Patent ID: 9051741
Filing Date: 2015-06-09
Classification: E04F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A fastener for attaching a wall panel having a cut-out to a supporting structure, the fastener comprising: a base section comprising an elongated section wall adapted for attachment to the supporting structure; and a supporting section comprising: an elongated flexible first securing wall extending outwardly from the base section, the first securing wall including an outer surface and a spaced apart inner surface, an inwardly directed projection extending from the inner surface having an inclined surface sloping towards the section wall and terminating at a holding surface spaced above the section wall; a first leg extending outwardly from the base section spaced from the first securing wall by a distance sufficient to receive a portion of the wall panel therebetween, the first leg having an outer surface facing the inner surface of the first securing wall and an inner surface having at least one first projecting barb, the first securing wall adapted to be biased outwardly upon application of a bending force by engagement of a portion of the wall panel with the inclined surface when inserted between the first securing wall and the first leg for aligning the projection with the cut-out of the wall panel, whereupon release of the bending force causes the first securing wall to become unbiased whereby the projection is received within the cut-out of the wall panel for securing the wall panel between the first securing wall and the first leg; a second leg extending outwardly from the base section spaced from the first leg, the second leg having an inner surface having at least one second projecting barb; and an elongated flexible second securing wall extending outwardly from the base section in spaced apart relationship to the second leg, the second securing wall including an outer surface and a spaced apart inner surface, an inwardly directed projection extending from the inner surface having an inclined surface sloping towards the section wall and terminating at a holding surface spaced above the section wall; wherein the second leg extends outwardly from the base section spaced from the second securing wall by a distance sufficient to receive a portion of another wall panel therebetween, the second leg having an outer surface facing the inner surface of the second securing wall; the second securing wall adapted to be biased outwardly upon application of a bending force by engagement of a portion of the another wall panel with the inclined surface when inserted between the second securing wall and the second leg for aligning the projection with the cut-out of the another wall panel, whereupon release of the bending force causes the second securing wall to become unbiased whereby the projection is received within the cut-out of the another wall panel for securing the another wall panel between the second securing wall and the second leg.