Fastening system for an expandable building panel

Abstract

A fastening system for attaching an expandable building panel or surface covering system to a substrate is provided. The fastening system includes at least one slip clip which, when utilized, allows for longitudinal movement of the building panel, while substantially preventing transverse movement. Typically, a spring clip will be used in combination with the slip clip to apply pressure to the panel, thereby allowing expansion and contraction of the panel in a longitudinal direction while eliminating gaps between the adjacent end-to-end panels. A method of installing building panels using the described fastening system is also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A fastening system for an expandable panel comprising: 
 at least one slip clip.    
     
     
         2 . The fastening system of  claim 1  further comprising at least one spring clip used in combination with the slip clip to fasten the panel yet allow expansion and contraction of the panel in a longitudinal direction.  
     
     
         3 . A surface covering system comprising a panel having a fastening flange and a slip clip.  
     
     
         4 . The surface covering system of  claim 3  further comprising a spring clip used in combination with the slip clip to fasten the panel yet allow expansion and contraction of the panel in a longitudinal direction.  
     
     
         5 . A fastening system for an expandable panel comprising: 
 at least one slip clip attached to a substrate and cooperating with a longitudinal edge of the expandable panel.    
     
     
         6 . The fastening system of  claim 5 , wherein the slip clip includes a lower tab attached to the substrate and an upper tab engaging a flange on the expandable panel.  
     
     
         7 . The fastening system of  claim 5 , further comprising at least one spring clip cooperating with a lateral edge of the expandable panel.  
     
     
         8 . The fastening system of  claim 7 , wherein the spring clip applies compressive force to the expandable panel.  
     
     
         9 . A fastening system for an expandable panel comprising: 
 an expandable panel having a longitudinal edge and a transverse edge;    attachment means, attaching the longitudinal edge of the panel directly to a substrate and permitting relative movement between the panel and the substrate in the longitudinal direction; and    at least one spring clip adjacent the transverse edge of the panel.    
     
     
         10 . The fastening system of  claim 9 , wherein the spring clip includes a body and an arm attached to the body at an angle to the body.  
     
     
         11 . The fastening system of  claim 10 , wherein the ends of the spring clip are curved.  
     
     
         12 . A fastening system for an expandable panel comprising: 
 at least one spring clip.    
     
     
         13 . The fastening system of  claim 12 , wherein the spring clip includes a body and an arm attached to the body at an angle to the body.  
     
     
         14 . The fastening system of  claim 13 , wherein the ends of the spring clip are curved.  
     
     
         15 . A method of attaching expandable panels including one or more flanges to a surface, the method comprising: 
 attaching one or more slip clips to a substrate, whereby a portion of the slip clip covers a portion of the flange and permits longitudinal movement but not lateral movement of the expandable panel to which the flange is attached.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of: 
 disposing one or more spring clips along a lateral side of the expandable panel, whereby the spring clip applies compressive force to the panel.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the expandable panel is formed of polyvinyl chloride.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the expandable panel includes a design element.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the design element is selected from a wood finish, a marble finish and a stone finish.