US3897669A

US3897669A - Clip for securing plasterboard to columns

Info

Publication number: US3897669A
Application number: US486530A
Authority: US
Inventors: Samuel B Uydess
Original assignee: Construction Systems Inc
Current assignee: Construction Systems Inc
Priority date: 1974-07-08
Filing date: 1974-07-08
Publication date: 1975-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 1992-08-05

Abstract

A clip for securing plasterboard to a structural column member comprising a spring member, adapted to clip on to a flange of a structural member, and a box-like member connected to the spring member for receiving fasteners which secure the plasterboard thereto. The box-like member includes a top wall and a bottom wall with two sidewalls disposed therebetween connecting the top wall to the bottom wall to define a cross-section having either a rectangular or square configuration. At least one opening is provided in each of the sidewalls, the openings being in alignment with each other to receive the spring member therethrough. The spring member includes a body portion having a tang on one end thereof and a curved portion on the other end thereof. The body portion is disposed within the box-like member with the ends extending through the openings so that the tang abuts against an outer surface of one sidewall member to maintain the spring member in position relative to the box-like member above the top wall to receive and hold the flange of the structural member between the curved portion and the outer surface of the top wall. Additional spring members and additional openings may be provided in the box-like member as required as the length of the box-like member is increased. Preferably, a section of the curved portion is serrated or knurled to prevent the spring member from slipping relative to the flange of the structural member. Additionally, the rear portion of the spring member is flush with the respective sidewall of the box-like member.

Description

United States Patent [1 Uydess CLIP FOR SECURING PLASTERBOARD TO COLUMNS [75] Inventor: Samuel B. Uydess, Mamaroneck,

[73] Assignee: Construction Systems, Inc., Hillside,

[22] Filed: July 8, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 486,530

[52] US. Cl. 52/713; 52/760; 52/364 [5]] Int. Cl. E04c 3/30 [58] Field of Search 52/760, 345, 346, 347,

Primary E.\'uminerAndrew V. Kundrat Attorney, Agent. or FirmFriedman & Goodman, Esqs.

[57] ABSTRACT A clip for securing plasterboard to a structural column Aug. 5, 1975 member comprising a spring member, adapted to clip on to a flange of a structural member, and a box-like member connected to the spring member for receiving fasteners which secure the plasterboard thereto. The box-like member includes a top wall and a bottom wall with two sidewalls disposed therebetween connecting the top wall to the bottom wall to define a cross-section having either a rectangular or square configuration. At least one opening is provided in each of the sidewalls, the openings being in alignment with each other to receive the spring member therethrough. The spring member includes a body portion having a tang on one end thereof and a curved portion on the other end thereof. The body portion is disposed within the box-like member with the ends extending through the openings so that the tang abuts against an outer surface of one sidewall member to maintain the spring member in position relative to the box-like member above the top wall to receive and hold the flange of the structural member between the curved portion and the outer surface of the top wall. Additional spring members and additional openings may be provided in the box-like member as required as the length of the boxlike member is increased. Preferably, a section of the curved portion is serrated or knurled to prevent the spring member from slipping relative to the flange of the structural member. Additionally, the rear portion of the spring member is flush with the respective sidewall of the box-like member.

9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures CLIP FOR SECURING PLASTERLCARQ TU COLUMNS BACKGROUND OF THE INVEN'l H N The present invention relates to a clip. and more particularly to a clip for securing plasterboard to s. ructural columns.

Unprotected main supporting columns and girder: in the construction industry are known to warp. buckle, and collapse when heated to high temperatures. Accordingly, these columns and girders must be provided with auxiliary protection against such high temperatures, wherein many jurisdictions require fireproofing of these columns and girders.

One common method of fireproofing these columns was to manually plaster or enclose the columns with masonry, which required many man hours and a large expense. A recent method, permitted in many jurisdictions, is to substitute plasterboard for the manually plastered arrangement. Though the plasterboard can be handled easily, it is not easy to secure the plasterboard to the columns, girders and the like. A further method is to spray the columns with an asbestos-fiber compound. However, this asbestos-fiber compound affords less fire protection than the plasterboard, and endangers the health of the construction workers who are exposed to inhalation of the asbestos.

In order to more easily secure the plasterboard to the columns, a clip was invented by Alvin S. Parker, as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,815, granted on July 31, 1973. This clip comprises a box section having a spring flap formed integrally therewith. The spring flap slips on a flange of the column and the box section provides attaching surfaces for sheet metal screws. When several clips are used, the column may be encapsulated and therefore fireproofed by the plasterboard.

However, because this patented clip is integrally made, it involves additional steps and material in the manufacture thereof which increases its cost. Additionally, this patented clip is not flexible in the use thereof, being designed for only one particular size column. Accordingly, these clips must be stored according to size for each particular column, requiring each construction site to have large quantities of different sizes on hand. Furthermore, if the spring flap is damaged or broken, the entire clip must be discarded, wherein none of the elements can be salvaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a clip for securing plasterboard to a structural column member, the clip comprising resilient means adapted to clip on to a flange of the structural member, box-like means connected to the resilient means for receiving fasteners which secure the plasterboard thereto, the box-like means including top wall, bottom wall and two sidewalls connected in sequence to define a box-like member, the sidewalls being provided with at least one opening each in alignment with each other to allow communication from an outer surface of the first sidewall through the box-like member to an outer surface of the second sidewall, the resilient means including a spring member provided with a body portion, the body portion including a tang extending outwardly in one direction from one end of the body portion and a curved portion extending outwardly in another direction from an opposite end of the body portion, the body portion being disposed within the box-like member with the one end extending through the opening in the first sidewall and with the other end extending through the opening in the second sidewall, the tang abutting against the outer surface of the first sidewall to maintain the spring member in position relative to the box-like member with the curved portion being disposed outside the box-like member in a position spaced from an outer surface of the top sidewall, whereby the flange of the structural member is clipped between the curved portion and the outer surface of the top sidewall. Additional spring members and additional openings may be provided in the boxlike member as required as the length of the box-like member is increased. Preferably, a section of the curved portion is serrated or knurled to prevent the spring member from slipping relative to the flange of the structural member. Additionally, the rear portion of the spring member is flush with the second sidewall of the box-like member.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a clip device which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

Another object of this invention is to provide at least a two piece clip device comprising at least one spring member connected to a box-like member for securing plasterboard to a structural column member.

A further object of this invention is to provide a clip device comprising a spring member and box-like member as mentioned above, whereby additional spring members may be added as the length of the box-like member is increased.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a clip device that is easily mounted on a column member and to which plasterboards can be easily secured.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a clip device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, one which has few parts and cannot be easily broken.

An added object of this invention is to provide a clip device upon which a plasterboard can be mounted in a flush arrangement.

And yet another added object of this invention is to provide a clip device having a spring member with serrated or knurled portions to prevent the clip device from slipping relative to the flange of the structural member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With the above and additional objects and advantages in view, as will hereinafter appear, this invention comprises the devices, combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described by way of example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments in which:

FIG. 1 represents an exploded perspective view of a plasterboard to column clip pursuant to the present invention, showing the clip prior to assembly thereof;

FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of the clip of this invention, showing the clip during assembly thereof;

FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of the clip of this invention, showing the clip in its assembled condition;

FIG. 4 represents a front elevational view of the clip shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 represents a sectional view, taken on the line S5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 represents a perspective view of a modified plasterboard to column clip pursuant to the present invention, showing the modified clip in an assembled condition;

FIG. 7 represents a front elevational view of the modified clip, showing the modified clip during the assembly thereof;

FIG. 8 represents a front elevational view of the modified clip shown in FIG. 6, with a section broken away to reveal the rear wall thereof; and

FIG. 9 represents a cross sectional view showing the clip of the present invention in position on an I-beam column with plasterboard secured thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, FIG. I illustrates a clip I of the present invention, comprising a box-like member I2 and a spring member 14. The box-like member 12 is adapted to receive and hold the spring member 14 in an operative position, as will be set forth hereinafter below in more detail.

The box-like member 12 includes a top wall 16 and a bottom wall 18 substantially parallel to the top wall I6. Substantially parallel spaced-

apart sidewalls

20 and 22 are perpendicular to the top and

bottom walls

16, 18 respectfully, and are disposed therebetween to connect the edges of the top wall 16 to the edges of the bottom wall 18 to define an open-end hollow box. Preferably, the top and

bottom walls

16, 18 are wider than the

sidewalls

20, 22 to define a rectangle in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 5, or as shown in an end view thereof as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. However, the wall members may be of the same width to define a square in cross-section or in end view. or these widths may be varied as desired for any particular suitable arrangement thereof. Additionally, the

wall members

16, 18, 20 and 22 may be formed in any desired suitable length, defined by the longitudinal distance between the opposite open ends.

The box-like member 12 is provided with centrally located, spaced-apart openings or cut-

outs

24 and 26 to receive the spring member 14. The cut-out 24 is centrally located in an upper portion of the sidewall 20 and extends into the top wall 16. The cut-out 26, which is symmetrical to the cut-out 24, is centrally located in an upper portion of the sidewall 22, and also extends into the top wall 16. Preferably, the cutout portion 28 of the cut-out 24 and the cut-out portion 30 of the cut-out 26, as best shown in FIG. 5, remain attached to the top wall 16, both being bent back against the inner surface of the top wall 16 for reasons to be set forth hereinafter below.

The spring member I4 is preferably round in crosssection, however any suitable cross-section may be employed. The spring member 14 includes a substantially straight body portion 32, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, which is approximately equal in length to the transverse width of the top and bottom walls l6, 18. A tang or leg-like portion 34 extends substantially perpendicularly out from the straight body portion 32. The length of the tang 34 is slightly less than the longitudinal length of the cut-

outs

24, 26 to permit insertion through these openings, but is longer than the transverse width of either cut-

out

24, 26.

At the opposite end of the straight body portion 32, another straight portion 36 extends substantially perpendicularly outward therefrom. Portion 36 is substantially parallel to the tang 34, lying in the same plain thereof to be in alignment therewith, extending in an opposite direction from the body portion 32 then the direction of the tang 34. A curved portion 38 extends outwardly from the portion 36 in a direction away from the body portion 32, and then curves back toward the body portion 32 in a direction towards the tang 34, the end of portion 38 being spaced from the body portion 32. A curved end portion 40 extends outwardly from the end of portion 38, in a direction towards the tang 34 but away from the body portion 32 to define a reverse loop with respect to the loop formed by the curved portion 38. Adjacent inner or underneath sections of

portions

38 and 40, which face towards the straight body portion 32, are serrated or knurled in a conventional manner for reasons to be set forth herein after below in more detail.

To assemble the clip 10, the tang 34 of the spring member 14 is inserted through one of the

openings

24, 26 with the opening 26 being shown in the drawings by way of example. The tang 34 is then directed or pushed through the inside of the box-like member 12 until it exists through the other opening 24. Depending upon the length of the portion 36, the curved portion 40 of the spring member 14 may not be able to clear the edge of the box-like member I2.

Accordingly, this above problem is overcome by placing the spring member 14 on its side at a slight angle to the top wall 16, with the curved portion 40 close to or touching the upper outer surface of the top wall 16, as shown in FIG. 2. The cut-

outs

24, 26 are made with sufficient clearance with respect to the tang 34 to permit this maneuver. Once the tang 34 has cleared the opening 24 and has past the outer surface of sidewall 20, the spring member 14 is rotated upwardly so that the tang 34 and portion 36 are substantially perpendicular to the top wall 16, as best shown in FiGS. 3, 4 and 5.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the tang 34 abuts against the outside surface of sidewall 20 and the straight portion 36 abuts against the cut-out edge of the top wall 16 to hold the spring member in this upright, perpendicular position. Additionally, the bent-back, cut-out

portions

28 and 30 function to fill part of the space between the inner surface of the top wall 16 and the straight body portion 32 so as to better support the spring member 14 in the upright position. It is further noted, that the cut-outs in the top wall 16 permit the portion 36 to be positioned inwardly of the edge so that the back surface of the portion 36 is flush and in alignment with the outside surface of the sidewall 22. Preferably, the cut-out in the top wall 16 is approximately equal to the thickness of the portion 36 of the spring member 14 to facilitate the above-mentioned flush arrangement. It is also noted that the serrations 42 face the top wall 16 and are centrally located with respect thereto.

FIG. 6 illustrates a modified embodiment of the present invention, showing a clip 50. The clip 50 includes a pair of spring members 14, and a modified box-like member 52. The box-like member 52 is similar to the box-like member 12, however the box-like member 50 is provided with two pairs of

openings

64, 66 to receive two spring members 14, set forth hereinafter below in more detail.

The box-like member 52 includes a top wall 56, a bottom wall 58, and sidewalls and 62 to define an open end hollow box, as described above. Preferably, the box 52 is provided with a rectangular cross-section, but may be square in cross-section or varied as desired in any particular suitable arrangement thereof.

The box-like member 52 is provided with the spacedapart openings or cut-

outs

64, 66 located adjacent or near to the open ends thereof. Here again, as with the above-mentioned

openings

24 and 26, the cut-outs 64 are provided in an upper portion of the sidewall 60 and extend into the top wall 56. The cut-outs 66, which are symmetrical to the cut-outs 64, respectively, are provided in an upper portion of the sidewall 62 and also exi'end into the top wall 56. Preferably, the cut-out portions 68 of the cut-outs 64 and the cut-out portions 70 of the cut-outs 66, as best shown in FIG. 9, remain attached to the top wall 56, being bent back against the inn er surface of the top wall 56 for the same reasons set forth above with respect to the spring member 14.

Another difference in the box-like member 52 is the construction thereof. Where box-like member 12 was formed from a one-piece hollow tubular member, boxlike member 52 is formed from sheet metal being bent into the box-like shape. However, it is understood that box-like member 12 may also be formed from sheet metal where it is just as likely to form box-like member 52 from tubular material or any other suitable material. The sheet metal material is cut and bent so that the sidewall 60 is formed from two

end pieces

72 and 74 which are overlapped at 76. The overlap 76 may be secured together in any conventional manner, such as soldering, welding or the like.

To assemble the clip 50, the tang 34 of each spring member 14 is inserted through one of the

openings

64, 66 similar to the method set forth above, with the opening 66 being shown in the drawings by way of example. The tangs 34 are then directed or pushed through the inside of the box-like member 52 until they exit through the other openings 64. However, due to the fact that the

openings

64, 66 are near the open ends of the box-like member 52, there is no problem of clearance with respect to the curved portion 40 as mentioned above.

As clearly shown in FIG. 7, the spring members 14 are disposed in a horizontal position when being inserted through the box like member 52, and then after insertion therethrough, are rotated upwardly to the perpendicular position shown in FIG. 8. The spring members 14 are maintained in this perpendicular, upright position by the abutment of the tangs 34 against the sidewall 60 and the straight portion 36 against the cut-out edge of the top wall 56, in addition to the support provided by the bent-back, cut-out

portions

68 and 70, in a manner as discussed above.

It is noted, that the clip 50 is preferably used when it is necessary to provide a box-like member of increased longitudinal length. For box-like members having a desired short length, it would be sufficient to use the single spring member 14 employed in the clip 10.

The clips and 50 are used in the following manner, wherein clip 50 is used by way of example, as shown in FIG. 9. At selected locations longitudinally along a structural column 80, there are placed four retaining clips 50, one clip on each flange edge 82 as shown in FIG. 9. The box members 52 are disposed on the outside of the column 80. The clips 50 are self aligned in that they are automatically positioned in proper orientation providing only that the box member 52 is on the outside of each flange 82 and not on the inside.

The flange 82 is thicker than the spacing between the curved portion 40 of the spring member 14 and the top wall 56 to tension the spring member 14 against the flange 82. It is further noted, that the serrations 42 of the spring clip 14 are engaged against the flange edge 82 so that the clip 50 is securely held in position due to the resilient pressure of the spring member 14 and the slip-prevention provided by the serrations 42.

A pre-cut plasterboard section 84 is disposed across adjacent retaining clips 50 with sheet metal screws 86 or other such securing devices being driven through the plasterboard 84 into the box member 52. The side of the column against which plasterboard 84 has been placed thus is immediately covered. Three other plasterboard sections 84 are then applied, one to each of the remaining faces of the column 80 and sheet metal screws 86 or the like are again used for joining the plasterboards 84 to the clips 50. When all four faces of the column 80 are covered, the column 80 is in effect encapsulated and is thus fireproof.

As clearly shown in FIG. 9, it would be best to have the tang 34 abut against the two sectioned sidewall 60 so that the screws 86 engage the one-piece sidewall 62. It is further noted, that both the sidewall 62 and the portion 36 of the spring member 14 are flush against the plasterboard 84.

In addition to the resiliency of the tensioned spring member 14 holding the box-

like member

50 or 10 in place, aided by the serrated portion 42 to prevent slipping relative to the flange 82, the box-

like members

10 and 50 are locked in position by the plasterboards 84 and screws 86 so that there is no danger that the

clips

10 and 50 will loosen. Accordingly, this arrangement is permanent wherein the

clips

10 and 50 are hidden from view.

It is further noted, that the arrangement shown in FIG. 9 provides an air space between the flanges 82 of the column 80 and the plasterboards 84 positioned therearound. This air space is desired for its extra insulating value to provide the desired fireproofing thereof.

Preferably, the

clips

10 and 50 are fabricated from a relatively heavy gauge tubing or sheet metal or similar material, which is galvanized or otherwise protected against oxidation. The spring member 14 may be formed from any material having the desired resiliency therein, such as steel, extruded aluminum, plastic or any other suitable material.

Numerous alterations of the structures herein disclosed will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure relates to preferred embodiments of the invention which is for purposes of illustration only and not to be construed as limitations of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A clip for securing plasterboard to a structural column member, said clip comprising resilient means adapted to clip on to a flange of the structural member, box-like means connected to said resilient means for receiving fasteners which secure the plasterboard thereto, said box-like means including first, second, third and fourth sidewalls connected in sequence to define a box-like member, said second and fourth sidewalls being provided with at least one opening each, said openings being in alignment with each other to allow communication from an outer surface of said secnd sidewall through said box-like member to an outer surface of said fourth sidewall, said resilient means including a spring member provided with a body portion, said body portion including a tang extending outwardly in one direction from one end of said body portion and also including a curved portion extending outwardly in another direction from an opposite end of said body portion, said body portion being disposed within said box-like member with said one end extending through said opening in said second sidewall and with said other end extending through said opening in said fourth side wall, said tang abutting against said outer surface of said second sidewall to maintain said spring member in position relative to said box-like member with said curved portion being disposed outside said box-like member in a position spaced from an outer surface of said first sidewall, whereby the flange of the structural member is clipped between said curved portion and said outer surface of said first sidewall.

2. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said openings are centrally in said second and fourth sidewalls, each opening being disposed adjacent to said first sidewall.

3. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said second and fourth sidewalls are each provided with two of said openings, each of said two openings being spaced apart and disposed adjacent to opposing open edges of said box-like member respectively, and one spring member being provided for each cooperating pair of said openmgs.

4. A clip according to claim 1 wherein said curved portion of said spring member includes a serrated section facing said outer surface of said first sidewall to prevent relative slipping between said clip and the flange.

5. A clip according to claim l, wherein said opening in said fourth sidewall extends into said first sidewall to receive said curved portion of said spring member so that an outer surface of said curved portion is flush with said outer surface of said fourth sidewall.

6. A clip according to claim I, wherein said openings are cut-outs with respective cut-out portions remaining attached to said first sidewall, said cut-out portions being bent back against an inner surface of said first sidewall to reduce a portion of space between said body portion of said spring member and said inner surface of said first sidewall for supporting said spring member in said position relative to said box-like member.

7. A clip according to claim I, wherein said box-like member is fabricated from sheet metal with a longitudinal overlap being provided in said second sidewall against which said tang abuts.

8. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said curved portion of said spring member includes a straight section extending substantially perpendicularly outwardly from said body portion in alignment with and substantially parallel to said tang but extending in an opposite direction from said body portion than said tang, a first curved section extending outwardly from said straight section in a direction away from said body portion and curving back toward said body in a direction towards said tang, said first curved section being spaced from said body portion, and a second curved end section extending outwardly from said first curved section in a direction towards said tang but away from said body por tion to define a reverse loop with respect to said first curved section.

9. A clip device comprising resilient means adapted to clip on to a first structural member, box-like means connected to said resilient means for receiving fasteners which secure a second structural member thereto, said box-like means including first, second, third and fourth sidewalls connected in sequence to define a box like member, said second and fourth sidewalls being provided with at least one opening each, said openings being in alignment with each other to allow communication from an outer surface of said second sidewall through said box-like member to an outer surface of said fourth sidewall, said resilient means including a spring member provided with a body portion, said body portion including a tang extending outwardly in one direction from one end of said body portion and also including a clip portion extending outwardly in another direction from an opposite end of said body portion, said body portion being disposed within said box-like member with said one end extending through said opening in said second sidewall and with said other end extending through said opening in said fourth sidewall, said tang abutting against said outer surface of said sec ond sidewall to maintain said spring member in position relative to said box-like member with said clip portion being disposed outside said box-like member in a position spaced from an outer surface of said first sidewall, whereby the first structural member is clipped between said clip portion and said outer surface of said first side wall.

Claims

1. A clip for securing plasterboard to a structural column member, said clip comprising resilient means adapted to clip on to a flange of the structural member, box-like means connected to said resilient means for receiving fasteners which secure the plasterboard thereto, said box-like means including first, second, third and fourth sidewalls connected in sequence to define a box-like member, said second and fourth sidewalls being provided with at least one opening each, said openings being in alignment with each other to allow communication from an outer surface of said second sidewall through said box-like member to an outer surface of said fourth sidewall, said resilient means including a spring member provided with a body portion, said body portion including a tang extending outwardly in one direction from one end of said body portion and also including a curved portion extending outwardly in another direction from an opposite end of said body portion, said body portion being disposed within said box-like member with said one end extending through said opening in said second sidewall and with said other end extending through said opening in said fourth sidewall, said tang abutting against said outer surface of said second sidewall to maintain said spring member in position relative to said box-like member with said curved portion being disposed outside said box-like member in a position spaced from an outer surface of said first sidewall, whereby the flange of the structural member is clipped between said curved portion and said outer surface of said first sidewall.

3. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said second and fourth sidewalls are each provided with two of said openings, each of said two openings being spaced apart and disposed adjacent to opposing open edges of said box-like member respectively, and one spring member being provided for each cooperating pair of said openings.

5. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said opening in said Fourth sidewall extends into said first sidewall to receive said curved portion of said spring member so that an outer surface of said curved portion is flush with said outer surface of said fourth sidewall.

6. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said openings are cut-outs with respective cut-out portions remaining attached to said first sidewall, said cut-out portions being bent back against an inner surface of said first sidewall to reduce a portion of space between said body portion of said spring member and said inner surface of said first sidewall for supporting said spring member in said position relative to said box-like member.

7. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said box-like member is fabricated from sheet metal with a longitudinal overlap being provided in said second sidewall against which said tang abuts.

8. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said curved portion of said spring member includes a straight section extending substantially perpendicularly outwardly from said body portion in alignment with and substantially parallel to said tang but extending in an opposite direction from said body portion than said tang, a first curved section extending outwardly from said straight section in a direction away from said body portion and curving back toward said body in a direction towards said tang, said first curved section being spaced from said body portion, and a second curved end section extending outwardly from said first curved section in a direction towards said tang but away from said body portion to define a reverse loop with respect to said first curved section.

9. A clip device comprising resilient means adapted to clip on to a first structural member, box-like means connected to said resilient means for receiving fasteners which secure a second structural member thereto, said box-like means including first, second, third and fourth sidewalls connected in sequence to define a box-like member, said second and fourth sidewalls being provided with at least one opening each, said openings being in alignment with each other to allow communication from an outer surface of said second sidewall through said box-like member to an outer surface of said fourth sidewall, said resilient means including a spring member provided with a body portion, said body portion including a tang extending outwardly in one direction from one end of said body portion and also including a clip portion extending outwardly in another direction from an opposite end of said body portion, said body portion being disposed within said box-like member with said one end extending through said opening in said second sidewall and with said other end extending through said opening in said fourth sidewall, said tang abutting against said outer surface of said second sidewall to maintain said spring member in position relative to said box-like member with said clip portion being disposed outside said box-like member in a position spaced from an outer surface of said first sidewall, whereby the first structural member is clipped between said clip portion and said outer surface of said first sidewall.