AU2016102457A4

AU2016102457A4 - Attachment arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2016102457A4
Application number: AU2016102457A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brian Ronald Fawkes
Original assignee: Austral Plywoods Pty Ltd; Roomtmove Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Austral Plywoods Pty Ltd; Roomtmove Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-19
Filing date: 2016-01-19
Publication date: 2021-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2024-01-19
Also published as: AU2016200303A1

Abstract

Described is an attachment arrangement for attaching a cladding sheet to a building element, such as a wall or a ceiling of a building. The attachment arrangement comprises a cladding sheet; a groove provided in the cladding sheet; and an elongated joining strip comprising a longitudinal central portion and a longitudinal rib extending from the central portion, the central portion having an abutment face that is adapted to abut against the building element, and wherein the rib is distal to the abutment face. The rib is insertable into the groove and the central portion is joinable to the building element, thereby to attach the cladding sheet to the building element. Also described is an elongated joining strip for use in the attachment arrangement. 1/3 Figure 1 32 40 -4- 38 36 10 S34 20 24 14-- 18 22 12 36 38 52 40 54 -- 52 54 56 Np 28 1 42 544 30 Figure 2 36 38 18 58 22 1 20 f58 12 38B 36 \- N,'e s 50 1 41 14 584 0 4 4 4 B1

Description

1/3 Figure 1 32 40 -4- 38 36 10 S34 20 24 14-- 18 22 36 12 38 52 40

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AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original)

APPLICATION NO: LODGED: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED: ACCEPTED: PUBLISHED: RELATED ART:

NAME OF APPLICANTS: Roomtmove Pty Ltd Austral Plywoods Pty Ltd

ACTUALINVENTOR: Brian Ronald Fawkes

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: LORD AND COMPANY, Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, of PO Box 530, West Perth, Western Australia, 6872, AUSTRALIA.

INVENTION TITLE: "ATTACHMENT ARRANGEMENT" DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NO'S:

Australian Provisional Patent Application Number 2015900143 filed on 19 January 2015

The following Statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me/us:

TITLE ATTACHMENT ARRANGEMENT FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment arrangement.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to an attachment arrangement for discretely joining cladding material to a building structure, e.g. a wall or ceiling.

BACKGROUNDART

[0003] Building walls or ceilings are often covered with siding or other cladding material to form a protective or decorative layer on the wall or ceiling. The cladding material is normally provided in the form of sheets or boards that are fixed horizontally or vertically to the supporting brickwork and arranged to overlap or to interlock with each other, e.g. in a tongue-and-groove formation. It is always considered a challenge to find a cladding material that is not architecturally bland.

[0004] One type of cladding that has been considered to be suitably attractive in recent times is in the form of parallel spaced apart battens. The spacing between the battens creates a shadow effect which adds a three dimensional texture to the cladding that improves its aesthetic appeal. However, installing individual battens is time consuming as it requires great care and accuracy to ensure the battens are all substantially straight and that they are fixed parallel to each other. Any warped or skew installed battens will greatly detract from the aesthetic appeal of the cladding.

[0005] It is known to provide such battens in a sheet form, wherein a number of battens are pre-attached to a support backing and then the support backing is attached to the building wall or ceiling. Often, however, the attaching means is visible in the sheet. Also, sometimes the border between adjacent sheets can be seen and is not disguised to blend in with the batten pattern.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide an attachment arrangement, which will at least in part assist in overcoming these problems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment arrangement for attaching a cladding sheet to a building element, such as a wall or a ceiling of a building, the attachment arrangement comprising: a cladding sheet; a groove provided in the cladding sheet; and an elongated joining strip comprising a longitudinal central portion and a longitudinal rib extending from the central portion, the central portion having an abutment face that is adapted to abut against the building element, and wherein the rib is distal to the abutment face; wherein the rib is insertable into the groove and the central portion is joinable to the building element, thereby to attach the cladding sheet to the building element.

[0008] The cladding sheet may comprise a front face, a back face and a peripheral lateral face, and the groove is provided in the lateral face.

[0009] The cladding sheet may comprise a back flange formed between the back face and the groove, and a front flange formed between the front face and the groove.

[0010] The back flange may be adapted to be secured between the rib and the building element.

[0011] The groove and rib may comprise complementary rectangular cross-sections.

[0012] Thejoining strip may comprise two longitudinal ribs extending from opposed sides of the central portion.

[0013] The joining strip may be substantially T-shaped in cross-section.

[0014] The joining strip may comprise an outer face opposed to the abutment face, the outer face having at least one guideline provided thereon.

[0015] The, or each, guideline may be etched into the outer face.

[0016] The guideline may demark a longitudinal centreline of the central portion to indicate a drilling position for attaching the joining strip to the building element.

[0017] The guideline may demark an alignment line being offset from the longitudinal centreline, along which alignment line the cladding sheet is to be aligned.

[0018] The attachment arrangement may include a spacing member, which is removably locatable against the joining strip to assist with aligning the cladding sheet relative to the joining strip.

[0019] The spacing member may comprise a cylindrical shaft having a foot projecting therefrom at one end, wherein a width of the foot is less than a diameter of the shaft.

[0020] The foot, in use, may be adapted to be inserted into the groove and held between the cladding sheet and thejoining strip, thereby holding the spacing member in place against the joining strip.

[0021] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elongated joining strip for use in an attachment arrangement to attach a cladding sheet to a building element, such as a wall or a ceiling of a building, the joining strip comprising: a longitudinal central portion having an abutment face that is adapted to abut against the building element; and a longitudinal rib extending from the central portion; wherein the rib is distal to the abutment face.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an attachment arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an assembled end view of the attachment arrangement of Figure 1 shown in position during installation on a building element; Figure 3 is a front view of the attachment arrangement after installation; Figure 4 is a sectional end view seen along arrows IV-IV in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a joining strip for use in the attachment arrangement of Figures 1 to 4; and Figure 6 is an end view of the attachment arrangement of Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0023] Referring to Figures 1 through 4, there is shown an attachment arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, being generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The attachment arrangement 10 includes a joining strip 12 for joining cladding sheets 14, 16 to a building element 50, such as a wall or ceiling of a building.

[0024] The joining strip 12 is elongated substantially T-shaped in cross-section, having a longitudinal central portion 18 from which extend two longitudinal ribs 20, 22. However, in alternative embodiments, thejoiningstrip 12 canbeprovided with onlyone of the longitudinal ribs 20, 22. The joining strip 12 has an abutment face 24 that is adapted to abut against the building element, when thejoining strip 12 is attached thereto in use. Opposed to the abutment face is an outer face 26 that can extend flush fully across the ribs 20, 22 as shown in the Figures 1 to 6.

[0025] The cladding sheets 14, 16 are similar to each other and thus like parts will be indicated with like reference numerals. The cladding sheets 14, 16 have a front face 30, a back face 32 and a peripheral lateral face 34. A groove 36 is formed in the lateral face 34. The groove 36 can extend fully around the cladding sheets 14,16 or, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the groove 36 can be provided along only opposed edges thereof The groove 36 results in the formation of a back flange 38 between the back face 32 and the groove 36, and also in a front flange 40 between the front face 30 and the groove 36.

[0026] The groove 36 and ribs 20, 22 may have complementary rectangular cross sections whereby the rib 20 can be inserted into a relatively snug fit within the groove 36 of the cladding sheet 14, and the rib 22 can be inserted into a relatively snug fit within the groove 36 of the cladding sheet 16.

[0027] The cladding sheets 14, 16 and the joining strip 12 can have any desired length. Similarly, the cladding sheets 14, 16 can have any desired width.

[0028] Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, the outer face 26 may optionally have a number of guidelines 28 provided thereon that extend longitudinally along the joining strip 12. The guidelines 28 can be drawn or embossed onto the outer face 26, but preferably the guidelines 28 would be etched into the outer face 26. All the guidelines 28 are parallel to each other. One guideline 28 may demark a longitudinal centerline 28.1 of the central portion 18 to indicate a drilling position at which, in use, a hole can be drilled for attaching the joining strip 12 to the building element. On either side of the centerline 28.1 there may be offset alignment lines 28.2, in use for correctly spacing the cladding sheets 14, 16 away from the centerline 28.1.

[0029] Alternatively, outer face 26 can be raised to protrude beyond the ribs 20, 22.

[0030] The attachment arrangement 10 may include a spacing member 42, which is removably locatable against the joining strip 12 to assist with the alignment of the cladding sheets 14, 16 relative to thejoining strip 12. The spacing member 42 comprises a cylindrical shaft 44 having a foot 46 projecting from one end thereof, wherein a width of the foot 46 is less than a diameter of the shaft 44. A handle 48 extends from the shaft 44 at an end thereof opposed to the foot 46.

[00311 In use, the attachment arrangement 10 is utilised for attaching the cladding sheets 14, 16 to a building element 50, such as a wall or ceiling, shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0032] As a first step, when starting along an edge of a building element 50 that is to be cladded, thejoining strip 12 is trimmed to cut off one rib 20, optionally along one of the alignment lines 28.2 to allow the central portion 18 to be placed flush against the building element 50 edge. The requisite number of holes 52 are drilled through the joining strip 12 to receive screws 54 for fixing the joining strip 12 to the building element 50. The holes 52 are countersunk so that the heads of the screw 54 can be received within thejoining strip 12 and subsequently covered overbyplugs 56 tohidetheholes 52 and the screws 54 from view. Alternatively, screws comprising head with a similar aesthetic to the outer face 26 of thejoining strip 12 maybe used, removingthe necessity for plugs 56.

[0033] Thereafter a first cladding sheet 14 is joined to the trimmed joining strip 12 by locating its groove 36 over the remaining rib 22. In such manner, by further tightening the screws 54, the back flange 38 is caught and secured between the rib 22 and the building element 50.

[0034] In a second step (as is represented in the drawings), a furtherjoining strip 12 is joined to the cladding sheet 14 by inserting its rib 20 into the groove 36 optionally to a depth bringing the front flange 40 into alignment with the alignment line 28.2 along the rib 20, at which point the joining strip 12 is again secured to the building element 50 by suitable screws 54. Thereafter the cladding sheet 16 is joined to the joining strip 12 by locating its groove 36 over the rib 22 and optionally aligning the lateral face 34 with the alignment line 28.2 along the rib 22.

[0035] It is to be understood that the second step can be repeated as often as necessary to join further joining strips 12 and cladding sheets 16 to the building element 50 until the entire desired surface area of the building element 50 is covered.

[0036] One or more spacing members 42 can be used during the repetitive second steps to assist with the speedier alignment of the cladding sheet 16. In such case, the spacing member 42 is placed against thejoining strip 12 and its foot 46 inserted between the rib 20 and the front flange 40, so the shaft 44 abuts against the front flange 40 of the cladding sheet 14. The foot 46 is held in place by a light friction fit so that a user need not hold the spacing member 42 while collecting a further cladding sheet 16. The cladding sheet 16 can then be joined in normal manner and correctly aligned by simply bringing its front flange 40 into abutment with the shaft 44. Thereafter the spacing member 42 can be removed by rotating it around the shaft 44 until the foot 46 exits from the groove 36 and the foot 46 is positioned between the two cladding sheets 14, 16, permitting removal of the spacing member 42 from between the cladding sheets 14, 16.

[0037] The joining strip 12 can be painted in a dark colour, e.g. black, thereby providing a shadow effect between the cladding sheets 14,16. The black colour may also assist in obscuring the guidelines 28 and plugs 56 from normal view.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the cladding sheets 14, 16 are held in place against thebuilding element 50 by clamping their back flanges 38 between theribs 20,22 and the building element 50. This allows for the provision of lateral expansion gaps 58 between the back flanges 38 and the central portion 18 and also within the grooves 36 between the ribs 20, 22 and the lateral face 34. By providing additional spaced apart alignment lines 28.2 the size of the desired expansion gap 58 can be increased or decreased.

[0039] The attachment arrangement 10 can be easily adapted for use along an interior or exterior corner of the building element. Along an interior corner, the use is as described above with the joining strip 12 being trimmed. However, for an exterior corner, the joining strip 12 must be adapted so that the ribs 20, 22 do not project linearly away from each other, but are angled perpendicularly to each other.

[0040] Other embodiment attachment arrangements 10 are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. For instance, while the examples herewith show the use of screws 54 for fixing the joining strip 12 to the building element 50, other suitable means for fixing the joining strip 12, such as through the use of adhesives or nails, for example, are envisioned. Additionally, as mentioned above, one or more guidelines 28 may be provided on the outer face 26 of the joining strip 12. Accordingly, it is

contemplated that the outer face 26 may be provided without guidelines 28, thereby resulting in a more aesthetic finish to the attachment arrangement 10.

[00411 Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An attachment arrangement for attaching a cladding sheet to a building element, such as a wall or a ceiling of a building, the attachment arrangement comprising: a cladding sheet; a groove provided in the cladding sheet; and an elongated joining strip comprising a longitudinal central portion and a longitudinal rib extending from the central portion, the central portion having an abutment face that is adapted to abut against the building element, and wherein the rib is distal to the abutment face; wherein the rib is insertable into the groove and the central portion is joinable to the building element, thereby to attach the cladding sheet to the building element.

2. An attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the cladding sheet comprises a front face, a back face and a peripheral lateral face, and the groove is provided in the lateral face.

3. An attachment arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the cladding sheet comprises a back flange formed between the back face and the groove, and a front flange formed between the front face and the groove.

4. An attachment arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the back flange is adapted to be secured between the rib and the building element.

5. An attachment arrangement according to any one of claims I to 4, wherein the groove and rib comprise complementary rectangular cross-sections.

6. An attachment arrangement according to any one of claims I to 5, wherein the joining strip comprises two longitudinal ribs extending from opposed sides ofthe central portion.

7. An attachment arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the joining strip is substantially T-shaped in cross-section.

8. An attachment arrangement according to any one of claims I to 7, wherein the joining strip comprises an outer face opposed to the abutment face, the outer face having at least one guideline provided thereon.

9. An attachment arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the, or each, guideline is etched into the outer face.

10. An attachment arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the guideline demarks a longitudinal centreline of the central portion to indicate a drilling position for attaching the joining strip to the building element.

11. An attachment arrangement according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the guideline demarks an alignment line being offset from the longitudinal centreline, along which alignment line the cladding sheet is to be aligned.

12. An attachment arrangement according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the attachment arrangement includes a spacing member, which is removably locatable against the joining strip to assist with aligning the cladding sheet relative to the joining strip.

13. An attachment arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the spacing member comprises a cylindrical shaft having a foot projecting therefrom at one end, wherein a width of the foot is less than a diameter of the shaft.

14. An attachment arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the foot, in use, is adapted to be inserted into the groove and held between the cladding sheet and thejoining strip, thereby holding the spacing member in place against the joining strip.

15. An elongated joining strip for use inan attachment arrangement to attach a cladding sheet to a building element, such as a wall or a ceiling of a building, the joining strip comprising: a longitudinal central portion having an abutment face that is adapted to abut against the building element; and a longitudinal rib extending from the central portion; wherein the rib is distal to the abutment face.

2016102457 19 Jan 2016