Background Art In relation to the prior art, elements such as panels are usually fixed to an underlying stud by using wood screws, nails or glue. This requires a securing process which can be time consuming and frequently results in damage to the face of the panel. It is then necessary to further finish the panel, adding cost to the building procedure.

Using the system of the invention, especially where the element to be joined to the stud is a fibre reinforced cement panel or plasterboard, it is possible to fix the panel to the stud without the need for glue, nails or screws and without damage to the external face of the panel. This represents a considerable advance in the art.

Disclosure of the Invention This invention provides a system for fixing an element to a stud, the element having a first face and a second face, wherein the system includes fixing means adapted to connect the element to the stud via the second face without penetration of the first face.

In one embodiment, the fixing means is integral with the stud. In another embodiment, the fixing means is separate from the stud.

The fixing means employed in either of the embodiments of the invention can be chosen from a wide variety. As examples, there may be mentioned the following.

The stud may incorporate, or may have attached to it, fixing spikes which can penetrate the second face of the element, while leaving the first face undamaged. There may be means on the stud or connected to it which co- operate with means on the element to fix the element to the stud. Magnetic attraction may be employed to assist in fixing the element to the stud. The stud may incorporate holes or dents which receive a connector which is then connected to the element, or which is already incorporated in the element. A tongue on the stud may be received in a groove on the element, or vice versa. A hook on the stud may be recevable within a cavity on the element, or vice versa.

In the case where the fixing means is separate from the stud, this may comprise means similar to a gang nail with spikes or similar protrusions on opposed sides of the means. In this embodiment, the spikes on the side intended to connect the stud may need to be of a different hardness than those on the side intended to connect the element, such as a panel. For example, if the stud is metal and the element is plasterboard, the spikes required to connect into the metal would need to be substantially harder than those for connecting to the plasterboard.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the prior art showing part of a common conventional system for fixing panels to a stud; Figure 2 illustrates in perspective view part of a first embodiment of the system of the invention, showing a stud with integrated fixing means; Figures 3A and 3B show two versions of a second embodiment of the system of the invention in which fixing of a panel to the stud is achieved by magnetic attraction; Figure 4 and Figure 5 show a variation of the magnetic attraction feature of Figures 3A and 3B;

Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the system of the invention, wherein a connector is used for fixing a panel to the stud; Figures 7A to 7S detail various types of connectors and fixing means; Figure 8 and Figure 9 illustrate in perspective view and in section part of an embodiment of fixing means integral with the stud, while Figures 10 and 11 illustrate co-operating means on an element such as a panel; Figures 12,13 and 14 illustrate further embodiments of the system of the invention; Figures 15 and 16 a) to c) show in greater detail various profiles for spikes used as fixing means; Figures 17 and 18 a) to c) show in detail various embodiments of hooks included as fixing means; Figure 19 shows a tool which could be used to shape the spikes of Figures 15 and 16; Figure 19a is an enlarged version of a detail of the tool in Figure 19 in the area marked A; Figure 20 shows in perspective view part of an embodiment of a means which can be used to protect spikes being fixing means on a stud, until the stud is ready for use; Figure 21 shows in plan view the cover in Figure 20 assembled on a spiked stud; Figures 22 to 24 show a detail of a three dimensional spike which can be integrated with a stud in the system of the invention; Figure 25 shows that integrated spikes need not be identical in orientation; Figures 26 to 31 are illustrations of some embodiments of spikes for use in the system of the invention;

Figure 32 illustrates an embodiment of a two-sided gang nail which can comprise unintegrated fixing means in the system of the invention; Figures 33 to 38 illustrate some embodiments of double-sided gang nails; Figure 39 shows a double-sided gang nail for attachment to a timber stud, using magnetic attraction to attach a panel.

With reference first to Figure 1, which illustrates a common prior art fixing system, fibre reinforced cement panels 1 and 2 are fixed to stud 3 by screwing screws 4 through panels 1 or 2 into stud 3.

As is apparent from Figure 1, the heads of screws 4 are readily seen and mar the finish of panels 1 and 2. Therefore, further finishing to panels 1 and 2 is required after they are fixed to stud 3. This increases building costs.

Best Modes of Carrying out the Invention Turning now to Figure 2, the first embodiment illustrated shows panels 12 and 14 (which may be of fibre reinforced cement or plasterboard) in position, ready to be fixed to fixing spikes 16 on metal stud 18. Fixing spikes 16 are integral with and formed from stud 18. Panels 12 and 14 may be fixed to spikes 16 in various ways. For example, panels 12 and 14 may simply be pressed against spikes 16, using manual force. As another example, magnetic attraction may be applied to the exterior of panels 12 and 14, to force spikes 16 into place.

Because fixing takes place via the second, hidden face of panels 12 and 14, the first or displayed faces 13 and 15 of panels 12 and 14 (respectively) are not damaged or otherwise marked during the fixing process. Consequently, there is no necessity to further finish or treat panels 12 and 14.

Panels 12 and 14 may be fixed to spikes 16 so that panel 12 butts against panel 14 at join 17. Alternately, a gap may be formed between panels 12 and 14 by spacing them prior to fixing. Such a gap can provide a shadowline by way of a decorative feature.

A first version of an embodiment of the invention showing fixing of panel 12 to stud 18 using magnetic attraction is shown in Figure 3A. In this embodiment, panel 12 is of fibre reinforced cement or plasterboard, as in Figure 2. Separate from stud 18 is a strip connector 22, which has spikes (not shown) on the face of the connector, adapted to be fixed to stud 18, and spikes 19 on the opposing face, adapted to be fixed to panel 12. Spikes 19 are formed from connector 22 and are integral therewith. Stud 18 and connector 22 are of suitable magnetically attractive material, such as iron.

To fix panel 12 to stud 18, connector 22 is arranged in the desired position between panel 12 and stud 18. A magnetic impulse force is applied externally of panel 12. This force draws stud 18 onto connector 22 and fixes it thereon via spikes. At the same time, connector 22 is drawn towards panel 12 and fixed thereto via spikes 19.

In Figure 3B, one or more button connectors 24 having integral spikes 21 and 23, is substituted for connector 22. Button 24 is magnetically attracted in the same way as connector 22, so that the application of a suitable magnetic force externally of panel 12 will cause stud 18 and button 24 to be drawn towards panel 12; spike 21 engages stud 18 and spike 23 engages panel 12, thus fixing stud 18 to panel 12.

If desired, a series of buttons 24 may be arranged between stud 18 and panel 12.

Figure 4 shows in partial perspective view how magnetic attraction between stud 18 and the external magnetic source (not shown) may be intensified. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement in Figure 4, taken along the lines 5-5 in Figure 3.

Solid ferrous core 20 is inserted in stud 18. When an external magnetic force is applied, magnetic attraction between stud 18 and core 20 towards panel 12 is intensified. Using this embodiment, stud 18 need not be made of magnetically attractive material, since the presence of core 20 inside stud 18 will cause stud 18 to move towards the external magnetic source.

It is contemplated that spikes of connector 22 or spikes 21 of button 24 will not penetrate core 20. Core 20 may be relatively short and may be caused to slide vertically down hollow stud 18 until panel 12 (not shown) is fully fixed to stud 18.

It is to be noted that the fixing means such as strip connector 22 or button connector 24 (see Figures 3A and 3B) are omitted from Figures 4 and 5 for convenience.

With reference to Figure 6, stud 18 is shown prior to connection to panel 12 via connector 26. Connector 26 may take various other forms, some of which are illustrated in Figures 7A to 7S. Connector 26 is adapted to fit into holes or dents 25 on stud 18 and to pierce or fit into corresponding holes or dents (not shown) on the hidden second face of panel 12. Alternately, panel 12 may have connectors 26 pre-attached to or manufactured integrally with panel 12.

It is to be understood that connector 26 is not limited to the various embodiments shown in Figure 6 or in Figures 7A to 7S and that other embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art. It is also to be understood that other configurations may be substituted for that shown in Figure 6. For example, the connector 26 may be permanently attached to stud 18 and adapted to coordinate with a complementary part of panel 12, or vice versa. The connector 26 may be separate from both stud 18 and panel 12 but adapted to fit into each at appropriate locations.

Figure 7A shows in side elevation a pin 26A of varying section, resembling a truncated cone, with ribs 27. Figure 7B shows the pin 26A of Figure 7A in plan view, while Figure 7C is a perspective view.

Figure 7D is a perspective view of a piercing element 26B having spikes 29.

Figure 7E is a plan view and Figure 7F a side elevation of piercing element 26B.

Figure 7G is a side elevation of a ratchet plug 26C having stepped concentric flanges 31. Figure 7H is a plan view and Figure I a perspective view of ratchet plug 26C.

Figure 7J shows in perspective view a dovetail element 26E, adapted to fit into a complementary groove 35. Figure 7K is a plan view and Figure 7L a side elevation of element 26E.

Figure 7M is a side elevation of a split lock pin 26D, having deformable arms 33, while Figure 7N is a plan view and Figure 70 is a perspective view of pin 26D.

Figure 7P shows in perspective view a tongued element 26F, adapted to fit into a complementary groove 37. Figure 7Q is a partial side elevation of element 26F, while Figure 7R is a plan view.

Figure 7S is a perspective view of a spring clip 26G fitted into an appropriate channel 39.

In each case of the connectors 26A to 26G, the connector may be formed with or attached to either the panel 12 or the stud 18 and adapted to fit into the stud 18 or the panel 12, respectively.

Turning now to Figures 8 to 11, stud 18 incorporates hooks 28 which are adapted to be received in recess 30 in panel 12 (Figure 11). Gravity will assist to maintain the position of panel 12 against stud 18 when hook 28 is inserted in recess 30.

Figure 8 is a perspective view and Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along the lines A-A of Figure 8. Similarly, Figure 11 is a sectional view taken along the lines B-B of Figure 10.

The system in Figures 12 to 14 is similar to that in Figures 8 to 11. In Figure 12, panel 12 has eyelets 41 formed in its second face, so that studs with suitably shaped hooks may be annexed. In the case of Figures 13 and 14, panel 12 has one or more strips of L-shaped channels 30, into which appropriate hooks (in single or strip form) on one or more studs may be inserted.

Figures 15 and 16 a) to c) show how spike 16 integrated with stud 18 may be constructed at differing angles of bend, depending on the nature of the panel to be fixed.

Similarly, in Figures 17 and 18 a) to c), it can be seen that hook 28 can be manufactured with various positions.

It may be necessary to use a special tool if it is desired to form spikes 16 on site and this tool is illustrated in Figure 19, with Figure 19a showing in detail how punch 32 can form spike 16 in stud 18. Punch 32 is used in the same manner as conventional pliers, with spike 16 being formed at an angle of less than 90°.

On the other hand, if spikes 16 are incorporated in stud 18 during manufacture, it may be necessary to protect spikes 16 during transport of studs 18 and prior to assembly with panels. This is shown in Figures 20 and 21 where plastic cover 34 can be clipped to stud 18 as shown via protrusion 43 and recess 45, end 47 of stud 18 fitting into channel 49 and removed when access is required to spikes 16.

Turning now to Figures 22 to 24, it is to be appreciated that spikes 16 on stud 18 may be three dimensional, as shown in Figures 22 and 23 (lower version of spike). A three-dimensional spike may have increased strength compared to a two-dimensional spike and therefore can support much greater load without deflection. This is illustrated by comparing three dimensional spike 16 with two dimensional spike 16d in Figure 23. Further, stud 18 may have such spikes on opposite sides, as shown in Figure 24.

Spikes 16 may be arranged vertically or horizontally or at an angle. A mixture of vertical and horizontal orientations is shown in Figure 25 at 16A and 16B respectively. It is noted that greater strength is achieved in the case of spikes in a vertical orientation, while there is less likelihood of damage (due to shearing of panel fibres) to a fibre reinforced cement panel when the spikes are in a horizontal orientation.

Further variations of the spike are also within the scope of this invention and these are detailed in Figures 26 to 31.

Spike 16S in Figure 26 is split to form two arms 51 which makes use of the spring nature of sheet metal.

Spike 16R in Figure 27 has a more rounded shape and can be useful for more isolated fixings.

Spike 16V has protuberances 53 which are longer than protuberances 55, so that spike 16V can be used in connection with varying types of material.

Figure 29 shows in three versions (a), (b) and (c) the operative part of spikes 16N which have a simple geometry and may be regarded, to some extent, to resemble prior art nails.

In Figure 30, three versions shown at (a), (b) and (c) of spikes 16L show how shoulders 57 can be used when connecting to plasterboard, to prevent excessive penetration of the plasterboard by spikes 16L.

Figure 31 shows three versions (a), (b) and (c) of spikes 16B having additional barbs to increase holding strength. Spikes 16B in versions (a) and (b) have an added twist at the top (as shown in the profiles also included) to increase holding strength.

Figure 32 shows an embodiment of a two-sided gang nail which, in this embodiment, comprises the fixing means which are separate from the stud.

Gang nail 60 has long spikes 16G for softer or more brittle materials. These give greater intersection area between spikes 16G and material to which it is to be attached. Gang nail 60 also has shorter spikes 16H which can be used for connection to metals or tougher materials. Shorter spikes 16H give less likelihood of spike deformation. Spikes 16H lie on the reverse side of gang nail 60 from spikes 16G.

In Figure 33, gang nail 62 has spikes 16 in a linear arrangement. An alternative arrangement, in which spikes 16 are parallel, is shown in Figure 34.

Figure 35 shows how spikes 16 on a gang nail 60 may be covered by protective material 64 which can be removed before assembly to reveal the spikes.

Protective material 64 can comprise, for example, expanded or cellular foam material.

Figure 36 shows in side elevation part of gang nail 60 illustrating the different length spikes 16G and 16H. Figure 37 is a partial perspective view of gang nail 62 in Figure 33.

Figure 38 shows an alternate method of dealing with protective foam as shown in Figure 35. In Figure 38, the expanded foam has been left on gang nail 60 and during application, the foam is compressed to permit spike 16 to pierce through, as illustrated. If desired, foam 64 may have a thin layer of harder foam or plastic, which is easily pierced through during the application of magnetic force as previously described.

Figure 39 shows how the use of magnetic force can still apply when stud 18 is of timber. In the technique illustrated, gang nail 60 is fixed to timber stud 18 and thereafter magnetic attraction can be used to attach a lining panel (not shown).

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the scope of the invention is not limited by the embodiments described and that other arrangements can fall within the scope of the invention.

Industrial Applicability The invention has decided advantaged in the building industry and can provide low cost and efficient construction.