AU2012206999B2 - Cladding panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A cladding panel for cladding has a main body having first and second main surfaces and, at each of first and second opposite sides of the body, a respective first and 5 second profiled edge for inter-engagement with a laterally adjacent like-oriented similar panel, the first margin defines a forwardly facing channel a laterally outwardly extending shelf. The channel base is adapted to bear against a structure over which cladding is to be provided to space the body from the structure. The free edge of the ledge defines a hook formation. The second margin defines a rearwardly extending 10 spacer strip and a support flange extending inwardly from the spacer strip, the support flange having a hook configuration at an edge remote from the spacer strip. The width of the spacer strip is such that the flange is spaced from the second main surface by a distance enabling inter-engagement between the first and second margins of like-oriented panels, so that at least adjacent parts of the main bodies of 15 the panels are co-planar or depart from being co-planar due to side-to-side curvature. SPEC-949491 20a 26 24a 12b 28 12a 24

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: CLADDING PANEL Applicant: Stramit Corporation Pty Limited The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 6067 JCL 2 CLADDING PANEL Field of the Invention 5 This invention relates to a cladding panel for application with similar sheets or panels to form cladding over a structure, such as a wall or partition of a building. Background of the Invention 10 Cladding for application over a structure has been available in a wide variety of forms and materials. The cladding may be of relatively rigid form, such as timber or plasterboard, or of more flexible material such as of metal or plastics panels. The present invention seeks to provide an alternative form of cladding of the latter type which is simple to install by an arrangement of concealed fixing. 15 Summary of the Invention The invention provides a cladding panel for application with similar panels to form cladding over a structure. The cladding panel has a main body having oppositely 20 facing first and second main surfaces which, for installed cladding, provide part of an outer or front surface and an inner or rear surface respectively, relative to the structure on which the cladding is installed. The panel, at each of first and second opposite sides of the body has a respective first and second edge margin of a respective one of two different profiled forms which enable inter-engagement between 25 either edge margin of the panel and an edge margin of a laterally adjacent like oriented similar panel. The first margin is configured to define along the first side of the body, a forwardly facing channel and from a laterally outer one of two side walls of the channel, a 30 laterally outwardly extending shelf. The channel has a base which is spaced rearwardly with respect to the body. The base is adapted to bear against the structure over which cladding is to be provided so as to space the body from the structure. The shelf also is spaced rearwardly with respect to the body, but to a SFEC-949491 3 lesser extent than the base of the channel. The free edge of the shelf defines a hook formation. The second margin is configured to define along the second side of the body a 5 rearwardly extending spacer strip and extending laterally inwardly from the spacer strip, a support flange. At an edge remote from the spacer strip the support flange has a hook configuration. The width of the spacer strip is such that the flange is spaced from the second main surface by a distance enabling inter-engagement between the first and second margins of laterally adjacent like-oriented similar panels, 10 so that at least adjacent parts of the main bodies of the panels are substantially co planar or depart from being co-planar due to side-to-side curvature in at least one of the main bodies. Thus, according to the invention there is provided a cladding panel for application with 15 similar panels to form cladding over a structure, wherein the cladding panel has a main body having oppositely facing first and second main surfaces which, for installed cladding, provide part of an outer or front surface and an inner or rear surface respectively, relative to the structure on which the cladding is installed and, at each of first and second opposite sides of the body, a respective first and second edge 20 margin of a respective profiled form which enables inter-engagement between either edge margin of the panel and an edge margin of a laterally adjacent like-oriented similar panel; the first margin is configured to define along the first side of the body, a forwardly facing channel and from a laterally outer one of two side walls of the channel, a laterally outwardly extending shelf, the channel has a base spaced 25 rearwardly with respect to the body and adapted to bear against the structure over which cladding is to be provided so as to space the body from the structure, the shelf is spaced rearwardly with respect to the body, but to a lesser extent than the base of the channel, and the free edge of the shelf defines a hook formation; the second margin is configured to define along the second side of the body a rearwardly 30 extending spacer strip and a support flange extending laterally inwardly from the spacer strip, the support flange having a hook configuration at an edge remote from the spacer strip; and wherein the width of the spacer strip is such that the flange is spaced from the second main surface by a distance enabling inter-engagement between the first and second margins of laterally adjacent like-oriented similar panels, SFEC-949491 4 so that at least adjacent parts of the main bodies of the panels are substantially co planar or depart from being co-planar due to side-to-side curvature in at least one of the main bodies. 5 In such inter-engagement, the support flange of the second margin is able to bear against the shelf, and extend over the channel, of the first margin. The respective hook formations then co-operate to avoid disengagement, from a panel secured to the structure, of a next adjacent panel until the latter also is secured. The inter engagement of successive panels enables concealed fixing of cladding to the 10 structure over which the cladding is applied. For this each panel can be secured in turn to the structure by fasteners extending through the base of the channel of each first margin, at intervals along the channel, prior to application of the next successive panel. The fasteners penetrate into the structure and the fastening of one panel to the structure is concealed by the next panel. 15 In each first margin, the side wall of the channel between the base of the channel and the body may be stepped, or without a step. In the latter case, the second margin of the next adjacent panel may have its support flange extend beyond the shelf of the first margin so as to extend across substantially the full width of the channel of the 20 first margin. Thus, the spacer strip of the second margin is able to extend to be in contact with, or closely adjacent to, the side wall of the channel between the base and the body. Where, in the first margin, the side wall of the channel is stepped between the base 25 and the body, the side wall consists of a forward section or riser joined to a rearward section or riser by a ledge or tread of the step. The width of the forward section or riser may be such that, with inter-engagement between the first and second margins of successive panels, the support flange of the second margin is able to extend across the channel of the first margin and bear against both the shelf and the ledge or 30 tread of the first margin. In that case, the spacing between the first main surface of the body and the rearwardly facing surface of the support flange of the second margin is substantially the same as the spacing between the first main surface and the forwardly facing surface of the ledge or tread of the first margin. However, other arrangements are possible. SFEC-949491 5 In one arrangement that spacing for the second margin may be less than that for the first margin to enable provision of a seal, preferably of a resilient material, to be applied between the ledge or tread of the first margin and the support flange of an 5 inter-engaged second margin. Alternatively, that spacing for the second margin may be greater than that for the first margin so that the spacer strip of the second margin is in contact with, or closely adjacent to, the side wall between the body and base of the channel of the first margin at the rearward section or riser of that side wall. 10 The main body of the panel may be substantially planar, without profiling or other configuring. Alternatively the panel may be non-planar, and profiled to form ribs separated by flat pans or otherwise configured. When applied to a structure for forming part of cladding, the panel may provide an insulating air space between the rear major surface of the body and an opposed surface of the structure. If required, 15 filling, can be provided between the body and the surface of the structure. The filling may be a layer of insulation. The panels may have formations at each of its opposite ends. The formations may be of complimentary form to enable the end formations of a row of successive panels to 20 interfit with the end formations of the next adjacent panels. The complementary formations may be of a variety of inter-fitting forms. In one simple arrangement, the formation at one end may be a forwardly open channel or slot, while the other formation maybe a rearwardly extending skirt insertable into the channel of slot of a panel of the next adjacent row. 25 The panels can be applied so as to follow a curved surface of a structure over which cladding is to be provided. For this, the main body of the panel may be flat prior to being secured to the curved surface. Alternatively the main body can be preformed with a required curvature so as to match substantially the curvature of the curved 30 surface, or with a lesser or greater curvature which facilitates attainment of such match when the panel is secured to the curved surface of the structure. The panels are secured to the structure in turn. A panel is secured by first being positioned to engage its second margin with the first margin of a fixed panel of a SPEC-949491 6 preceding row (or to another fitting in the case of the first panel to be secured). The panel then is held in position until its first margin is secured by at least one fastener applied through the base of the channel of that margin, into the structure. Further fasteners are applied at appropriate intervals along the base of the channel, as 5 required for the appropriate strength of securement to the structure. In order that the invention may be understood more readily, description now is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which: 10 Figure 1 is an end elevation of a cladding panel according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 shows the mode of inter-engagement of two panels according to the first embodiment; 15 Figure 3 shows a rear isometric view of part of the length of a panel as in Figure 1; and Figure 4 to 6 correspond to Figures 1 and 3, respectively, but illustrate a 20 cladding panel according to a second embodiment. Figures 1 and 3 show the form of the panel 10 of the first embodiment. The panel 10 could be extruded in the form shown, but it preferably is formed into that form from flat sheet material. The panel 10 preferably is of metal, such as aluminium, copper, brass 25 or steel, although it could be made of a suitable plastics material. The panel 10 has a main body 12 which has substantially planar major front and rear surfaces 12a and 12b. In plan view, that is, normal to those surfaces, the panel preferably is rectangular, such as square or of elongate rectangular form. However, 30 other forms such as that of a parallelogram can be used, provided that two sides are parallel. Also ends of the panel, if not also parallel, preferably are of complementary form. SPEC-949491 7 At opposite sides of the body 12, the panel 10 has respective side margins 14 and16. As shown, margins 14 and 16 are substantially parallel. The first margin 14 extends laterally outwardly from body 12. Margin 14 is configured to define a forwardly open channel 18 and a laterally outwardly extending shelf 20. The channel 18 has a first 5 side wall 21 which extends rearwardly from the edge of body 12, such that the base 24 of the channel 18 is setback rearwardly from body 12. Channel 18 has a second side wall 22 which is narrower than wall 21. Thus, shelf 20 which extends from the forward edge of wall 22 also is set back from body 12, but to a lesser extent than base 24. 10 The shelf 20 extends so as to be generally parallel to body 12 and/or base 24 of channel 18. However, a groove 20a extends along shelf 20 to provide strengthening. At the edge of shelf 20 remote from channel 18, margin 14 is turned to provide a hook formation 26 which, along the length of shelf 20, curves to extend under shelf 20 15 towards base 24 of channel 18 and at an acute angle to shelf 20. The base 24 of channel 18 has a longitudinal groove 24a. As with groove 20a of shelf 20, groove 24a provides strengthening. However it also assists with the application of fasteners as will be described with reference to Figure 2. 20 The second side margin 16 includes a spacer strip 28 which extends rearwardly from the side edge of body 12. Margin 16 also includes a support flange 30 which extends inwardly from the rear edge of strip 28 so as to be spaced from and substantially parallel to rear surface 12b of body 12. From the inner edge of flange 30, margin 16 25 includes a hook formation 32 which curves rearwardly and outwardly from, and at an acute angle to, the flange 30. An outermost edge strip 33 of formation 32 is turned back within a channel 34 defined by flange 30 and formation 32, towards the junction between flange 30 and formation 32. 30 Figure 2 shows engagement between successive panels 10 which form part of cladding applied over the surface of a support structure S. Figure 2 is a sectional view taken through the panels 10 and structure S adjacent to one of a series of spaced fasteners F which secure the panels to structure S, with only part of each panel 10 shown. SPEC-949491 8 In the arrangement of Figure 2, the lower panel 10 has been secured to structure S by fasteners F inserted through the base 24 of the channel 18 of its first margin 14. Prior to this, the second margin 16 (not shown) of that left hand panel 10 will have been 5 secured, by engagement within the first margin of a proceeding similar panel, in the manner shown in Figure 2, or otherwise secured. The margin 14 of the lower panel 10 is secured by a number of fasteners F, shown as self-tapping screws able to drill through the base 24 to bite into structure S. Each fastener F, at a respective location, is guided by its leading end first being located in groove 24a. 10 With the lower panel 10 secured, the upper panel 10 is able to be positioned. For this, the upper panel 10 is presented downwards from the above, with the flange 30 of its second margin 16 riding across the shelf 20 of the first margin 14 of the installed lower panel 10. The upper panel 10 is moved until the curve at the junction 33 15 between the shelf 20 and hook formation 26 of the margin 14 is received within the channel 34 defined by flange 30 and formation 32 of the margin 16. The respective angle of inclination of the hook formations 26 and 32 ensures a neat fit of that junction 33 in the channel 34. When that neat fit is achieved, the spacer strip 28 of the second margin 16 is closely adjacent the side wall 21 of the first margin 16, and the support 20 flange 30 of margin 16 extends across the channel 18 of margin 14. The upper panel 10 is fully secured by fasteners F engaged through its first margin 14 (not shown), and a next following panel 10 can be installed. However, prior to securement by fasteners F, the upper panel 10 is prevented from fully disengaging by 25 edge strip 33 of formation 32 catching against the free edge of hook formation 26. As can be seen in Figure 2, the wall 22 of margin 14 and the spacer strip 28 of margin 16 diverge slightly from each other to the rear. This leaves a V-shaped space between wall 22 and strip 28 at the apex of which a line of firm location is achieved 30 between the inter-engaged panels 10. This has the important advantage of enabling accurate front surface and edge alignment. Also, in the event of suction due to wind pressure, the inter-engagement will cause wall 28 and strip 28 to interlock at the apex of the V-shaped space, providing resistance to separation. Resilience in the panels enables them to recover to their original form and location when the wind subsides. SPEC-949491 9 The overall arrangement of Figures 4 to 6 will be understood from description of Figures 1 to 3. Corresponding parts have the same reference numeral. Also, description is limited to this matter by which the arrangement differs from that of 5 Figures to 3. The difference is that wall 21 of the first margin 14 is stepped. Thus, there is a ledge or tread 21a defined by wall 21, between a forward section or riser 21b and a rearward section or riser 21c of wall 21. In the arrangement shown, the forward 10 section or riser 21b is narrower than the spacer strip 28 of the second margin 16 such that, with the margins 14 and 16 of successive panels inter-engaged, the spacer strip 28 abuts or is closely adjacent to the rearward section or riser 21c of wall 21. Again, the channel 18 of the first margin 14 is covered to provide concealed fastening. 15 By appropriately adjusting the width of support flange 30 of the second margin 16 and the relative widths of spacer strip 28 of the margin 16 and the wall sections or risers 21b, 21c of the margin 14, the spacer strip 28 can be in contact with or closely adjacent to, the forward section or riser 21b. In that case, the support flange 30 may be spaced from the ledge or tread 21a, to enable a seal to be provided therebetween, 20 or support flange 30 may bear against each of shelf 20 and the ledge or tread 21a. The arrangement of Figure 2 shows a close continuation between the front surface 12a of successive panels 10 of cladding applied to a structure S. This can create the appearance of a substantially continuous overall surface for the cladding. This 25 appearance can be enhanced by the panels having a coating at least over their surfaces 12a which has a matte finish. The V-shaped space between wall 22 and strip 28 in combination with fasteners F in channel 18 provide a three-point locating fit which substantially can eliminate rattle. 30 This fit, in combination of hook formations 26, 33, acts to prevent unintended separation between the panels. The V-shaped space between wall 21 and strip 28 reduces the scope for capillary action drawing rainwater into the joint. SPEC-949491 10 In the case of Figure 5, a groove G is defined between inter-engaged panels of installed cladding. This may be adopted to provide an interesting architectural appearance. To add to this, at least one groove of a similar cross-section, rectangular in the form illustrated but able to be varied, may be formed in the body of each panel. 5 Alternatively panels shown in Figures 1 to 3 could be used in various combinations with panels as shown in Figures 4 to 6, such as to provide an arrangement in which a substantially continuous surface is provided by a grouping of panels as in Figures 1 to 3, with that panel bordered by grooves resulting from laterally adjacent panels as in 10 Figures 4 to 6. As can be seen in each of Figures 2 and 5, a hollow or gap exists between the cladding and the structure S. This gap can facilitate air circulation to reduce heating of the cladding if exposed to direct sunlight, or the gap can insulate the structure S. If 15 insulation is important, a layer of insulating material can be provided between the cladding and the structure. If required, the insulating material could be bonded to the rear face 12b of each panel 10. The panels could be arranged in a horizontal alignment but either vertical or 20 diagonal/angled arrangements are also possible. Not shown in the drawing are other flashings and fastenings of common form that would be used in combination to complete the cladding assembly. In all arrangements the main surface of the assembled cladding would have the fixings concealed from view. 25 The invention described herein is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described and it is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions which fall within the spirit and scope of the above description or the following provisional claims. 30 Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future applications. Features may be SPEC-949491 11 added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or redefine the invention or inventions. SPEC-049491

Claims (15)

1. A cladding panel for application with similar panels to form cladding over a structure, wherein the cladding panel has a main body having oppositely facing first 5 and second main surfaces which, for installed cladding, provide part of an outer or front surface and an inner or rear surface respectively, relative to the structure on which the cladding is installed and, at each of first and second opposite sides of the body, a respective first and second edge margin of a respective profiled form which enables inter-engagement between either edge margin of the panel and an edge 10 margin of a laterally adjacent like-oriented similar panel; the first margin is configured to define along the first side of the body, a forwardly facing channel and from a laterally outer one of two side walls of the channel, a laterally outwardly extending shelf, the channel has a base spaced rearwardly with respect to the body and adapted to bear against the structure over which cladding is to be provided so as to 15 space the body from the structure, the shelf is spaced rearwardly with respect to the body, but to a lesser extent than the base of the channel, and the free edge of the shelf defines a hook formation; the second margin is configured to define along the second side of the body a rearwardly extending spacer strip and a support flange extending laterally inwardly from the spacer strip, the support flange having a hook 20 configuration at an edge remote from the spacer strip; and wherein the width of the spacer strip is such that the flange is spaced from the second main surface by a distance enabling inter-engagement between the first and second margins of laterally adjacent like-oriented similar panels, so that at least adjacent parts of the main bodies of the panels are substantially co-planar or depart from being co-planar due to side 25 to-side curvature in at least one of the main bodies.

2. The panel of claim 1, wherein with the first and second margins in such inter engagement, the support flange of the second margin is able to bear against the shelf, and extend over the channel, of the first margin, with the respective hook 30 formations then co-operatable to prevent unintended disengagement of one panel from the other.

3. The panel of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inter-engagement of successive panels enables concealed fixing of cladding to the structure over which the cladding is applied. SFEC-949491 13

4. The panel of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the panel can be secured to the structure by fasteners extending through the base of the channel of the first margin, at intervals along the channel.

5 5. The panel of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the side wall of the channel of the first margin, between the base of the channel and the body, is without a step.

6. The panel of claim 5, wherein the second margin has its support flange able to extend beyond the shelf of the first margin of a next adjacent panel so as to extend 10 across substantially the full width of the channel to the first margin of the next adjacent panel.

7. The panel of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first margin has a side wall of the channel which is stepped between the base and the body, the side wall 15 consisting of a forward section or riser joined to a rearward section or riser by a ledge or tread of the step.

8. The panel of claim 7, wherein the width of the forward section or riser is such that with inter-engagement between the first and second margins of successive 20 panels, the support flange of the second margin is able to extend across the channel of the first margin and bear against both the shelf and the ledge or tread of the first margin.

9. The panel of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main body of the panel is 25 substantially planar.

10. The panel of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main body is non-planar and is profiled to form ribs separated by flat pans or otherwise configured. 30

11. The panel of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the panel has formations at each of its opposite ends. SFEC-949491 14

12. The panel of claim 11, wherein the formations are of complimentary form to enable the end formations of a row of laterally successive panels to interfit with the end formations of the panels of a next adjacent row of panels. 5

13. The panel of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the panel is adapted to be applied so as to follow a curved surface of a structure over which cladding is to be provided.

14. A panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, substantially as herein 10 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, or Figures 4 to 6, of the accompanying drawings.

15. Cladding provided over a support structure and comprising inter-engaged panels according to any one of claims 1 to 14. SFEC-949491