Fastener

Abstract

An apparatus for securing a wall cladding panel against a wall structure member comprising a plate fastenable to the wall structure member and at least one elongate blade extending from the plate for embedding within the wall cladding panel. The apparatus may further comprise at least one flexible flap extending from the elongate blade for retaining the blade within the wall panel. The elongate blades spaced apart from each lengthwise and in a direction transverse to their lengths. The plate may further include at least one bore for passing a fastener therethrough for securing the plate to the wall structure member. The plate may include at least one spike extending from a rear surface of the plate for embedding within the wall structure member.

1 . An apparatus for securing a wall cladding panel against a wall structure member, the apparatus comprising:
 a plate fastenable to the wall structure member; and   at least one elongate blade extending from said plate for embedding within said wall cladding panel.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongate blade extends substantially perpendicularly from said plate. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongate blade extends substantially parallel to said wall structure member. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongate blade has a length of between 1 and 4 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongate blade has a height of between ¼ and ½ inches. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongate blade is rigid. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongate blade further includes at least one retention member extending therealong for retaining said blade within said wall panel. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  further comprising at least one retention member along each opposed side of said elongate blade. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein each retention member comprises a flap extending from said elongate blade. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein each flap has a distal edge angularly disposed towards said plate. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said elongate includes two flaps on each opposed side thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said flaps are flexible. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus includes two elongate blades. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said two elongate blades are substantially parallel to each other. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein said two elongate plates are lengthways spaced apart from each. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein said two elongate plates are spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to their lengths. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said plate further includes at least one bore for passing a fastener therethrough for securing said plate to said wall structure member. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said plate includes at least one spike extending from a rear surface of said plate for embedding within said wall structure member.