Thus, the present invention provides a spring clip comprising a first portion adapted, in use, to engage a first building component and at least one second portion integrally formed with said first portion, each said second portion being adapted, in use, to engage a second building component.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a spring clip as described in the immediately-preceding paragraph and having two said second portions integrally formed with said first portion.

Preferably, the first portion is of substantially U-shaped longitudinal section.

Preferably, each said second portion comprises a pin or tine integral with said first portion.

In use, the first portion engages a building component such as a girder, a RSJ or a similar component. Each second portion, in use, engages a building component such as a cladding panel, an insulation panel or a similar component.

A spring clip according to the present invention may conveniently be made from a generally planar strip. The strip may, for example, be made

of a metal such as spring-steel. Alternatively, the spring clip may be made from a mouldable plastics material.

The strip may then be subjected to a stamping operation in which the pins or tines constituting the second portions are formed by a shearing process.

Preferably, one pin or tine is simultaneously sheared from each opposite edge of the longer dimension of the strip.

At the same time, one or more barbs may be formed in the metal or plastics strip, to enhance the grip of the spring clip on the building component.

Thus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, a spring clip according to the present invention may further include one or more barbs.

The strip is then formed, by means known per se, into a U-shape, the pins or tines extending from opposite edges of the"U".

In use, the generally U-shaped first portion of the spring clip is caused to engage a building component such as a girder. Each pin or tine is then bent to the required angle relative to the spring clip and a second building component such as an insulation panel is attached thereto. The insulation panel is secured in position on the pin or tine by means of a retention- plate (known per se) and the pin or tine is then cut off flush with the retention-plate.

The present invention will be illustrated, merely by way of example, in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings (wherein like numerals denote like parts): Figure 1 is a view of a strip for making a spring clip according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a view of the strip of Figure 1 after formation of the integral pins or tines; Figure 3 is a schematic view of one means of deploying a spring clip according to the present invention.

A strip 10 of spring-steel is subjected to a stamping operation to form pins or tines 11 and 12 and barbs 13.

In use, as shown in Figure 3, the clip is bent into a U-shape so that portion 10 engages a girder 20. The pins or tines 11 and 12 are then bent relative to the clip to provide attachment means for panels 21 and 22 respectively. The panels 21 and 22 are held in place on their respective pins or tines by means of retention plates, known per se and shown schematically at 23.