U.S. patent application number 13/458682 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-01 for cladded structure and a fixing system for cladding.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jenkin Timber Limited. Invention is credited to Richard James CARBINES.
Application Number | 20120272604 13/458682 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47066811 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120272604 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CARBINES; Richard James |
November 1, 2012 |
CLADDED STRUCTURE AND A FIXING SYSTEM FOR CLADDING
Abstract
A cladded structure having rows of spaced-apart fixing devices
with engagement members mounted to the support structure for
supporting rows of partially overlapping cladding boards. Each row
of cladding boards being supported by a respective row of fixing
devices. Each cladding board having a recess being provided in and
along its rear surface into which the engagement members of the
fixing devices engage to support the cladding board on the support
structure. Retaining gaps are formed between sections of the upper
surface of each cladding board and protruding surfaces of the
fixing devices supporting the next upper adjacent cladding board,
and a plurality of resiliently deformable retaining components are
located in a deformed state in at least one retaining gap
associated with each cladding board to exert a downward force on
the cladding boards to retain them in an engaged state with their
fixing devices.
Inventors: |
CARBINES; Richard James;
(Auckland, NZ) |
Assignee: |
Jenkin Timber Limited
Auckland
NZ
|
Family ID: |
47066811 |
Appl. No.: |
13/458682 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/478 ;
52/489.1; 52/748.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 13/0812 20130101;
E04F 13/0819 20130101; E04F 13/0803 20130101; E04F 13/0892
20130101; E04F 13/0864 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/478 ;
52/748.1; 52/489.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 2/56 20060101
E04B002/56; E04F 13/26 20060101 E04F013/26; E04F 13/22 20060101
E04F013/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 29, 2011 |
NZ |
592576 |
Claims
1. A fixing strip for holding cladding boards up against framing,
the strip being securable to the framing and being arranged to, in
co-operation with a number of like strips, receive and retain
boards thereon, each board having front and rear faces and being
arranged to be fixed to the framing in a partially overlapping
relationship relative to one another, a recess being provided in
and along the rear face of each board, the fixing strip being an
elongate strip of material defined by a front face and a rear face
extending between a top end and bottom end and comprising a series
of integral fixing clips spaced apart along the length of the strip
that form rows of fixing clips when a number of strips are secured
to the framing, each fixing clip comprising an engagement tab that
is a substantially flat portion of material punched from the strip
and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact edge of the tab,
the engagement tab being bent about a bending edge so as to extend
at an acute angle relative to the front face of the strip for
engaging in the complementary recess of a cladding board in a
holding relationship to enable the boards to be held on the framing
by the fixing clips.
2. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein each fixing clip
further comprises a secondary tab situated below its associated
engagement tab relative to the top end of the strip.
3. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the secondary tab is
a substantially flat portion of material punched from the strip and
which is adjoined to the strip at an intact bending edge of the
tab, the secondary tab being bent about the bending edge so as to
extend at a predetermined angle relative to the front face of the
strip.
4. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the engagement tab
is substantially rectangular in shape and is defined by left and
right parallel edges extending from its lateral intact edge at the
front face of the strip and terminating at an upper lateral edge
displaced from the front face of the strip.
5. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the intact edge of
the engagement tab is aligned with the bending edge of the
engagement tab.
6. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the bending edge of
the engagement tab is located below the intact edge such that the
punching of the tab displaces the intact edge from the front face
of the strip to thereby form integral reinforcement webs or gussets
on each left and right side of the tab, each web extending
outwardly the front face of the strip toward its respective left or
right side of the tab in the region between the intact edge and
bending edge.
7. A fixing strip according to claim 6 wherein each left and right
web is substantially triangular in shape.
8. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the secondary tab is
substantially rectangular in shape and is defined by left and right
parallel edges extending from its lateral bending edge at the front
face of the strip and terminating at an upper lateral edge
displaced from the front face of the strip.
9. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the
engagement and secondary tabs of each fixing clip has a larger
width, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of
the strip, than its length.
10. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the secondary tab
has a larger length than its width in a direction transverse to the
longitudinal direction of the strip.
11. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the
engagement and secondary tabs of each fixing strip are centrally
located relative to the width of the strip in a direction
transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip.
12. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the engagement tab
has a larger surface area than its associated secondary tab.
13. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the bending edge at
least one of the engagement and secondary tabs extends
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the
strip.
14. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the fixing clips
are equi-spaced along the length of the fixing strip.
15. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the secondary tab
is bent away from the front face of the strip at a greater angle
relative to the angle at which the engagement tab is bent from the
front face of the strip.
16. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the engagement tab
is bent away from the front face of the strip about its bending
edge at an acute angle in the range of approximately 30.degree. to
approximately 60.degree..
17. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the secondary tab
is bent about its bending edge to an angle that is substantially
perpendicular to the front face of the strip.
18. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the strip is formed
from a substantially rigid material or a material at least having
sufficient thickness to be substantially rigid.
19. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the fixing strip is
substantially planar or flat apart from in the region of the
integral fixing clips.
20. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the bending edges
of the engagement and secondary tabs of each fixing clip are
located at a common position.
21. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the bending edge of
the secondary tab is located below the bending edge of the
engagement tab.
22. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein for each fixing
clip the secondary tab is at least partially formed from the same
portion of material of the strip that forms the engagement tab.
23. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein for each fixing
clip the secondary tab is entirely formed from the same portion of
material of the strip that forms the engagement tab.
24. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein for each fixing
clip the portions of strip material forming the engagement tab and
secondary tab do not overlap.
25. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein for each fixing
clip the upper lateral edge of the engagement tab is displaced
further from the front face of the strip than the upper lateral
edge of the secondary tab.
26. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein, in use, an end
region or portion of the engagement tab of each fixing clip forms
an engagement surface that abuts against a complementary inclined
surface of the recess in the rear face of the board such that the
board rests on the engagement tab against gravity in an abutting
relationship.
27. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein, in use, the
secondary tab of each fixing clip provides an engagement surface
that is arranged to temporarily contact a section of the upper
surface of a cladding board to be installed on the lower adjacent
row of fixing clips during installation.
28. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein, in use, the
secondary tab of each fixing clip acts as a retaining or engagement
tab for cladding boards installed on the lower adjacent row of
fixing clips by being bent downward about its respective lateral
bending edge from an original alignment position into abutting
contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of a
cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing
clips.
29. A fixing clip that is mountable to framing for holding cladding
boards up against framing, each board having front and rear faces,
a recess being provided in and along the rear face, and being
arranged to be installed on the framing in a partially overlapping
relationship with other like boards, the fixing clip being arranged
to co-operate with a number of like fixing clips such that the
fixing clips are supported by the framing and are spaced apart
relative to each other and arranged in rows, the fixing clip
comprising a mounting plate that is securable to the framing, and
an engagement tab that is a flat portion of material punched from
the mounting plate and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact
edge of the tab, the engagement tab being bent about a bending edge
so as to extend at an acute angle relative to the front face of the
mounting plate for engaging in the complementary recess of a
cladding board in a holding relationship to, in co-operation with
the other fixing clips of that row also engaging with a section of
the recess, hold the board in place on the framing.
30. A cavity batten comprising an elongate member to which one or
more fixing strips according to claim 1 are secured along its
length.
31. A cavity batten according to claim 30 wherein the fixing
strip(s) are fixed to a flat surface of the elongate member.
32. A cavity batten according to claim 30 wherein the elongate
member comprises a flat surface having one or more complementary
recesses within which the fixing strip(s) are received and retained
such that the front base of the fixing strip is flush with the
remaining of the flat surface of the elongate member.
33. A cavity batten comprising an elongate member to which mulitple
fixing clips according to claim 29 are secured along its length
with a uniform spacing.
34. A cavity batten according to claim 33 wherein the fixing clips
are fixed to a flat surface of the elongate member.
35. A cavity batten according to claim 33 wherein the elongate
member comprises a flat surface having one or more complementary
recesses within which the fixing clips are received and retained
such that the front face of the fixing clip is flush with the
remainder of the flat surface of the elongate member.
36. A fixing system for securing cladding boards to framing in a
partially overlapping relationship, each board having front and
rear faces extending between upper and lower surfaces with a recess
being provided in and along the rear face, the fixing system
comprising: a plurality of fixing strips according to claim 1 that
are supported by the framing and are spaced apart and aligned on
the framing relative to each other so as to provide rows of fixing
clips on the framing for supporting rows of boards, each fixing
clip having an engagement tab that is arranged to engage with a
section of the recess of a board to, in co-operation with a number
of other fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a section
of the recess, support the board in place on the framing.
37. A fixing system according to claim 36 further comprising a
plurality of fixing components that are arranged to extend through
the front face of each board within the overlapping region of
adjacent boards and into the framing to secure each board to the
framing in co-operation with the fixing clips.
38. A fixing system according to claim 36 wherein each fixing clip
further comprises a lower tab in the form of a lower engagement tab
situated below the upper engagement tab and which is bendable into
abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface
of a cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing
clips to retain the lower board in an engaged state with the
engagement tabs of its respective row of fixing clips.
39. A method of installing cladding boards onto framing in a
partially overlapping relationship such that adjacent boards have
an overlapping region, each board having front and rear faces
extending between upper and lower surfaces with a recess being
provided in and along the rear face, the method comprising the
steps of: (a) securing a plurality of spaced-apart fixing strips
according to claim 1 to the framing such that they are aligned to
form rows of fixing clips on the framing, each row of fixing clips
being arranged to support a board or row of boards and each fixing
clip having an engagement tab that is arranged to engage with a
section of the recess of a board to, in co-operation with a number
of other fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a section
of the recess, support the board in place on the framing, the
vertical distance between the rows of fixing devices determining
the overlapping region between adjacent boards; (b) engaging a
first board or first row of boards with the lower-most row of
fixing clips such that the engagement tabs of the fixing clips of
that row engage into the recess of the rear face of the first board
or first row of boards to support and hold the board(s) in place on
the framing; and (c) repeating step (b) for each next upper
adjacent board or rows of boards in relation to their respective
rows of fixing clips to progressively clad the framing with boards
from the bottom up.
40. A method according to claim 39 further comprising the step of
driving a number of fixing components through the front face of the
last installed board or row of boards and into the framing along
the length of the board(s) within the overlapping region to secure
the board(s) in place on the framing after each step (b) and prior
to installing the next upper adjacent board or row of boards.
41. A method according to claim 39 wherein each fixing clip
comprises a bendable secondary tab and the method further
comprising the step of bending or causing each or at least some of
the secondary tabs of the next free adjacent row of fixing clips
above the last installed row of cladding boards to bend downward
into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper
surface of the last installed board or row of boards so as to
retain those board(s) in an engaged state with the engagement tabs
of their respective row of fixing clips after each step (b) and
prior to installing the next upper adjacent board or row of
boards.
42. A method according to claim 39 wherein step (a) comprises
providing a number of battens, each batten having a number of
fixing strips mounted thereon to provide a number of fixing clips
uniformly spaced apart along its length, and securing the battens
in a spaced apart relationship and in a vertical orientation on the
framing such that the fixing clips of the battens are aligned to
form the rows of fixing clips.
43. A method according to claim 39 wherein step (a) comprises
securing individual fixing clips directly to the framing in a
spaced apart arrangement vertically and horizontally with respect
to each other to form the rows of fixing clips.
44. A method according to claim 39 wherein step (a) comprises
providing a number of fixing strips, each fixing strip having a
number of integral fixing clips spaced apart along its length, and
securing the fixing strips in a spaced apart relationship and in a
vertical orientation on the framing such that the fixing clips of
the fixing strips are aligned to form the rows of fixing clips.
45. A cladded structure comprising: a framing for cladding; a
plurality of fixing strips according to claim 1 that are mounted to
the framing so as to provide rows of fixing clips on the framing
for supporting rows of boards, each fixing clip having a primary
engagement tab for engaging with a section of the recess of a
cladding board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing
clips of the same row also engaging with a section of the recess,
support the board in place on the framing; and rows of partially
overlapping boards covering the framing with each row of boards
being supported by a respective row of fixing clips, each cladding
board being defined along the length of the board by front and rear
surfaces that extend between upper and lower surfaces, and a recess
being provided in and along the rear surface into which the
engagement tabs of a number of fixing clips of a row engage to
support the board on the framing.
46. A cladded structure according to claim 45 wherein each fixing
clip further comprises a secondary tab in the form of a lower
engagement tab situated below the primary engagement tab and which
is bent into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the
upper surface of a board installed on the lower adjacent row of
fixing clips to retain the lower board in an engaged state with the
engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips.
47. A cladded structure according to claim 45 wherein each fixing
clip further comprises a secondary tab situated below the
engagement tab which is configured as an alignment tab.
48. A cladded structure according to claim 45 further comprising a
plurality of fixing components that extend through the front face
of each board within the overlapping region of adjacent boards and
into the framing to further secure each board to the framing in
co-operation with the fixing clips.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This specification relates to a fixing system for cladding.
In particular, although not exclusively, the fixing system may be
utilised to secure weatherboards to the walls or framing of
buildings. The fixing system also has applications in relation to
fencing, screens, and roofing.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] There are numerous weatherboard designs on the market. The
most important feature of a weatherboard design is its
cross-sectional profile. This profile dictates the way in which the
weatherboards should be installed and the overall appearance of the
weatherboard cladding after installation. Commonly, weatherboards
are designed to be installed in an overlapping relationship with
each other and can be fixed horizontally, vertically or on an
angle. Further, some weatherboard designs include grooves that,
when installed, cooperate with the grooves of overlapping like
weatherboards to provide anti-capillary channels. Such channels
prevent moisture from getting in behind the weatherboards and
causing damage.
[0003] FIGS. 1 and 2 show cross-sectional and front views of a
known weatherboard design 10. The rear surface 11 of the
weatherboard 10 has a sloped portion 12 that is arranged to abut
the framing 16 of a building when installed and this enables like
weatherboards to be installed in a partial overlapping relationship
with each other as shown in FIG. 3. Weatherboards having this
design are also provided with wide grooves 13 and 14 along the
front 15 and rear 11 surfaces respectively. When such weatherboard
cladding is installed, the grooves of each weatherboard cooperate
with the grooves of overlapping weatherboards to create
anti-capillary channels 17 shown in FIG. 3.
[0004] During installation, the weatherboards shown in FIGS. 1-3
are typically fixed to the framing 16 one at a time from the bottom
up such that the weatherboards are parallel and have an even
overlap up the framing. One method of aligning the weatherboards is
to ascertain the required level and then rest the next weatherboard
to be installed on a line of nails partially nailed in, which are
removed once the weatherboard has been nailed into place.
[0005] Referring to FIG. 4, it has become increasingly common for
cavity battens 19 to be provided between the framing 16 and
weatherboards 10. The battens 19 create cavities between the
framing 16 or wall of the building and the weatherboards 10 and
these cavities provide a drainage path for water and/or moisture
that may penetrate in behind the weatherboards. The use of cavity
battens is particularly desirable in coastal properties or
buildings that are situated in exposed areas that have harsh
weather conditions. The cavity battens are used to form drainage
channels and the increased drainage allowed by the cavities reduces
the likelihood of water or moisture penetrating the framing cavity,
the cause of internal structural and interior lining rotting and
decay.
[0006] In this specification where reference has been made to
patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources
of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a
context for discussing the features of the inventions. Unless
specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents
is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such
sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form
part of the common general knowledge in the art.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved fixing system for cladding and an associated cladded
structure, or to at least provide the public with a useful
choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention broadly consists in
a fixing strip for holding cladding boards up against framing, the
strip being securable to the framing and being arranged to, in
co-operation with a number of like strips, receive and retain
boards thereon, each board having front and rear faces and being
arranged to be fixed to the framing in a partially overlapping
relationship relative to one another, a recess being provided in
and along the rear face of each board, the fixing strip being an
elongate strip of material defined by a front face and a rear face
extending between a top end and bottom end and comprising a series
of integral fixing clips spaced apart along the length of the strip
that form rows of fixing clips when a number of strips are secured
to the framing, each fixing clip comprising an engagement tab that
is a substantially flat portion of material punched from the strip
and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact edge of the tab,
the engagement tab being bent about a bending edge so as to extend
at an acute angle relative to the front face of the strip for
engaging in the complementary recess of a cladding board in a
holding relationship to enable the boards to be held on the framing
by the fixing clips.
[0009] Additionally, each fixing clip may further comprise an
alignment (or `secondary`) tab situated below its associated
engagement tab relative to the top end of the strip. Preferably,
the alignment tab is a substantially flat portion of material
punched from the strip and which is adjoined to the strip at an
intact bending edge of the tab, the alignment tab being bent about
the bending edge so as to extend at a predetermined angle relative
to the front face of the strip.
[0010] Preferably, the engagement tab is substantially rectangular
in shape and is defined by left and right parallel edges extending
from its lateral intact edge at the front face of the strip and
terminating at an upper lateral edge displaced from the front face
of the strip. The left and right edges, and the upper lateral edge,
are free edges in the sense that they are no longer directly
connected to the strip of material.
[0011] In one form, the intact edge of the engagement tab may be
aligned with the bending edge or line. In another form, the bending
edge of the engagement tab may be located below the intact edge
such that the punching of the tab displaces the intact edge from
the front face of the strip to thereby form integral reinforcement
webs or gussets on each left and right side of the tab, each web
extending outwardly the front face of the strip toward its
respective left or right side of the tab in the region between the
intact edge and bending edge. In one form, each left and right web
is substantially triangular in shape.
[0012] Preferably, the alignment tab is substantially rectangular
in shape and is defined by left and right parallel edges extending
from its lateral bending edge at the front face of the strip and
terminating at an upper lateral edge displaced from the front face
of the strip. The left and right edges, and the upper lateral edge,
are free edges in the sense that they are no longer connected to
the strip of material.
[0013] In one form, one or both of the engagement and alignment
tabs of each fixing clip have a larger width (transverse to the
longitudinal direction of the strip) than their length. In another
form, the alignment tab has a larger length than its width.
[0014] Preferably, one or both of the engagement and alignment tabs
of each fixing clip are centrally located relative to the width of
the strip (in the direction transverse or perpendicular to its
longitudinal direction).
[0015] Preferably, the engagement tab has a larger surface area
than its associated alignment tab.
[0016] Preferably, the bending edges of one or both of the
engagement and alignment tabs extend substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinal direction of the strip.
[0017] Preferably, the fixing clips are equi-spaced along the
length of the fixing strip.
[0018] Preferably, the alignment tab is bent away from the front
face of the strip at a greater angle relative to the angle at which
the engagement tab is bent from the front face of the strip.
[0019] Preferably, the engagement tab is bent away from the front
face of the strip about its bending edge at a predetermined acute
angle. Preferably, the acute angle is in the range of about
30.degree. to about 60.degree..
[0020] Preferably, the alignment tab is bent away from the front
face of the strip about its bending edge at a predetermined angle.
In one form, the alignment tab is bent to an angle that is
substantially perpendicular to the front face of the strip, but
other angles could alternatively be employed.
[0021] Preferably, the strip is formed from a substantially rigid
material, or material at least having substantial thickness to be
substantially rigid. By way of example, the material may be any of
the following: metal, steel, aluminium or any other appropriate
material that is capable of achieving a nominated holding power for
retaining the cladding boards on the framing. In a preferred form,
the material may have at least a 50-year durability, although this
is not essential.
[0022] In one form, the fixing strip is substantially planar or
flat (apart from in the region of the integral fixing clips). For
example, the rear face of the fixing strip is substantially planar
or flat, as is the front face apart from the protruding fixing
clips. In one embodiment, the cross-section through the fixing
strip in an area not containing a fixing clip is substantially
flat.
[0023] In one form, the bending edges of the engagement and
alignment tabs of each fixing clip may be located at a common
position. In another form, for each fixing clip, the bending edge
of the alignment tab is located below the bending edge of the
engagement tab.
[0024] In one form, for each fixing clip, the alignment tab is at
least partially formed from the same portion of material of the
strip that forms the engagement tab. In another form, for each
fixing clip, the alignment tab is entirely formed from the same
portion of material of the strip that forms the engagement tab. In
another form, for each fixing clip, the portions of strip material
forming the engagement tab and alignment tab do not overlap.
[0025] In one form, the upper lateral edge of the engagement tab is
displaced further from the front face of the strip than the upper
lateral edge of the alignment tab.
[0026] Preferably, one or more mounting apertures are provided
extending through the fixing strip. In one form, one or more
mounting apertures are provided between each spaced-apart fixing
clip. The mounting apertures may be any desired shape or size, and
may be located at any desired position relative to each fixing
clip. Any combination, placement or pattern of the same mounting
apertures or a mixture of different sizes and shapes of mounting
apertures may be provided along the length of the fixing strip.
[0027] In use, an end region or portion of the engagement tab of
each fixing clip forms an engagement surface that abuts against a
complementary inclined surface of the recess in the rear face of
the board such that the board rests on the engagement tab against
gravity in an abutting relationship.
[0028] In use, the alignment tab of each fixing clip provides an
engagement surface that is arranged to temporarily contact a
section of the upper surface of a cladding board to be installed on
the lower adjacent row of fixing clips during installation. For
example, the alignment tabs of the row of fixing clips above the
row of fixing clips onto which a cladding board is to be installed
act as an alignment or stop into which the board may be slid into
and then dropped down for installation onto the lower row of fixing
clips.
[0029] In use, the alignment tab of each fixing clip may also act
as a retaining or engagement tab for cladding boards installed on
the lower adjacent row of fixing clips. For example, in use, each
(i.e. all of) or at least some of the alignment tabs of the fixing
clips for a row of cladding boards may be bent downward about their
respective lateral bending edge from their original alignment
position into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the
upper surface of a cladding board installed on the lower adjacent
row of fixing clips. In this way, each board is supported and held
on the framing by the engagement tabs of its corresponding row of
fixing clips that engage into the complementary recess in the rear
face of the board and additionally by at least one or more of the
alignment tabs of the adjacent upper row of fixing clips that are
bent down into holding or clamping engagement with respective
sections of the upper surface of the board to assist in holding or
clamping the board down into engagement with the engagement tabs of
its respective row of fixing clips.
[0030] In a second aspect, the present invention broadly consists
in a fixing strip that is mountable to framing for holding cladding
boards up against the framing, the fixing strip comprising an
elongate strip of material defined by a front face and a rear face
extending between a top end and bottom end and comprising a series
of integral fixing clips spaced apart along the length of the
strip, each fixing clip comprising an engagement tab that is a flat
portion of material formed from the strip and which is adjoined to
the strip at an intact edge of the tab, the engagement tab being
angled so as to extend at an acute angle relative to the front face
of the strip for engaging in the complementary recess of a cladding
board in a holding relationship.
[0031] Preferably, the engagement tab is angled about a bending
line in the strip of material that has a transverse orientation
relative to the longitudinal direction of the strip.
[0032] The second aspect of the invention may include any one or
more features mentioned in respect of the first aspect of the
invention.
[0033] In a third aspect, the present invention broadly consists in
a fixing clip that is mountable to framing for holding cladding
boards up against framing, each board having front and rear faces,
a recess being provided in and along the rear face, and being
arranged to be installed on the framing in a partially overlapping
relationship with other like boards, the fixing clip being arranged
to co-operate with a number of like fixing clips such that the
fixing clips are supported by the framing and are spaced apart
relative to each other and arranged in rows, the fixing clip
comprising a mounting plate that is securable to the framing, and
an engagement tab that is a flat portion of material punched from
the mounting plate and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact
edge of the tab, the engagement tab being bent about a bending edge
so as to extend at an acute angle relative to the front face of the
mounting plate for engaging in the complementary recess of a
cladding board in a holding relationship to, in co-operation with
the other fixing clips of that row also engaging with a section of
the recess, hold the board in place on the framing.
[0034] In a fourth aspect, the present invention broadly consists
in a fixing clip that is mountable to framing for holding cladding
boards up against framing, each board having front and rear faces,
a recess being provided in and along the rear face, and being
arranged to be installed on the framing in a partially overlapping
relationship with other like boards, the fixing clip being arranged
to co-operate with a number of like fixing clips such that the
fixing clips are supported by the framing and are spaced apart
relative to each other and arranged in rows, the fixing clip
comprising a mounting plate that is securable to the framing, and
an engagement tab that is a flat portion of material formed from
the mounting plate and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact
edge of the tab, the engagement tab being angled so as to extend at
an acute angle relative to the front face of the mounting plate for
engaging in the complementary recess of a cladding board in a
holding relationship to, in co-operation with the other fixing
clips of that row also engaging with a section of the recess, hold
the board in place on the framing.
[0035] Preferably, the fixing clips of the third or fourth aspects
of the invention are arranged to be securely attached directly or
indirectly to the framing. In one form, one or more mounting
apertures are provided in the mounting plate through which fixing
components may extend so as to securing the fixing clip to the
framing. By way of example, the fixing components may be nails,
screws or any other type of fixing component. In an alternative
form, the fixing clips may be secured to the framing by adhesive
situated between the rear face of the mounting plate and the
framing.
[0036] The third or fourth aspects of the invention may include any
one or more features mentioned in respect of the fixing clips of
the first or second aspects of the invention.
[0037] In a fifth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in
a cavity batten comprising an elongate member to which one or more
fixing strips of either the first or second aspects of the
invention are secured along its length.
[0038] In one form, the fixing strip(s) are fixed to a flat surface
of the elongate member, but alternatively the elongate member may
comprise a flat surface having one or more complimentary recesses
within which the fixing strip(s) are received and retained such
that the front face of the fixing strip is flush with the remainder
of the flat surface of the elongate member.
[0039] The fixing strips of the cavity batten may have any one or
more features mentioned in respect of the first or second aspects
of the invention.
[0040] In a sixth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in
a cavity batten comprising an elongate member to which one or more
fixing clips of the third or fourth aspects of the invention are
secured along its length with a uniform spacing.
[0041] The fixing clips of the cavity batten may have any one or
more of the features mentioned in respect of the third or fourth
aspects of the invention.
[0042] In one form, the fixing clip(s) are fixed to a flat surface
of the elongate member, but alternatively the elongate member may
comprise a flat surface having one or more complimentary recesses
within which the fixing clip(s) are received and retained such that
the front face of the fixing clip is flush with the remainder of
the flat surface of the elongate member.
[0043] In a seventh aspect, the present invention broadly consists
in a fixing system for securing cladding boards to framing in a
partially overlapping relationship, each board having front and
rear faces extending between upper and lower surfaces with a recess
being provided in and along the rear face, the fixing system
comprising: [0044] a plurality of fixing strips of the first or
second aspects of the invention or fixing clips of the third or
fourth aspects of the invention that are supported by the framing
and are spaced apart and aligned on the framing relative to each
other so as to provide rows of fixing clips on the framing for
supporting rows of boards, each fixing clip having an engagement
tab that is arranged to engage with a section of the recess of a
board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing clips of
the same row also engaging with a section of the recess, support
the board in place on the framing; and [0045] a plurality of fixing
components that are arranged to extend through the front face of
each board within the overlapping region of adjacent boards and
into the framing to secure each board to the framing in
co-operation with the fixing clips.
[0046] The fixing strips or fixing clips of the fixing system may
have any one or more of the features mentioned in respect of the
first-fourth aspects of the invention.
[0047] As set out above, each fixing clip may have a bendable
alignment (or secondary') tab. Preferably, the alignment tab of at
least some or all of the fixing clips act as retaining or
engagement tabs for cladding boards installed on the lower adjacent
row of fixing clips. More preferably, each or at least some of the
alignment tabs of the fixing clips for a row of cladding boards are
bent downward about their respective lateral bending edge or
otherwise from their original alignment position into abutting
contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of a
cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips.
In this way, each board is supported and held on the framing by the
engagement clips of its corresponding row of fixing clips that
engage into the complementary recess in the rear face of the board
and additionally by at least one or more of the alignment tabs of
the adjacent upper row of fixing clips that are bent down into
holding or clamping engagement with respective sections of the
upper surface of the board to retain the board in an engaged state
with the engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips.
[0048] In an eighth aspect, the present invention broadly consists
in a fixing system for securing cladding boards to framing in a
partially overlapping relationship, each board having front and
rear faces extending between upper and lower surfaces with a recess
being provided in and along the rear face, the fixing system
comprising: [0049] a plurality of fixing strips of the first or
second aspects of the invention or fixing clips of the third or
fourth aspects of the invention that are supported by the framing
and are spaced apart and aligned on the framing relative to each
other so as to provide rows of fixing clips on the framing for
supporting rows of boards, and each fixing clip comprising: [0050]
an upper engagement tab that is arranged to engage with a section
of the recess of a board to, in co-operation with a number of other
fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a section of the
recess, support the board in place on the framing.
[0051] Optionally, each fixing clip may further comprise a lower
(or `secondary`) tab in the form of a lower engagement tab situated
below the upper engagement tab and which is arranged to be bent
into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper
surface of a cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of
fixing clips to force, clamp or hold the board down into engagement
with the engagement tabs of its respective row of fixing clips.
Alternatively, the lower tab may be in the form of an alignment tab
that is not configured for bending into engagement or contact with
the upper surface of a cladding board installed on the lower
adjacent row of fixing clips, but rather provides a fixed alignment
surface or guide that may temporarily contact a section of the
upper surface of a cladding board to be installed on the lower
adjacent row of fixing clips during installation. For example, the
alignment tabs of the row of fixing clips above the row of fixing
clips onto which a cladding board is to be installed act as an
alignment or stop into which the board may be slid to indicate
clearance for then dropping and/or pivoting the lower portion of
the board into engagement with its lower row of fixing clips.
[0052] Optionally, the fixing system may further comprise a
plurality of fixing components that are arranged to extend through
the front face of each board within the overlapping region of
adjacent boards and into the framing to further secure each board
to the framing in co-operation with the fixing clips.
[0053] The fixing systems of the seventh and eighth aspects of the
invention may further comprise any one or more of the features
mentioned in respect of the first-sixth aspects of the invention
and any one or more of the following features:
[0054] Preferably, the fixing clips are spaced apart along the
length of the strips or directly to the framing by a uniform
predetermined distance that is calculated based on the height of
the boards and a uniform desired board overlap distance so that
each row of boards has a corresponding row of fixing clips.
[0055] In one form, the fixing strips or individual fixing clips
are secured to respective cavity battens which are in turn fixed to
the framing. Preferably, the battens being spaced apart and aligned
on the framing relative to each other to provide rows of fixing
clips on the framing for supporting rows of boards. The battens may
be formed from any suitable type of material, such as wood,
plastic, metal, steel or any combination thereof. The battens may
be any desired length as required.
[0056] Preferably, the recess in the rear face of each board
includes an inclined upper surface extending in from the rear face
of the board and which, in use, is arranged to rest upon the
engagement tabs of a row of fixing clips to thereby support the
board in place on the framing.
[0057] Preferably, each board is provided with grooves along its
front and rear faces and is arranged to abut another board in a
partially overlapping relationship when installed on the framing
such that the grooves of the front and rear faces co-operate to
form a channel, the fixing components being arranged to extend
through the front face of each board and into the framing within
the overlapping region of adjacent boards but under the respective
channels to secure each board to the framing in co-operation with
the fixing clips.
[0058] Preferably, the fixing components are arranged to extend
through the front face of each board within the overlapping region
and into the framing behind each board such that the fixing
components are concealed underneath the overlapping portion of an
adjacent board.
[0059] Preferably, the fixing components are selected from the
following: nails, screws, or staples.
[0060] In a ninth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in
a method of installing cladding boards onto framing in a partially
overlapping relationship such that adjacent boards have an
overlapping region, each board having front and rear faces
extending between upper and lower surfaces with a recess being
provided in and along the rear face, the method comprising the
steps of: [0061] (a) securing a plurality of spaced-apart fixing
strips of the first or second aspects of the invention or fixing
clips of the third or fourth aspects of the invention to the
framing such that they are aligned to form rows of fixing clips on
the framing, each row of fixing clips being arranged to support a
board or row of boards and each fixing clip having an engagement
tab that is arranged to engage with a section of the recess of a
board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing clips of
the same row also engaging with a section of the recess, support
the board in place on the framing, the vertical distance between
the rows of fixing devices determining the overlapping region
between adjacent boards; [0062] (b) engaging a first board or first
row of boards with the lower-most row of fixing clips such that the
engagement tabs of the fixing clips of that row engage into the
recess of the rear face of the first board or first row of boards
to support and hold the board(s) in place on the framing; and
[0063] (c) repeating step (b) for each next upper adjacent board or
rows of boards in relation to their respective rows of fixing clips
to progressively clad the framing with boards from the bottom
up.
[0064] In a first form, the method further comprises the step of
driving a number of fixing components through the front face of the
first board or row of boards and into the framing along the length
of the board(s) within the overlapping region to secure the
board(s) in place on the framing after each step (b) and prior to
installing the next upper adjacent board or row of boards. By way
of example, the fixing components may be selected from, but not
limited to, the following: nails, screws, or staples.
[0065] As set out above, each fixing clip may have a bendable
alignment (or `secondary`) tab that features as a lower engagement
tab. In a second form, the method further comprises bending or
causing each or at least some of the alignment tabs of the next
free adjacent row of fixing clips above the last installed row of
cladding boards to bend downward into abutting contact or
engagement with a section of the upper surface of the last
installed board or row of boards so as to hold or clamp the
board(s) down into engagement with the engagement tabs of their
respective row of fixing clips after each step (b) and prior to
installing the next upper adjacent board or row of boards.
Optionally, this step may further comprise driving a number of
fixing components through the front face of the last installed
board or row of boards and into the framing along the length of the
board(s) within the overlapping region to secure the board(s) in
place on the framing.
[0066] In one form, step (a) comprises providing a number of
battens, each batten having a number of fixing strips mounted
thereon to provide a number of fixing clips uniformly spaced apart
along its length, and securing the battens in a spaced apart
relationship and in a vertical orientation on the framing such that
the fixing clips of the battens are aligned to form the rows of
fixing clips.
[0067] In another form, step (a) comprises securing individual
fixing clips directly to the framing in a spaced apart arrangement
vertically and horizontally with respect to each other to form the
rows of fixing clips.
[0068] In yet another form, step (a) comprises providing a number
of fixing strips, each fixing strip having a number of integral
fixing clips spaced apart along its length, and securing the fixing
strips in a spaced apart relationship and in a vertical orientation
on the framing such that the fixing clips of the fixing strips are
aligned to form the rows of fixing clips.
[0069] In a tenth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in
a cladded structure comprising: [0070] a framing for the cladding;
[0071] a plurality of fixing strips of the first or second aspects
of the invention or fixing clips of the third or fourth aspects of
the invention that are mounted to the framing so as to provide rows
of fixing clips on the framing for supporting rows of boards, each
fixing clip having a primary engagement tab for engaging with a
section of the recess of a cladding board to, in co-operation with
a number of other fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a
section of the recess, support the board in place on the framing;
and [0072] rows of partially overlapping boards covering the
framing with each row of boards being supported by a respective row
of fixing clips, each cladding board being defined along the length
of the board by front and rear surfaces that extend between upper
and lower surfaces, and a recess being provided in and along the
rear surface into which the engagement tabs of a number of fixing
clips of a row engage to support the board on the framing.
[0073] Optionally, each fixing clip may further comprise a lower
(or `secondary`) tab in the form of a lower engagement tab situated
below the primary engagement tab and which is bent into abutting
contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of a
board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips to
support or hold the board down into engagement with the engagement
tabs of its respective row of fixing clips. Alternatively, the
lower tab may be in the form of an alignment tab that does not
contact the lower board.
[0074] Optionally, the cladded structure may further comprise a
plurality of fixing components that extend through the front face
of each board within the overlapping region of adjacent boards and
into the framing to further secure each board to the framing in
co-operation with the fixing clips.
[0075] The cladded structure may have any one or more of the
features mentioned in respect of the first-ninth aspects of the
invention.
[0076] The term "board" as used in this specification and claims,
unless the context suggests otherwise, is intended to cover any
type, shape, or profile of cladding board, sheathing, or siding,
including, by way of example only, weatherboards, bevel-backed
boards and sidings, and rusticated boards and sidings.
[0077] The term "framing" as used in this specification and claims,
unless the context suggests otherwise, is intended to cover any
surface, support structure or framework that is to be clad with
boards, including any framing components such as studs or struts,
whether timber framing or steel framing, any type of sheet backing
surface, or any other structure such as those formed from concrete
panels or concrete blocks, whether in the context of walls,
fencing, screens, roofing or otherwise.
[0078] The phrase "partially overlapping relationship" as used in
this specification and claims in the context of partially
overlapping adjacent rows of cladding boards is intended to mean
any overlapping or interlinking relationship whereby a lower
portion of an upper cladding board overlaps or engages with an
upper portion of a lower adjacent cladding board, including, but
not limited to, configurations where a lower portion of the rear
face or recessed section of the rear face of the upper cladding
board abuts or covers an upper portion of the front face or
recessed section of the front face of the lower adjacent cladding
board, or configurations where a tongue or groove formed along the
lower surface of the upper cladding board engages with a
complementary groove or tongue formed along the upper surface of
the lower adjacent cladding board, or any other overlapping or
interlinking relationship created by the profiles of the boards or
sidings.
[0079] The term "comprising" as used in this specification and
claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting
each statement in this specification and claims that includes the
term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by
the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and
"comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.
[0080] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or
both.
[0081] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural
and/or singular forms of the noun.
[0082] The inventions consist in the foregoing and also envisages
constructions of which the following gives examples only.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0083] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by
way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in
which:
[0084] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a prior art
weatherboard design;
[0085] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the prior art weatherboard
design of FIG. 1;
[0086] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a series of the prior
art weatherboards of FIGS. 1 and 2 installed on the framing of a
building;
[0087] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a prior art weatherboard
cladding system that utilises cavity battens in between the framing
and weatherboards;
[0088] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
fixing system of the invention for securing weatherboards to a wall
in which cavity battens in combination with fixing strips are
used;
[0089] FIG. 6 shows the fixing system of FIG. 5 when used for
securing weatherboards to framing;
[0090] FIGS. 7a and 7b show perspective and plan views respectively
of a fixing strip having a first form of fixing clip in accordance
with the fixing system of FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0091] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the cavity batten and the
first form of fixing strip used in FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0092] FIG. 9a shows a cross-sectional side elevation view of the
fixing system of FIG. 6 for securing weatherboards to framing;
[0093] FIGS. 9b shows a close-up view of the area marked A in FIG.
9a;
[0094] FIGS. 10a and 10b show perspective and plan views
respectively of another fixing strip having a second form of fixing
clip;
[0095] FIG. 10c shows a close-up view of the area marked B in FIG.
10a;
[0096] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an alignment tab of the
second form fixing clip acting as a retaining clip or engaging tab
for engaging with an upper surface of a board supported on a lower
adjacent row of fixing clips;
[0097] FIG. 12a shows a cross-sectional side elevation view of the
fixing system employing the second form of fixing clip of FIGS. 10a
and 10b;
[0098] FIG. 12b shows a close-up view of the area marked C in FIG.
12a;
[0099] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an
individually-mountable fixing clip mounted to a cavity batten in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0100] FIG. 14a shows a perspective view of another fixing strip
having a third form of fixing clip;
[0101] FIG. 14b shows a close-up view of the area marked D in FIG.
14a;
[0102] FIG. 15a shows a cross-sectional side elevation view of the
fixing system employing the third form of fixing clip of FIGS. 14a
and 14b with a first-type of alternative board profile and showing
the lower tabs of the fixing clips operating as alignment tabs;
[0103] FIG. 15b shows a close-up view of the area marked E in FIG.
15a;
[0104] FIGS. 16a and 16b (close-up of area marked F) show the
equivalent views of the fixing system of FIGS. 15a and 15b, except
where the lower tabs of the fixing clips are functioning as lower
engagement tabs that are bent into engagement with the upper
surface of the lower adjacent board;
[0105] FIG. 17a shows a cross-sectional side elevation view of the
fixing system employing the third form of fixing clip of FIGS. 14a
and 14b with a second-type of alternative board profile and showing
the lower tabs of the fixing clips operating as engagement
tabs;
[0106] FIG. 17b shows a close-up view of the area marked G in FIG.
17a;
[0107] FIG. 18a shows a cross-sectional side elevation view of the
fixing system employing a modified version of the third form of
fixing clip having no alignment tab and with a third-type of
alterative board profile; and
[0108] FIGS. 18b shows a close-up of the area marked H in FIG.
18a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Overview
[0109] By way of example, the fixing system of the invention will
be described with reference to cladding boards of the weatherboard
type. The weatherboards are arranged to be installed on framing or
walls of a building in a partially overlapping relationship and are
preferably provided with grooves on the front and rear faces that,
when installed, co-operate to form an anti-capillary channel in the
overlapping region of two adjacent weatherboards. It will be
appreciated that there are many different weatherboard or cladding
board designs that could provide for the overlapping relationship
and the channel, and these alternative designs are all intended to
be included within the scope of the invention. Further, the fixing
system will work with boards that are not designed to form
anti-capillary channels, i.e. boards profiles that do not have
anti-capillary grooves.
[0110] In general, the invention relates to a concealed fixing
system for securing cladding boards to the framing, walls, or other
support structure of a building to form an overall cladded
structure. The fixing system is entirely concealed when the boards
are installed. The fixing system comprises rows of spaced apart
fixing clips supported, directly or indirectly, by the framing or
wall or other support structure, each row of fixing clips being
arranged to support a board or row of boards via engagement into a
complementary recess provided in the rear face of each board. As
will be explained in more detail, one form of fixing clip comprises
a primary or engagement tab for engaging into the recess of the
board it is supporting and a secondary or lower alignment tab that
assists in alignment of the lower row of boards onto their
respective fixing clips.
[0111] In one embodiment, the fixing system may additionally
utilise a number of fixing components, such as nails, that extend
through the front face of each board along an upper edge or region
of the board in the overlapping region between adjacent boards and
into the framing to secure the boards to the framing, although this
is not essential depending on the nature or type of
installation.
[0112] In an alternative embodiment, the fixing system may
additionally or alternatively utilise the alignment tabs of the
fixing clips to assist in securing the boards to the framing in
that the alignment tab may be bent down into abutting contact or
engagement with a section of the upper surface of the cladding
board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips during
installation. With this configuration, the alignment tabs act to
apply downward force on or act as a stop at the upper surface of
the boards so as to assist in holding them in an engaged state with
the engagement tabs of their respective row of fixing clips, ie the
alignment tabs assist in preventing the boards from sliding up and
out of engagement with their engagement tabs. In this embodiment,
the fixing clips may solely support the boards on the framing,
although fixing components, such as nails, extending through the
overlapping region as above may also be used to further secure the
boards if desired.
First Embodiment
[0113] Referring to FIGS. 5-9b, a first embodiment of the fixing
system will be described by way of example. The fixing system 20
comprises a number of elongate cavity battens 22 that are attached
or secured to the exterior surface of a wall 24 (FIG. 5) or framing
26 (FIG. 6) upon which a number of cladding boards 28 are installed
in an overlapping relationship. The cavity battens 22 may be
attached or secured to the wall 24 or framing 26 via fixing
components such as nails or screws, or adhesive, or any other
fixing means. The battens 22 are preferably installed in a vertical
orientation and are spaced apart along the wall 24 or framing 26.
They are also preferably aligned to form horizontal rows of fixing
clips 30.
[0114] Each cavity batten 22 is provided with a number of fixing
clips (or clip formations) 30 spaced apart along its length. As
will be explained in further detail later, the fixing clips 30 are
integrally formed in fixing strips that are attached or fixed to
the surface of each cavity batten. In alternative embodiments, the
fixing system need not employ cavity battens 22, and in such
arrangements the fixing strips of clips 30 may be attached directly
to the wall 24, framing 26 or other cladding surface or structure
with nails, screws, staples, adhesive, or any other fixing means so
as to form the rows of aligned clips 30.
[0115] As will be explained in further detail later, the preferred
form fixing clips 30 include an engagement tab that is arranged to
engage with or into a section of a complementary recess provided in
and along the rear face of a board. The cavity battens 22 are
arranged such that, when installed, the fixing clips 30 form rows,
each row of clips being arranged to engage into the recess in the
rear face of a board or row of boards to hold the board or boards
in place against the battens and/or framing. There is one row of
fixing clips for each row of boards. A number of fixing clips 30 of
a row are arranged to co-operate together to engage in sections of
the complementary recess of a board to hold the board in place
against the wall 24 or framing 26. In use, the engagement tab of
each fixing clip 30 acts as a support member or surface upon which
a section of the cladding board rests against gravity.
Fixing Clip Configuration
[0116] With reference to FIGS. 7a-9b, an example first form of the
fixing clip 30 for use in the fixing system will now be described
in further detail. As mentioned, a series of identical fixing clips
30 are integrally formed in strips 40. In the preferred form, the
strips 40 of material are substantially elongate and planar and is
formed from a substantially rigid and strong material, such as
metal, steel or aluminium, and may be of any desired thickness that
is capable of withstanding specific loads and having a specified
holding power. In one example, the strips 40 may be formed from
stainless steel. The length (L) of the strips can be varied as
desired, as can the number and spacing of the fixing clips 30 along
its length. In the preferred form, the fixing clips 30 are
equi-spaced along the length of the fixing strip 40. The spacing of
the fixing clips 30 from each other is dependent on the width of
the weatherboard used and the desired overlap between a
weatherboard as will be appreciated. In the preferred form, the
clips or clip formations are integrally punched out from the metal,
steel or aluminium strip using known methods.
[0117] Each fixing strip 40 extends between a top end 40a and a
bottom end 40b and is defined by a front facing surface 42 and a
rear facing surface (not visible) on the opposite side. In use, the
rear surface is arranged to be fixed to a cavity batten or directly
the cladding structure if battens are not used. Each fixing strip
is arranged to be installed in a vertical orientation with the top
end 40a located above the bottom end 40b relative to the ground.
The opposing front surface 42 faces the cladding boards. The fixing
clips 30 protrude from the front surface 42 of the strip 40 for
engagement with the cladding boards to be installed. In the
preferred form, each fixing clip 30 comprises a pair of tabs,
namely a primary upper engagement tab 50 and a secondary lower
alignment tab 60. In this embodiment, the alignment tab 60 is not
necessarily essential but desirable to assist the installation
process as will be explained in detail later. Both tabs 50,60 are
punched from a portion or portions of material of the strip and
bent to protrude from the front surface 42 of the strip by
respective predetermined angles. In this first form, both tabs are
substantially planar and flat. In the preferred form, the tabs
50,60 are substantially rectangular having a larger width than
height (in the elongate direction (L) of the strip). In the
preferred form, the tabs are centrally located with respect to the
width (W) of the strip transverse to the longitudinal direction of
the strip.
[0118] The parallel left 52 and right 54 edges of the engagement
tab 50, along with its upper lateral edge 56, are uncoupled or
detached from the strip from the punching formation, leaving the
lower lateral edge 58 (parallel with the upper edge) of the tab 50
intact and still adjoined or coupled with the strip. The lower
lateral edge 58 of the engagement tab 50 essentially forms a
bending edge from which the remainder of the tab bends or extends
outwardly relative to the front face 42 of the strip. In the
embodiment shown, the upper left and right corners of the
engagement tab 50 are rounded for safety during installation,
although this is not essential to their operation. The smaller
alignment tab 60 has a similar construction with the parallel left
62 and right 64 edges, and the lateral upper edge 66, being
uncoupled from the strip, and leaving the lower later edge 68
coupled to the strip as the bending edge. As shown, the straight
bending edges 50 and 60 of both of the tabs 50,60 extend in a
direction that is substantially perpendicular or transverse
relative to the longitudinal direction of the fixing strip 40. As
shown, the left 52,62 and right 54,64 edges, and the upper lateral
edge 56,66, are free edges of the tabs 50,60 in the sense that they
are no longer connected to the strip of material.
[0119] In the preferred form, the engagement tab 50 has a larger
surface area than the alignment tab 60 as it is performing a
support function. As shown, the upper lateral edge 56 of the
engagement tab 50 is displaced a further distance from the front
face 42 of the strip 40 than the upper lateral edge 66 of the
smaller alignment tab 60. Additionally, the upper lateral edge 56
of the engagement tab 50 extends above (in respect of the
longitudinal direction of the fixing strip 40 when installed) the
upper lateral edge 66 of the alignment tab 60. For example, the
engagement tab 50 terminates at its upper lateral edge 56 at a
position that appears closer to the top end 40a of the fixing strip
than the upper lateral edge 66 of its alignment tab 60 (from a plan
view of the fixing strip).
[0120] In the embodiment shown, each alignment tab 60 is at least
partially formed or punched from a portion of the material of the
strip from which the engagement tab 50 is formed, i.e. the
alignment tab 60 is at least partially punched out from the larger
engagement tab 50. In the embodiment shown, this partial overlap
between the material of the strip forming the tabs 50,60 occurs as
the lower lateral edge 68 of the alignment tab 60 is displaced only
slightly below the lower lateral edge 58 of the engagement tab 50,
such that the strip material forming each tab partially overlaps.
It will be appreciated that this arrangement is not necessarily
essential. In another embodiment, the lower lateral edges 58,68 of
the tabs 50,60 may be aligned such that both tabs extend from a
common bending edge and in this case the alignment tab 60 is
entirely punched from the strip of material defining the engagement
tab 50. In yet another embodiment, the alignment tab 60 may be
displaced further below the engagement tab 50 such that there is no
overlap in material used to form each tab, i.e. both tabs 50,60 of
each fixing clip 30 may be formed from different portions of the
strip material, and the portions may be close or immediately
adjacent each other.
[0121] Once punched from the strip, each of the tabs 50,60 is bent
about its bending edge upwardly from the front face 42 of the strip
by a predetermined angle, or alternatively the punching process may
simultaneously perform the required bending of the tabs. The angles
of the tabs relative to the front face will be explained in more
detail later, but typically the alignment tab 60 is disposed or
bent at a greater angle relative to the front face 42 of the strip
than the engagement tab 50. The angles of bending are defined
between the front face of the strip and the surfaces of the tabs
formed by the rear face of the strip of material once punched out.
In one embodiment, the engagement tab 50 is bent at an acute angle
relative to the front face 42 of the strip 40 such that it extends
outwardly and upwardly toward the top end 40a of the strip, while
the alignment tab 60 is bent at a greater angle so as to extend,
for example but not limited to, substantially perpendicularly from
the front face 42 of the strip 40. The material used to form the
strips is preferably of suitable strength, rigidity and/or
thickness such that the angle of the tabs 50,60 is substantially
fixed once punched and bent to the desired profile angles, or at
least the engagement tab 50 is configured or formed to remain fixed
in position under load of a board.
[0122] As discussed, the fixing system may or may not employ cavity
battens. In systems that employ cavity battens 22, one or more
fixing strips 40 are secured along the length of each cavity batten
with nails, screws, adhesive or any other fixing means, as shown in
FIG. 8. The cavity battens 22 shown are elongate members, formed
from wood, plastic, metal or any other suitable material, and in
the preferred form have a rectangular cross-sectional profile, and
a width that corresponds to the width (W) of the fixing strip,
although this is not essential. The cavity battens 22 with the
onboard fixing strips 40 are then secured to the cladding
structure, for example the framing or a wall. Each fixing strip 40
may be provided with one or more mounting apertures through which
fixing components, such as nails or screws, may be inserted in
order to fix the cavity batten to the framing or other cladding
structure. The mounting apertures may be any desired shape or size,
and may be located at any desired position relative to each fixing
clip. Any combination, placement or pattern of the same mounting
apertures or a mixture of different sizes and shapes of mounting
apertures may be provided along the length of the fixing strip.
[0123] In the embodiment shown, each fixing strip 40 is provided
with a plurality of mounting apertures 70 between each spaced-apart
fixing clip 30. In this form, the mounting apertures are a series
of holes centrally located along the length of the strip between
each of the fixing strip, although it will be appreciated that this
configuration may be varied as desired. FIG. 9a shows, in
cross-section, the cavity batten 22 with onboard fixing strip 40
fixed to the framing via one or more screws 72 that extend through
all or some of the mounting apertures 70 to fix the cavity batten
22 to the framing 26. It will be appreciate that the fixing strips
40 need not necessarily be independently secured to the battens 22
prior to their installation on the framing 26. For example, the
screws 72 may operate to couple the fixing strips 40 to the cavity
batten 22, as well as securing the batten to the framing.
[0124] In fixing system systems that do not use cavity battens,
each fixing strip 40 is secured directly to the framing 26 via
fixing components, such as screws, that extend through the some or
all of the mounting apertures and into the framing 26.
Co-Operation of Fixing Clips with Cladding Boards
[0125] With reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the operation of the
fixing clips 30 to hold the cladding boards 28 in place will be
explained in further detail. In general, the purpose of the
engagement tab 50 is to engage into a complementary shaped recess
74 extending along the rear face of a cladding board 28 so as to
hold and support the board against the fixing strip 40 in
co-operation with the one or more other fixing clips of that row,
which are performing the same function for a section of the board.
The purpose of the alignment tab 60 is to provide a guide or stop
for alignment and installation of a lower cladding board as will be
explained further later.
[0126] With reference to FIG. 9b, the engagement tab 50 is arranged
to hold the board against the framing and support it against
gravity. By way of example, an upper cladding board 28a and a lower
cladding board 28b are shown installed on the framing 26 against
the fixing strip 40. In this embodiment, the recesses 74 of the
boards 28 are preferably provided with a cross-sectional profile
that co-operates with the engagement tab 50 of each fixing clip in
that it is arranged to receive and retain the engagement tab in a
hook-like engagement relationship. As shown, the recess 74 of each
board 28a may, for example, have a cross-sectional profile that
comprises a lower surface 74a that extends substantially
perpendicularly into the board from and relative to the rear face
of the board, a back surface 74b extending upwardly from the lower
surface, and an angled upper surface 74c may then extending
downwardly from the top of the back surface 74bd back toward the
rear face of the board to complete the recess. In this
configuration, the angled or inclined upper surface 72c and rear
face together form a tapered upper edge 72d that points downwardly
and outwardly relative to the rear face for engaging in a hook-like
engagement relationship with the engagement tab 50 of the fixing
clip.
[0127] As shown, one side of the engagement tab 50 abuts or
contacts the recess to hold the board in place, namely the
engagement surface 50a, which is the side of the tab that faces
toward the fixing strip 40 (and which is actually formed from a
portion of the rear face of the fixing strip after the punching).
In this embodiment, only an end region or portion of the engagement
surface 50a adjacent the upper edge 56 of the engagement tab abuts
with the inclined upper surface 74c of the recess 74 of the board
28a to thereby support the board 28 against gravity, although it
will be appreciated the contact region may be larger in other
embodiments where a deeper recess 74 is provided in the board. The
angular position .theta..sub.E of the engagement tab 50a relative
to the front face 42 of the fixing strip 40 may be any acute angle,
but may often be between the range of about 30.degree. to about
60.degree., although this will depend on design requirements. The
angle .theta..sub.E of the engagement tab 50 is arranged to
complement the angle of the inclined upper surface 74c of the
recess 74 of the board when installed such that the abutting
relationship acts to both hold the board against the framing and
support the board against gravity. It will be appreciated that the
angle .theta..sub.E of the engagement tab 50 can be configured to
suit any particular cladding board profile, and will depend on the
desired profile used and the amount of overlap desired between the
boards when installed.
[0128] In this embodiment, the purpose of the alignment tab 60 is
to provide a guide or stop for alignment and installation of the
lower cladding board 28b. For example, the alignment tab 60 serves
as an indicator that the board 28b when being installed has reached
a position of clearance for engagement with the engagement tabs of
its row of fixing clips (not shown in FIG. 9b), i.e. the lower
portion of the board can then be angled towards the framing so that
the engagement tabs can engage with the recess in the back surface
of the board as explained further below. During installation, the
boards are installed from bottom up.
[0129] Therefore the lower board 28b is installed on the framing
prior to the upper board 28a (although both are shown installed in
FIG. 9b). When installing the lower board 28b, it is placed against
or angled toward the framing such that its top surface 80 abuts the
engagement surfaces 60a of the alignment tabs 60 of the row of
fixing clips that are for holding the next upper board 28a. The
engagement surface 60a of each alignment tab 60 is the side of the
tab that is formed from the front face 42 of the fixing strip after
the punching and formation of the tab from the strip material.
[0130] In this position, the engagement tabs 50 of the fixing clips
for the lower board 28b may extend into and contact the back
surface (equivalent to 74b shown for the upper board 28a) for their
respective recess of the rear face of the lower board 28b in a
partially installed position, depending on how the board is angled.
From this position, the installer drops, slides, and/or pivots the
lower portion of the board 28b to cause the engagement tabs to
contact the inclined upper surface (equivalent to 74c of the upper
board 28a) and come to rest in a fully installed position with the
engagement tab in a hook-like engagement relationship with its
complementary recess as described above. As shown, the alignment
tabs 60 are preferably bent so as to extend from the front face 42
of the strip 40 at an angle .theta..sub.A that is at least greater
than its corresponding engagement tab angle .theta..sub.E and in
one example corresponds to the flush abutment of the engagement
surface 60a with the top or upper surface 80 of the lower board
28b.
[0131] As shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the fixing system 20 further
preferably comprises a number of fixing components 82 that extend
through the front face of the boards 28 toward and along the upper
edge or upper region of each board and into the fixing strip 40,
cavity battens 22 and framing 26 to secure each board in place. It
will be appreciated that a number of fixing components 82 may be
provided along the length of each board at appropriate places. The
fixing components 82 may be nails, screws, or the like, and are
located in the overlapping region of two adjacent boards so that
they are concealed. Preferably, the fixing components 82 are
inserted below the anti-capillary channel 46 formed by the
co-operating grooves of the overlapping boards 28. Alternatively
the fixing components may be inserted above the channel 46 or they
may be inserted anywhere in the overlapping region if the boards do
not provide anti-capillary channels.
Installation of Cladding Boards using the Fixing System
[0132] Installation of cladding boards utilising the fixing system
of the inventions will now be described. Firstly, a cavity batten
based fixing system will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and
9b. Referring to FIG. 6 by way of example, installation involves
firstly fixing a number of cavity battens 22 with fixing strips 40
to the framing 26 of the building in a vertical orientation at
spaced apart intervals. These intervals can be lengthened or
shortened as desired and they do not necessarily have to be
uniform. The cavity battens 22 are installed such that that fixing
clips 30 provided on each cavity batten by the onboard fixing
strips 40 are aligned with the fixing clips of the other cavity
battens to form rows of fixing clips. Installation then involves
fixing cladding boards 28 to the cavity battens so that the boards
have an overlapping relationship with respect to each other. For
example, a top portion of a lower board should be covered by a
lower portion of the next highest board, with all boards preferably
in a parallel configuration with even overlap.
[0133] Typically, the boards 28 are fixed to cavity battens 22 one
at a time beginning at the bottom of the framing 26 where the
cladding is to start. Typically, the lower-most board is installed
first by being engaged against the lower-most row of fixing clips
such that the engagement tabs of a number of the fixing clips of
that row engage securely in sections of the complementary recess in
the rear face of the board in a manner previously described. For
longer boards, the boards will be initially engaged centrally onto
a centre fixing clip and then additional fixing clips either side
of centre of the board, one at a time. For shorter boards, the
boards will be engaged onto all fixing clips for that board at
once.
[0134] With the board 28 held in place against the cavity battens
22 by a number of fixing clips, a number of fixing components 82,
such as nails, screws, staples, or the like, can be inserted or
driven through the front face and toward the top edge, and
preferably under the anti-capillary groove, of the board 28 and
into the battens 22 and/or framing 26 to secure the board in place.
With the lower-most board in place, the next board may be
positioned against the cavity battens such that its rear face
recess engages with the engagement tabs of a number of fixing clips
of the next row and it may then also be nailed in place. The
vertical spacing between the rows of fixing clips is preferably
uniform and predetermined to ensure an even overlap of boards up
the framing. The overlap also conceals the nails inserted below the
anti-capillary channel. Each subsequent board is installed in a
similar manner until the cavity battens and/or framing of the
building is fully covered.
[0135] Installation of the cladding boards utilising the fixing
system without cavity battens is similar to the above except that
the initial step involves securing a number of fixing strips 40
directly to the framing 26 of the building in a vertical
orientation at spaced apart intervals to collectively form the rows
of fixing clips 30.
Second Embodiment
[0136] Referring to FIGS. 10a-12b, a second embodiment of the
fixing system will be described by way of example. The second
embodiment fixing system is similar to the first embodiment, but
employs a modified second form of fixing clip.
[0137] Referring to FIGS. 10a-10c, the fixing clips 130 are
integrally formed in fixing strips 140 as described above. The
fixing strip 140 is again provided with mounting apertures through
which nails, screws or other fixing components may be inserted to
secure the fixing strip to the framing either directly or
indirectly via cavity battens. In this form, the mounting apertures
comprise two upper circular mounting apertures 170a above each
fixing clip toward the left and right sides of the strip, and a
lower elongate mounting slot 170b situated below each fixing clip
extending in a transverse orientation relative to the longitudinal
direction of the strip. In some embodiments, the upper mounting
apertures 170a are used to attach the fixing strip to the cavity
battens and/or framing and lower slot aperture 170b provides an
opening through which fixing components 82 (see FIG. 9b) such as
nails may extend through the fixing strip 140 if employed in the
overlapping region of the cladding board for additional securement
of the board to the framing. It will be appreciated that this
mounting aperture configuration may be modified as desired.
[0138] Each fixing clip 130 is similar to the first form previously
described except the formation of the engagement tab 150 is
different. The substantially rectangular engagement tab 150 is
again defined by parallel left 152 and right 154 edges, and an
upper lateral edge 156 that are uncoupled or detached from the
strip of material from the punching formation, but leaving a lower
lateral intact edge 158. In this second form, the engagement tab is
bent from the strip of material about a transverse bending edge or
line 159 that is situated below and parallel to the intact lateral
edge 158 such that the punching and bending formation process
displaces the intact edge 158 from the front face 142 of the strip
140. This process forms integral reinforcement webs 161 or gussets
on each left and right side of the tab (only right web visible).
Each web 161 extends outwardly from the front face of the strip to
its respective left or right side of the tab in the region between
the intact edge 158 and bending edge or line 159. In this form, the
reinforcement webs are triangular in shape. Although not essential,
the reinforcement webs support the engagement tab 150 to maintain
its position under load when supporting a board in use.
[0139] The fixing strip shown in FIGS. 10a-10c is a substantially
flat fixing strip in the non-fixing clip areas along its length. In
other words, the rear face of the fixing strip is substantially
flat, and this is also the same for the front face of the fixing
strip except in the regions of the fixing clips which contain the
protruding tabs 150,160. More specifically, the cross-sectional
profile of the fixing strip 140 in the non-fixing clip regions is
substantially flat.
[0140] It will be appreciated that the fixing strip 140 may be made
in lengths to match the framing stud length. The material for
forming a fixing strip may for example be stainless steel or
mildsteel galvanized, or any other suitable material, whether
metal, steel, aluminium or the like.
[0141] The alignment tab 160 is formed as before, but may perform a
dual function of alignment and also as an additional engagement or
locking tab or retaining clip. In this form, the alignment tab 160
is longer than it is wide (in the transverse direction relative to
the longitudinal direction of the fixing strip), although this is
not necessarily essential. Referring to FIG. 11, the alignment tab
160 (or in this form referred to as a `lower engagement tab` of the
fixing clip) is bendable such that it may be bent downward into
abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface
180 of the adjacent lower cladding board 28 to thereby hold or
clamp the board in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of its
respective fixing clips. This will be explained further in regard
to the overall fixing system shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b which shows
use of the second form of fixing clip in a fully installed
state.
[0142] Referring to FIGS. 12a and 12b, the fixing system employing
the second form of fixing clip operates in a similar manner to the
fixing system and installation method described with reference to
FIGS. 6, 9a and 9b, and like reference numbers refer to like
components. The main differences are that the engagement tab 150 is
provided with reinforcing webs 161 to increase the strength of the
engagement tab under load of a board when in use and the use of the
alignment tab 160 as a lower engagement tab to assist the system in
holding boards on the framing as will be explained in further
detail below.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 12b, the second form of fixing clip
comprises the first upper engagement tab 150 that is arranged to
engage into the recess 74 in the rear face of a first cladding
board 28a to support that board in place on the framing as
previously described. As shown, the recess 74 is typically located
in the middle or toward the lower region of the board, although
this is not essential. Additionally, the fixing clip comprises a
second lower engagement tab 160 (also previously referred to as the
alignment tab) that serves a dual purpose of assisting alignment of
a lower adjacent board 28b during installation as previously
discussed, but additionally after alignment may be bent into
engagement with the upper surface 180 of the lower board 28b to
hold, clamp, or retain the board in an engaged state with the
engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips. For example, the
alignment tabs may be bent toward and into engagement with the
upper surface 180 of the board 28b so as to either apply a downward
force or pressure on the board or to otherwise act as a stop to
prevent the board from sliding up and out of engagement with the
engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips (the row below the
alignment tabs). More particularly, during installation, each or at
least some of the second lower engagement tabs 160 are bent further
from their initial alignment position angle .theta..sub.A about
their bending edge or otherwise toward a greater angle until the
tab engages into abutting contact with the upper surface 180 of the
lower board 28b such that it acts to hold the board in an engaged
state with the engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips.
Engagement of the alignment tabs with the upper surface of the
boards may also assist in holding or clamping the upper sections or
regions of the boards against the framing in some embodiments. As
shown, at least a portion 181 of the upper surface 180 of the board
toward the front face may be beveled or angled to form a
complimentary retaining seat surface for the engaging tab 160,
although it will be appreciated that a beveled edge on the upper
surface of the board is not essential.
[0144] In summary, the fixing system using the second form of
fixing clips operates such that each fixing clip acts to support or
hold both upper and lower adjacent boards against the framing. More
particularly, the first engagement tab 150 supports the upper board
28a under gravity, while the second lower engagement tab 160 is
bent into abutting engagement with the upper surface of the lower
board 28b to clamp or hold the board in an engaged state with the
engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips. In other words,
each installed board is held in place by the first engagement tabs
150 of a row of fixing clips, and additionally each or at least
some of the lower engagement tabs 160 of the next adjacent upper
row of fixing clips.
[0145] The installation method for this form of fixing system is
similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 6, 9a and 9b
described above, except including the repeated additional step for
each installed row of boards of bending all or at least some of the
second lower engagement tabs 160 of the next upper free adjacent
row of fixing clips into clamping engagement with the upper surface
180 of boards installed on the engagement tabs 150 of the lower
adjacent row of fixing clips. Once the second lower engagement tabs
160 have been bent into engagement, for example by hammering or
another suitable tool, the next upper row of boards may be
installed.
[0146] It will be appreciated that the use of the fixing
components, such as nails 82, in the overlapping region may not be
necessary when using the second form of fixing clip. The second
lower engagement tabs 150 may be engaged with the upper surface 180
of the boards with sufficient holding power to render the use of
the nails 82 as optional in some installations. Therefore, in such
situations, the boards are entirely held in place on the framing by
the concealed engagement tabs 150, 160 of the fixing clips.
[0147] It will be appreciated that the reinforcement web feature of
the upper engagement tab may be applied to the first form of fixing
clip 30. Additionally, or alternatively, the bending of the
alignment tab to act as a retaining clip may be employed in the
first form of fixing clip 30 if desired.
Third Embodiment
[0148] The previous embodiments are described in the context of the
fixing system when used with bevel-backed board profiles in which
the rear surfaces of the boards have a sloped or angled upper
portion (like is shown at 12 in FIG. 1) that abuts the framing such
that only a portion of the rear surface of the board contacts the
framing and which pivots the front surface of the board at an angle
relative to the framing. However, it will be appreciated that the
fixing system may be applied to alternative types of board profiles
which are flat-backed such that boards are not pivoted relative to
the framing. Various examples of a cladded structure formed with
the fixing system with flat-backed boards will now be described by
way of example with reference to FIGS. 14a-18b.
[0149] Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, a third form of fixing strip
240 is shown for using with the flat-backed profiled boards. In
these embodiments, the fixing strip 240 is substantially similar to
the first form of fixing strip 40 described with reference to FIGS.
7a-9b, and like reference numbers represent like features or
components. The primary differences with the third form of fixing
strip 240 relate to the modified fixing clips 230 in that the
engagement tab 250 and/or alignment tab 260 are shorter in length
to accommodate a flat-backed profiled boards and that the tabs 250,
260 are displaced from one another such that there is no overlap
between the material of the fixing strip forming the tabs of each
clip.
[0150] Referring to FIGS. 15a and 15b, a cladded structure
employing the fixing system with the third form of fixing strip 240
with the modified fixing clips 230 is shown in use with a
first-type of flat-backed profiled boards 228 mounted to framing
260. In this first-type of flat-backed profile, the overlapping
configuration comprises a recessed lower portion of the rear face
of the upper board overlapping and abuting an upper portion of the
front face of the lower board. As shown in FIG. 15b, the engagement
tab 250 is shown engaged into an angled recess 274 provided in the
rear surface of the upper board 228a in a similar manner to that
previously described for the other embodiments. The alignment tab
260 in this embodiment operates as an alignment stop during
installation of the boards in a manner previously described.
However, an alternative embodiment of the cladded structure is
shown in FIGS. 16a and 16b in which a longer alignment tab 260a may
be bent into engagement with the upper surface of the lower
adjacent board 228b in a manner previously described to act to hold
the board in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of its
respective fixing clips.
[0151] As shown in FIGS. 15b and 16b, in these embodiments the
vertical distance or displacement D1 between the top surface 229 of
the cladding board and the intact edge 263 of the associated
alignment tab 260 is preferably greater than the vertical distance
or displacement between the outer edge 253 of the engagement tab
250 and the entrance edge 231 to the recess 274 on the rear surface
of the cladding board. This spacing enables the cladding boards to
be installed onto or removed from the fixing strips.
[0152] FIGS. 17a and 17b show another cladded structure similar to
FIGS. 16a and 16b, except with a second-type of flat-backed
profiled boards 328 but having a similar overlapping relationship.
The alignment tab 260a is shown bent into engagement with the upper
surface of the lower board 328b in this embodiment, but it will be
appreciated that the alignment tab 260a may be shorter and
non-engaged and simply function as an alignment stop as in FIGS.
15a and 15b if desired. The relationship between distances D1 and
D2 is also preferably as described with reference to the
embodiments of FIGS. 15a-16b.
[0153] FIGS. 18a and 18b show another cladded structure employing
the fixing system with a modified version of the third form of
fixing strip 240 in use with a third-type of flat-backed profiled
boards 428. The modified fixing strip 240 employs fixing clips with
engagement tabs 250, but no alignment tabs 260 are provided. In
this third-type of flat-backed profile, the boards have an
overlapping relationship via a tongue and groove interlinking or
interlocking relationship. In particular, with reference to FIG.
18b, the upper surface of each board is provided with a tongue 430
or protrustion along its length and the lower surface of each board
is provided with a complementary groove 440 or recess along its
length into which the tongue/protrustion engages, or vice versa. As
shown in FIG. 18b, the engagement tab 250 is shown engaged into an
angled recess 474 provided in the rear surface of the upper board
428a in a similar manner to that previously described for the other
embodiments. As shown, the fixing system optionally employs
diagonally oriented nails 82 extending through the boards 428 and
into the framing 261 behind for additional securement. In this
embodiment, the nails 82 enter the boards in the vicinity of the
corner region created by the front surface 431 of the tongue
meeting the upper surface 432 of the board, and extend diagonally
through the board exiting the board at the rear surface 433 and
terminating in the framing 261. In such embodiments, the front edge
entrance into the groove 440 of the boards are rounded or chamfered
or bevelled to provide a space or gap for the nail heads 82. As
mentioned above, the nails 82 are optional, and need not
necessarily be employed in all applications.
Possible Alternative Embodiments of Fixing System
[0154] Fixing components, such as nails or the like, extending
through the boards in the overlapping region and into the framing
to further secure the upper portion of the boards in place against
the framing are shown at 82 in the embodiments of FIGS. 9a, 9b,
12a, 12b, 18a, and 18b. It will be appreciated that such fixing
components may be used in all embodiments described, although the
use of fixing components is optional in all embodiments. For
example, the boards may be securely supported on the framing via
the fixing clips alone, depending on the design requirements, and
this may be the suited approach in certain cladding applications.
The alignment tab of the fixing clip has been described in some
embodiments as being an alignment stop and in other embodiments may
be bent down into engagement with the lower boards such that it
functions as a lower engagement tab for holding lower boards in an
engaged state with the engagement tabs of their respective fixing
clips. It will be appreciated the either usage of the alignment tab
may apply to all embodiments described. In summary, the boards are
held in place via engagement with the primary engagement tabs of
the fixing clips in all embodiments, but optionally the boards may
be further secured by using fixing components in the overlapping
region, or by bending down the alignment tab to function as a lower
engagement tab, or using both techniques, depending on the cladding
requirements and conditions.
[0155] The fixing clips described above by way of example employ
rectangular engagement and alignment tabs. It will be appreciated
that one or both tabs need not necessarily be rectangular in shape,
and could be any other suitable shape that is capable of performing
their respective functions. Rectangular tabs are utilised in the
example above because of their ease of formation using a punching
and bending process as is known by those skilled in the art.
[0156] It will be appreciated that the specific profile of the
recesses in the rear face of the cladding boards described above is
not necessarily essential. Other profiles of recesses could be
employed to retain and receive the engagement tab of the fixing
clip and co-operate with that tabs in a gravity-hold or hook-like
engagement relationship. In the embodiments shown and described,
the cladding board rests under its own weight upon the angled
engagement tabs and this arrangement acts to hold the board in
place due to the angular orientation of the tabs. However, in
alternative embodiments the cladding boards may be provided with a
slot recess extending into the board and which is dimensioned to
receive and retain the engagement tab in a snug or friction fit
hold.
[0157] It will be appreciated that the alignment tab of each fixing
clip is not necessarily essential in some embodiments. The
alignment tab does assist in the efficient installation and
alignment of the cladding boards, but the fixing system could
alternatively work with each fixing clip only having the engagement
tab for holding the cladding boards optionally in combination with
the fixing components. In other embodiments, the alignment tab is
required as it operates as a lower engagement tab for assisting in
holding the boards in place, with or without the assistance of
fixing components.
[0158] It will be appreciated that the vertical and horizontal
spacing between fixing clips, whether installed via cavity battens
or directly to framing, may be varied as desired to accommodate
different framing structures, cladding board sizes and the like.
Preferably, the vertical spacing intervals between fixing clips is
uniform to provide an even overlap of boards up the framing. The
horizontal spacing intervals can be varied according to the desired
level of structural integrity required.
Individual Mountable Fixing Clips
[0159] It will be appreciated that the fixing clips 30,130,230 need
not necessarily be provided in integral fixing strips of multiple
spaced-apart clips. The fixing clips can alternatively be provided
as individual and separate fixing clips 30,130,230 that may be
individually mountable directly or indirectly to the framing, being
aligned and spaced-apart vertically and horizontally, to form the
rows of fixing clips. FIG. 13 shows an example of an
individually-mountable fixing clip in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention in which the fixing clip is in the form of fixing
clip 130, but it will be appreciated that the other forms of fixing
clips 30,230 may similarly be provided as individually-mountable
components in the same ways.
[0160] Referring to FIG. 13, the individually-mountable fixing
clips 130 are punched and formed integrally from individual
mounting plates 141, which may be equivalent to the strip material
for example. As shown, each mounting plate 141 preferably has its
own set of mounting apertures 170a, 170b for installing the clips
in a spaced-apart manner along cavity battens or directly onto
framing, although as before other mounting aperture arrangements or
configurations could be employed. As previously indicated, fixing
pins such as screws or nails may be inserted through the upper
mounting apertures 170a into the cavity batten and/or framing. The
lower mounting slot aperture 170b provides an open space through
the fixing clip through which fixing components 82, such as nails
or the like, may be inserted after extending through the
weatherboard 28b in the overlapping region as shown in FIG. 9b. In
FIG. 13, individual fixing clips 130 are shown mounted in a
spaced-apart manner along a cavity batten 22 by way of example
only. It will be appreciated that the first form of fixing clip 30
could also be provided as a separate individually mountable
component in a similar manner. As shown in FIG. 13, the cavity
batten may be provided with a series of spaced-apart recessed or
rebated portions that are shaped and sized to receive and retain
the individually mounted fixing clips 130 such that the front face
of the batten 22 is flush with the front faces of the mounting
plates of the fixing clips. However, complimentary recesses are not
essential to the cavity batten and the individual fixing clips may
be mounted to a flat front surface of the cavity baton if
desired.
Advantages and Benefits
[0161] The various embodiments may have any one or more of the
following advantages and/or benefits.
[0162] The fixing system of the invention provides greater
stability in the construction of cladding board buildings and
houses. The fixing clips of the fixing system are designed to hold
boards in place, with nails or the like providing optional
additional securement at intervals through the unexposed surface of
the boards in the overlapping region. The fixing system provides
greater stability of boards and provides greater resistance against
the elements as it is an entirely concealed fixing system. The
concealed nature of the fixing system also provides an aesthetic
advantage in that there is no visible nailing. Also, boards can be
pre-painted prior to installation on the framing and this may
provide cost savings from an installation viewpoint. Further, the
cavity batten based fixing system provides a means of enhancing the
durability and life of cladding via increased drainage.
[0163] In embodiments in which the boards are held in place without
the optional use of fixing components, such as nails, this can
provide the benefit of reduced water penetration and resultant
hydriscopic movement during construction, and allows for easy
replacement of damaged boards if required post-installation.
[0164] The fixing system has been described in the context of
cladding the framing of a building, but it will be appreciated that
the system can also be applied to roofing, fencing, and screens,
whether the framing is timber or metal. The embodiment described
above is for installing cladding boards in a substantially
horizontal orientation relative to the ground, although it will be
appreciated that orientation of the fixing system components can be
modified for fixing boards vertically or on an angle.
[0165] The foregoing description of the inventions includes
preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
accompanying claims.
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