| 摘要 |
<p>A clip (10) for joining together first and second substrates (12) in a vertical flooring system where each substrate has: opposite first and second major surfaces (14), (16) and one or more recesses R and projections P formed in a peripheral band in and circumscribing the second major surface (14), (16). The clip (10) comprises: a first protrusion (34) configured to engage and extend between each of the two substrates (12); and first and second panel engaging portions (35a), (35b), one on each side of the first protrusion (34). The clip (10) is configured to engage at least one of the substrates (12) by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to the major surfaces. The first protrusion (34) has stop surfaces (38) lying parallel to the first major surface and a space (37) formed beneath the stops surfaces. Each panel engaging portion (35) has opposite side walls (46m), (46n) which extend upward from and are contiguous with a bottom wall (52). The first panel engaging portion (35a) is configured to receive a projection P of a first substrate (12) and engage the first substrate (12) in a manner to form at least two locking planes LP. The locking planes lie perpendicular to the major surfaces (14). The second panel engaging portion (35b) is configured to receive a projection P of a second substrate (12) and engage the second substrate in a manner to form at least two further locking planes LP. Thus the clip (10) mechanically grips the engaged substrates along at least four of the locking planes LP.</p> |
