AU2016238920A1 - A Panel Securing System - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A panel securing system for securedly fastening at least one panel to a support structure, the panel securing system comprising the steps: fastening at least two top hats to a support structure; connecting a plurality of fixing members to a panel, comprising inserting a first portion of each fixing member into an edge of the panel; fastening the fixing members to the at least two top hats, comprising fastening a second portion of each fixing member to a top hat with a fastener; and adhering the panel to the at least two top hats. Figure 5 Figure 5 b 2 I 44 tr~s

Description

1 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 A panel securing system Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a panel securing system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for securing panels to existing support structures including masonry or steel framework.

Background Art [0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] A facade can be created by securing a series of panels to an existing support structure, for example, the wall, ceiling, or steel framework of a building. A common existing method of securing panels to such a structure involves drilling holes through each panel into the support structure, and then inserting a fastener into the hole to fix the panel to the support structure. The most commonly used fastener is a screw-type fastener.

[0004] A disadvantage of this method of fixing panels to support structures is the resulting drilled holes which detract from the overall appearance of the newly created facade. While these holes are commonly filled with a variety of different available filler products (for example, amongst others, patching, spackling or putty compounds), excess filler sanded back to the level of the panel, and the panel painted over to hide the filled holes, this process requires additional time which increases the associated costs in using this method.

[0005] An aim of the present invention is therefore to provide an alternative panel securing system which eliminates the need to drill holes through panels when securing the panels to an existing support structure. 2 2016238920 06 Oct 2016

Summary of the Invention [0006] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a panel securing system for securedly fastening at least one panel to a support structure, the panel securing system comprising the steps: fastening at least two top hats to a support structure; connecting a plurality of fixing members to a panel, comprising inserting a first portion of each fixing member into an edge of the panel; fastening the fixing members to the at least two top hats, comprising fastening a second portion of each fixing member to a top hat with a fastener; and adhering the panel to the at least two top hats.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the fixing member is inserted into a cavity in the edge of a panel. Preferably, the cavity comprises a hole or slot. The cavity is preferably approximately 5 mm to 100 mm wide measured along the length of the panel edge. More preferably, the cavity is preferably approximately 5 mm to 50 mm wide. More preferably, the cavity is preferably approximately 5 mm to 30 mm wide. Even more preferably, the cavity is preferably approximately 10 mm to 15 mm wide.

[0008] The first portion of the fixing member is preferably substantially planar which can enter and be housed in the cavity. The substantially planar first portion is preferably approximately 8 mm wide. The cavity is preferably wider than the substantially planar fixing member which enables movement of the panel if the panel is of a larger than expected size, or if the panel is not ‘square’. In an alternative embodiment, a cavity can house more than one fixing member. It is important that the cavities in the edge of a panel are not too wide or include many cavities close together which weakens the border of the panel resulting in breakages of panel edges when storing, moving and securing panels.

[0009] Cavities may be formed in the edge of a panel by a variety of means known in the art. In one embodiment, a cavity comprising a slot is formed using a biscuit (or 3 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 plate) joiner. Cavities may be sealed with sealants known in the art to prevent moisture entering panels, for example, fibre cement or wood panels. Panels may comprise a variety of materials known in the art for use in forming a facade on a support structure to create, for example, a wall or ceiling surface, amongst other examples.

[0010] The fixing member is fastened to the top hat with a screw-type fastener in a preferred embodiment of the invention. The screw-type fastener is preferably screwed through both the second portion of the fixing member and the top hat. Preferably, the second portion of the fixing member comprises an aperture or hole for the screw-type fastener to be screwed through. The screw type fastener may comprise a variety of different screw-type fasteners known in the art. The screw-type fastener is preferably a screw.

[0011] For the purposes of describing the invention, the term ‘top hat’ has been used. However, a ‘top hat’ may also include a ‘batten’ or another similarly shaped elongate channel member to the top hat described herein for securing a panel to a support structure.

[0012] The fixing member may be formed from a variety of materials which could support the fastening of a panel to a top hat. Preferably, the fixing member comprises a metal or plastic. More preferably, the fixing member is constructed from sheet metal.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fixing member comprises a Z-bend configuration, comprising two substantially parallel ends and wherein the first portion and the second portion each comprise one end. Preferably, the ends are connected by a transverse portion which is arranged to extend transversely to the two ends therein creating the Z-bend configuration. This embodiment of the fixing member may be used to securedly fasten one panel to a top hat.

[0014] In another embodiment, the fixing member comprises a convex-bend configuration, comprising two ends on substantially the same plane and a middle section substantially parallel to the ends, wherein each end comprises a first portion for inserting into the edge of a panel, and the middle section comprises the second portion for fastening to a top hat. Preferably, the middle section is connected to the 4 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 two ends by two transverse portions arranged to extend transversely to the two ends. This embodiment of the fixing member may be used to securedly fasten two adjacent panels to a top hat by aligning a plurality of these fixing members along the adjacent edges of two panels. If a gap exists between the two adjacent panels fastened to a top hat, the gap can be filled with adhesives, corking or sealants as is known in the art and is described herein.

[0015] The number of fixing members connected to a panel will vary depending on the support a panel requires to maintain it fastened in place to the support structure, particularly while the adhesive is curing. That is, a ‘plurality’ of fixing members refers to at least two fixing members. If the support structure is a wall of a building, in one example, a larger number of fixing members may be required to support a panel fastened vertically to the wall in the bottom edge and side edges of the panel when compared with the number of fixing members required in the top edge of the panel. If the support structure is, for example a ceiling or horizontal structure, a more even distribution of fixing members may be used to connect with the edges of a panel to be fixed to the horizontal support structure. In one embodiment, at least one fixing member is preferably connected to a panel toward the middle of each edge to assist to reduce the ‘cupping out’ of a panel before the adhesive cures.

[0016] A support structure may comprise a variety of forms. In some non-limiting examples, support structures may comprise walls inside or outside of a building or structure, or horizontal or raked ceilings, amongst others.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the top hat comprises an elongate channel member having a pair of spaced apart side walls that are connected at a first end by a middle portion comprising substantially planar steps, and flanges extend laterally from a second end of the side walls, the flanges being adapted for fastening to the support structure. The length of the elongate channel member of the top hat may be a variety of lengths. The elongate channel member of the top hat may be selected according to the length of panels to be secured and/or the support structure to be secured to. Preferably, the length of the elongate channel member of the top hat is approximately 6 m or approximately 7.5 m which are common top hat lengths used and known in the art. The ends of the top hat are fastened to the support structure using fastening means known in the art. Preferably, the ends of the top hat are 5 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 fastened to the support structure using screw-type fasteners, including, in one nonlimiting example, screws. The top hat is preferably constructed from sheet metal, for example, bent sheet metal. Top hats may extend the length of the edges of panels or longer.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the top hat comprises an elongate channel member having a pair of spaced apart side walls that are connected at a first end by a middle portion preferably comprising a substantially planar surface, and flanges extend laterally from a second end of the side walls, the flanges being adapted for fastening to the support structure. The planar middle portion of the top hat of this alternative embodiment therefore does not comprise the planar steps of the top hat of the preferred embodiment.

[0019] In the alternative embodiment, the fixing member is fastened to the top hat through a plate member. Preferably, a screw type fastener fastens the fixing member to the plate member to the top hat. Alternatively, the fixing member is fastened to the plate member, and the plate member is fastened to the top hat by different fastening means. In another embodiment, the plate member and fixing member comprise a single part that may be formed, for example, in a mold. The plate member may comprise a variety of different sizes and thicknesses. Preferably, the plate member is between approximately 2 mm and 10 mm thick. More preferably, the plate member is between approximately 2 mm and 6 mm thick. Even more preferably, the plate member is approximately 3 mm thick. The plate member is preferably approximately 10 mm in width and 50 mm in length but the plate member may comprise a variety of widths and lengths, and may comprise an elongate plate member that a number of fixing members may fasten to. The plate member is preferably constructed from metal, and more preferably from sheet metal or pressed metal.

[0020] The panel is preferably adhered to the top hat using adhesive. The adhesive may comprise a low volatile organic compound. The adhesive may comprise calcium carbonate and an acrylic latex or emulsion. Other adhesives may be used which are known in the art to attach panels to supports, including metal supports.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment, the middle portion of the top hat comprises a top middle step substantially parallel to two side steps, the top middle step adapted for 6 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 fastening to fixing members connected to a panel. The fastening of fixing members connected to a panel to the top middle step of the top hat forms a gap between an external underside surface of the panel and a side step, and adhesive in this gap adheres the panel to the top hat.

[0022] In the alternative embodiment, the fastening of a fixing member connected to a panel, to a plate member and to a top hat forms a gap between an external surface of the panel and the top hat, and adhesive in this gap adheres the panel to the top hat. The thickness of the gap will depend on the thickness of the plate member.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment, the length of the side between the top middle step and one of the side steps is preferably between approximately 1 mm and 10 mm. The length of the side between the top middle step and one of the side steps is more preferably between approximately 3 mm and 7 mm. The length of the side between the top middle step and one of the side steps is most preferably approximately 5 mm. The length of the side between the top middle step and one of the side steps will affect the size of the gap that will be created between an external surface of a fastened panel and the side step, and the adhesive can fill or partially fill the gap. That is, the purpose of the gap is to provide space for sufficient adhesive to adhere to and provide a bond between the top hat and the panel. The adhesive is preferably applied to the side step of a top hat before the panel is fastened to the top hat by fastening fixing members connected to the panel to the top hat. Alternatively, the adhesive can be applied to a panel before it is fastened to a top hat, or applied into the gap after a panel is fastened to a top hat.

[0024] The top hat including side steps of the top hat preferably comprise deformations which adhesive can enter to improve the adhesive bond to the top hat. Preferably, the deformations in the top hat comprise apertures or holes that adhesive can pass through. Adhesive passing through the apertures can curl up around the back of the apertures anchoring adhesive that has set to the top hat. The apertures are preferably between approximately 2 mm and 5 mm in diameter.

[0025] Portions of top hats that pass between edges of a panel are preferably not fastened to the panel using fixing members as the fixing members are connected to the edges of the panel. These portions of top hats that pass between the edges of 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 7 the panel are preferably only secured to the panel using adhesive. To maintain contact between the panel and these portions of the top hats while the adhesive is setting, in a preferred embodiment, the panel securing system of the invention further comprises the step of releasably attaching support members to top hats adjacent opposite edges of the panel, wherein the support members support a brace member that contacts the panel to maintain contact between the panel and the top hats. More preferably, the brace member is supported by two support members releasably attached to top hats adjacent opposite edges of the panel. The brace member and support members are removed once the panel has adhered to the top hats and is maintaining a strong adhesive bond.

[0026] The panel securing system of the invention can create ‘gaps’ at joints between two secured panels. These gaps may be up to 10 mm wide or more. A further preferred embodiment of the panel securing system of the invention comprises an additional step of filling the gaps formed between panels secured using the panel securing system. The gaps may be filled using a means known in the art to fill such gaps between secured adjacent panels. In one, non-limiting example, the gaps may be filled by a corking product or filler compound known in the art. Preferably, the corking product used, once dried, can be modified to have a colour and/or texture consistent with the colour and texture of the panels so that the corking is not or hardly noticeable when observing the fagade. The consistent colour may be from painting the dried corking product.

[0027] The present invention further provides use of a panel securing system as herein described for securedly fastening at least one panel to a support structure.

[0028] The present invention provides a process of securedly fastening at least one panel to a support structure comprising the steps: fastening at least two top hats to a support structure; connecting a plurality of fixing members to a panel, comprising inserting a first portion of each fixing member into an edge of the panel; 8 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 fastening the fixing members to the at least two top hats, comprising fastening a second portion of each fixing member to a top hat with a fastener; and adhering the panel to the at least two top hats.

[0029] The present invention further provides a top hat for use in securing a panel to a support structure, the top hat as herein described.

[0030] The panel securing system of the invention therefore provides a combination of mechanical and adhesive means for creating a strong and safe concealed fixing system. In addition, the panel securing system enables a user to adjust panels to even create negative joins.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1. illustration of a front cross sectional view of panels secured to top hats using fixing members in a preferred embodiment in accordance with the panel securing system of the invention.

Figure 2. illustration of an oblique view of an embodiment of a top hat for use in accordance with the panel securing system of the invention.

Figure 3. illustrations of (A) a front perspective and side view of a preferred embodiment of a fixing member for use in accordance with the panel securing system of the invention; and (B) a side view of panels secured to a top hat and a fixing member in an embodiment in accordance with the panel securing system of the invention.

Figure 4. illustrations of (A) a front perspective and side view of an alternative embodiment of a fixing member fastened to a plate member for use in accordance with the panel securing system of the invention; and (B) a side view of panels secured to a top hat, a plate member, and a fixing member in an alternative embodiment to the embodiment shown in Figure 3B, in accordance with the panel securing system of the invention. 9 2016238920 06 Oct 2016

Figure 5. illustration of a perspective view of a panel securing system including support members in accordance with the panel securing system of the present invention.

Figure 6. illustrations of (A) a perspective view of a support member of the panel securing system shown in Figure 5; (B) a perspective view of a second support member of the panel securing system shown in Figure 5; and (C) a perspective view of a third support member of the panel securing system shown in Figure 5.

Description of Preferred Embodiments [0031] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

[0032] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, compositions and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0033] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0034] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

[0035] Features of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the following preferred embodiments. 10 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 [0036] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the panel securing system of the invention, Figure 1 shows six panels 2 securedly fastened to five top hats 4 with a plurality of fixing members 6 and adhesive. The fixing members 6 are represented by black rectangles and indicate an example of the extent to which they may be inserted into the edges of the panels 2.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a top hat 4 for use in the panel securing system of the invention. The top hat 4 comprises an elongate channel member having a pair of substantially parallel side walls 9 which are spaced apart and connected along one edge by a stepped planar portion, with a corresponding pair of splayed edge flanges 16 extending laterally and outwardly from each other from the other edge of the side walls 9. The top hat 4 comprises an inverted, substantially U-shaped cross-section with outwardly splayed edge flanges 16. The top hat 4 is preferably constructed from steel which may be coated, in for example, zinc-aluminium alloy or galvanised coating.

[0038] The edge flanges 16 can be fastened to a support structure using a variety of fasteners and other means. Preferably, the edge flanges 16 are fastened to a support structure using screws.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, the top of the inverted U-shape comprises a stepped planar portion with the top middle step 10 comprising the mechanical fixing portion which provides a substantially planar surface to which fixing members 6 can be fastened for securing one or more panels 2 to the top hat 4.

[0040] The stepped planar portion at the top of the inverted U-shape further comprises side steps 12 either side of the top middle step 10, the side steps 12 comprising adhesive fixing portions. When mechanical means are used to secure a panel 2 to the top hat 4 by fastening one or more fixing members 6 (which are inserted into the side of the panel 2) to the top middle step 10, a gap is formed between a surface of the secured panel 2 and a side step 12. According to a preferred embodiment of the panel securing system of the invention, the gap is at least partially filled with adhesive and after the adhesive hardens and sets it provides an adhesive bond between top hat 4 and panel 2. The top hat 4 also comprises apertures 14 in the side steps 12 through which adhesive can pass and curl up 11 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 behind the side steps 12 to provide additional strength to the adhesive bond after the adhesive has set. To at least partially fill the gap with adhesive, unset adhesive is preferably placed on the side step 12 before the panel 2 is mechanically fastened to the top middle step 10 using the one or more fixing members 6. Alternatively, once a gap is formed between a panel 2 which has been mechanically fastened to a top hat 4 using one or more fixing members 6, and the side step 12, the gap may be filled with adhesive. In a further alternative, adhesive is applied to the panel 2 before mechanically securing it to a top hat 4 using one or more fixing members 6.

[0041] A preferred embodiment of a fixing member 6 for use in the panel securing system of the invention is shown in Figure 3A. The fixing member 6 comprises a convex-bend configuration, comprising two ends 18 on substantially the same plane and a middle section 20 substantially parallel to the ends 18, wherein each end 18 comprises a first portion for inserting into the edge of a panel, and the middle section 20 comprises a second portion for fastening to a top hat. The middle section 20 is connected to the two ends 18 by two side sections 22 arranged to extend transversely to the two ends 18. The middle section is preferably between 4 mm and 12 mm wide, and more preferably approximately 8 mm wide when measured between side sections 22. The length of a side section is preferably between 2 mm and 8 mm, and more preferably approximately 4 mm when measured from middle section 20 to end 18. An aperture 23 in the middle section 20 is for a fastener to be inserted, hammered or preferably screwed through to fasten the fixing member 6 to a top hat 4.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3B, this embodiment of the fixing member 6 may be used to securedly fasten two adjacent panels 2 to a top hat 4 with a screw 24, and with adhesive 25 filling the gap between the panel 2 and the side step 12. This comprises aligning and inserting a plurality of these fixing members 6 along and into the adjacent edges of two panels 2 and fastening the fixing members 6 to a top hat 4 with screws 24, and adhesive 25 on the side step 12 bonding the panel 2 directly to the top hat 4.

[0043] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a non-stepped top hat 50 for use in the panel securing system of the invention with a plate member 52 and a fixing member 6. The top hat 50 shown in Figure 4B does not comprise stepped 12 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 planar portions. Rather, a plate member 52 is fastened to the substantially planar top of the inverted U-shape of the top hat 50 creating a top middle step. When a fixing member 6 is fastened to the plate member 52 on the top hat 50, a step is created forming a gap between a surface of the secured panel 2 and the top hat 50 which can be filled with adhesive 25 to adhesively secure the top hat 50 to the panel 2.

[0044] In addition to the use of top hats to securely fasten the edge of panels, top hats are preferably also secured to the rear surface of panels between their edges in accordance with the panel securing system of the invention. For the purpose of describing the invention, the “rear surface” of the panel is the surface of the panel facing the support structure and the “front surface” is the surface of the panel that can be seen and forms the facade. Top hats are secured between the edges of a panel using adhesive and preferably not with mechanical means as this would result in visible fastenings on the front surface of the panel. However, adhesive takes time to harden and set and during this time, there is the potential for the panel to ‘cup away’ and separate from the top hat to which the rear surface of the panel is meant to be secured to with adhesive. This is of particular concern when panels are to be secured using the panel securing system of the invention below a horizontal support structure, for example, to form a ceiling.

[0045] To prevent the panels and top hats from separating between the edges of the panels while adhesive is setting and bonding, the panel securing system of the invention further comprises the step of attaching support members 38 to top hats 4 and brace members 46 between the support members as shown in Figure 5. The support members 38 and brace members 46 assist to maintain contact between the panels 2 and top hats 4 while the adhesive hardens and sets.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the support member 38 comprises a first portion 26 and a second portion 28. The first portion 26 is arranged to be securable to a top hat 4. The first portion 26 comprises an elongate member 32 provided with one or more apertures 30. The apertures 30 are arranged to receive a screw fastener 33 which fixes the elongate member 32 to the top hat 4. The elongate member 32 is constructed such that when the elongate member 32 is secured to the top hat 4 and edges of the adjacent panels 2 are placed against opposite sides of the elongate member 32, the adjacent panels 2 are located at the desired spacing. 13 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 [0047] The second portion 28 of the support members 38 comprises a plate member 34 secured to the elongate member 32 such that the plate member 34 extends transversely from the elongate member 32. The transversely extending portions of the plate member 34 engage with the adjacent panels 2 when the edges of the adjacent panels 2 are located against the elongate member 32. When the support member 38 is secured to the top hat 4, the plate member 34 then applies pressure to the front surface of the panel 2 against the top hat 4 while the adhesive sets.

[0048] The support member 38 includes a brace receiving portion 44 arranged to receive an end of a brace member 46. The support member 38 is arranged to be located adjacent a vertical edge of the adjacent panels 2 as shown in Figure 5 (or adjacent any selected opposing panel edges for a horizontally secured panel). The brace receiving portion 44 comprises a portion of material extending outwardly from the plate member 34 having a slot 47 extending downwardly in use. The support members 38 are provided in use adjacent opposite vertical edges of the panels 2. The brace member 46 is arranged such that the opposite ends of the brace member 46 are received in the slots 47 of the support members 38 on opposite sides of the panel 2. The brace member 46 provides pressure to the panel 2 against top hats 4. Preferably, packing or padded material (not shown) would be inserted between the front surface of a panel 2 and a brace member 46 to provide sufficient pressure on the panel 2 and to prevent damage or marking to the front surface of the panel 2.

[0049] The brace members 46 and packing are left in place until the adhesive has set sufficiently to maintain attachment between the top hats 4 and panel 2 without the need for the brace members 46. The support members 38 may then be removed by unscrewing the fasteners 33, leaving the supported panels 2 in place.

[0050] Other types of support members may also be used as additional support for panels 2 while adhesive is setting to secure top hats 4 to panels 2. In this respect, the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 further comprises a second support member 35, and a third support member 36. Each of the second support members 35, and third support members 36 include the first and second portions 26 and 28, and attach to top hats 4 as described above in relation to the attachment of the support member 38 to a top hat 4. 2016238920 06 Oct 2016 14 [0051] The second support member 35 is secured to a top hat 4 as described previously to hold the panels 2 against the top hats 4. The second support member 35 may be used with the elongate member 32 extending vertically when arranged adjacent a vertical edge of the panel 2 or horizontally when used adjacent a horizontal edge of the panel 2.

[0052] The third support member 36 is secured to the top hats 4 as described previously and includes also an extending portion 42 which extends transversely from an end of the elongate member 32. The extending portion 42 is arranged such that when the third support member 36 is secured to the top hat 4, the bottom edge of the adjacent panels 2 rest on the extending portions 42 which can be on the ground (as shown in Figure 5) to prevent the panels 2 from moving in a downward direction.

[0053] The panel securing system of the invention may further comprise filling the gaps between panels after the panels are secured to top hats, wherein the gaps are filled with fillers including, amongst others known in the art, patching, spackling or putty compounds. Once these fillers have dried, they may be sanded back to the level of the panels and the panels sealed and/or painted so that the gaps are no longer visible.

Claims (22)

1. The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows:

   1. A panel securing system for securedly fastening at least one panel to a support structure, the panel securing system comprising the steps: fastening at least two top hats to a support structure; connecting a plurality of fixing members to a panel, comprising inserting a first portion of each fixing member into an edge of the panel; fastening the fixing members to the at least two top hats, comprising fastening a second portion of each fixing member to a top hat with a fastener; and adhering the panel to the at least two top hats.
2. 2. A panel securing system according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the fixing member is inserted into a cavity in the edge of a panel.
3. 3. A panel securing system according to claim 2, wherein the cavity is preferably approximately 5 to 30 mm wide.
4. 4. A panel securing system according to claim 2, wherein the cavity is preferably approximately 10 to 15 mm wide
5. 5. A panel securing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the fixing member is substantially planar.
6. 6. A panel securing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion of the fixing member is fastened to the top hat with a screw-type fastener.
7. 7. A panel securing system according to claim 6, wherein the second portion of the fixing member comprises an aperture for the screw-type fastener to be screwed through.
8. 8. A panel securing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing member comprises a Z-bend configuration, comprising two substantially parallel ends and the first portion and the second portion each comprise one end, and wherein the ends are connected by a transverse portion.
9. 9. A panel securing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fixing member comprises a convex-bend configuration, comprising two ends on substantially the same plane and a middle section substantially parallel to the ends, wherein each end comprises a first portion for inserting into the edge of a panel, and the middle section comprises the second portion for fastening to a top hat, and wherein the middle section is connected to the two ends by two transverse portions.
10. 10. A panel securing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top hat comprises an elongate channel member having a pair of spaced apart side walls that are connected at a first end by a middle portion comprising substantially planar steps, and flanges extend laterally from a second end of the side walls, the flanges being adapted for fastening to the support structure.
11. 11. A panel securing system according to claim 10, wherein the middle portion of the top hat comprises a top middle step substantially parallel to two side steps, the top step adapted for fastening to fixing members connected to a panel.
12. 12. A panel securing system according to claim 11, wherein fastening of fixing members connected to a panel to the top hat forms a gap between an external surface of the panel and a side step, and adhesive in this gap adheres the panel to the top hat.
13. 13. A panel securing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the top hat comprises an elongate channel member having a pair of spaced apart side walls that are connected at a first end by a middle portion comprising a substantially planar surface, and flanges extend laterally from a second end of the side walls, the flanges being adapted for fastening to the support structure.
14. 14. A panel securing system according to claim 13, wherein the fixing member is fastened to the top hat through a plate member.
15. 15. A panel securing system according to claim 13, wherein the fixing member is fastened to the plate member and the plate member is fastened to the top hat.
16. 16. A panel securing system according to claim 14, wherein a screw type fastener fastens the fixing member to the plate member to the top hat.
17. 17. A panel securing system according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the plate member is between approximately 2 mm and 10 mm thick.
18. 18. A panel securing system according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein fastening of a fixing member connected to a panel, to a plate member and to a top hat forms a gap between an external surface of the panel and the top hat, and adhesive in this gap adheres the panel to the top hat.
19. 19. A panel securing system according to claim 12 or claim 18, wherein the adhesive comprises calcium carbonate and an acrylic latex or emulsion.
20. 20. A panel securing system according to claims 12, 18, or 19, wherein the top hat comprises apertures which adhesive can pass through.
21. 21. A panel securing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of top hats between the edges of a panel are adhered to the rear surface of the panel and not fastened with fixing members.
22. 22. A panel securing system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the further step of releasably attaching support members to top hats adjacent opposite edges of a panel, wherein the support members support a brace member that contacts the panel to maintain contact between the panel and one or more top hats to which the panel is adhering to, and wherein the brace member and support members are removed once the panel has adhered to the one or more top hats.