by manually squeezing the channel C so as to deflect the side walls S inwardly toward one 30 another, allowing the channel C to enter the gap 15 between the connection plates 17', 17". The channel C is manoeuvred within that gap 15 until the channel flanges F align with the previously selected clipping slots 22. In that location, the channel side walls S are released, allowing them to return deflect, and the flanges F to snap into those slots 22 for interfering engagement X :ECP\Patent Spefcation\Provislonal ding dlIpFixing Clip - Complete doc 15 therewith. With each clip 1 manually held in its respective position along the length of the furring channel C, each clip 1 can be fastened into position on the wall surface U using fasteners A, such as bolts or nails, passing through an attachment hole 7 in the base plate 4. The fastener A will pass through the hole 5 7 in the fastening plate sections 4" and/or 4"' either side of the furring channel C on the wall surface U. With a line of fixing clips 1 attached to the existing wall surface U, the furring channel C can then be adjusted so that the bottom wall B of the furring 10 channel C provides a uniform and planar surface on which cladding or the like can be mounted. In this respect the furring channel C can be manually squeezed within each connection section 13 which needs to be adjusted so as to deflect the side walls S inwardly toward one another, allowing the channel C to enter the gap 15 between the connection plates 17', 17". The channel C is 15 moved inwardly or outwardly within that gap 15 until the channel flanges F align with the desired clipping slots 22. In that location, the channel side walls S are released, allowing them to return deflect, and the flanges F to snap into those slots 22 for interfering engagement therewith. Connection of the channel C to each clip 1 firmly and positively mounts the channel C on to the wall in a 20 position at which the bottom wall B lies on the desired framework plane. Each line of fixing clips 1 is similarly attached to the existing wall surface U, and furring channels C adjusted within those clips 1, in order to complete the furring channel framework. 25 The fixing clip of the present invention enables easy yet accurate mounting of furring members on to the surface of support structures. That can be achieved without a high degree of skill on the part of the installer. Using the furring channel C to align the clips saves a considerable amount of time 30 compared to previous fixing clip arrangements. As a result, there is a reduced likelihood, when compared with prior arrangements, of the furring members being mounted out of alignment or otherwise incorrectly positioned relative to the furring channel. X %ECPPatent Specfications\Provisionals\fing clp\ixg Clip - Completedoc 16 The fixing clip of the present invention is of simple construction and, accordingly, of low capital cost. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein 5 is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. X:XECPXPatent SpecdcationsPovisionalsfxing chgFio xing Cup - Completedoc