Panel mounting system
AssigneeMonarch Metal, Inc.
InventorAaron Michael Hawkins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A zero-lift, snap fit mounting system includes clips that snap fit into rails. Panels are carried on the clips with the rail carried by a mounting surface. Different lengths of each component are disclosed. One rail configuration provides a base having features that make the rail flexible enough to receive the clips in a snap fit connection. Another feature of the rail is a shelf that supports the weight of the clip and panel being mounted to the rail. The system also can have the latching projections of the rails and clips configured for easier installation than removal.
Claims20
A mounting system comprising:
- a first mounting component capable of being secured to a mounting structure;
- a second mounting component capable of being secured to an item to be mounted to the mounting structure;
- the first and second mounting structures selectively engaging each other in a snap-fit, zero-lift mounting configuration;
- one of the first and second mounting components having a base that includes a middle base portion with base legs projecting in opposite directions from the middle base portion;
- each of the base legs being cantilevered from the middle base portion;
- a foot projecting from an end portion of each of the base legs;
- each of the feet having a latching projection;
- and
- the other of the first and second mounting components having a base and first and second arms projecting outward from the base;
- each of the first and second arms having a latching projection capable of engaging one of the latching projections of the one of the first and second mounting components.
A zero-lift, snap fit panel mounting system comprising:
- a rail capable of being secured to a mounting structure;
- a clip capable of being secured to a panel to be mounted to the mounting structure;
- the clip engaging the rail to secure the panel to the mounting structure;
- the rail having a rail base with first and second end portions;
- a foot projecting from each of the end portions of the rail base;
- each of the feet having a latching projection;
- each of the end portions of the base of the rail including a shelf spaced from the foot that projects from that end portion;
- the clip having a clip base and first and second arms projecting outward from the clip base;
- each of the first and second arms having a latching projection capable of engaging one of the latching projections of the feet;
- and
- one of the arms being supported by one of the shelves.
A zero-lift, snap fit panel mounting system comprising:
- a rail capable of being secured to a mounting structure;
- a clip capable of being secured to a panel to be mounted to the mounting structure;
- the rail having a rail base that includes a middle base portion with base legs projecting in opposite directions from the middle base portion;
- each of the base legs being cantilevered from the middle base portion;
- a foot projecting from an end portion of each of the base legs;
- each of the feet having a latching projection;
- each of the end portions of the rail base including a shelf spaced from the foot that projects from that end portion;
- each end portion defining a first area of reduced thickness at the location where the foot projects from the end portion;
- each end portion defines a second area of reduced thickness at the location where the shelf projects from the end portion;
- and the second area of reduced thickness being spaced from the first area of reduced thickness;
- and
- the clip having a clip base and first and second arms projecting outward from the clip base;
- each of the first and second arms having a latching projection capable of engaging one of the latching projections of the feet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.