AU2013204809A1 - Copula or Linking Panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A cladding panel component, for functioning as a copula or link for or between cladding panels for a building structure, wherein the copula panel has a main body having oppositely facing front and rear main surfaces and a respective side wall at each of a first pair of opposite sides of the main body. The copula panel is adapted at each of the side walls for co-operation with a respective side margin of a cladding panel to enable the copula panel to be accommodated in overlapping relation between the cladding panel and the building structure when the cladding panel is secured to the building structure. SPCN-966543 I 8a 1414a 126a 7~~~~~ 6''Kc /~~ t>1

Description

1 COPULA OR LINKING PANEL Field of the Invention [0001] This invention relates to a wall cladding panel component for use with wall cladding panels. The cladding component is suitable for functioning as a copula or linking panel between cladding panels. To distinguish the cladding panel component from cladding panels with which the component is used, the component is herein referred to as a copula panel. Background of Invention [0002] There are many forms of wall cladding, of both relatively rigid forms such as timber, or more flexible material such as panels made of metal or plastics sheet materials. The present invention relates to wall cladding of such sheet materials. More specifically, the invention is directed to providing panel components comprising copula panels which, at least in preferred forms, enables wall cladding to be more readily adapted to cater for different building configurations. [0003] Cladding panels usually are installed in vertically successive substantially horizontal rows. However, they also may be installed in successive rows inclined to the horizontal. The copula panel of the present invention preferably is used with cladding installed in successive, substantially horizontal rows, although the copula panels can be used with rows of cladding panels inclined to the horizontal. [0004] Cladding panels usually have, at each of opposite sides, an edge margin by at least one of which they are secured to a structure of a wall, partition or the like of a building. The securement may be exposed or concealed. In the latter case in particular, one edge margin of a cladding panel may be secured to the structure and then inter-engaged with the other edge margin of a cladding panel of the next adjacent row, thereby to conceal the securement. [0005] Cladding panels for one such arrangement are disclosed in our co-pending Australian provisional patent AU2011903040 filed on 29 July 2011 and entitled "Cladding Panel". The panels of AU2011903040 may be installed in vertically successive substantially horizontal rows, with each row in turn secured to the building SPCN-966543 2 structure along its upper edge margin. The lower edge margin of a panel for the next upper row then is inter-engaged with the secured edge margin, after which the upper edge margin of that next upper row is secured to the structure. Each row of the installed cladding may comprise a single elongate cladding panel, or a series of two or more cladding panels preferably of the same configuration and dimensions. In either case it can be difficult to cater for different building configurations and dimensions. This is because it frequently is not practical to pre-cut panels to suit requirements for a given building and because, when on-site, it can be difficult to cut panels satisfactorily so that they fit accurately. The copula panel of the present invention enables the cladding to be adapted such different configurations and dimensions. Also, the copula panel of the invention also is able to achieve improved weather proofing at abutting edges of successive cladding panels in a row of cladding panels. Summary of Invention [0006] The present invention provides a copula panel, for functioning as a cladding panel component suitable for functioning as a copula or link for or between cladding panels for a building structure and herein referred to as a "copula panel". The copula panel has a main body having oppositely facing first and second main surfaces. The copula panel, at each of a first pair of opposite sides of the main body, defines a respective side wall. Also, at each of a second pair of opposite sides of the main body, the copula panel defines a respective side wall. Along an edge of each side wall of the second pair, and at least one side wall of the first pair, the copula panel preferably has a respective flange. [0007] The opposite sides of the first pair preferably are substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the opposite sides of the second pair preferably are substantially parallel to each other. The arrangement may be such that the sides of one pair are substantially perpendicular to those of the other pair to provide a rectangular main body. The flange of each side wall of the second pair and of the at least one side wall of the first pair may project outwardly away from the main body. However, in at least one form, at least one flange of the second pair of side walls may be formed, or turned, so as to extend substantially parallel to its side wall in a direction away from the outer or front surface, beyond the inner or rear surface. The SPCN-966543 3 other side wall of the first pair, if provided with a flange, may have its flange extending inwardly relative to the main body so as to be spaced from the inner or rear surface of the main body. [0008] The side walls of the second pair and the other side wall of the first pair all are of the same uniform width, such that the flanges of these side walls are substantially in a common plane. All of the side walls may be planar, and this is preferred for each side wall of the second pair and the other side wall of the first pair. However, as indicated in more detail below, the one side wall of the first pair may be stepped. The one side wall of the first pair has a greater width such that its outwardly extending flange is spaced further from the main body than the plane common to the other flanges. [0009] As used with cladding panels arranged in laterally adjacent rows, each side wall of the first pair of opposite sides extends adjacent to and parallel with a respective side of one of the rows. Thus, where the rows of cladding panels extend substantially horizontally or are inclined with respect to the horizontal, the one side wall of the first pair having an outwardly extending flange is an upper side wall, while the other side wall of first pair is a lower side wall. As a consequence, each side wall of the second pair extends laterally with respect to the cladding row. However, for simplicity of further description, the cladding copula panel will be described in its orientation for use with substantially horizontally extending rows of cladding panels. [0010] As indicated, the upper side wall of the first pair may be stepped and this is to define a longitudinal shoulder intermediate of the main body and an edge of the side wall spaced from the main body. That wall preferably is outwardly stepped such that the shoulder therefore is intermediate of the main body and the flange of the upper side wall in a direction perpendicular to, and also a direction extending outwardly from, the main body. The shoulder preferably is substantially parallel with the main body or a predominant extent of the main body. In the following description, a copula panel with a stepped upper wall is referred to as a rebated copula panel, whereas one without a stepped upper wall is distinguished as an unrebated copula panel. SPCN-966543 4 [0011] The upper side wall of the first pair and the dimension of the main body between the first pair of sides enables a copula panel of a cladding panel row to co operate with at least one cladding copula panel of the row. The arrangement is such that the lower side of a copula panel is able to be closely adjacent to or in contact with a corresponding flange of a cladding panel, with the upper side of the copula panel locating behind a corresponding margin of the cladding panel by which the cladding panel is able to be secured by fasteners. [0012] The copula panel preferably is adapted to facilitate the drainage of water under gravity. Thus, water gathering on the upper side wall of the copula panel when installed is able to flow down over the outer or front surface of the main body so as to pass under the lower side wall and then drain to the side. The main body may have at least one channel which extends from the upper side wall to the lower side wall and down which the water is able to flow. However, there preferably is a respective such channel, or pair of channels, located adjacent to each side wall of the second pair of side walls. With a pair of channels adjacent each side wall of the second pair of side walls, water at the upper side wall can drain to the inner most channel of each pair, with remaining water flowing to the outermost channel of each pair. At the lower side wall of the copula panel, water from the innermost channels passes to a central region of a copula panel of the next lower row, while water from the outermost channels flows to the side to flow down the overlapping side flanges of adjacent copula panels of the next lower row. [0013] A channel may have a depth substantially equal to its width. Adjacent to each side wall of the second pair, the channel, or at least one channel of at least two channels, may have a width and depth enabling the passage of water by capillary action. [0014] The copula panel may be formed of plastics or metal sheet material. Suitable metals include aluminium, copper, steel and stainless steel. Suitable plastics include any currently used for panels, whether unreinforced or reinforced, such as by fibres. SPCN-966543 5 Brief Description of Drawings [0015] In order that the invention may be understood more readily, reference now is made to the accompanying drawings in which: [0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first form of copula panel according to the invention; [0017] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the copula panel of Figure 1, taken from below; [0018] Figures 3 and 4 correspond to Figures 1 and 2, but relate to a second form of copula panel according to the invention; [0019] Figures 5 and 6 correspond to Figures 1 and 2 but show a modified form of the copula panel of Figures 1 and 2; [0020] Figures 7 and 8 correspond to Figures 5 and 6, but relate to the second form of copula panel of Figures 3 and 4; [0021] Figures 9 and 10 correspond to Figures 3 and 4, but after cut-outs have been removed from the copula panel; Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the copula panel of Figures 9 and 10; [0022] Figure 12 corresponds to Figures 9 and 11 and show the copula panel of Figures 9 to 11 after being bent to fit a building corner; [0023] Figure 13 corresponds to Figure 12, but is in respect of a copula panel according to the form of Figures 1 and 2; [0024] Figures 14 and 15 are external and internal partial perspective views of a wall cladding system according to the present invention. [0025] Figure 16 is a sectional view through a wall structure having unrebated cladding panels and copula panels; [0026] Figures 17 and 18 show a sectional view, respectively from the front and back of a wall structure similar to Figure 16 but having rebated panels and copula panels; and SPCN-966543 6 [0027] Figure 19 shows a copula panel similar to that of Figures 3 and 4 but showing a further modification. Detailed Description [0028] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the copula panel 10 shown is formed from a rectangular section of sheet metal. The copula panel 10 has a main body 12 in which longitudinal channels 14 are formed. Apart from channels 14, body 12 has substantially planar front and rear surfaces 12a and 12b respectively. Turned rearwardly from front surface 12a, body 12 has a first pair of side walls comprising upper and lower walls 16a and 16b, and a second pair of side walls comprising lateral walls 16c. The walls 16a, 16b and 16c each extends substantially perpendicularly to body 12. At the rear edge, each of walls 16a, 16b and 16c has a respective flange 18a, 18b and 18c, with flange 18a and each of flanges 18c extending outwardly from the respective one of walls 16a and 16c, away from but substantially parallel to body 12. The flange 18b extends inwardly from its lower wall 16b so as to be parallel to but spaced from rear surface 12b of body 12. [0029] The walls 16b and 16c are of substantially the same width, while their flanges 18b and 18c are substantially co-planar. However, upper wall 16a has a greater width, such that its flange 18a, while also parallel to body 12, is spaced further from body 12 than the flanges 18b and 18c. [0030] The channels 14 are relatively shallow in having a depth which is about the same as their width. However, they have extensions 14a which continue across upper wall 16a, but which reduce in depth up to a minimum at flange 18a. The channels 14 do not continue across lower wall 16b. Rather, they are continued along wall 16b by provision of a discontinuous groove 20 in wall 16b. [0031] As seen most clearly in Figure 1, the channels 14 are in two pairs, with each pair close to a respective side wall 16c. The copula panel 10 is shown in its normal, in use orientation. The arrangement is such that water collecting on the central extent of top wall 16a is able to flow either down the front surface 12a of body 12 or in the innermost channel 14 of each pair, while most of water collecting at the outer ends of upper wall 16a also flows down surface 12a or in the outermost channel 14 of each pair, although a small amount can flow down the respective side wall 16c. SPCN-966543 7 Water gathering under lower wall 16b is able to be accommodated by groove 19 having an extent that provides communication between the lower ends of the innermost channels 14. An extent of groove 19 extending laterally from the lower end of each outermost channel 14 leads water to a junction between copula panels 10 of the next lower panel row. Groove 19 is discontinuous between the channels 14 of each pair, closing communication between the lower ends of those channels. [0032] Figures 3 and 4 show a second form of copula panel 30. Parts of copula panel 30 which correspond to those of copula panel 10 of Figures 1 and 2 have the same reference numerals, plus 20. Copula panel 30 differs from copula panel 10 due to copula panel 30 having a rebated upper end, whereas copula panel 10 has an unrebated upper end. As a consequence, upper wall 36a is stepped to define a shoulder 37 spaced rearwardly of, but substantially parallel with, front surface 32a of body 32. Also, the continuation 34a of each channel 34 is similarly stepped. [0033] Parts of copula panel 50 of Figures 5 and 6 corresponding to those of copula panel 10 of Figures 1 and 2 have the same reference numeral, plus 40. However, the essential difference is that one of flanges 58c is formed, or turned, so as to project in the plane of its side 56c away from main body 52. As a consequence that one flange 58c is obscured in Figure 5, but seen clearly in Figure 6. The same difference applies in copula panel 7 of Figures 7 and 8 in that one flange 58c is formed, or turned, so as to extend rearwardly, rather than laterally outwardly. [0034] Figures 7 and 8 show a copula panel 60 of the second form, although differing in dimensional proportions from copula panel 30 of Figures 3 and 4. However, like copula panel 30, copula panel 60 has a rebated upper end and corresponding parts have the same reference numeral as for copula panel 30, plus 30. With copula panel 60, the width of body 62 between side walls 68c is less than the spacing between side walls 68a and 68b compared to copula panel 30 such that the spacing between the pairs of channels 64 is less than the spacing between channels 34 of copula panel 30. Again, the rebated upper end produces a shoulder 67 spaced rearwardly of, but substantially parallel with, the front surface 62a of body 62. SPCN-966543 8 [0035] In Figures 1, 3 and 5, score lines S are shown as extending diagonally across upper wall 16a, 36a and 56a, and as extending laterally across flange 18a, 36a and 56a in directions perpendicular to the wall 16a, 36a and 56a. In extending across the walls 16a, 36a and 56a, the lines diverge symmetrically from a location at the upper edge of main body 12, 32, 52 at an included angle e between the lines S of substantially 900. Similarly divergent lines S' are shown in Figures 4 and 6 as extending across the lower wall 36b and 56b, with lines S' in line with lines S. Lines S' also are provided in the wall 16b of copula panel 10 of Figures 1 and 2, but they are not apparent in Figure 2. The arrangement is such that each of the copula panels 10, 30 and 50 is able to be cut along the score lines to enable the metal between lines S, and also that between lines S', to be removed. The main body 12, 32 and 52 of each of copula panels 10, 30 and 50 then is able to be bent rearwardly along the fold line L in each case, to form a copula panel able to be used at the corner of a building. [0036] Figures 9 to 11 illustrate a copula panel 90, similar to that of 3 and 4 and that of Figures 7 and 8, but with a wider main body 92 between side walls 96c relative to its length between upper and lower walls 96a, 96b. Figures 9 to 11 show spaces C and C' resulting from the cutting out of metal between lines S and S', respectively. Figure 9 also shows a line L at which body 92 is able to be bent so copula panel 90 can be positioned at a building corner. Figures 12 and 13 show respective copula panels 110 and 130 after such bending so that the portions to each side of line L are at right angles, and the edges formed by removing the cut-outs meeting in the manner of a 450 mitre joint. The arrangement shown in Figure 12 is bent from a rebated copula panel, while the corner shown in Figure 13 is produced from an unrebated copula panel. [0037] Figures 14 and 15 show a partial wall structure 150 from the outside and inside, respectively. The structure 150 includes an array of posts 151 of top hat cross section with cladding 153 mounted on the posts 151. As seen from the external view of Figure 14, the cladding comprises cladding panels 155 of various lengths, and cladding copula panels 157. However, that copula panels 157 are evident in Figure 14 is due to the cladding being only partially completed in each of the three rows depicted. SPCN-966543 9 [0038] As seen from the internal view of Figure 15, the posts 151 extend upwardly from flooring or other base 159 in or on which they are secured by means not shown. Also, the copula panels 157 are captured between the posts 151 and the cladding panels 155. One copula panel 157 shown in Figure 14 to the right of the corner, and each copula panel shown in Figure 14 to the left of the corner, is yet to be covered by cladding panels. The cladding panels 155 are secured to posts 151 by fasteners (not shown) applied through an upper edge margin of each panel 155, with the lower edge margin of each panel 155 inter-engaged with an upper edge margin of a cladding panel 155 of the preceding lower row. The inter-engagement preferably conceals the fastening. The copula panels 157 may be retained by the cladding panels 155 although, depending on their position relative to successive posts 151, they may be retained by at least one fastener which retains the cladding panel. In the latter case, the at least one fastening may pass through the upper edge margin of a panel 155 and then through the upper flange of the copula panel. Additionally or alternatively, the copula panel 157 may be secured to the cladding panel at a convenient location, such as by means of a pop-rivet, or a copula panel may be secured to a post by a first fastener, after which a cladding panel placed over the copula panel is secured by a further fastener [0039] Figure 16 is a sectional view through the wall structure 150 of Figures 14 and 15, taken through a post 151. The structure 150 in Figure 16 shows the inter engagement between unrebated copula panels 157 in accordance with the invention and cladding panels 155 in accordance with Figures 1 and 2 of the above-mentioned co-pending application AU2011903040. The arrangement shown is a sectional view taken on a plane through the main body 159 of the copula panels, and perpendicular to the upper and lower walls 163a and 163b, respectively. The arrangement illustrates inter-engagement between a copula panel 157 and a cladding panel 155 of a lower row R and a copula panel 157 and panel 155 of an upper row R'. [0040] Each cladding panel 155 has an elongate body 171 of uniform width and of a chosen respective length along the one of rows R or R' in which it is positioned. The body 171 has substantially planar front and rear surfaces. At opposite sides of the body 171, the panel 155 has respective side margins 173 and 175. The margin 173 extends laterally outwardly from body 171. Margin 173 is configured to define a forwardly open channel 173a and a laterally outwardly extending shelf 173b. The SPCN-966543 10 channel 173a has a first side wall 173c which extends rearwardly from the edge of body 171, such that the base 173d of the channel 173a is set back rearwardly from body 171. Channel 173a has a second side wall 173d which is narrower than wall 173c. Thus shelf 173b which extends from the forward edge of wall 173d also is set back from body 171, but to a lesser extent than base 173d. [0041] The shelf 173b extends so as to be generally parallel to body 171 and/or base 173d of channel 173a. However, a groove 173e extends along shelf 173b to provide strengthening. At the edge of shelf 173b remote from channel 173a, margin 173 is turned to provide a hook formation 173f which, along the length of shelf 173b, curves to extend under shelf 173b towards base 173d of channel 173a at an acute angle to shelf 173b. The base 173d of channel 173a also has a longitudinal groove 173g. As with groove 173e of shelf 173e, groove 173g provides strengthening. However it also assists with the application of fasteners. [0042] The second side margin 175 of panel 155 includes a spacer strip 175a which extends rearwardly from the side edge of body 171. Margin 175 also includes a support flange 175b which extends inwardly from the rear edge of strip 175a so as to be spaced from and substantially parallel to rear surface of body 171. From the inner edge of flange 175b, margin 175 includes a hook formation 175c which curves rearwardly and outwardly from, and at an acute angle to, the flange 175b. An outermost edge strip 175d of formation 175c is turned back within a channel 175d defined by flange 175b and formation 175c, towards the junction between flange 175b and formation 175c. [0043] Figure 16 shows engagement between the panels 155 of successive rows R and R' which form part of cladding applied over the surface of a support structure provided by posts 151. [0044] As described in application AU2011903040 each panel 155 of row R' is secured to posts 151 by fasteners through its margin 173, specifically at groove 173e extending along the base 173d of channel 173a. However, this is arranged after the margin 175 of the panel of row R' is inter-engaged with the margin 173 of a panel 155 of the row R. This inter-engagement is achieved by positioning the spacer strip 175a of the upper panel 155 on the side wall 173c of the lower panel, with the body 171 of SPCN-966543 11 the upper and lower panelsl55 substantially co-planar. For this, the junction between and along the shelf 173b and hook formation 173f of the lower panel 155 is located in the space between the flange 175b and the hook formation 175c of the upper panel 155. Thus, a panel 155 with its lower margin 175 so inter-engaged, and its upper margin 173 secured to posts 151, is unable to be drawn outwardly. Also, bowing of the body 171 of secured panels 155, under prevailing wind forces, results in locking engagement between the hook formation 173f and 175c. [0045] At the end of a panel 155, such as at a corner, or at a junction between longitudinally successive panels 155 of a row thereof, a copula panel 157 is positioned between the panel(s) and at least one post 151. The overlap between the end of a panel of a row and the longitudinal extent of the panel may be relatively minor. However, it is substantial in terms of being sufficient to provide protection against water passing behind the end of the cladding pane. The overlap may for example be of the order of the dimension of the body of the panel between the margins 173 and 175. Thus, for a panel of, for example, 240 mm between those margins, the overlap may be from about 120 to 240 mm in extent. [0046] A copula panel 151 may be positioned between a panel 155 and a post 151 in a number of ways. The lower flange 165b of the copula panel 157 is spaced from the main body 159 such that the lower extent of the copula panel 157 is neatly received between the support flange 175b and the body 171 of the second side margin 175 of its panel 155. This preferably brings the side wall 163b of the copula panel 157 into abutting relation with the spacer strip 175a of the panel and brings the upper flange 165a of the copula panel 157 into overlapping relationship with the margin 173 of the panel 155 and against the base 173d of channel 173a of that margin 173. Thus, a fastener applied through base 173d is able to secure both the panel 155 and the copula panel to a post 151. [0047] Like Figure 16, Figure 17 shows a vertical sectional view through a wall structure 150' similar to that of Figures 14 and 15. In Figures 17 and 18, a post 151 has not been shown. Also, in this instance, the structure 150' shows inter engagement between rebated copula panels 157 in accordance with the present invention and rebated cladding panels 155 of Figures 3 and 4 of co-pending application AU2011903040. The arrangement generally will be understood from SPCN-966543 12 description in relation to Figure 16. For east of description, the same reference numerals are used, while description is limited to features of difference resulting from the rebated form of copula panel 157 and panel 155. [0048] As can be appreciated, Figure 17 shows the structure 150' from the front, as for structure 150 of Figure 16, while Figure 18 shows structure 150' from the rear. A first principal difference is that in each cladding panel 155, the wall 173c of the first margin 173 is stepped to provide the rebating. Thus, there is a ledge or tread 173h defined by wall 173c, between a forward section or riser 173i and a rearward section or riser 173j of wall 173c. In the arrangement shown, the forward section or riser 173i is narrower than the spacer strip 175a of the second margin 16 such that, with the margins 173 and 175 of successive panels inter-engaged, the spacer strip 175a abuts or is closely adjacent to the rearward section or riser 173j of wall 173c. Again, the channel 173a of the first margin 173 is covered to provide concealed fastening. [0049] By appropriately adjusting the width of support flange 175b of the second margin 175 and the relative widths of spacer strip 175a of the margin 175 and the wall sections or risers 173i, 173j of the margin 173, the spacer strip 175a can be in contact with or closely adjacent to, the forward section or riser 173i. In that case, the support flange 175b may be spaced from the ledge or tread 173h, to enable a seal to be provided therebetween, or support flange 175b may bear against each of shelf 173b and the ledge or tread 173h. [0050] A second principal difference complements the first. Thus, the side wall 163a of each copula panel 157 is stepped to define a ledge or tread 174a spaced from the body 159 of the space by a first section or riser 175b, and from upper flange 165a by second section or riser 174c. The lateral widths of ledge or tread 174a and each of the sections or risers 174b and 174c are such that the stepped wall 163a is able to nest against stepped wall 173c of a panel 155, to locate the flange across the base 173d of the first margin 173 of that panel 155. [0051] The lines 5 and 8 referred to in some embodiments are designated as score lines. This indicates that the lines are made by scratching, grooving or notching. However, the lines may simply be shown by ink or paint. Also, they may simply designate notional lines at which a suitable tool is able to cut for removal of the metal SPCN-966543 13 between the lines. Also, while the indication is of removal of a triangular shape to provide abutting edges when the copula panel is bent to fit at a corner, the removed metal can be of other configurations to suit particular building structures. [0052] While the copula panels are described as providing a link between adjacent ends of successive cladding panels of a row, the copula panels also can be used at an end of a row of cladding panels. Whether that end of a row is at a corner of a building structure, or on a wall spaced from a corner, a copula panel can, with benefit, be provided fully behind an end section of the cladding panel. The copula panel is able to provide a weather sealing termination at the end edge of the cladding panel in restricting the extent to which rain can be driven by wind behind that end edge. Also, the channels of the copula panel are able to limit the extent of ingress of water behind the cladding panel and to provide controlled drainage of that water. [0053] In a variant of the arrangement in which a copula panel is provided fully behind an end section of the cladding panel, co-operating copula panels can provide a recessed joint between two slightly spaced successive cladding panels of the same row. Thus, with a copula panel 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, each of two copula panels 10 can be provided substantially fully behind each of two slightly spaced successive cladding panels. The slight spacing may be substantially the same as the width of the flanges 18c of the copula panels 10. A flange 18c of each copula panel may project beyond its cladding panel, with the flanges 18c of the successive copula panels 10 overlapping and providing the recessed joint between the cladding panels. [0054] An alternative form of recessed joint is enabled by a single copula panel. One suitable arrangement for this is shown by copula panel 230 of Figure 19. Insofar as copula panel 230 is similar to copula panel 30 of Figures 3 and 4, its structure generally will be understood. Parts corresponding to those of copula panel 30 have the same reference numeral plus 200, although description is limited to features by which copula panel 230 differs. [0055] The principle difference is in the provision of a stepped recess 280 which is substantially parallel to and located between the two pairs of channels 234. While recess 280 is somewhat centrally located, as is preferred, this need not be the case. SPCN-966543 14 However, the arrangement is such that each of two slightly spaced cladding panels of the same row can overlie one part of copula panel 230, up to an edge of recess 280. [0056] Copula panel 20 shows a junction line 282 in edgewise adjacent parts of upper wall 236a and of flange 238a. While not visible, a similar junction line is present in lower wall 236b and its flange 238b. The junctions represented by the line 282 result from punching away material at the top, and similarly at the bottom, of copula panel 230, prior to formation to stepped recess 280. In the course of forming recess 280, edges resulting from material being punched out are able to be drawn into abutting relationship to provide junction lines 282. Any gap at lines 282 can be sealed by suitable means, if necessary. [0057] Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future applications. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions. SPCN-966543

Claims (22)

1. A cladding panel component suitable for functioning as a copula or link for or between cladding panels for a building structure, wherein the copula panel has a main body having oppositely facing front and rear main surfaces and a respective side wall at each of a first pair of opposite sides of the main body, and wherein the copula panel is adapted at each of the side walls for co-operation with a respective side margin of a cladding panel to enable the copula panel to be accommodated in overlapping relation between the cladding panel and the building structure when the cladding panel is secured to the building structure.

2. The copula panel according to claim 1, further including a respective side wall at each of a second pair of opposite sides of the main body.

3. The copula panel according to claim 2, wherein the side walls of the second pair of sides are parallel and extend between the side walls of the first pair of sides.

4. The copula panel according to claim 3, wherein the side walls of the first pair are parallel and the main body is rectangular.

5. The copula panel according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at an edge spaced from the main body, the copula panel has a respective flange extending from each side wall of the second pair and at least one side wall of the first pair.

6. The copula panel according to claim 5, wherein the flange of each side wall of the second pair and the one side wall of the first pair extends outwardly with respect to the main body.

7. The copula panel according to claim 6, wherein at an edge spaced from main body, the copula panel has a flange which extends inwardly with respect to the main body from the other side wall of the first pair. SPCN-966543 16

8. The copula panel according to claim 7, wherein the flanges of the side walls of the second pair and the flange of the other side wall of the first pair are substantially co-planar and spaced rearwardly of the rear surface of the main body.

9. The copula panel according to claim 8, wherein the flange of the one side wall of the first pair extends in a plane parallel with the other flanges but at a greater spacing rearwardly of the rear surface of the main body.

10. The copula panel according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at an edge spaced from the main body, the copula panel has a respective flange extending from one side wall of the second pair and from at least one side wall of the first pair, with the other side wall of the second pair being of greater width than the one side wall of the second pair.

11. The copula panel according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein each side wall extends rearwardly from the main body, such as substantially normal to the main body.

12. The copula panel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the copula panel is formed from plastics or metal sheet material.

13. The copula panel according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the main body defines at least one drainage channel which extends between the side walls of the first pair and which opens to the front face of the main body.

14. The copula panel according to claim 13, wherein there is a respective said channel located adjacent to each side wall of the second pair.

15. The copula panel according to claim 13, wherein there is a respective pair of laterally adjacent said channels located adjacent to each side wall of the second pair.

16. The copula panel according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the other side wall of the first pair defines a groove or successive grooves which assist in directing water received along the or each channel. SPCN-966543 17

17. The copula panel according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the one side wall of the first pair is stepped to define a shoulder spaced rearwardly of, but substantially parallel with, the main body.

18. The copula panel according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each side wall of the first pair and its flange is scored to facilitate cutting for removal of a section of the copula panel and bending of the copula panel along a fold line extending between the side walls of the first pair to a form able to be positioned at a corner of the building structure.

19. The copula panel according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a stepped recess is formed in the main body and extends between the side walls of the first pair, whereby the copula panel is adapted to provide a recessed joint between slightly spaced cladding panels of a row.

20. Cladding for a building structure comprising cladding panels and, co-operable with the cladding panels, cladding copula panels according to any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the panels are able to be secured to the structure in successive horizontal rows, with each copula panel able to fit between an end section of at least one panel and the structure in a manner at least reducing the ingress of rain water behind the end section of the panel.

21. Cladding according to claim 20, wherein the cladding panels are in accordance with patent specification AU2011903040.

22. Cladding according to claim 21, wherein the panels are in accordance with Figures 1 and 2 or with Figures 3 and 4 of specification AU2011903040. SPCN-966543