WO2015056221A1

WO2015056221A1 - Framed cladding assembly and related building construction

Info

Publication number: WO2015056221A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/065387
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl David RUSHER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-10-18
Filing date: 2014-10-17
Publication date: 2015-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2016-04-18

Abstract

A multi sheet panel assembly comprising an arrangement of a plurality of planar sheets positioned coextensively and parallel yet spaced apart adjacent each other, a spacer located between adjacent sheets to keep them in a spaced apart condition and extending at least along at least part of the perimeter of the sheets, a perimeter clamp comprising of clamping jaws acting on outside major surfaces of the arrangement, the clamping jaws compacting the spacer with and between each adjacent sheets.

Description

FRAMED CLADDING ASSEMBLY AND RELATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention consists in a framed cladding assembly and related building construction.

BACKGROUND

When building houses, a pillarless open feel is often wanted to give the feeling of space and a connection to the outdoors. When it comes to installing windows in these buildings, it is difficult to create areas where there is uninterrupted visual flow to the outdoors. In cases where the house or building are made substantially of glass, window and door framing, as well as pillars, can break up the continuity and flow of the house. This is visually undesirable. In addition replacement of building cladding can be time consuming when such are damaged.

It is hence an object of the present invention to provide a building panel assembly which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a multi sheet panel assembly comprising :

an arrangement of a plurality of planar sheets positioned coextensively and parallel yet spaced apart adjacent each other,

a spacer located between adjacent sheets to keep them in a spaced apart condition and extending at least along at least part of the perimeter of the sheets,

a perimeter clamp comprising of clamping jaws acting on the outside major surfaces of the arrangement, the clamping jaws compacting the spacer with and between each adjacent sheets.

Preferably the clamping jaws are rigidly spaced from each other a distance to effect a compacting of the spacer with and between each adjacent sheet.

Preferably the clamping jaws able to be displaced or are biased towards each other to compact the spacer with and between each adjacent sheet.

Preferably the clamping jaws are able to be displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied to at least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause at least one clamping jaw to pivot toward the other. Preferably the clamping jaws are able to be displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied to at least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause at least one clamping jaw to lever toward the other.

Preferably the clamping jaws are able to be displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied via a lever arm associated with the least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause at least one clamping jaw to lever toward the other.

Preferably the force applied to said lever arm is in a direction parallel to the plane of the sheets.

Preferably the force is applied by a fastener, acting on said lever arm of said clamping jaw.

Preferably the lever arm is integrally formed with the said at least one clamping jaw.

Preferably the lever arm is able to pivot with said at least one clamping jaw it is associated with.

Preferably the lever arm is able to deform or deflect to cause said at least one clamping jaw to be levered thereby.

Preferably at least one clamping jaw is supported in a manner pivotable relative a base element of said perimeter clamp.

Preferably the base element also supports the other clamping jaw.

Preferably the base element is integrally formed with the other clamping jaw.

Preferably the base element is located outwardly of the edge of the arrangement.

Preferably the said one clamp jaw is pivotally located by said base element.

Preferably the said one clamp jaw is pivotally supported by said base element.

Preferably the said one clamp jaw and said base element are adapted and configured to define a fulcrum for said one clamp jaw preferably the fulcrum is on the arrangement side of base element.

Preferably the clamping force exerted on the assembly by the clamping jaws is in a direction parallel to the normal of the plane of the sheets.

Preferably the clamping force is induced by a force applied, acting in a direction perpendicular to the normal of the plane of the sheets.

Preferably the force is applied by a threaded fastener.

Preferably the force is applied by a threaded fastener that passes through said base element and is threadingly engaged to said lever.

Preferably the axial direction of said threaded fastener is substantially parallel the plane of the sheets.

Preferably the base element is able to be secured to a building structure. Preferably the base element is able to receive fasteners to allow the glazing assembly to be fastened to a structure such as a building.

Preferably the base element comprises a fastening region to allow the glazing assembly to be fastened a structure.

Preferably the base element comprises a base and a lip extending from the base at an angle thereto, to present itself for use in fastening the assembly to a structure.

Preferably the lip extends laterally the base.

Preferably the lip extends parallel the plane of the panels.

Preferably the said one clamp jaw and lever form an "L" shaped cross sectioned element.

Preferably each clamp jaw extends along and defines a substantial part of an edge of the panel assembly.

Preferably each clamp jaw is coextensive each other along a substantial part of an edge of the panel assembly.

Preferably a plurality of base elements are provided spaced apart from each other for each pairing of clamp jaws.

Preferably a packer is located between the edge of the sheets and the clamp.

Preferably the packer locates between the lever and the edge of the sheets.

Preferably the packer is integrally formed with the spacer(s).

Preferably the packer is engaged with the spacer(s).

Preferably the perimeter clamp frames at least part of the panel assembly.

Preferably the perimeter clamp is of a width only slightly greater than the thickness of the arrangement.

Preferably the clamp jaw on one side of the arrangement to be located proximate more a building structure includes a lip projecting in a direction to engage onto a surface of the building structure.

Preferably the lip is presented to locate at floor level of a floor of a building.

Preferably no part of the perimeter clamp extends above the lip.

Preferably the lip is presented to locate at ceiling level of a ceiling of a building. Preferably no part of the perimeter clamp extends below the lip.

Preferably said base element provides vertical support to said assembly dependent from a building structure.

Preferably said perimeter clamp is to locate to be at the top of said assembly once installed, the base element including a fastening region to allow a flexible tie to connect there at to secure said base element thereby to a building structure.

Preferably the spacer(s) are of a width to define the space between adjacent sheets. Preferably the spacers are of or are coated or covered at least in part with a soft material.

Preferably the sheets contact said soft material.

Preferably said sheets are glazing panels.

Preferably at least two glazing panels are provided.

Preferably three glazing panels are provided.

In a second aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a panel clamp to clamp an assembly of at least two planar panels positioned coextensively and parallel yet spaced apart adjacent each other and having a spacer located between adjacent panels to keep them in a spaced apart condition and extending at least along at least part of the perimeter of the panels, the clamp comprising of clamping jaws to act on opposed outward facing surfaces of the assembly at an edge of the assembly, to compact the spacer with and between each adjacent panel.

Preferably at least one jaw is mounted for actuatable movement to allow the clamping jaws to move towards each other to compact the spacer with and between each adjacent panel

Preferably the clamping jaws are able to be displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied to at least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause said at least one clamping jaw to pivot (and preferably be levered) toward the other.

Preferably the clamping jaws are able to be relatively displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied to at least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause at least one clamping jaw to lever toward the other.

Preferably the clamping jaws are able to be relatively displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied via a lever arm associated with at least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause at least one clamping jaw to lever toward the other.

Preferably the force applied to said lever arm is in a direction parallel to the plane of the panels.

Preferably the force is applied by a fastener, acting on said lever arm.

Preferably at least one clamping jaw is supported in a manner pivotable relative a base element of said clamping assembly. Preferably the base element also supports the other clamping jaw.

Preferably the base element is integrally formed with the other clamping jaw.

Preferably the base element is located outwardly of the edge of the assembly.

Preferably the said one clamp jaw is pivotally located by said base element.

Preferably the said one clamp jaw is pivotally supported by said base element.

Preferably the said one clamp jaw and said base element are adapted and configured to define a fulcrum for said one clamp jaw.

Preferably the clamping force exerted on the assembly by the clamping jaws is in a direction parallel to the normal of the plane of the panels.

Preferably the clamping force is induced by a force applied, acting in a direction perpendicular to the normal of the plane of the panels.

Preferably the force is applied by a threaded fastener.

Preferably the force is applied by a threaded fastener that passes through said lever and is threadingly engaged to said base element.

Preferably the axial direction of said threaded fastener is substantially parallel the plane of the panels.

Preferably base element is able to be secured to a building structure.

Preferably the base element is able to receive fasteners to allow the panel assembly to be fastened to a structure such as a building.

Preferably the base element comprises a fastening region to allow the panel assembly to be fastened a structure.

Preferably the lip extends laterally the base.

Preferably the lip extends parallel the plane of the panels.

Preferably each clamp jaw extends along a substantial part of an edge of the panel assembly.

Preferably a packer is located between the edge of the panels and the clamp. Preferably the packer locates between the lever and the edge of the panels Preferably the packer is integrally formed with the spacer(s).

Preferably the packer is engaged with the spacer(s).

Preferably the perimeter clamp frames at least part of the panel assembly.

Preferably the perimeter clamp is of a width only slightly greater than the thickness of the panel assembly.

Preferably a clamp jaw on one side of the assembly to be located proximate more a building structure includes a lip projecting in a direction to engage onto a surface of the building structure.

Preferably no part of the perimeter clamp extends above the lip.

Preferably the lip is presented to locate at ceiling level of a ceiling of a building.

Preferably no part of the perimeter clamp extends below the lip.

Preferably said perimeter clamp is to locate at said assembly to be at the top once installed, the base element including a fastening region to allow a flexible tie to connect there at to secure said base element thereby to a building structure.

Preferably the spacer(s) are of a width to define the space between adjacent panels.

Preferably the spacers are of or are coated or covered at least in part with a soft material.

Preferably the panels contact said soft material.

Preferably the spacers are of or are coated or covered at least in part with material to establish a seal with the panels.

Preferably the spacers and/or coating are extruded.

Preferably the panels are glazing panels.

Preferably the panels are of the same thickness.

Preferably the panels are of different thickness.

Preferably the panels are of the same properties as each other.

Preferably the panels are of different properties to each other.

Preferably the exterior most panels are thicker than any internal panels.

In a further aspect the present invention may be broadly be said to be a panel assembly comprising at least two panels and said panel clamp as herein before described engaged with said at least two panels.

In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a panel clamp to clamp at and with the perimeter of a planar panel, the clamp comprising of clamping jaws to act on said panel to capture it between the clamping jaws, at least one jaw mounted for actuable movement to allow the clamping jaws to move towards each other become secured to said panel.

In a further aspect the present invention may be broadly be said to be a panel assembly comprising at least one panel and at least one said panel clamp as herein before described engaged with said at least one panel.

Preferably two panel clamps are engaged with said panel, a first panel clamp comprising of clamping jaws that are able to move relative each other and a second panel clamp that has clamping jaws that remain in a fixed relationship with each other.

In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a residential or commercial building comprising a structure and having at least part of its building envelope defined by said panel assembly as herein before described.

Preferably the building structure comprises at a or each level a floor and a ceiling said panel assembly extending floor to ceiling.

In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a building panel clamping apparatus for consolidating at least two adjacent sheets in a side-by-side coextensive parallel arrangement said clamping apparatus comprising :

opposed clamping members defining a gap or recesses within which an edge of each sheet can be received spaced apart by at least one spacer located intermediate of the sheets and clamping members, at least one clamping member mounted for being levered towards the other clamping member to compact the sheets and spacer together.

Preferably one said clamping member is levered about a fulcrum fixed relative at least one of said sheets and the other clamping member.

Preferably one said clamping member is levered about a fulcrum defined by the other clamping member.

Preferably one said clamping member is levered about a fulcrum fixed relative a support member by which said other clamping member is supported.

Preferably said other clamping member is supported by said support member in a manner to allow the other clamping member to be levered also.

Preferably said one clamping member is able to be levered by a lever arm dependent from said clamping member.

Preferably said on lever arm is integrally formed with said clamping member.

Preferably the lever arm extends from said clamping member in a direction substantially parallel the normal of the plane of the sheets.

Preferably the lever arm extends towards the other clamping member.

Preferably the lever arm is able be acted on by a fastener that can displace said lever arm to effect said levering of said clamping member. Preferably the fastener is able to react off the other clamping member, direct or indirect.

Preferably the fastener is able to react off the other clamping member, via the support member.

Preferably the building panel clamping apparatus is non penetrative of the sheets.

Preferably the clamping members have facing flat surfaces to contact directly or indirectly against respective adjacent sheets.

Preferably said spacer creates a watertight seal between said sheet at the clamped region.

In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a building panel comprising of at least two adjacent sheets in a side-by-side coextensive parallel arrangement said clamping apparatus having a spacer located between said sheets to keep the sheets separated, said sheets and spacer compacted with each other by a clamping apparatus as herein before described.

Preferably a said clamping apparatus extends along the part of the perimeter of said sheets.

Preferably a said clamping apparatus extends along the entire perimeter of said sheets.

Preferably said sheets are quadrilateral in shape and a said clamping apparatus extends along at least two opposed edges of said sheets.

Preferably said sheets are quadrilateral in shape and a said clamping apparatus extends along all edges of said sheets.

Preferably said clamping members are of a constant cross section.

Preferably the clamping members are extruded.

Preferably the clamping members are of aluminium or alloy.

Preferably the base element is of a constant cross section.

Preferably the base element is extruded.

Preferably said clamping members are elongate and straight.

In yet a further aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be, in combination : a building structure comprising a floor having a floor threshold, a ceiling having a ceiling threshold defining a gap to an opening of said building, a building panel as herein before described secured to the building structure to bridge said gap.

In yet a further aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be, in combination : a building structure comprising a floor having a floor threshold a ceiling having a ceiling threshold, a building panel as herein before described secured to the building structure to close an opening between the floor and ceiling threshold. Preferably the opening is parallel and vertically aligned with the floor threshold and two spaced apart uprights (whether pillars, studs, walls) extending between the floor and ceiling and defining an edge to the opening.

Preferably the building panel is mounted to said building structure outwardly thereof.

Preferably the building panel cladding for said building structure and is mounted to said building structure to be the outermost of the combination.

Preferably in a multi sheet assembly of the panel as herein described, the gap between adjacent sheets is fluid tight (such as airtight and/or water tight).

Preferably in a multi sheet assembly of the panel as herein described, the gap between adjacent sheets is liquid tight.

Preferably said panel is provided for use as a wall or window or door for a building such as a residential dwelling or commercial building.

Preferably said panel is provided as cladding for a building.

Preferably said sheet(s) may be transparent, translucent, opaque, coloured, painted, printed.

In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a method of installing multi sheet cladding for a building structure comprising,

loading into a receptacle that is secured to said building structure, at least two sheets each separated by a spacer, said receptacle to define at least part of the perimeter frame for said sheets,

compacting said sheets and spacer with said receptacle by a clamping member by levering said clamping member relative said receptacle.

Preferably said loading is a sequential loading of said sheets.

Preferably said clamping member and said receptacle together defining the panel clamp as herein before described.

In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a multi sheet panel assembly comprising :

an arrangement of a plurality of quadrilateral shaped planar sheets positioned coextensively and parallel yet spaced apart adjacent each other,

a first perimeter clamp comprising of clamping jaws acting on the outside major surfaces at one edge of the arrangement, the clamping jaws able to be displaced or are biased towards each other to compact the spacer with and between each adjacent sheet, a second perimeter clamp comprising of clamping jaws acting on the outside major surfaces at one edge of the arrangement, the clamping jaws rigidly spaced from each other a distance to effect a compacting of the spacer with and between each adjacent sheet.

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 of 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 "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein "compliant" in respect of an item or a material includes a sealing characteristic or characteristics whether from yielding, flexure or movement, and whether with or without resilience, and whether with or without adhesion. Examples of compliant material include but are not limited to butyl rubber, neoprene or silicone rubber. Some may require shaping to allow a give or other compliant movement to achieve a seal seating. Some may simply assume a sealing interface with the sheet face and/or edge.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred form of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figure 1A is a perspective view of part of a building showing a cladding assembly of the present invention engaged therewith,

Figure IB is a sectional view of a cladding assembly of the present invention engaged to a building structure at the top end of the cladding assembly.

Figure 2A is a sectional view of the cladding assembly engaged to a building structure at the bottom of the cladding assembly,

Figure 2B shows the jaws of Figure 2A opened up. Figure 3 is a sectional view looking vertically at a corner of the cladding assembly, the cladding assembly may connect to an adjacent cladding assembly,

Figure 4 is a sectional view showing two cladding assemblies engaged to each other in line along rather than at a corner,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of part of a cladding assembly engaged to a building structure at the bottom edge of the cladding assembly,

Figure 6 is a perspective/cross-section of a cladding assembly engaged to a building structure at the bottom edge of the cladding assembly,

Figure 7 is a perspective/cross-section of a cladding assembly engaged to a building structure at the top edge of the cladding assembly,

Figure 8 is a sectional view through a building structure and bottom edge of a cladding assembly illustrating building components,

Figure 9 is a sectional view of an edge of a cladding assembly of a different configuration to that shown in the previous figures,

Figure 10 shows the edge of the cladding assembly of Figure 9 the clamping jaws having been displaced to camp with a sheet,

Figure 11 shows a variation of Figures 9 and 10,

Figure 12 shows a variation of Figure 11 the clamping jaws having been displaced for clamping the sheets,

Figure 13 shows yet a further variation of part of a cladding assembly, and

Figure 14 shows the cladding assembly of Figure 13 wherein the clamping jaws have displaced for clamping the sheet with the clamping jaws,

Figure 15 shows a plan sectional view of a door seal in closed position between doors,

Figure 16 shows a front perspective view of top door hinge pivot,

Figure 17 shows a plan sectional view of a door jamb and door hinge and seal, Figure 18 shows a plan sectional view of a cladding assembly with pivoting door seals and jambs,

Figure 19 shows a side sectional view of the top edge of a door and cladding assembly, and

Figure 20 shows a side sectional view of the top edge and/or bottom edge of a cladding assembly.

Figure 21 A shows a side sectional view of an edge of a cladding assembly with a clamping assembly.

Figure 21 B shows an alternative embodiment to Figure 21 A.

Figure 21 C shows an alternative embodiment to Figure 21 A. Figure 22 shows a sectional view of an alternative clamping assembly and seal retention design.

Figure 23 shows a perspective cutaway view of a cladding assembly edge showing spaced apart base elements.

Figure 24 shows a close up view of Figure 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1A there is shown a part of a building 1. The building may be a residential building or a commercial building. It may be a single level or a multi-level building. In Figure 1A a single level building is shown and comprises a foundation 2 and a roof 3.

Extending between the foundation 2 and the roof 3 there is building cladding 4. Preferably the cladding provides at least part of an external envelope to the building.

The cladding 4 may alternatively provide partitioning or a barrier such as a balustrade for a deck or patio of or associated with the building.

The cladding may hence be a panel or panel assembly that may not necessarily strictly clad an enclosure or the like. Hence variations to the cladding as will herein be described fall within the scope of the present invention.

The cladding preferably comprises of at least one sheet of material and preferably of a plurality of sheets as will hereinafter be described.

The cladding is preferably able to be moved onsite during the construction of a building as preassembled components that may for example be secured to a building structure 5 part of which is shown in Figures 2 and 8 as examples. The building structure may be a steel structure comprising of head framing 6 (or a ceiling such as a concrete ceiling slab), footer framing 7 (or a floor such as a concrete floor slab) and may include pillars or posts 8 or other structural elements extending therebetween to tie the building structure together. In a preferred form no such pillars or posts 8 are integrated with or connected to the cladding of the present invention. Hence some or all are preferably set back from the perimeter of the building. This allows for a very clean and unobtrusive cladding for the building to be established, creating minimal visual interference for people inside looking out. It also provides for easy cleaning and features less surfaces.

The cladding or panel assembly of the present invention preferably includes at least one and preferably a plurality of sheets 9. Where a plurality of sheets are provided these sheets are preferably coextensive with each other and are arranged in a parallel but spaced apart manner as shown in Figures IB and 2A. In the preferred form where at least two sheets are provided to provide a multi-sheet arrangement 10, the sheets are preferably of an identical construction and of identical characteristics. Using multiple sheets will help create both sound and thermal insulation for the building interior 11. The sheets may for example be glazing but may be transparent, translucent or opaque. Insulation may be located between sheets. Alternatively the sheets may be of a different material other than glazing such as any aluminium or alloy there of or of wood or composites materials. These are given by way of example and other materials will lend themselves suitable for such proposes.

In the example shown in Figures IB and 2A the arrangement 10 comprises of three sheets 9A, 9B and 9C. These sheets may each be identical or alternatively may be different to each other. In the preferred form sheets 9A and 9C which define the innermost and outermost sheets of the arrangement are of identical characteristics whereas the sheet captured between sheets 9A and 9C, namely the sheet 9B may be of a different material, thickness, quality, colour, or such as etc. The outer sheets may be different in property and/or characteristic. The sheet to be outer most the building may have self cleaning properties. The sheet on the inside may be of higher thermal efficiency than the other sheet(s) .

In the preferred form the sheets are substantially quadrilateral in shape. This is for example seen in Figure 1A where the sheet 9A includes vertical edges 13A and 13B and horizontal edges 14A and 14B. The cladding or panel assembly 4 may be positioned to abut adjacent panel assemblies both inline as shown at region A and at corners as shown in region B. Where at a corner intersection the plurality of sheets may not be completed coextensive each other but instead are provided in a staggered edge relationship.

The sheets are preferably planar sheets and are spaced apart from each other by using a spacer 12 between adjacent sheets. The spacer(s) 12 preferably extend along at least part of one edge of the panel. In the preferred form the spacers are extensive substantially the entire length of the horizontal edges 14A and 14B of the sheet arrangement 10. The spacers 12 are preferably located only at the edges at where the spacing of the adjacent sheets is established. The spacers 12 may for example be square or rectangular in cross-section as shown in Figures IB and 2.

In some forms spacers may also extend at the vertical edges 13A and 13B of the cladding or panel assembly of the present invention. This may for example happen where the cladding or panel assembly is used as a door or other form of opening where its vertical edges are free rather than in abutment with an adjacent panel assembly, or where a door 60 or window is provided within the cladding assembly as shown in Figure 18. In such instances, the clamping arrangement as will be described hereafter, may also extend along one of both vertical edges of the panel . The spacers could also be used at panel to panel joins at straight wall sections and/or corners.

In order to consolidate the plurality of sheets together with the spacer or spacers therebetween, a perimeter clamp 15 is provided . The perimeter clamp is able to act on the outside major surfaces of the arrangement 10 and is able to displace or bias the sheets towards each other in order for the sheets to compact with the spacer or spacers between adjacent sheets. In the preferred form the perimeter clamp is extensive along at least part and preferably an entire edge of the arrangement of sheets. In the preferred form a perimeter clamp is provided at both horizontal edges 14A and 14B of the arrangement of sheets.

The perimeter clamp 15 preferably comprises of two clamping jaws 16 and 17. The clamping jaws are able to act together and on the outside major surfaces of the arrangement of sheets as seen for example in Figure 2A and 2B. A packer or spacer or other may be located between or alternatively the clamping jaws may act directly onto the outside major surfaces.

Preferably at least one of the clamping jaws 16, 17 is able to be levered. The levering of such a clamping jaw causing the clamping jaws to displace towards each other and thereby effect a clamping of the arrangement and compaction of the arrangement with the spacers between adjacent sheets. With reference to Figure 2 as an example, the outside clamping jaw 16 is able to be levered by virtue of a lever arm 18 associated with the clamping jaw 16. The lever arm 18 and/or the clamping jaw 16 is/are pivotally mounted about a fulcrum 19 that may be defined by or with a base element 20.

The clamping jaws and the lever are shown in cross-section and are preferably of a constant cross-section along their entire length. As can be seen with reference to

Figure 2A, one or both of the clamping jaws may be configured for being levered.

However in the preferred form it is the outside clamping jaw 16 that is positioned and pivotable about a fulcrum for being levered to clamp the arrangement of sheets with the spacers. This is preferably achieved by utilising a fastener such as a threaded fastener 22 or a rivet that is for example able to react with the base element 20. In the preferred form the fastener 22 extends through an aperture of the base element 20 and is able to threadingly engage with a threaded aperture 23 of the lever 18. Whilst shown in Figure 2A in an exaggerated and non aligned condition the threaded fastener 22 is able to engage with the threaded aperture 23 to draw the lever 18 towards the base element 20. A notched or otherwise registered configuration of the base element 20 with the lever 18 and/or the clamping jaw 16 creates the fulcrum for the clamping jaw 16 to pivot around and move towards the clamping jaw 17 on the other side of the arrangement. The geometry of the base element, lever and clamping jaw is such that the clamping jaw can cause a compacting of the sheets with the intermediate spacers between and the opposite clamping jaw 17. In the preferred form the opposite clamping jaw 17 is fixed and does not pivot although in Figure 2B it is shown to also be able to pivot for being levered to help with the compaction.

In the preferred form the lever 18 is a lever arm that extends at an angle to the clamping jaws, preferably at 90 degrees. It preferably extends in a direction that is parallel to the normal N of the clamping surface 24 of the clamping jaw 16.

In the preferred form, with the perimeter clamp at the base of the cladding or panel assembly as shown in Figures 2A and 2B it is possible to utilise the invention in a manner for being assembled onsite. In the preferred form the base element 20 is able to be secured to the building structure such as at the foot framing 7 by using fasteners 25 that extend through a leg or lip that is part of or extends from the base element 20. The base element 20 is thereby able to be secured relative to the building structure to define a vertical support for the arrangement of sheets to be supported adjacent the building structure. With the base element 20 in place and secured to the building structure the claiming jaw 17 can be put in place. Subsequent to that a packer 27 can be placed in position on top of which and by which or incorporated with which the spacers 12 are provided. The other clamping jaw may be loosely located in place at this stage or after this stage. With the optional packer 27 and with spacers 12 in position the panels 9A, B and C are able to be loaded in place.

Preferably the spacers are coated or at least partially covered by a soft and/or compliant hermetic material such as a butyl rubber, neoprene or silicone rubber 28 so that the panels are contacted thereby. The material may be shaped or is capable of adopting a shape that will help establish a seal. The compliant surfacing or layering able, under the squeeze, of sealing to each respective sheet.

Preferably the compliant material has "top hat" forms to surround an extrusion of box section of a less compliant material - the spacers 12 - and to provide mated flanges disposed to butt receive edges of sheets.

Once the sheets are loaded the clamping jaw 16 may be levered by actuating the fastener 22 to cause the clamping jaw to pivot towards the other jaw 17 and thereby compact the sheets with the spacers in between. In the preferred form the fastener is able to rotate about an axis X that is substantially parallel to the plane of the sheets. The fastener 22 is able to be actuated from underneath the perimeter clamp at the base of the panel assembly 4. The fastener is able to be secured by a shroud 29 and as a result the perimeter clamp presents a clean and minimalist mechanism for securing the multi-sheet panel assembly in place. The shroud 29 is also able to obscure from view the fasteners 25 that are provided for securing the base element 22 to the building structure 5.

The geometry of components of perimeter clamp may such that the clamping jaws cannot be over-tightened onto the panel. The jaw(s) may be stopped from doing so by bottoming out or otherwise engaging against a stop or the like. Such can also provide a measure for ensuring under-tightening does not happen.

The clamping jaw 16 is preferably of a configuration to present the clamping surface that extends above the spacers 12. As a result the spacers 12 are secured from general view and in a direction substantially horizontally through the panel. Looking down into the space between the panels a person may be able to notice the spacers however their view is generally obstructed by the clamping jaw 16 extending sufficiently to contact the outer surface of the external panel line A at an appropriate distance.

Likewise the internal clamping jaw 17 is such as to obscure the spacer or spacers from general viewing.

In the preferred form the perimeter clamp at the base of the panel assembly 4 is such that substantially no or very minimal parts or regions of the clamping jaw extend above floor level 30. As a result when the panel assembly is provided as glazing for the building structure, glazing is able to extend all the way to the floor surface 30 thereby presenting no or hardly any aspects of the perimeter clamp and framing for the glazing panels in the line of sight.

The internal clamping jaw 17 may include a lip 31 provided for the purposes of registering with the floor surface 30 or a rebate or recess thereof.

A compacting of the sheets with the spacers and preferably with the use of a compressible and sealing coating or intermediate interface therewith, an airtight seal can be created for the space 31 between adjacent sheets. This can also help create a seal between the inside and outside of the building structure. Other regions of sealing for such purposes may be provided.

In Figure 5 it can be seen that the base element may consist of a plurality of base elements 20 that are spaced apart from each other and securing their clamping jaws in position.

The spaced apart base elements 20 minimise the thermal conductivity connection from inside the building structure to outside the building structure, or vice versa.

In further embodiments a seal or spacer 70 may be attached to the bottom of the perimeter framing as shown in figure 23 and 24. This seal or spacer 70 preferably has a lower thermal conductivity than the base element 20.

The seal or spacer 70 and spaced apart base elements maybe installed on any side of the perimeter, i.e. the top, bottom or sides of the panel assembly. In particular embodiments the base element 20 comprises a seal retainer 71 designed into the base element and clamps. This allows the cross section of the base element 20 and seal 70 to be a relatively thin as shown in figures 20 to 24. The thin cross-section allows the perimeter framing thickness to be kept to a minimum so as to reduce the visual impact of the framing and increase the visual surface area of the panels.

In one embodiment the seal retainer 71 is a slot that receives an extended portion 72 of the seal or spacer. Further shapes and retaining methods may be used. These retaining methods may include and/or be used in combination with the slot: clips, snap fit, adhesive, or other known methods as used in the art.

Each base element may have dependent from it a lip or leg 26 for securing to the building structure 5.

The packer and spacer or spacers may be integrally formed or may be separate components. The spacers where more than three panels are utilised, may be provided as separate components or may integrally formed whether together alone or together with an appropriate coating or seal or gasket provided to aid in establishing a sealed space between panels. The coating or sealing being of a similar composition to the spacer coatings 28 described previously.

Turning now to the head of the panel assembly as shown with reference to

Figures IB and 7 it can be seen that a similar configuration is established whereby an external clamping jaw 16 and an internal clamping jaw 17 are able to cooperate with each other for the purposes of consolidating and compacting the sheets with the spacers 12 therebetween. In this instance the base element is located substantially above the clamping jaws 16 and 17 and in a similar manner creates a fulcrum 19 for at least one of the clamping jaws such as the external clamping jaw 16. A threaded fastener is able to effect the levering of the external clamping jaw 16 so as to cause the consolidation and compaction of the sheets with the spacer or spacers therebetween. Securing the panel 4 at the head end may be a plurality of spring clips 32 that are spaced apart from each other able to be fastened to the head framing 6 by a fastener 33 as shown in Figure IB. The spring clips 32 are shaped and configured to allow for some relative movement to exist between the building structure and the panel 4 particularly in a vertical direction as a result of relative thermal expansion and/or wind loading and/or shock loading. They can provide for a degree of dampening. However in a lateral direction the spring clips 32 preferably holds the building panel securely relative the vertical face 34 of the head framing 6. This can help ensure a snug and preferably airtight and watertight interface with or without any sealing interface between. With reference to Figures 9 and 10 variations are shown to the perimeter clamp of the present invention. In this example a base element 35 is shown, that together with the clamping jaw member 36, is able to provide a fulcrum 37 that allows for the clamping jaws 38 and 39 to be levered together. A threaded fastener 40 passing through an aperture 41 of the base element 35 is able to threadingly engage into a threaded aperture 42. The threaded fastener 40 is able to cause a deformation or deflection of the levering region 43 of the clamping jaw member 36 as shown in Figure 10. This deformation or deflection drawing the levering region 34 more towards the base and resulting in a pivoting of the clamping jaws 38 and 39 to clamp the sheet 44. The example shown in Figures 9 and 10 and also applicable to the examples herein before described, a single sheet may be used to constitute the panel assembly of the present invention. Multi sheets are however also envisaged. A variation to the perimeter clamp shown in Figures 9 and 10 is shown in Figures 11 and 12 where a multi sheet arrangement is provided, spaced by an intermediate spacer that may be coated in a like manner as herein before described and wherein levering regions of at least one or both of the clamping jaws can affect the clamping of the sheet arrangement together and compaction with the spacer element again by deformation or deflection. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a variation to the perimeter clamp. In this variation the base element 50 is integrally formed with one of the clamping jaws such as the internal clamping jaw 51. The base element 50 provides together with the lever region 52 and/or the other clamping jaw 53 a fulcrum 54 to allow for the clamping jaw 53 to be levered towards the clamping jaw 51. In the example shown in Figures 13 and 14 the levering is affected by a deformation or deflection of the levering region 52. However it may alternatively be purely by a pivoting as has been described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B.

In alternative embodiments the clamps 15 may fastened via a lateral bolted feature as shown in figures 21 A, B and C. These embodiments show a clamping assembly which can be on any side of the panel assembly. These clamping assemblies may be assembled on or off site. The assemblies are an alternative to the integral fixed jaws 100 as shown in figure 17.

In some embodiments the perimeter clamping may include both the clamping assemblies and the integral clamps in combination.

In Figure 21 A the bolt 22 compresses the lever clamping jaw 16 towards the clamping jaw 17. This compression squeezes the plurality of panels 9 and spacers 12 together to tighten and retain the panel assembly.

In Figure 21 C the bolt 22 compresses the clamping jaw 16 against a spacer 75 towards the opposing clamping jaw 17. This compression of the spacer 75 in turn allows the compression of the plurality of panels 9 and spacers 12 together to retain the panel assembly.

Figure 21 B shows yet another alternative of a clamping assembly.

Figures 15 - 19 show details of a door or window 60 within a cladding assembly. The doors / windows themselves comprise a perimeter clamp 15 for containing the door arrangement 63 similar or identical to the arrangement 10. The horizontal clamps can be seen in Figure 15 and the vertical clamps in Figure 19. In this arrangement the preferred form of clamps are provided with fixed jaws. The space between the fixed jaws 100 is such that a panel arrangement of at least two panels with a compressible seal/spacer therebetween can be held. The panels can be compacted against a bias of the

spacer/seal and inserted in the gap between the jaws. The panels are then released from being compacted and will be biased apart. This can then capture the clamp with the panels sufficiently to be retained therewith.

Where a door 60 is provided it may comprise a seal 61 to seal between the door jamb and the cladding. This seal may be a pressure seal. The seal 61 may be configured to create a labyrinth or tortured path resisting air passage therethrough. The seal 61 stops dirt/dust/debris/moisture from entering/leaving the building as well as preventing draughts.

In other embodiments the seal 61 may be connected to the cladding assembly instead of the door. The seal is slidably engaged/connected with the door jamb (or cladding assembly in other embodiments). However in alternative embodiments the seal may be glued, affixed or fastened onto the door jamb or cladding assembly. The seals are preferably composed of silicon rubber, preferably formed by extrusion. However other types of seal may be used. The cladding assembly, when comprising a door or window, comprises a lintel 63 to frame the top of the door or window. The lintel is generally composed of the same materials as the perimeter framing. However, where large or further expanses are required, reinforced or modified composition lintels may be used. The lintel 63 comprises door or window hinges 64 that interact with complimentary hinges within the door or window as shown in Figure 16.

The fixed jaws as seen in Figures 15 to 19 may not just be used on doors or windows but also on fixed panels of the building as a substitute for the clamping jaws at least at part of the perimeter of such panels.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A multi sheet panel assembly comprising:

a perimeter clamp comprising of clamping jaws acting on outside major surfaces of the arrangement, the clamping jaws compacting the spacer with and between each adjacent sheets.

2. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the clamping jaws are rigidly spaced from each other a distance to effect a compacting of the spacer with and between each adjacent sheet.

3. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the clamping jaws able to be displaced or are biased towards each other to compact the spacer with and between each adjacent sheet.

4. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in claims 3 wherein the clamping jaws are able to be displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied to at least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause at least one clamping jaw to pivot toward the other.

5. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the clamping jaws are able to be displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied to at least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause at least one clamping jaw to lever toward the other.

6. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the clamping jaws are able to be displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied via a lever arm associated with the least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause at least one clamping jaw to lever toward the other.

7. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in claims 6 wherein the force applied to said lever arm is in a direction parallel to the plane of the sheets.

8. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the force is applied by a fastener, acting on said lever arm of said clamping jaw.

9. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the lever arm is able to pivot with said at least one clamping jaw it is associated with.

10. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein at least one clamping jaw is supported in a manner pivotable relative a base element of said perimeter clamp.

11. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the base element also supports the other clamping jaw.

12. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 11 wherein the said one clamping jaw is pivotally located by said base element.

13. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the force is applied by a threaded fastener.

14. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the force is applied by a threaded fastener that passes through said base element and is threadingly engaged to said lever.

15. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in claims 13 or 14 wherein the axial direction of said threaded fastener is substantially parallel the plane of the sheets.

16. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the base element comprises a fastening region to allow the plurality of planar sheets to be fastened to a structure.

17. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein each clamp jaw extends along and defines a substantial part of an edge of the panel assembly.

18. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein each clamp jaw is coextensive each other along a substantial part of an edge of the panel assembly.

19. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein a plurality of base elements are provided spaced apart from each other for each pairing of clamp jaws.

20. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein a packer is located between the edge of the sheets and the clamp.

21. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the perimeter clamp frames at least part of the panel assembly.

22. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 wherein the perimeter clamp is of a width only slightly greater than the thickness of the arrangement.

23. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 wherein the clamp jaw on one side of the arrangement to be located proximate more a building structure includes a lip projecting in a direction to engage onto a surface of the building structure.

24. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in claim 23 wherein the lip is presented to locate at floor level of a floor of a building.

25. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24 wherein the spacer(s) are of a width to define the space between adjacent sheets.

26. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25 wherein said sheets are glazing panels.

27. A multi sheet panel assembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein at least two glazing panels are provided.

28. An assembly of at least two planar panels positioned coextensively and parallel yet spaced apart adjacent each other and having a spacer located between adjacent panels to keep them in a spaced apart condition and extending at least along at least part of the perimeter of the panels, and a clamp comprising clamping jaws to act on opposed outward facing surfaces of the assembly at an edge of the assembly, to compact the spacer with and between each adjacent panel.

29. An assembly as claimed in claim 28 wherein at least one jaw is mounted for actuatable movement to allow the clamping jaws to move towards each other to compact the spacer with and between each adjacent panel

30. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 or 29 wherein the clamping jaws are able to be displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied to at least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause said at least one clamping jaw to pivot toward the other.

31. An assembly as claimed in claims 28 or 29 wherein the clamping jaws are able to be relatively displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied to at least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause at least one clamping jaw to lever toward the other.

32. An assembly as claimed in claim 31 wherein the clamping jaws are able to be relatively displaced or are biased towards each other by virtue of a force applied via a lever arm associated with at least one clamping jaw in a direction to cause at least one clamping jaw to lever toward the other.

33. An assembly as claimed in claim 32 wherein the force applied to said lever arm is in a direction parallel to the plane of the panels.

34. An assembly as claimed in claim 32 or 33 wherein the force is applied by a fastener, acting on said lever arm.

35. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34 wherein the lever arm is integrally formed with the said at least one clamping jaw.

36. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 35 wherein at least one clamping jaw is supported in a manner pivotable relative a base element of said clamping assembly.

37. An assembly as claimed in claim 36 wherein the base element also supports the other clamping jaw.

38. An assembly as claimed in claim 36 or 37 wherein the base element is integrally formed with the other clamping jaw.

39. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 38 wherein the base element is located outwardly of the edge of the assembly.

40. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 39 wherein the said one clamp jaw is pivotally located by said base element.

41. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 40 wherein the said one clamp jaw is pivotally supported by said base element.

42. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 41 wherein the panels are of the same properties as each other.

43. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 41 wherein the panels are of different properties to each other.

44. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 41 wherein the exterior most panels are thicker than any internal panels.

45. A panel assembly comprising at least two panels and said panel clamp as claimed in claim 28 engaged with said at least two panels.

46. A panel clamp to clamp at and with the perimeter of a planar panel, the clamp comprising of clamping jaws to act on said panel to capture it between the clamping jaws, at least one jaw mounted for actuable movement to allow the clamping jaws to move towards each other become secured to said panel.

47. A panel assembly comprising at least one panel and at least one said panel clamp as claimed in claim 28 or 46 with said at least one panel.

48. A panel assembly as claimed in claim 47 wherein two panel clamps are engaged with said panel, a first panel clamp comprising of clamping jaws that are able to move relative each other and a second panel clamp that has clamping jaws that remain in a fixed relationship with each other.

49. A residential or commercial building comprising a structure and having at least part of its building envelope defined by said panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 45 or 47 to 48.

50. A residential or commercial building as claimed in claim 114 wherein the building structure comprises at a or each level a floor and a ceiling said panel assembly extending floor to ceiling.

51. A building panel clamping apparatus for consolidating at least two adjacent sheets in a side-by-side coextensive parallel arrangement said clamping apparatus comprising :

52. A building panel clamping apparatus as claimed in claim 51 wherein one said clamping member is levered about a fulcrum fixed relative at least one of said sheets and the other clamping member.

53. A building panel clamping apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 52 wherein one said clamping member is levered about a fulcrum defined by the other clamping member.

54. A building panel clamping apparatus as claimed in claim 51 wherein one said clamping member is levered about a fulcrum fixed relative a support member by which said other clamping member is supported.

55. A building panel clamping apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 54 wherein the building panel clamping apparatus does not penetrate the sheets.

56. A building panel clamping apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 55 wherein said spacer creates a watertight seal between said sheet at the clamped region.

57. A building panel comprising of,

a. at least two adjacent sheets in a side-by-side coextensive parallel arrangement; and

b. a clamping apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 46 or 51 to 56, having a spacer located between said sheets to keep the sheets separated, said sheets and spacer compacted with each other by said clamping apparatus.

58. A building panel as claimed in claim 57 wherein said clamping apparatus extends along part of the perimeter of said sheets.

59. A building panel as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 58 wherein the clamping members are extruded.

60. A building panel as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 59 wherein at least one clamping member is supported in a manner pivotable relative a base element of said clamping apparatus.

61. A building panel as claimed in claim 60 wherein the base element is of a constant cross section.

62. A building panel as claimed in claim 60 or 61 wherein the base element is extruded.

63. A building panel as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 62 wherein said clamping members are elongate and straight.

64. In combination: a building structure comprising

a. a floor having a floor threshold, b. a ceiling having a ceiling threshold;

the floor and ceiling together defining a gap to an opening of said building structure, wherein a building panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 45, 47 to 48 or 57 to 63 is secured to the building structure to bridge said gap.

65. In combination: a building structure comprising a floor having a floor threshold, a ceiling having a ceiling threshold, a building panel as as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 45, 47 to 48 or 57 to 63 secured to the building structure to close an opening between the floor and ceiling threshold.

66. A building structure as claimed in claim 65 wherein the opening is parallel and vertically aligned with the floor threshold and two spaced apart uprights (whether pillars, studs, walls) extending between the floor and ceiling and defining an edge to the opening.

67. A building structure as claimed in claim 65 or 66 wherein the building panel is mounted to said building structure outwardly thereof.

68. A building structure as claimed in any one of claims 65 or 67 wherein the building panel is cladding for said building structure and is mounted to said building structure to be the outermost of the combination.

69. A method of installing multi sheet cladding for a building structure comprising,

70. A method of installing multi sheet cladding as claimed in claim 69 wherein said loading is a sequential loading of said sheets.

71. A multi sheet panel assembly comprising :