TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention pertains in general to means for securing construction elements with mortise and tenon joints together, and in particular to a retention clip suitable for use in the building or furniture industry.

BACKGROUND

Construction elements, e.g. construction parts or panels, are used in various construction industries, e.g. to construct non-load bearing or load bearing walls or floors for buildings or when constructing furniture. It has been an ongoing construction industry challenge to find solutions as how to attach two construction parts together in an efficient manner.

A way of attaching construction elements, e.g. sheets of plywood together, is by using mortise and tenon joints. This is particularly advantageous in situations where one panel needs to be mounted perpendicular to the other, e.g. at floor-to-wall transitions, wall-to-ceiling transitions, or ceiling-to-wall transitions. With a mortise and tenon joint, the tenon of one of the construction elements is arranged to mate with a mortise opening provided in the other construction element. The tighter the fit between the tenon and the interior surface of the mortise opening the higher the frictional forces will be in order to keep the tenon mated with the mortise opening. However, even if a tight fit is achieved during installation, over time mortise and tenon joints - especially in buildings and furniture that use Computer numerically controlled (CNC) routing - may become dislodged due to vibrations or face loads etc. Such mortise and tenon construction panels have historically therefore been secured together using an additional attachment means, e.g. screws, nails, adhesives, metal cable ties or wooden dowels. However, such securing solutions have proven to be expensive in terms of materials or labour intensive or do not allow for appropriate component reuse or recycling.

An improved way of securing construction elements with mortise and tenon joints would be advantageous. SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a retention clip that secures two construction elements having mortise and tenon joints together. The retention clip may replace the need for other means of attachment and provides a more cost efficient and less labour-intensive solution, while securing the construction elements together. Moreover, retention clip may be easily removed and reused, when disassembling the construction elements. Hence, the carbon footprint using the retention clip disclosed herein may be drastically reduced compared to conventional securing techniques. By means of the retention clip it is possible to fixing thin construction elements together that would be very difficult or even impossible to attach using nails or screws. Hence, the retention unit allows for assembly of thinner and more slender construction elements leading to less material consumption and less carbon footprint.

An additional or alternative object of the present invention is to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

The retention clip may also allow other parts, e.g. perpendicular plywood members, other parts in the assembly, internal lining materials, plasterboard, wood sheet products (MDF, plywood, OSB), to be held to the mortise that are made of very slender materials.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a retention clip for securing a first construction element having a mortise opening and a second construction element having a tenon designed to mate with the mortise opening together is provided. The retention clip comprises a centre portion with a front face and a back face. The retention clip further comprises a first end portion extending from a first end of the centre portion at a first angle in relation to the front face. Further, the retention clip comprises a second end portion extending from a second end of the centre portion at a second angle in relation to the back face. The first end portion is arranged to be inserted through the mortise opening so as to engage with an exterior face of the first construction element while a first part of the centre portion is positioned within the mortise opening. Upon the tenon mating with the mortise opening the second end portion is arranged to be inserted through a slot of the second construction element, thereby engaging at least part of the second end portion with an interior surface of the slot for securing the first construction element to the second construction element, in use. According to a second aspect of the invention, a first construction element for use with the aforementioned retention clip is provided. The first construction element comprises a mortise opening for receiving a tenon of a second construction element, wherein the mortise opening has a shape and size allowing to accommodate the centre portion of the retention clip and the tenon when the tenon is mated with the mortise opening, in use.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a second construction element for use with the aforementioned retention clip is provided. The second construction element comprises a tenon for mating with a mortise opening of a first construction element, wherein the second construction element comprises a slot, extending from a first face of the second construction element towards a second face of the second construction element. The slot is arranged to receive the second end portion of the retention clip upon the tenon mating with the mortise opening, thereby securing the first construction element to the second construction element together, in use.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an assembly is provided. The assembly comprises at least one of the aforementioned retention clips, at least one of the aforementioned first construction elements, and at least one of the aforementioned second construction elements.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of securing a first construction element having a mortise opening to a second construction element having a tenon and designed to mate with the mortise opening together using a retention clip is provided. The retention clip comprises a centre portion with a front face and back face, a first end portion extending from a first end of the centre portion at a first angle in relation to the front face, and a second end portion extending from a second end of the centre portion at a second angle in relation to the back face. The method comprises inserting a part of the retention clip through the mortise opening of the first construction element so that the first end portion is arranged adjacent an exterior face of the first construction element. Further, the method comprises mating the tenon with the mortise opening. The method further comprises inserting the second end portion through a slot of the second construction element, thereby engaging at least part of the second end portion with an interior surface of the slot while engaging the first end portion with the face of the first construction element and securing the first construction element to the second construction element.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a retention clip for securing together a first construction element having a mortise opening and a second construction element having a tenon configured to be received in the mortise opening, the retention clip comprising: an elongate centre portion; a first projection extending away from the centre portion in a first direction; and a second projection extending away from the centre portion in a second direction, the first and second projections being spaced apart along the elongate centre portion; wherein the retention clip is configured to be inserted into the mortise opening such that: a) the first projection engages with an exterior face of the first construction element; b) the centre portion is positioned within the mortise opening; and c) the second projection is at least partially received in a slot of the second construction element and engages an interior surface of the slot; wherein the engagement and positioning of the retention clip with the first and second construction elements secures the first construction element to the second construction element.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a retention clip for securing a first construction element having a mortise opening and a second construction element having a tenon designed to mate with the mortise opening together, the retention clip comprising: a centre portion comprising an elongate body; a first end portion extending from a first end of the elongate body in a first direction, and a second end portion extending from a second end of the elongate body in a second direction, the second end being arranged at an opposite end of the elongate body to the first end; wherein the second direction is substantially opposite to the first direction.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term 'comprising', other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all subranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

As used herein the term '(s)' following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

As used herein the term 'and/or' means 'and' or 'or', or where the context allows both.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to explain the invention, a number of embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a retention clip according to an embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a first construction element according to an embodiment;

Figure 3 shows a second construction element according to an embodiment;

Figures 4A to 4C show three stages of securing the first construction element of Figure 3 to the second construction element of Figure 3 using the retention clip of Figure 1.

Figure 5 shows a retention clip according to a further embodiment; Figure 6 shows a first construction element according to a further embodiment; Figure 7 shows a second construction element according to a further embodiment;

Figures 8A to 8C show three stages of securing the first construction element of Figure 6 to the second construction element of Figure 7 using the retention unit of Figure 5.

Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for securing the first construction element to the second construction element using the retention unit associated with Figures 1 to 4C;

Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method for securing the first construction element to the second construction element using the retention unit associated with Figures 5 to 8C;

Figures 11A to 11D show three stages of securing a first construction element having a recessed seat to a second construction element using the retention unit of Figure 1;

Figure 12 shows a second construction element according to an embodiment;

Figure 13 shows an arrangement of two first construction elements having multiple respective mortise openings attached to two second construction elements having symmetrical slots using four retention units according to an embodiment;

Figure 14 shows an arrangement of two first construction elements having multiple respective mortise openings attached to four second construction elements having symmetrical slots using eight retention units according to an embodiment;

Figure 15A shows a retention clip according to a further embodiment;

Figure 15B shows a side view of the retention clip of Figure 15A in its idle and flexed or displaced state;

Figure 16 shows the retention clip of Figures 15A and 15B, assembled to a first construction element and second construction element;

Figure 17 shows a side view of the assembly of Figure 16 in the installed configuration;

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a retention clip according to a further embodiment;

Figure 19A shows a top view of the retention clip of Figure 18;

Figure 19B shows a side view of the retention clip of Figure 18; Figures 20A and 20B show two stages of securing a first construction element to a second construction element using the retention clip of Figure 18;

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a retention clip according to a further embodiment;

Figure 22 shows a front view of the retention clip of Figure 21;

Figure 23 shows a detailed view of one half of the retention clip of Figure 21;

Figures 24A to 24C show three stages of securing a first construction element to a second construction element using the retention clip of Figure 21;

Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a retention clip according to a further embodiment;

Figure 26A shows a top view of the retention clip of Figure 25;

Figure 26B shows a side view of the retention clip of Figure 25;

Figure 27 shows a perspective view of a retention clip according to a further embodiment; and

Figure 28 shows a side view of the retention clip of Figure 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An idea of the present invention is to provide a retention clip to secure two construction elements having respective mortise and tenon joints together. The two construction elements may be lining materials, e.g. be CNC manufactured plywood structural elements used for buildings, furniture or any other application where two panels, e.g. plywood panels, oriented strand boards (OSB) and/or medium density fibre boards (MDF), are connected together. The retention clip is designed to prevent the construction element from separating, e.g. due to vibrations or face loads, over the life time of the construction. The retention clip allows for quick, user friendly assembly and/or disassembly and may also be reused after disassembly. Unlike known solutions for securing two construction elements together, the retention clip of the present invention does not require separate fastening means such as screws, nails, adhesives, cable ties, etc.

The retention clip of some embodiments has the overall shape of a 'Z' shaped bracket designed to restrain construction elements, e.g. plywood parts in their seated positions. In some embodiments, each of the three main parts of the Z-shape is arranged at right angles towards the respective adjacent part.

Another idea of the present invention is to provide construction elements with a design that is arranged to receive the retention clip for securing them together. In particular, the mortise opening is so that it may accommodate part of the retention clip when the mortise is mated with the tenon provided construction element. Also, the tenon provided construction element is provided with a slot for receiving part of the retention clip.

By using the retention clip the construction elements may be fixed together without the use of adhesives, screws or nail fixing. Further, materials such as internal linings can be adhered to construction element once attached together using the retention unit. When deconstruction is necessary the retention clip may easily be snapped out allowing the construction elements to be removed and ensuring all components of the embodiments disclosed herein, including the construction elements, can be directly reused.

In an embodiment, according to Figure 1, a retention clip 10 for securing a first construction element 20 having a mortise opening 21 and a second construction element 30 having a tenon 31 designed to mate with the mortise opening 21 together is provided. The retention clip 10 comprises a centre portion 11 with a front face 11A and back face 11B. The retention clip further comprises a first end portion 12 extending from a first end 111 of the centre portion at a first angle in relation to the front face 11A. Moreover, the retention clip comprises a second end portion 13 extending from a second end 112 of the centre portion at a second angle in relation to the back face 11B. The first end portion 12 is arranged to be inserted through the mortise opening 21, as shown with reference to Figures 2, 4A to 4C, 6, and 8A to 8C, to engage with an exterior face 22 of the first construction element 20 while a first part of the centre portion 11 is positioned within the mortise opening 21. The second end portion 13 is arranged to be inserted through a slot 32 of a second construction element 30, once the tenon 31 is mated with the mortise opening 21. In this way at least a part of the second end portion engages with an interior surface of the slot 32. This prevents the tenon 31 of coming loose from the mortise opening, as the two construction elements 20 and 31 are secured together between the first end portion 12 and the second end portion 13 of the retention clip 10. The centre portion 11 comprises an elongate body 14. The first and second end portions 12, 13 extend from the elongate body 14. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 17, the centre portion 11 comprises a single elongate body 14.

In an embodiment, the elongate body 14 comprises a straight body portion. In an embodiment, the elongate body 14 is straight along its entire length. In an embodiment, the elongate body 14 comprises an arcuate body portion.

In an embodiment we therefore provide a retention clip for securing together a first construction element having a mortise opening and a second construction element having a tenon configured to be received in the mortise opening, the retention clip comprising: an elongate centre portion; a first projection extending away from the centre portion in a first direction; and a second projection extending away from the centre portion in a second direction, the first and second projections being spaced apart along the elongate centre portion.

The retention clip is configured to be inserted into the mortise opening such that: a) the first projection engages with an exterior face of the first construction element; b) the centre portion is positioned within the mortise opening; c) the second projection is at least partially received in a slot of the second construction element and engages an interior surface of the slot.

The engagement and positioning of the retention clip with the first and second construction elements secures the first construction element to the second construction element.

In an embodiment we provide a retention clip for securing a first construction element having a mortise opening and a second construction element having a tenon designed to mate with the mortise opening together, the retention clip comprising: a centre portion comprising an elongate body; a first end portion extending from a first end of the elongate body in a first direction, and a second end portion extending from a second end of the elongate body in a second direction, the second end being arranged at an opposite end of the elongate body to the first end; wherein the second direction is substantially opposite to the first direction.

The first direction is preferably parallel to the second direction.

The retention clip or at least parts thereof may be made of a resilient material. In some embodiments, the retention clip or at least parts thereof may be made of an elastic material, such as a spring elastic or sprung material. This allows the retention clip to flex upon exertion of an external force and go back to its idle original state once the external force is removed. In other words, the idle state is a state in which the retention clip is not in use with the first and second construction elements.

In some embodiments, at least one of the centre portion 11, the first end portion 12, and the second end portion 13 is made of an elastic material.

In some embodiment, the elastic material is a metal.

According to some embodiment, the elastic material is sprung steel.

The retention clip may have a thickness of 0.25 mm to 1 mm in some embodiments. This thickness has proven suitable for construction elements, such as construction panels of plywood. However, it should be appreciated that the retention clip is not limited only to these given thickness dimensions, as the thickness may vary depending on the type of construction element. Hence, the retention clip 10 may be provided in any thickness.

The first angle, in the idle state, may be a right angle or substantially perpendicular in relation to the front face 11A, as shown with reference to Figures 1, 4A to 4C, 5, and 8A to 8C.

The second angle, in the idle state, may be a right angle or substantially perpendicular in relation to the back face 11B, as shown with reference to Figures 1, 4A to 4C, 5, and 8A to 8C.

In some embodiments, the first angle and second angle are respectively less than 90° in the idle state. In this configuration the retention clip will have a Z-shape in lateral cross section formed by the centre portion 11, first end portion 12 and second end portion 13. In some embodiments, the centre portion 11 has a straight in lateral cross section in its idle state.

In some embodiments, see for example Figures 15A to 17, the centre portion 11 may be curved, e.g. slightly curved, in lateral cross section in the idle state. This curved shape may be used to act as a spring element when the retention clip is installed. The curved shape may also improve the spring elasticity especially for the second end portion 13. The curved shape of the centre portion 11 may be convex facing the second end portion 13 and thus concave facing the first end portion 12. This configuration may be advantageous in some settings, and in particular when the second end portion 13 is provided with a lip portion 131 since the spring force created by the curved centre portion 11 may be used pull the lip portion 131 towards the second construction element, thereby adding the friction between the second end portion 13 to the second construction element 30, as the lip portion 131 is pulled towards the first face 33 of the second construction element 30.

An embodiment showing the lip portion 131 provided retention clip 10 is shown in Figures 5, and 8A to 8C. In this embodiment, the second end portion 13 of the retention clip 10 further comprises a lip portion 131. The lip portion 131 may extend at an angle from an end 13a of the second end portion. The lip portion 131 may comprise a lip surface 131a that faces the centre portion 11. The lip surface 131a is arranged to engage with an exterior face, i.e. the back side of construction element of Figures 8A to 8C. In this way it secures the second construction element 30 to the retention clip 10 in a direction parallel to the extension of the second end portion 13.

In some embodiments, the lip portion 131 extends at a right angle or substantially perpendicular to the second end portion 13 so that the lip surface 131a faces the centre portion 11.

With reference to Figures 5 and 7, the length Li of the second end portion 13 between the back face 11B of the centre portion 11 and the end 13a of the second end portion 13 is dimensioned to match the thickness T of the second construction element 30. Dimensioning the length Li of the second end portion 13 to the thickness T of the second construction element 30 is possible in all embodiments of the present invention where the centre portion 11 comprises a single elongate body 14. At least one of the centre portion 11, the first end portion 12, and/or second end portion 13 may have a flat cross section. The flat cross section makes the various portions suitable for engaging with the normally flat construction elements, and therefore makes a nice fit. The retention clip 10 may in some embodiments, see e.g. Figures 1, 4A to 4C, 5, 8A to 8C, 11B to 11D, and 13 to 14 may be made of a flat sheet material with at least two opposing side surfaces being parallel to each other.

Alternatively, at least some parts of the retention clip 10 may be made of a round spring elastic material, for example an elastically deformable metal wire, as shown with reference to Figures 15 to 17. The round material may have a round cross section, such as a substantially circular cross section, for example. Using a round spring elastic material may allow for providing the slot 32 of the second construction element 30 as a cylindrical through bore or hole extending through the second construction element. The cylindrical through bore or hole may be sized to allow for receiving the second end portion 13, including optional lip portion 131 therethrough. The cylindrical shape of the slot 32 may reduce the overall machine processing costs of the second construction element.

In embodiments where at least some parts of the retention clip 10 are made of a round material, terms such as 'front face', 'back face', 'side surface' and 'lip surface' or similar should be interpreted as the part of the clip that faces in the described direction. For example, referring to the side views of the retention clip 10 shown in figures 15B and 17, the back face 11B is the part of the centre portion 11 that faces the first face 33 of the second construction element 30, in use (that is, the back face 11B is the part of the centre portion 11 that is closest to the first face 33). The front face 11A is opposite the back face 11B (that is, the front face 11A is the part of the centre portion 11 that is furthest from the first face 33). The lip surface 131a is the part of the lip portion 131 that faces the second face 34 of the second construction element 30, in use (that is, the lip surface 131a is the part of the lip portion 131 that is closest to the second face 34 of the second construction element 30).

In some embodiments the material of the retention clip is selected to allow the second end portion to be able to bend or flex at least 10 degrees away from its idle position when subject to an external force. The idle position of the end portion 13 is shown sharing the general overall contour of the retention clip 10 of Figure 15B, while the flexed position is shown in grey to the left of the idle position along direction of the arrows. The spring elasticity of the retention unit 10 urges the end portion 13 to return to its idle state when displaced or flexed. The second end portion 13 may be subject to the external force when it or its lip portion 131 engages the slot seat 32a of the slot upon insertion of the second end portion 13 into the slot 32. Once the end (e.g. lip portion 131) of the second end portion 13 exits the slot, the external force is reduced whereby the spring elasticity allows for securely snapping the second end portion against the slot seat 32a, as shown with reference to Figures 16 and 17.

By providing the centre portion 11 with a curved shape and creating an angular gradual or smooth transition between the centre portion 11 and the second end portion 13, as is shown in the embodiment of Figures 15A and 15B, improved spring elasticity may be achieved between the centre portion 11 and the lip portion 131 of the second end portion 13. At the same time, joining the first end portion 12 to the end 111 of the centre portion 11 at a right or essentially right angle, thereby forming a non-gradual angular transition between the centre portion 11 and the first end portion 12, as shown with reference to Figures 15A to 17, reduces the spring elasticity at this end of the retention unit 10 in relation to that associated with the angular transition between the centre portion 11 and the second end portion 13.

Turning to Figure 2 a construction element 20 for use with the aforementioned retention clip 10 is provided. The construction element 20 comprises a mortise opening 21 for receiving a tenon 31 of another construction element 30, wherein the mortise opening has a shape and size allowing to accommodate the centre portion 11 of the retention clip 10 and the tenon 31 when the tenon 31 is mated with the mortise opening 21, in use.

With reference to Figures 2 and 4A to 4C, and Figure 6 and 8A to 8C, it may be observed that the mortise opening 21 may define at least one space with a length L3 that is at least equal to a thickness of the centre portion 11 of the retention clip added to a thickness T of the tenon 31. This allows the mortise opening to receive the first end portion 12 of the retention clip. The mortise opening 21 also has a width W that is at least equal to a length L4 of the tenon 31. In other words, the mortise opening 21 is sized to receive the tenon 31. In some embodiments the mortise opening has the shape of a dog bone as shown in Figure 2. The dog-bone may be associated with curved shapes at the ends of the mortise opening that are designed into the routers cut path to ensure that the end is a flat right angle for the tenon 31 of the second construction element. The ends of the dog bone are enlarged to allow the retention clip to be inserted and then slid horizontally into position without adding many manufacturing costs or reducing the strength of the joint.

The mortise opening 21 may be provided with a narrowing section having a seat 21a configured to engage the front face 11A of the first part of the centre portion 11, in use. As shown in Figure 2 the narrowing section containing the seat 21a may be centrally located within the mortise opening 21. The narrowing section extends across the mortise opening, in a direction perpendicular to the width W, and is dimensioned to provide a snug fit on either side of the tenon 31 when inserted. The narrowing section may be arranged adjacent at least section with a larger aperture, i.e. opening, size. It may be observed from Figures 2 and 6 that the seat 21a is arranged in between two sections with larger aperture size. Each larger aperture section may allow for facilitated insertion of the first end portion 12 through the mortise opening 21 upon installation.

The seat 21a may be arranged adjacent at least one protrusion 21b of the narrowing section. The at least one protrusion 21b may act to hold the first part of the centre portion 11 onto the seat 21a when the tenon 31 is mated with the mortise opening 21, in use. Also, the protrusion 21b, which in use is arranged to engage one face of the tenon 31, provides a clearing distance to the seat 21a to fit the first part of the centre portion 11, in use.

The embodiment of Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the construction element 20 with one protrusion 21b adjacent the seat 21a.

The narrowing section opposite the seat 21a may also be provided with protrusions 21b' as shown with reference to Figure 2.

The mortise opening 21 of the embodiment of Figure 6 is provided with at least two protrusions 21b in the narrowing section. Here, the seat 21a is arranged between two protrusions acting to safely hold the first part of the centre portion 11 onto the seat 21a when the tenon 31 is mated with the mortise opening 21, in use.

Similarly, to the embodiment of Figure 2 the construction element of Figure 5 also comprises protrusions 21b' opposing the seat 21a. The mortise opening 21 of Figure 6 is symmetrical around the centre of the mortise opening.

As mentioned above, with reference to the embodiment of Figure 2, each protrusion 21b is arranged to engage with the tenon 31 when mated with the mortise opening 21, in use. The effect of the protrusion is thus two-fold as two adjacent protrusions also define a seat 21a for the retention clip 10 while engaging the tenon 31 in use.

In some embodiments, the mortise opening has a width W that is wider than a width of the first part of the centre portion 11 and/or the first end portion 12. This allows for easier insertion of these parts into the mortise opening.

With reference to Figures 3 and 7 two respective embodiments of a construction element 30 for use with the retention clip 10 and comprising a tenon 31 for mating with a mortise opening 21 of another construction element 20 are provided. In each of these embodiments the construction element 30 comprises a slot 32, extending from a first face 33 of the construction element towards a second face 34 of the construction element 30. The slot 32 is arranged to receive the second end portion 13 of the retention clip 10 when the tenon 31 has mated with the mortise opening 21, thereby securing the first construction element 20 to the second construction element 30, in use,

The slot 32 is arranged at a distance D from the tenon 31 along the general extension of the tenon 31. The distance D may be arranged to match the length L2 of the centre portion 11 of the retention clip, as shown with reference to Figures 1, 4A to 4C, 5 and 8A to 8C.

In some embodiments, the slot 32 has a slot seat edge 32a that is parallel to an exterior face 31a of the tenon 31.

The slot edge 32a may form part of a slot seat 32a extending from the slot edge towards the second face 34. The slot seat 32a is configured to engage an exterior face of the second end portion 13, in use, as perhaps best shown in Figures 4B to 4C, and 8B to 8C.

The slot 32 may extend into the construction element at an angle to the first face 33. The angle may be less than or equal to 90° to the first face.

In some embodiments, the slot 32 extends into the construction element at a right angle or substantially perpendicular to the first face 33 of the construction element 30. In some embodiments, the slot 32 may extend straight through the construction element 30 between the first face 33 and an opposing second face 34 of the construction element. Alternatively, the slot 32 may extend only part of the way between the first face 33 and the second face 34. This is beneficial when it is desired not to have any visible parts of the slot seen from the second face 34 of the construction element, when installed. For such way slots 32, the retention clip 10 of Figure 1, i.e. one provided without a lip portion 131, is advantageous, as it still allows for quick and easy disassembling of the installation.

The slot 32 may have a width w that is wider than a width of the second end portion 13, 13a. This allows for facilitated insertion of the second end portion 13, 13a into the slot 32, in use.

In some embodiments, the construction element 30 comprises a plurality of slots. For example, the construction element 30 may comprise two slots (described in further detail below in relation to the embodiments of Figures 18-24).

With reference to the embodiments shown in Figure 3 and 4A to 4C, the slot 32 may comprise a ramp portion 32b that is arranged adjacent to and at an angle in relation to the slot seat 32a so as to guide the second end portion 13 onto the seat slot 32a upon installation.

Figures 4A to 4C shows the installation process at three different stages. In Figure 4A the first end portion 12, and the first part of the centre portion 11 has been inserted through the mortise opening. One of the sections with larger opening size accommodates the associated parts of the retention clip 10, while the tenon 31 is mated with the mortise opening 21. By pushing the retention clip 10 downwards along the arrow of Figure 4A and then towards the tenon 31 the second end portion 13 is received in the ramp section 32b of the slot 32. This configuration is shown in Figure 4B. By pushing the retention clip sideways, i.e. when an external force applied in a general direction along the width w of the slot 32 is exerted onto the second end portion 13, along the arrow in Figure 4B, the second end portion 13 will be guided along the ramp 32b and forcing the tenon 31 into its fully mated position in the mortise opening 21. At the same time the first part of the centre portion 11 move onto the seat 21a. Note that in this embodiment the first part of the centre portion 11 does not need to pass a protrusion 21b as none is provided on that side of the mortise opening. The completed installation stage is shown in Figure 4C. Turning to the embodiments of Figures 5 to 8C, the installation of the retention clip is different to that of Figures 4A to 4C. Here, the first end portion 12 and the first part of the centre portion 11 is inserted into the mortise opening 21 of Figure 6, so that the first part of the centre portion 11 engages with the seat 21a of the mortise opening. The retention clip 10 is the pushed downwards along the arrow in Figure 8A towards second construction element 30. The tenon 31 is inserted into the mortise opening from below in the Figure 8A, whereby the centre portion 11 and second end portion 13 of the retention clip is pulled aside as shown in Figure 8B. The second end portion 13 with the lip portion 131 is then inserted into the slot 32 as shown in Figure 8C. In order to insert the second end portion 13 into the slot 32, it may be required with some light flexing of the second end portion 13 in relation to the centre portion 11 so as to allow the lip portion 131 inside the slot 32. Once inserted the second end portion 13 is the pushed into the slot 32 until the lip portion 131 snaps around the second face 34 of the second construction element 30. It may be noted that the slot 32 of Figures 7 and 8A to 8C is not provided with a ramp portion as the installation method is different from that of Figures. 4A to 4C.

In both embodiments described so far, the first end portion 12 will rest and engage with the exterior face 22 of the first construction element 20, in its installed state, see e.g. Figures 4B and 4C and 8B and 8C.

Alternatively, the mortise opening 21 may be arranged with a recessed seat 23 in the exterior face 22 so that the top face of the first end portion 12 becomes flush with the exterior face. Such an embodiment is shown with reference to Figures 11A to 11D. The recessed seat 23 is recessed into the exterior face 22 of the construction element 20 so that the first end portion seat 21a is arranged at a recessed distance from the remaining exterior face 22. In some embodiments, the recessed distance may be equal to the thickness of the first end portion 12 allowing the top face of the first end portion to become flush with the exterior face 22. Figure 11D shows such an arrangement in a fully installed configuration. Figures 11A to 11C shows the installation process at three different stages. As may be observed, the installation process illustrated in Figures 11A to 11D, may be seen as an alternative to that shown with reference to Figures 8A to 8C. Here, the retention unit 10 may be inserted through the mortise opening 21 with the second end portion 13 first, after the tenon 31 is mated with the mortise opening 21. However, it should be appreciated that way of installation is also possible in the embodiment of Figures 8A to 8C. Likewise, it is possible to install the retention unit 10 of Figures 11A to 11D similarly to that of Figures 8A to 8C.

Alternatively, the recessed distance may be larger than the thickness of the first end portion 12. In this situation, the top face of the first end portion 12 will rest at a level beneath the exterior face 22. In such situation any exposed top face of the first end portion 12 may be capped e.g. with a cap that is flush with the exterior surface. The selection of a particular recess distance may thus allow for a more aesthetic design options as well as allowing for larger for margins of error during the production process of the mortise opening.

The slot opening at the second face 34 of the second construction element may also similarly comprise a recessed seat (not shown) for receiving the lip portion 131, so that the exterior face of the lip portion 131, i.e. that facing away from the centre portion 11, will become flush with the second face 34.

The associated recessed distance may thus be designed to be equal to the thickness of the lip portion. In this situation the length Li of the second end portion 13 may be dimensioned so that the sum of the length Li of the second end portion 13 and the thickness of the lip portion 131 is equal to the thickness T of the second construction element 30.

In some embodiments the recessed seat in the second face 34 of the second construction element 30 may be provided at a recessed distance being larger than the thickness of the lip portion 131, thereby allowing for capping the exposed surface of the lip portion with a cap that is flush with the second face 34.

In an embodiment (not shown), a recessed seat is provided from the top face 31a of the tenon 31 and extending to the slot 32, wherein the recessed seat has a width that at least equals the width of the centre portion 11. In this configuration, the centre portion 11 when installed may be made flush with the first face 33 of the second construction element 30.

It should be appreciated that it is possible to use a combination of at least one recessed seat for the first end portion 12, the centre portion 11, and/or the lip portion 131. Thus, in some embodiment one or more recessed seats may be provided in this regard. In embodiments where a recessed seat is provided for all of the first end portion 12, the centre portion 11, and the lip portion 131, the retention clip may be made completely flush with the face of the associated construction element or capped flush with the face of the associated construction element.

In Figures 8B and 8C it may be observed that the first end portion 12 engages and rests on the exterior face 22 of the construction element.

The construction element according to some embodiments may be a construction panel.

The construction element may be made of made of one or more timber materials such as solid timber, plywood, or MDF. The construction element may alternatively be made of gib or any other commonly known material. In an embodiment, the construction element has a laminate construction.

In an embodiment, according to Figure 9, a method 40 of securing the first construction element 20 having a mortise opening 21 to the second construction element 30 having a tenon 31 and designed to mate with the mortise opening 21 together using the retention clip 10 according to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4C is provided. The method comprises inserting 41 a part of the retention clip 10 through the mortise opening 21 of the first construction element 20 so that the first end portion 12 is arranged adjacent an exterior face 22,23 of the first construction element 20. The method further comprises mating 42 the tenon 31 with the mortise opening 21. Further, the method comprises inserting 43 the second end portion 13 through the slot 32 at the ramp portion 32b of the slot. Moreover, the method comprises applying 44 a force onto the retention clip in a general lateral direction along the width of the mortise opening 21 and/or slot 32, thereby guiding the second end portion 13 along the ramp 32b and forcing the tenon 31 into its fully mated position in the mortise opening 21, while moving the first part of the centre portion 11 move onto the seat 21a and engaging the first end portion 12 with an exterior face 22, 23 of the first construction element 20. The exterior face 22, 23 may comprise a recessed seat 23 arranged to engage the first end portion 12, in use.

In an embodiment, according to Figure 10, a method 50 of securing the first construction element 20 having a mortise opening 21 to the second construction element 30 having a tenon 31 and designed to mate with the mortise opening 21 together using the retention clip 10 according to the embodiments of Figures 5 to 8C is provided. The method comprises inserting 51 a part of the retention clip 10 through the mortise opening 21 of the first construction element 20 so that the first end portion 12 is arranged adjacent an exterior face 22 of the first construction element 20 and so that a first part of the centre portion 11 engages with the seat 21a of the mortise opening. The method further comprises mating 52 the tenon 31 with the mortise opening 21. The mating may be executed while the first part of the centre portion 11 is positioned in the seat 21a of the mortise opening 21 or before the insertion of part of the retention unit 10 into the mortise opening 21. Further, the method comprises inserting 43 the second end portion 13 through a slot 32 of the second construction element 30, thereby engaging at least part of the second end portion with an interior surface of the slot 32 while engaging the first end portion (12) with the first construction element 20 and securing the first construction element to the second construction element.

As may be observed in the embodiments of Figures 7, 8A to 8C, 11A to 11D and 12, the slot 32 of the second construction element 30 has a shape that is symmetrical around a plane parallel to the top face of the tenon 31. In other words, there is a line of symmetry extending half-way through the slot 32, which line of symmetry is parallel to the top face of the tenon 31. This symmetrical shape of the slot 32 allows for installing two separate retention units 10 into one and the same slot 32. Turning to Figure 12 the second construction element 30 comprises two tenons 31 at either side of the slot 32. This allows for a first construction element with a mortise opening 21 to be connected to each of the tenons 31.

In some embodiments, the slot 32 is provided with a ramp portion 32b on either side of the aforementioned line of symmetry, see Figures 11A to 11D and 12 to 14, to allow for receiving a retention clip in two different orientations.

Figure 13 shows an assembly of two first construction elements respectively attached to two second construction elements 30 via four retention units 10. In Figure 13 the respective first construction elements are provided with a number of mortise openings 21, arranged in different orientations, to mate with tenons 31 of second construction elements. In the particular embodiment of Figure 13, each first construction element has five mortise openings 21, of which two (the rearward mortise openings) are oriented and extend along the same direction, whereas the three remaining mortise openings 21 are respectively oriented at 45°, 90° and 135 ° in relation to each of the rearward mortise openings. In this particular configuration the second construction elements are mated with the mortise openings 21 oriented 45° and 135° in relation to the rearward mortise openings 21.

In Figure 13, a first retention unit 10 attaches one of the first construction elements 20 to the symmetrical slot 32 of one of the second construction elements 30, while the same slot 32 also attaches a second retention unit 10 to the other first construction element 20. A third retention unit 10 attaches one of the first construction elements 20 to the symmetrical slot 32 of the other second construction elements 30, while the same slot 32 also attaches a fourth retention unit 10 to the other first construction element 20.

In this way, two retention units 10 are required to attach two first construction elements 20 to one second construction element 30.

It should be appreciated that for this arrangement to work the mortise openings 21 arrangement, i.e. both relative location and orientation, of both first construction elements 20 need to be identical for the mortise openings used to engage the respective tenons 31. Hence, the relative location and orientation of the 45° and 135° (in relation to the rearward mortise openings) mortise openings of the upper first construction element 20 of Figure 13 need to match that of the lower first construction element 20.

Figure 14 shows another possible arrangement where two multiple mortise opening provided first construction elements 20 are attached to four second construction elements having symmetrical slots 32, each slot 32 arranged to receive two retention units 10. In other words, in total eight retention units are used to attach the two first construction elements 20 to the four second construction elements 30. Compared to the arrangement of Figure 13, in the arrangement of Figure 14 the two rearward mortise openings, that are oriented along the same direction, are also used to engage two further second construction elements 30. As four mortise openings 21 of each first construction element 20 are engaged in the arrangement of Figure 14, the relative location and orientation of these mortise openings 21 need to be identical for both first construction elements.

Although the embodiments of Figures 13 and 14 illustrate first construction elements having five respective mortise openings 21 intermutually located and oriented, it should be appreciated that each first construction element 20 may comprise any number of mortise openings 21 located and arranged at any given orientation depending on the required construction design.

Figures 18 to 20 illustrate another embodiment of a retention clip 1010 for securing a first construction element 1020 and a second construction element 1030 together, in which the centre portion 1011 comprises two elongate bodies 1014, 1214. The retention clip 1010 has similar features and functionality to the retention clips 10 described above, except as described below. Like numbers indicate like parts, with the addition of 1000 and 1200.

Referring to Figure 18, the centre portion 1011 comprises a first elongate body 1014 and a second elongate body 1214. Respective first end portions 1012, 1212 and second end portions 1013, 1213 extend from each elongate body 1014, 1214. In the embodiment shown, the retention clip 1010 is formed from a single piece of material having a circular cross-section. Other constructions are envisaged.

Referring to Figure 19B, each elongate body 1014, 1214 comprises respective front faces 1011a, 1211a and back faces 1011b, 1211b. The first elongate body 1014 and the second elongate body 1214 are spaced apart. The back face 1211b of the second elongate body 1214 faces the back face 1011b of the first elongate body 1014. The first and second elongate bodies 1014, 1214 are substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis A of the retention clip 1010. In alternative embodiments, the first and second elongate bodies 1014, 1214 may be asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis A.

The first and second elongate bodies 1014, 1214 are spaced apart. Referring to Figures 20A and 20B, when the first and second construction elements 1020, 1030 are secured together by the retention clip 1010, part of the second construction element 1030 is received in the space defined between the first and second elongate bodies 1014, 1214.

In an embodiment, the elongate bodies 1014, 1214 each comprise a straight body portion. In an embodiment, the elongate bodies 1014, 1214 are straight along their entire length. In an embodiment, the elongate bodies 1014, 1214 each comprise one or more arcuate body portions.

The first elongate body 1014 and the second elongate body 1214 are connected to each other by a joining portion 1015. In the illustrated embodiment, the joining portion 1015 extends between outer ends 1012a, 1212a of the respective first end portions 1012, 1212 extending from the first and second elongate bodies 1014, 1214. The joining portion 1015 comprises a length Ls between the outer ends 1012a, 1212a, the length Ls being substantially the same as the thickness T of the second construction 1030 element plus the respective lengths of the first end portions 1012, 1212. The joining portion 1015 extends substantially perpendicularly to the elongate bodies 1014, 1214. The joining portion 1015 may be substantially straight.

In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the joining portion may extend between the respective first ends 1111, 1311 of the first and second elongate bodies 1014, 1214, and the joining portion 1015 may comprise a length between the two elongate bodies 1014, 1214, the length being substantially the same as the thickness T of the second construction element 1030.

The retention clip 1010 is configured to resiliently deform as the retention clip 1010 and first and second construction elements 1020, 1030 are secured together. In particular, the elongate bodies 1014, 1214 are resiliently movable toward and away from one another to accommodate a thickness T of the second construction element as the first and second construction elements are being secured together.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 18-20, the first and second elongate bodies 1014, 1214 are arranged to be closer together at the second end 1112, 1312 than at the first end 1111, 1311. This may be achieved by providing a first angle oio, 012 between the respective first end portions 1012, 1212 and the elongate bodies 1014, 1214 that is greater than 90°. In an embodiment, the first angle oio, 012 is between about 90° and about 110°. In the embodiment shown in Figure 19B, the first angle cm, 021 is substantially 91.5°. Referring to Figures 20A and 20B, this arrangement may help to bias the second ends 1112, 1312 towards the faces 1033, 1034 of the second construction element 1030 to achieve a secure connection.

In alternative embodiments, the first angle oio, 012 may be any other suitable angle. For example, the first angle oio, 012 may be any suitable angle between 85° and 95°. In an embodiment, the first angle □ io, Oi2 is less than 90°.

In some embodiments, the first and second elongate bodies 1014, 1214 are parallel. In these embodiments, the first angle oio, 012 may be about 90°. In the embodiment shown, the second angle 020, 022 between the respective second end portions 1013 and 1213 and the elongate bodies 1014, 1214 is about 90°. In alternative embodiments, the second angle □20, 022 may be any other suitable angle. For example, the second angle □20, 022 may be any suitable angle between 85° and 95°. In an embodiment, the second angle 020, 022 is less than 90°. In an embodiment, the second angle 020, 022 is greater than 90°.

Referring to Figures 20A and 20B, the second construction element 1030 comprises a slot 1032.

The second end portion 1013 extending from the first elongate body 1014 is configured to be inserted through the slot 1032 of the second construction element 1030 in a first direction. The second end portion 1213 extending from the second elongate body 1214 is inserted through the slot 1032 of the second construction element 1030 in a second, opposing direction.

The respective second end portions 1013, 1213 extending from the first and second elongate bodies 1014, 1214 are configured to project a distance into the slot 1032 of the second construction element 1030 that is less than the thickness T of the second construction element 1030. In the embodiment shown, the distance is less than half the thickness T of the second construction element 1030.

In alternative embodiments, the distance is about half the thickness T of the second construction element 1030. In a further alternative embodiment, the distance is greater than half the thickness T of the second construction element 1030.

The retention clip 1010 further comprises an extension portion 1016, 1216 extending from each of the second end portions 1013, 1213. Each extension portion 1016, 1216 extends at a third angle 030, 032 relative to the respective second end portion 1013, 1213. The third angle 030, 032 may be any suitable angle to enable the extension portions 1016, 1216 to be introduced at an angle relative to the second construction element 1030. In the embodiment shown, the third angle is about 45°.

The extension portions 1016, 1216 engage with the second construction element 1030 as the retention clip 1010 is introduced to the second construction element 1030. The second construction element 1030 pushes against the extension portions 1016, 2016 as the retention clip 1010 is pushed towards the slot, causing the first and second elongate portions 1014, 1214 to move away from each other. The extension portions may help to separate the second end portions 1013, 1213 so that they can accommodate the thickness T of the second construction element 1030 during installation of the retention clip.

Figures 20A and 20B show several stages of the installation process for the retention clip 1010.

Figure 20A shows the relative positions of the retention clip 1010, first construction element 1020 and second construction element 1030 prior to installation. The tenon 1031 of the second construction element 1030 is introduced into the mortise opening 1021 of the first construction element 1020. The retention clip 1010 is then introduced through the larger part of the mortise opening 1021. The retention clip 1010 is pushed towards the second construction element 1030 until the second end portions 1013, 1213 engage with a slot 1032 in the second construction element 1030. The elongate bodies 1014, 1214 of the retention clip 1010 separate during installation to enable the second construction element 1030 to be received between the second end portions 1013, 1213 during installation. The elongate bodies 1014, 1214 may twist (causing the entire retention clip 1010 to rotate) as the clip 1010 is inserted. The retention clip 1010 returns to parallel alignment once the second end portions 1013, 1213 are received in the slot 1032. Figure 20B shows the retention clip 1010 in an installed configuration.

In contrast to earlier embodiments, the retention clip 1010 remains in the wider end of the mortise opening 1021 once installed, rather than being located in the narrowing section. Because this embodiment of the retention clip 1010 is not moved sideways during installation, the slot 1032 may have a circular shape as illustrated. In other embodiments, the slot may have a generally oval shape. The generally oval shape may extend in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the lateral direction (that is, the longest dimension of the oval may extend in generally the same direction as the direction in which the retention clip is installed).

In the embodiment shown, the mortise opening 1021 has a 'T' shape rather than the dog bone shape described in relation to earlier embodiments. In other embodiments, the mortise opening 1012 may have a dog bone shape similar to that described in relation to earlier embodiments (for example, as shown in the embodiment of Figures 24A- C discussed in more detail below). In embodiments where the mortise opening 1021 has a dog bone shape, a second slot 1032 may be provided in the second construction element 1030 so that a retention clip 1010 can be installed at each end of the mortise opening 1021.

In an embodiment, an assembly comprises at least two retention clips 1010, at least one first construction element 1020, and at least one second construction element 1030. The retention clips 1010 are spaced apart along the mortise opening 1021 of the first construction element 1020, in use. In other words more than one retention clip 1010 can be used to secure the first construction element 1020 to the second construction element 1030.

Figures 21 to 24 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of a retention clip 2010 for securing a first construction element 2020 and a second construction element 2030 together. The retention clip 2010 has similar features and functionality to the retention clip 1010 described above, except as described below. Like numbers indicate like parts, with the addition of 1000.

Referring to Figure 21 and 22, the second end portion 2013 extending from the first elongate body 2014 and the second end portion 2213 extending from the second elongate body 2214 overlap when the retention clip is in an idle position. The second end portion 2013 extending from the first elongate body 2014 and the second end portion 2213 extending from the second elongate body 2214 may also overlap when the first and second construction elements 2020, 2030 are secured together by the retention clip 2010.

The overlapping second end portions 2014, 2214 may enable the second end portions 2014, 2214 to be longer, thus providing greater contact area with the interior surface of the slot 2032 compared with the embodiment of the retention clip 1010 described above. The overlapping second end portions 2014, 2214 may also allow the clip 2010 to be biased towards a closed position. These features may provide a more secure fit of the retention clip 2010, in use.

The extension portions 2016, 2216 are also longer compared with the embodiment of the retention clip 1010 described above. The longer extension portions 2016, 2216 may help to provide greater separation of the first and second elongate portions 2014, 2214 to accommodate the thickness T of the second construction element 2030. The longer extension portions 2016, 2216 may also make it easier to remove the retention clip 2010 as less force is required to pull apart the open ends 2017, 2217 of the extension portions 2016, 2216. Figure 23 shows a detailed view of the half of the retention clip 2010 that includes the second elongate body 2214, with the other half not shown for clarity. The other half of the retention clip includes the first elongate body 2014 and has substantially the same features as those illustrated in Figure 23 in relation to the second elongate body 2214. In the embodiment shown, the extension portions 2016, 2216 comprise four straight parts 2218 connected by three curved parts 2219. This shape reduces the distance between the open ends 2017, 2217 of the extension portions 2016, 2216 compared with straight extension portions of the same length. This shape means that the longer extension portions 2016, 2216 can pass through the mortise opening 2021 without getting caught or stuck. In alternative embodiments, any suitable number of curved and straight parts or any other suitable shape that reduces the distance between the open ends of the extension portions 2016, 2216 may be used.

Referring to figures 22 and 23, the outer ends 2012a, 2212a of first end portions 2012, 2212 extend towards the elongate bodies 2014, 2214 at a fourth angle 040, 042 relative to a middle part of the joining portion 2015. In the embodiment shown, the fourth angle 040, 042 is about 5°. In the embodiment shown, the first angle oio, 012 is less than 90°. In particular, the first angle oio, 012 is about 85°. This arrangement biases the outer ends 2012a, 2212a of the first end portions 2012, 2212 towards the first construction element 2020 when the retention clip 2010 is installed, ensuring that the first end portions 2012, 2212 are tightly held against the first construction element 2020 to help achieve a secure connection.

It will be appreciated that first end portions 2012, 2212 may straighten on installation of the clip (see figure 24C for example), causing the fourth angle 040, 042 to become smaller. This may in turn affect the position of the elongate bodies 2014, 2214 and the second end portions 2013, 2213. Accordingly, the fourth angle 040, 042 may be any suitable angle that is sufficiently small so as not to adversely affect the ability of the second end portions 2013, 2213 to engage with the slot 2032 of the second construction element 2020 when the clip is installed.

In alternative embodiments, the first angle oio, 012 may be equal to or greater than 90°.

In the embodiment shown, the second angle 020, 022 is about 90°. However, any other suitable angle may be used.

T1 In the embodiment shown, the third angle 030, 032 is about 58°. However, any other suitable angle may be used.

Figures 24A-C show several stages of the installation process for the retention clip 2010. Figure 24A shows the relative positions of the retention clip, 2010, first construction element 2020 and second construction element 2030 prior to installation. The tenon 2031 of the second construction element 2030 is introduced into the mortise opening 2021 of the first construction element 2020. The retention clip 2010 is then introduced through one of the larger parts of the mortise opening 2021. The retention clip 2010 is pushed towards the second construction element 2030 until the second end portions 2013, 2213 engage with a slot 2032 in the second construction element 2030. Referring to Figure 20B, the elongate portions 2014, 2214 of the retention clip 2010 separate during installation to enable the second construction element 2030 to be received between the second end portions 2013, 2213 during installation. The elongate bodies 2014, 2214 may twist (causing the entire retention clip 2010 to rotate) as the clip 2010 is inserted. The retention clip 2010 returns to parallel alignment once the second end portions 2013, 2213 are received in the slot 2032. Figure 20c shows the retention clip 1010 in an installed configuration.

In embodiment of figures 24A-C, the second construction element 2030 is configured to mate with two first construction elements 2020. The first construction elements 2020 are provided on opposed sides of the second construction element 2030. A second retention clip 2010 (not illustrated) may be installed from the opposite side of the second construction element 2030 to the illustrated retention clip 2010.

In the illustrated embodiment, the oval shape of the slot 2032 enables the two retention clips 2010 to be received in the same slot from opposite directions. In alternative embodiments, two separate slots may be provided in the second construction element 2030, one for each retention clip 2010. In embodiments where two separate slots are provided, the slots may have a circular shape, similar to the slot 1032 shown in figures 20A-B. This configuration may be useful in embodiments where the second construction element 2030 is wider relative to the length L2 of the retention clips 2010 than in the illustrated embodiment.

Figures 25-26 illustrate a further embodiment of a retention clip 3010 for securing a first construction element 1020, 2020 and a second construction element 1030, 2030 together. Similar to the retention clips 1010, 2010 described above in relation to Figures 18-24, the retention clip 3010 remains in the wider end of the mortise opening 1021, 2021 once installed. However, the retention clip 3010 only comprises a single elongate body 3014 and a single second end portion 3013. The retention clip 3010 can be installed in locations where there is single sided access to the second construction element 1030, 2030, for example in locations where access is blocked on one side by another timber member. The retention clip 3010 has similar features and functionality to the retention clips 1010 and 2010 described above, except as described below. Like numbers indicate like parts, with the addition of 2000 and 1000 respectively.

The centre portion 3011 comprises an elongate body 3014. A first end portion 3012 and a second end portion 3013 extend from the elongate body 3014. In the embodiment shown, the retention clip 3010 is formed from a single piece of material having a circular cross-section. Other constructions are envisaged.

Referring to Figure 26B, the retention clip 3010 comprises a support portion 3060. The support portion 3060 helps to ensure that the retention clip 3010 will not rotate out of place once installed, for example if the retention clip is subject to vibrations. The support portion 3060 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The support portion 3060 is adapted to be received by the mortise opening of the first construction element 1020, 2020 when the first and second construction elements 1020, 2020, 1030, 2030 are secured together by the retention clip 3010. The length Le of the support portion 3060 is less than the thickness of the first construction element 1020, 2020. In the embodiment shown, the support portion 3060 has a convex curve when viewed from the longitudinal axis A. In alternative embodiments, the support portion 3060 may be straight.

A first end portion 3212 extends from the support portion 3060 at a fifth angle 052. In the embodiment shown, the angle is greater than 90°. In an embodiment, the fifth angle 052 is between about 90° and about 110°. In alternative embodiments, the fifth angle 052 may be any other suitable angle. For example, the fifth angle 052 may be about 90°. Different angles can be provided to make the retention clip 3010 tighter or looser as required.

The support portion 3060 comprises a front face 3060a and a back face 3060b. The elongate body 3014 and the support portion 3060 are spaced apart at substantially equal distances on either side of the longitudinal axis. The back face 3060b of the support portion 3060 faces the back face 3011b of the elongate body 3014.

When the first and second construction elements 1020, 2020, 1030, 2030 are secured together by the retention clip 3010, part of the second construction element 1030, 2030 is received in the space defined between the support portion 3060 and the elongate body 3014.

The elongate body 3014 comprises an arcuate body portion 3014a. The arcuate body portion 3014a is concave when viewed from the longitudinal axis. In the embodiment shown, the arcuate body portion 3014a is located between first and second straight portions 3014b, 3014c of the elongate body 3014. The first and second straight portions 3014b, 3014c are coaxial and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The arcuate body portion 3014a may act as a spring when the retention clip 3010 is installed. The arcuate body portion 3014a may also provide a convenient location for a user to grip when removing a retention clip.

In alternative embodiments, the arcuate body portion 3014a may be positioned at any suitable location. For example, the arcuate body portion 3014a may be positioned adjacent the second end portion 3013 and the elongate body 3014 may comprise a single straight portion 3014b, similar to the embodiment of Figures 15-17. In a further alternative embodiment, the elongate body 3014 is straight along its entire length.

In the embodiment shown, the arcuate body portion 3014a extends at an angle oeo of about 25° relative to the straight portions 3014b, 3014c. In alternative embodiments, the arcuate body portion 3014a may extend at any suitable angle relative to the straight portion(s).

The elongate body 3014 and the support portion 3060 are connected to each other by a joining portion 3015. In the illustrated embodiment, the joining portion 3015 extends between outer ends 3012a, 3212a of the respective first end portions 3012, 3212 extending from the elongate body 3014 and the support portion 3060. In other words, the joining portion 3015 is connected to the elongate body 3014 via the first end portion 3012.

In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the joining portion 3015 may extend between the respective first ends 3111, 3160 of the elongate body 3014 and the support portion 3060, and the joining portion 3015 may comprise a length between the elongate body 3014 and the support portion 3060, the length being substantially the same as the thickness T of the second construction element 1030, 2030.

The retention clip 3010 is configured to resiliently deform as the retention clip 3010 and first and second construction elements 1020, 2020, 1030, 2030 are secured together. In particular, the elongate body 3014 and the support portion 3060 are resiliently movable toward and away from one another to accommodate a thickness T of the second construction element as the first and second construction elements are being secured together. When the first and second construction elements 1020, 2020, 1030, 2030 are secured together by the retention clip 3010, the support portion 3060 may be further away from the longitudinal axis A than in the idle position. The convex curve of support portion 3060 may help to ensure the retention clip 3010 maintains a secure fit on the second construction element 2030 and may help to accommodate manufacturing tolerances.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 25-26, the first and second angles oio, 020 are both about 90°. In alternative embodiments, the first and second angles oio, 020 may each be any suitable angle that is greater than or less than 90° as described above in relation to the retention clips 1010 and 2010.

The retention clip 3010 may be used with the construction elements 1020, 1030 of Figures 20A-B or the construction elements 2020, 2030 of Figures 24A-C, or any other suitable construction elements. The retention clip 3010 may be used with a construction element having a slot that does not extend through the entire thickness of the construction element.

The second end portion 3013 extending from the elongate body 3014 is configured to be inserted through the slot 1032, 2032 of the second construction element 1030, 2030. The second end portion 3013 is configured to project a distance into the slot 1032, 2032 of the second construction element 1030, 2030 that is less than the thickness T of the second construction element 1030, 2030.

The retention clip 3010 further comprises an extension portion

3016 extending from the second end portion 3013. The extension portion 3016 extends at a third angle 030 relative to the second end portion 3013. In the embodiment shown, the third angle 030 is about 17°. The third angle 030 can be any other suitable angle, as described above. The extension portion 3016 engages with the second construction element 1030, 2030 as the retention clip 3010 is introduced to the second construction element 1030, 2030. The second construction element 1030, 2030 pushes against the extension portion 3016 as the retention clip 3010 is pushed towards the slot, causing the first second elongate portion 3014 to move away from the second elongate portion 3061.

The retention clip 3010 is installed in a similar manner to the retention clips 1010, 2010 described above. Because the retention clip 3010 is asymmetrical, it may initially be introduced into the mortise opening 1021, 2021 at an angle, which may improve ease of installation.

As the retention clip 3010 requires a shorter length of material than the retention clips 1010, 2010 described above, it may also be more economical to manufacture.

Figures 27-28 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of a retention clip 4010 for securing a first construction element 1020, 2020 and a second construction element 1030, 2030 together. The retention clip 4010 has similar features and functionality to the retention clip 3010 described above in relation to Figures 25-26, except as described below. Like numbers indicate like parts, with the addition of 1000.

Similar to the retention clip 3010 described above, the retention clip 4010 remains in the wider end of the mortise opening 1021, 2021 once installed and comprises a single elongate body 4014. The retention clip 4010 comprises a support portion 4060 adapted to be received by the mortise opening of the first construction element 1020, 2020 when the first and second construction elements 1020, 2020, 1030, 2030 are secured together by the retention clip 4010.

In contrast to the retention clip 3010 described above, the retention clip 4010 does not have a first end portion extending from the support portion 4060. Instead, the support portion 4060 extends from an end 4115a of the joining portion 4015. In other words, only the end of the joining portion 4015a associated with the first end portion 4012 and the elongate body 4014 extends past the mortise opening 1021, 2021 when the first and second construction elements 1020, 2020, 1030, 2030 are secured together by the retention clip 4010.

The retention clip 4010 is formed from a single piece of material having a flat cross-section. Radiused corners 4061a-e are provided between the between the joining portion 4015 and the support portion 4060, between the joining portion 4015 and the first end portion 4012, between the first end portion 4012 and the elongate body 4014, between the elongate body 4014 and the second end portion 4013, and between the second end portion 4013 and the extension portion 4016. The radiused corners 4061a-e may reduce strain at the bends in the piece of flat material and thus improve the strength of the retention clip 4010. The support portion 4060 comprises a curved portion 4062a adjacent the joining portion 4015 and a straight portion 4062b at a distal end. The curved portion 4060 may help the retention clip 4010 to slide into place during installation.

The construction of the retention clip 4010 is otherwise similar to that of the retention clip 3010 described above. In an alternative embodiment, the retention clip could be formed from material having a round cross-section.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.