GB2473118A

GB2473118A - Panel retaining apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2473118A
Application number: GB201014083A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Charles Young
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-28
Filing date: 2010-08-24
Publication date: 2011-03-02
Also published as: GB201014083D0

Abstract

An apparatus for a retaining an insulation panel (12, fig 8), whereby the apparatus comprises a positioning element 30a,b configured to associate with the panel and allows relative positioning of the panel with respect to a support beam(16, fig 8). The support beam may be a floor, wall or roof support beam, such as a rafter. The apparatus may comprise one or more retaining arms 40a,b which may taper inwardly. The retaining arm may comprise one or more support protrusions 80 and may further comprise one or more panel protrusions 70, which, in use, act to secure the apparatus to the support beam or the panel respectively.

Description

Apparatus for Retaining

Technical Field

This invention relates to apparatus for retaining materials such as panels, and associated method. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to retaining apparatus for a construction panel, such as an insulation panel.

Background

When insulation is fitted between support beams within a roof space, for example, to create additional living accommodation, it can be helpful to maintain a minimum air gap (e.g. 50 mm) between the top of an insulation panel and the underside of the roof to ensure that air circulates through this void and the room does not develop condensation. This is presently achieved by fixing a long length of additional timber (nominally 38x50 mm) to the side of an existing roof member for the full length of that member.

This method uses several long lengths of timber for each side of each support beam or rafter. These are transported to site on a lorry or similarly large vehicle. They are then lifted into position on the relevant floor of a dwelling. They are then stored in a safe, secure and convenient place until needed. They are then fitted in place on the rafters. They are positioned so as to provide an air gap above the insulation and below the underside of the roof and then nailed to the roof truss member, or so-called rafter. The insulation then butts up against this timber.

This background serves to set a scene to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the following description. Therefore, none of the above discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that that discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the invention may or may not address one or more of the background issues.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided retaining apparatus for an insulation panel, the apparatus configured to mount with a support beam and comprising a positioning element configured to associate with an insulation panel, and to allow for relative positioning of an insulation panel with respect to a support beam.

The positioning element may be configured to associate with a rearward region of an insulation panel. The positioning element may be configured to associate with a rear face of an insulation panel. The positioning element may be configured to abut a rear face of an insulation panel.

The positioning element may be configured to associate with a frontward region, or front face, of an insulation panel. The positioning element may be configured to abut a front face of an insulation panel.

The apparatus may comprise one or more retaining arms. The or each retaining arm may be provided with a positioning element. The or each retaining arm may be provided with one or more support protrusions. The support protrusions may be configured to engage with a support beam. The support protrusions may be configured to oppose removal of the apparatus from a support beam.

The or each retaining arm may be provided with one or more panel protrusions. The panel protrusions may be configured to engage with an insulating panel. The panel protrusions may be configured to oppose removal of a panel from the apparatus, when associated with the positioning element.

The support protrusions may be configured in a first direction and the panel protrusions configured in a second direction. The first direction may oppose the second direction.

The support and/or panel protrusions may be configured as teeth. The support protrusion(s) may be configured for use with timber support beams. The panel protrusion(s) may be configured for use with insulation panels. Some, or all of the support and/or panel protrusions may be configured to be flush, or substantially flush, with the or each retaining arm. In some cases, the protrusion(s) may only protrude when the apparatus is mounted to a support beam.

The apparatus may be configured such that the one or more retaining arms taper inwardly towards a support beam, when mounted. The tapering may help to oppose removal. The arms may taper inwardly towards a rear region of a support beam. The tapering of the one or more arms may additionally or alternatively oppose removal of an insulation panel, when associated with the positioning element. The tapering of the one or more arms together with the positioning element may additionally or alternatively oppose removal of an insulating panel, when associated with the positioning element. The apparatus may be configured such that an insulation panel is held between the positioning element and a tapering retaining arm.

The apparatus may be configured to allow the one or more retaining arms to flexibly move away from a support beam. The one or more flexibly movable arms may allow for mounting and subsequent removal, or re-positioning, of the apparatus from a support beam.

The one or more arms may be comprised with a u-shaped member. The u-shaped member may be configured to mount over a front region of a support beam. The u-shaped member may be flexible. The flexible u-shaped member may allow for flexible movement of the one or more arms to allow for mounting and subsequent removal, or re-positioning, of the apparatus from a support beam.

The u-shaped member may comprise a mounting element. The apparatus may be configured such that the mounting element abuts, or is positionable at, a support beam (e.g. a front face region of a support beam). The mounting element may be configured to allow for attachment of the apparatus with a beam. The mounting element may be provided with an aperture. The aperture may allow for fixing (e.g. screwing or nailing) of the apparatus to a beam. The apparatus may be configured such that a positioned panel is flush, or substantially flush, with the mounting element.

One or more of the retaining arms may be detachable (e.g. user detachable) from the u-shaped member. A detachable arm may allow for apparatus to be configured for use with one insulation panel. The positioning element may be detachable (e.g. user detachable). A detachable positioning element may allow for apparatus to be configured for use with one insulation panel.

The positioning element may be considered to be a retaining element.

The apparatus may be considered to be a retaining bracket for a support beam I insulation panel.

The apparatus may be configured for use with one or more of: floor; wall; or roof support beams. The support beam may a timber, joist, etc., or may be an outdoor construction, such as a fence post.

The apparatus may be comprised with an insulation panel to allow for positioning of the insulation panel with respect to a support beam. The apparatus may be comprised with the insulation panel in a kit.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for retaining a construction panel, the apparatus configured to mount with a support beam and comprising a positioning element configured to associate with a construction panel, and to allow for relative positioning of a construction panel with respect to a support beam.

The apparatus for retaining a construction panel may comprise any of the likewise features of the first aspect.

The construction panel may be any of the following: an insulation panel; a plaster panel; a partition panel; a temporary panel; a fibre board; a ply board, etc. The apparatus may be configured for use with one or more of: floor; wall; or roof support beams. The support beam may be an outdoor construction, such as a fence post.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for retaining a construction panel with respect to a support beam, the apparatus comprising one or more retaining arms configured to mount with a support beam, the retaining arms configured to taper inwardly towards a support beam in order to oppose removal.

The tapering retaining arms may be configured to oppose removal of a construction panel when retained with respect to a support beam.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for a support beam, the apparatus comprising one or more retaining arms, the or each retaining arm provided with one or more support protrusions configured to engage with a support beam.

The support protrusions may be configured to oppose removal of the apparatus from a support beam.

The apparatus may be configured to retain a construction panel with respect to a support beam. The or each retaining arm may be provided with one or more panel protrusions. The panel protrusions may be configured to engage with a construction panel, when retained with respect to a support beam. The panel protrusions may be configured to oppose removal of a panel from the apparatus.

The support and/or panel protrusions may be configured as teeth. The support protrusion may be configured for use with timber. The panel protrusions may be configured for use with construction panels, such as insulation panels.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for a construction panel, the apparatus configured to mount with a support beam and comprising one or more retaining arms for retaining a construction panel, the retaining arms comprising one or more panel protrusions configured to engage with a construction panel when retained by the apparatus.

The panel protrusions may be configured to oppose removal of a construction panel.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a support beam comprised with apparatus according to any of the features of first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects.

According to a seventh aspect there is provided a panel comprised with apparatus according to any of the features of first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is a structure comprising one or more support beams according to the sixth aspect, and/or one or more panels according to the seventh aspect.

The structure may comprise a roof structure; floor structure; and/or wall structure.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of positioning a panel with respect to a support beam, the method comprising: using retaining apparatus to mount with a support beam, associating a panel with respect to a positioning element of the apparatus to allow for relative positioning of the panel with respect to the support beam.

The panel may be an insulation panel. The apparatus may be considered to be a bracket.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of positioning an insulation panel with respect to a support beam, the method comprising: attaching a retaining bracket to a support beam, positioning an insulation panel against a positioning element of the bracket to allow for relative positioning of the panel with respect to the support beam.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention there is provided means for retaining a construction panel, the means for retaining configured to mount with a support beam and comprising a means for positioning configured to associate with a construction panel, and to allow for relative positioning of a construction panel with respect to a support beam.

The means for retaining may be for use with an insulating panel.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention there is use of apparatus, panels or supports according to any of the features of the first to seventh aspects or use of the means of the eleventh aspect.

The use may be for positioning a construction panel, such as an insulation panel, with respect to a support beam. The use may be for positioning a construction panel, such as an insulation panel, with respect to a roof.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of retaining a panel with respect to a support beam, the method comprising: positioning a panel with respect to a support beam, and using retaining apparatus to mount with a support beam such that a positioning element of the apparatus retains the panel with respect to the support beam.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. For example, it will readily be appreciated that features recited as optional with respect to the first aspect may be additionally applicable with respect to any of the second, third, fourth, fifth, eleventh, etc. aspects, without the need to explicitly and unnecessarily list those various combinations and permutations here.

In addition, corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed

functions are also within the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/aspects may be useful in positioning insulation or construction panels with respect to support beams, and/or roofs, so as to allow for suitable ventilation.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

Brief Description of the Figures

The invention will now be fully described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows timbers for retaining insulation within a roof space.

Figure 2 shows a structure comprising timbers and comprising an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows apparatus of an embodiment of the invention in an isometric view.

Figure 4 shows apparatus according to the embodiment in Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows the apparatus of Figures 3 and 4 in a further isometric view.

Figure 6 shows the apparatus of Figure 3, 4 and 5 in plan view.

Figure 7 shows a section through an example apparatus according to an embodiment in-situ.

Figure 8 shows an enlarged section through an example apparatus according to an embodiment in-situ.

Figure 9, shows an example apparatus according to an embodiment in a roof space.

Figure 10, shows an example apparatus according to an embodiment in a roof space.

Figure 11, shows an example apparatus according to an embodiment in use with a wall.

Figure 12, shows an example apparatus according to an embodiment in use with a floor.

Description of Specific Embodiments

While the following embodiments are described with particular reference to use with insulation panels, a skilled reader will appreciate that the same described apparatus and methods may be equally applicable for use with further construction panels, such as ply board, fibre board, etc. Figure 1 shows an example of a portion of a structure 5. Here, the structure 5 is a roof of a building, such as that of a residential dwelling. The structure 5 comprises a plurality of support beams 16, which in this example are wooden, or timber, support beams 1 6. Figure 1 further shows a plurality of insulation panels 12, which have been positioned between and with respect to the support beams 16. As discussed, it can be helpful to be able to position each insulation panel 12 such that a minimum air gap is provided between the insulation panel 12 and the underside of a roof construction (not shown). A skilled reader will appreciate that the position of the underside of the roof construction is associated with the support beams 16, in that the roof construction is placed on the support beams 16. Therefore, to provide a gap between each fitted insulation panel 12 and the roof construction, positioning timbers 14 have been used.

Each positioning timber 14 is positioned with respect to the support beams 16, and then fixed, such as by nailing or by screwing the length of the timbers 14 in position.

When positioned, the insulation panel 12 then butts up hard against the timbers 14, allowing for a gap to be provided, and as a result for a continuous free flow of air above the insulation panel 12.

Of course, using such timbers 14 means that several long lengths of timber 14 are required for each side of each support beam 16. As described above, these timbers 14 be must transported to site on a lorry or similarly large vehicle, stored at site, hoisted up to the relevant location, and then fitted by orientating the complete length of the timber 14 such that a common distance is provided between the roof and a fitted insulation panel 12. Subsequently, the timbers 14 are nailed or screwed into position, which happens along the length of the timbers 14.

Figure 2 shows a structure 5 comprising a floor 20, two walls 22 and a roof construction 24. The timbers 14 of Figure 1 are shown on a portion of the roof construction 24 of the structure 5. Figure 2 also shows an example of apparatus 100 for retaining a panel 12 according to an embodiment of the invention, as will be described.

Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6 all show apparatus 100 for retaining a panel, such as an insulation panel. The apparatus 100 may be considered to be a retention bracket, or the like. In this example, the apparatus 100 is configured to mount with a support beam 16, and comprises two positioning elements 30a, 30b.

Each positioning element 30a, 30b is configured to associate with an insulation panel 12, and to allow for relative positioning of the insulation panel 12 with respect to the support beam 16. As will be appreciated, relative positioning of an insulation panel 12 with respect to a support beam 16 may allow for relative positioning of the insulation panel 12 with respect to a roof construction (e.g. to allow for a gap, such as a common gap, to be provided therebetween).

In some examples, the positioning element may be considered to be a retaining element. The or each retaining element may be configured to retain a panel, such as a insulation panel.

The apparatus 100 further comprises retaining arms 40a, 40b, which may be considered to be main legs. Each retaining arm 40a, 40b is bent or tapered at an acute angle 50 relative to a mounting element 60 (e.g. header plate). The retaining arms 40a, 40b and the mounting plate may be considered as a U-shaped member 110.

In this example, the mounting element 60 is configured to abut, or be positioned at, a front region of the support beam 16. Each retaining arm tapers inwardly away from the mounting plate 60 to an opposite end where they meet the positioning element 30a, 30b. In this example, the mounting element 60 and both positioning elements 30a, 30b can be considered to be configured such that they are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, with respect to one another.

Each retaining arm 40a, 40b comprises protrusions 70, 80. Support protrusions 80 are positioned on an inside face region 85 of the retaining arms 40a, 40b and are configured to engage with a support beam 16, when in use. In this example all the support protrusions 80 are angled towards the opposing retaining arm 40a, 40b. In addition, the support protrusions are orientated such that they point towards the mounting element 60. Panel protrusions 70 are provided on an outside face region of each retaining arm 40a, 40b, and are angled away from the outside face of the retaining arm 40a, 40b. In addition, each panel protrusion 70 is configured to point towards, or substantially towards, respective positioning elements 30a, 30b. In this example, the panel protrusions 70 and support protrusions 80 may be considered to be configured as teeth. The support/panel protrusions 70, 80 oppose the removal of the apparatus 100 from a support beam 16, and oppose the removal of a panel 12 from the apparatus 100 respectively, when in use.

In this example, the mounting element 60 comprises an aperture 90, which is shown as a nail hole. The aperture 90 is configured to allow use as a back up fixing point.

Figure 4 and Figure 6 show the relationship of the retaining arms 40a, 40b, the mounting element 60 and the positioning elements 30a, 30b. As discussed, the apparatus 100 is configured such that the retaining arms 40a, 40b taper inwardly from the mounting element 60 (e.g. inwardly towards a mounted support beam). The apparatus 100 is further configured to provide a degree of flexibility to the apparatus to allow it to grip to a support beam (e.g. grip more efficiently). In addition or alternatively, this flexibility allows the apparatus 100 to be easily moved if positioned incorrectly on the support beam 16. In this example, each retaining arm can be elastically pulled apart in order to allow for removal, and/or repositioning of the apparatus 100.

Figure 6 also shows the relationship of the panel and support protrusions 70, 80 to the retaining arms 40a, 40b. As described above, in this example both sets of protrusions 70, 80 are provided as a series of teeth which are positioned on the inner or outer face region 75, 85 of the retaining arms 40a, 40b. The support protrusions are provided towards a rear portion of the retaining arms 40a, 40b (e.g. near the positioning elements 30a, 30b). Each of the support protrusions 80 point in a first direction, which here is towards the mounting element 60.

The positioning of these support protrusions 80 can, in some cases, work together with the tapering of the retaining arms 40a, 40b to help provide grip between the apparatus 100 and a support beam 16. As the apparatus 100 is mounted (e.g. pressed) onto a support beam 16, the tapered arms 40a, 40b will come into contact with (and adjust to accommodate the width of) a support beam 16. In addition, the support protrusions 80 make contact with the support beam 16. After the apparatus is mounted in position, the tapered retaining arms 40a, 40b and support protrusions 80, in this example, work together to hold the apparatus 100 securely in position (e.g. when gravity pulls on the apparatus 100). When this happens, the support protrusions 80 in this example are configured to grip into or engage with the support beam 16.

In a similar manner, the panel protrusions 70 are configured as a series of teeth which are positioned on an outside face region 75 of the retaining arms 40a, 40b and are angled away from the outside face region 75. In this example, the panel protrusions 70 point towards the respective positioning element 30a, 30b. In this example, the panel protrusions 70 are situated towards a front region of the retaining arms 40a, 40b (e.g. towards the support panel). As an insulation panel 12 is positioned between the support beams 16 comprised with apparatus 100, the positioned panel 12 makes contact with, and is pressed past, the panel protrusions 70. After the insulation panel 12 is fully installed, the panel protrusions 70 grip or engage with, the insulation panel 12 and hold it securely between the support beams 16.

It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the support protrusions 80 may be configured for use with timber support beams 16. Similarly, the panel protrusions 70 may be configured for use with an insulation panel 12 (or alternative construction panel).

It will be appreciated that in further examples, the apparatus need not comprise either panel or support protrusions. For example, in some embodiments the apparatus 100 is configured with no panel protrusions, but rather an inserted insulation panel 12 is held between a portion of a tapering retaining arm (e.g. 40a) and the respective positioning element (e.g. 30a).

Figure 7 and Figure 8 show the apparatus mounted with a support beam 16 in a practical situation. In Figure 7, the apparatus 100 is mounted to the support beam 16 such that an insulation panel 12 is fitted between respective support beams 16, and positioned using the positioning elements 30a, 30b of the apparatus 100. The insulation panels 12 are held in place between the support beams 16 by the apparatus 100. Figure 7 and Figure 8 further show a finished roof construction 130, which abuts against the support beams 16. Because of the use of the apparatus 100 and positioning elements 30, 30b, the insulation panel 12 is provided at a particular gap 150 or distance from the roof construction 130.

Here, an internal room finish 148, for example plasterboard, is fixed (e.g. securely fixed) into the support beam, thus finishing the construction process and hence completing the insulated roof build-up.

Use of the apparatus 100 is exemplified with a roof in Figures 9 and 10. As can be seen, the apparatus 100 is useable to replace the use of additional timbers 14. Here, the apparatus 100 has been mounted in position on the support beam 16 at nominal centres until the mounting element 60 comes into contact, or abuts, with a front face region of the support beam 16.

In this example, the apparatus 100 is held in place on the support beam 16 by means of the support protrusions 80. These support protrusions 80 face forward, pointing towards the mounting element 60, which, in some cases, provides resistance to oppose the apparatus 100 from sliding off the support beam. The configuration of these support protrusions 80 allow the apparatus 100 to easily slide onto the support beam 16 with the minimum of resistance.

The insulation panel 12 is then positioned (e.g. pressed) between the support beams 16 comprising apparatus 100 until the panel 12 comes into contact with the respective positioning elements 30a, 30b. At that stage, and in this example, the insulation panel 12 is level (e.g. flush) with the mounting element 60.

In a similar manner to above, the panel 12 is held securely in place by panel protrusions 70 which point towards respective positioning elements 30a, 30b. This allows for the insulation panel 12 to easily slide between the support beams 16.

These panel protrusions 70 help oppose the removal of the insulation panel 12 without, necessarily, the need for any other form of mechanical fixing.

A skilled reader will readily appreciate that the length of the retaining arms 40a, 40b, the width of the mounting element 60, the effective positioning of the positioning element 30a, 30b, etc. can all be manufactured to a size to suit a particular insulation thickness, desirable gap 150, or support beam 16 width, etc. In addition, the above described apparatus 100 need not only be used with a roof. In Figure 11, an additional use for the apparatus 100 is shown. In this example, the apparatus 100 is utilised with a wall support beam 16. However, here, the insulation panel 12 is fitted between the support beams, prior to use of the apparatus 100.

Subsequently, the apparatus 100 is mounted with (e.g. pressed onto) the support beams 16 of the wall. Again, in this case, the apparatus is mounted until the mounting element 60 comes into contact with the front region of the support beam 16. The positioning elements 30a, 30b of each apparatus 100 then position against the insulation panel 12. This, in turn, holds the panel 12 securely in place. As with the roof application, an internal room finish, (e.g. plasterboard), can be fixed to the support beam 16. This assists to secure the insulation 12 panel and apparatus 100.

A skilled reader will appreciate that in this example, the gap is provided between the internal room finish and the insulation panel 12, rather than between the insulation panel 12 and the roof. It should be noted that the apparatus 100, in some case, can be mounted onto support beams 16 prior to fitting the insulation panel 12 between support beams 16.

Figure 12 shows a further application of the apparatus 100. In this example, the apparatus 100 is used with insulation panels 12 used with a floor 160. The apparatus is mounted with a support beam 16, again until the mounting element 60 comes into contact with a front region of the support beam 16. The insulation panel 12 is then fitted between the support beams 16 and supported by the positioning elements 30a, 30b in a similar manner to that described in relation to the roof application. In this example the apparatus 100 can be configured such that the insulation panel 12 is in line, or flush, with the front region of the support beam 16. This provides for achieving efficient thermal properties, thus ensuring the property retains as much heat as possible. As with the roof application and the wall panel application, a floor finish may then be applied to the support beam 16.

It will readily be appreciated that the above described embodiments are exemplary only, and in further embodiments the apparatus 100 may be configured with one or more than two retaining arms, for example. In some cases, the apparatus 100 may comprise two or more pairs of retaining arms. In some embodiments, the or each retaining arm may be detachable from the apparatus in order to allow the use of at apparatus at a terminal support beam 16 or for use with one insulation panel 12.

Similarly, while apparatus 100 has been described with particular support and/or panel protrusions 70, 80, in some cases, the apparatus 100 need not be provided with such protrusions, or may be provided with alternative means for opposing removal of the apparatus and/or panel, when in use.

In some examples, the apparatus 100 may not be used to retain panels using positioning elements 30a, 30b, but may still use protrusions 70, 80. In those cases, the mounting element 60 may be used to mount further material or apparatus to a support beam 16 (e.g. the apparatus may appear similar to that described in Figures 3 to 6, but without positioning elements). In further embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to mount with a support beam 16, using the tapered retaining arms 40a, 40b (eg. without positioning elements 30a, 30b, and/or without protrusions 70, 80) While the above apparatus and method have been described in relation to use with a structure having a roof, or wall, etc. It will readily be appreciated that the same apparatus may be for use with outdoor structures, such as fence posts and panels, or the like.

It will be appreciated that any of the aforementioned apparatus 100 may have other functions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same apparatus 100.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.