AU2020100447A4 - Cladding panel arrangement and panel retainer clip - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interlocking cladding panel arrangement. The cladding panel arrangement includes a pair of first and second interlockable cladding panels mounted in a side-by-side configuration on a support structure, each cladding panel including a fascia portion, the first cladding panel including a first interlocking formation and the second cladding panel including a second interlocking formation in interlocked engagement with the first interlocking formation. The cladding panel arrangement further includes an abutment located on a panel retainer clip mountable in fixed relation to the first interlocking formation and located adjacent to the second interlocking formation for retaining the second interlocking formation against movement out of said interlocked engagement with the first interlocking formation. At least one of the interlocking formations is configured to provide a predetermined spacing between the fascia portions of the cladding panels and the panel retainer clip being configured according to said predetermined spacing. Page 3 of 8 36 00e 4036 3 31 Figure 5 38 10b B 10a 10b Figure 6 Figure 7

Description

Title of Invention

CLADDING PANEL ARRANGEMENT AND PANEL RETAINER CLIP

Priority Cross Reference [0001] The present invention claims priority to Australian provisional patent application 2019901072 filed 29 March 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field [0002] The present invention relates to the field of building cladding such as roof or wall cladding. In particular, the invention relates to a cladding panel arrangement for fastening to a structure.

Background of Invention [0003] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] In building applications, roofing or walling cladding involves the fastening of a series of cladding panels to an underlying support structure such as a row of battens or joists. Cladding panels formed of sheet metal are particularly popular due to their relatively low cost, quick installation and high-durability. Furthermore, metallic cladding panels are available in a large range of colours allowing a building fagade or roof to be conveniently coloured according to aesthetic preference.

[0005] Cladding panels are normally installed in an overlapping configuration and anchored to the support structure using screws or similar fasteners. The visual presence of fasteners is less of a concern in roofing applications because the fasteners are often obscured from street level view or are sufficiently far away from the observer so as not to create a detrimental aesthetic impact. In contrast, the

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 fasteners used in wall cladding applications are typically more observable and are therefore less desirable in terms of building aesthetics.

[0006] In response to this problem, wall cladding has been developed which uses an interlocking configuration designed to reduce or eliminate the visual appearance of fasteners. Interlocking panel systems involve panels formed with a male-type tongue on one side and a corresponding female-type folded recess on the opposing side. In use, only the female side of each panel is anchored to the support structure. The tongue of each subsequent panel is inserted into the folded recess of the previous panel in a manner which overlaps and conceals the fastener of the previous panel. In this manner, the fasteners are concealed from view to create the desired fastener-free aesthetic appearance.

[0007] However, one drawback to this configuration is that the male side of each panel is not anchored to the structure and is retained in position only via its engagement with the recess of the adjacent panel. Depending on the stiffness of the sheet metal used to form the panel, it is possible for wind to induce sufficient flex in a panel so as to lift and disengage the male side of a panel from the corresponding female side of the adjacent panel. This can result in the male side of a panel disconnecting from the structure. Wind-induced panel disconnection is increased with the increased use of lighter gauge (and less stiff) steel panels designed for reducing transportation cost and material consumption.

[0008] As well as exposing the underlying structure to damage from wind and rain, the male side of a disconnected panel can flap uncontrollably in the wind, still anchored by its female side. This can deform or damage the panel and can also cause the next male side to become disengaged, creating a knock-on effect of sequential panel disconnection.

[0009] It is therefore desirable to provide a novel device or system to improve the wind-resistance of cladding panels.

[0010] Before turning to a summary of the invention, it is useful to provide an explanation of some of the terms that will be used to define the spatial relation of various parts thereof. Spatial references throughout this specification will generally be based upon a wall or roof cladding installation in which cladding is mounted to an

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 underlying structure, for example a wall joist, roof batten or ply board base structure. With this environment as the basis, some parts may then be defined with reference to the cladding. For example, an object which is “underneath’ or “beneath” the cladding will be understood as being on an internal side of the cladding and not necessarily ‘below’ in terms of vertical elevation, although the object may also be vertically lower in the instance of a roof installation.

[0011] Further, it will be understood that a cladding panels always have an interior and an exterior and thus some parts may be defined with directional reference to “inner”, “inwardly”, “outer”, “outwardly”, “upstanding” with respect to the interior of the cladding panel. It should be appreciated that cladding panels can also be installed within a building interior and therefore references to “exterior” relate to the exterior side of the panel and not necessarily to the outside of a building or structure.

[0012] Additionally, it will be understood that a cladding panel typically comprises a generally planar fascia portion extending between a pair of sides. In this regard, references herein to a ‘side’ of a panel will be understood as referring to the opposing side edges of the panel as opposed to the inner and outer surfaces of the fascia panel. Where a cladding panel is generally rectangular in profile, the ‘sides’ of the panel may comprise the opposing longitudinal side edges which are located adjacent to the side edges of an adjacent cladding panel, in the side-by-side installation configuration.

Summary of Invention [0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interlocking cladding panel arrangement, including: a pair of first and second interlockable cladding panels mounted in a side-by-side configuration on a support structure, each cladding panel including a fascia portion, the first cladding panel including a first interlocking formation and the second cladding panel including a second interlocking formation in interlocked engagement with the first interlocking formation; and an abutment located on a panel retainer clip mountable in fixed relation to the first interlocking formation and located adjacent to the second interlocking formation for retaining the second interlocking formation against movement out of said interlocked engagement with the first interlocking formation

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 wherein at least one of the interlocking formations is configured to provide a predetermined spacing between the fascia portions of the cladding panels and the panel retainer clip being configured according to said predetermined spacing.

[0014] The present invention advantageously provides an abutment to retain a cladding panel in the desirable interlocked position. It will be appreciated that interlocked engagement between cladding panels is a removable engagement which is capable of being disengaged by sufficient movement away from the interlocked position. During high-wind conditions, significant flexion can be induced in the panel. This movement can urge a side of the panel which is interlocked with an adjacent panel (but otherwise unfastened to the support structure) to become disengaged. The provision of the abutment adjacent to the second interlocking formation an interference to retain the second interlocking formation against excessive movement. The abutment therefore operates to reduce or eliminate the possibility of the panel side being disengaged due to high-wind or other external factors such as earthquakes or vandalism.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention advantageously provides a panel retainer clip configured according to the predetermined spacing between the cladding panels. The panel clip may be selected to correspond with the selected spacing between the cladding panels. For example, a cladding panel may be configured to provide a desired 15mm spacing between the fascia portions of the cladding panels. The panel clip may be provided with dimensions or proportions compatible with the selected 15mm spacing. A variety of panel spacing configurations are envisaged and therefore a variety of panel clip configurations are possible.

[0016] By configuring the panel clip according to the specific cladding panel spacing which is used, the abutment of the panel clip can be maintained in a particular location, relative to second interlocking formation. For example, a cladding panel arrangement designed for a smaller spacing will locate the second interlocking formation relatively closer to the first interlocking formation as compared to a panel configuration with a large panel spacing. In order to locate the abutment of the panel clip at an effective distance from the second interlocking formation (so as to perform its function of retaining movement of the second interlocking formation away from

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 engagement with the first interlocking formation) the panel clip may be configured such that the abutment is similarly positioned closer to the first interlocking formation.

[0017] The present invention may therefore enable the use of desirably thinner and lighter cladding panels without the reduction in wind-resistance which is typical of previous systems. Furthermore, the abutment may be located beneath the cladding panels and are therefore concealed. In this manner, the present invention also provides a cladding panel arrangement which can be free from visible fasteners and visible clips.

[0018] It will be appreciated that types of interlocking panel arrangements can vary. It is therefore envisaged that the invention may be used with a variety of different interlocking formations capable of interlocking engagement with one another. However, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the first interlocking formation comprises a female formation having a recess and the second interlocking formation comprises a male formation having a tongue configured for insertion into the recess during interlocking engagement.

[0019] The tongue may comprise a flange, member, shank, boss, web or other similar projection. The recess may comprise a cavity, opening, channel or any other suitable void for receiving the tongue.

[0020] In a particular embodiment of the invention, each cladding panel includes a pair of opposing sides comprising a male side which includes the male formation and a female side which includes the female formation. According to this embodiment, a series of identical cladding panels may be connected together in interlocked engagement.

[0021] In alternative forms of the invention, the cladding panels of the present invention may each include just one female side and one male side with an opposing side of the panels comprising no formation whatsoever. Alternatively, cladding panels may include a pair of opposing female sides or a pair of opposing male sides.

[0022] In a particular embodiment of the invention, during interlocked engagement, the abutment is positioned to retain movement of the tongue out of receipt within the recess. In one form of the invention, the tongue includes a distal end

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 for insertion into the recess and a proximal end from which the tongue extends and the abutment is, in use, positioned adjacent to the proximal end for obstructing withdrawal of the tongue from the recess.

[0023] In some forms of the invention, the abutment may normally contact a side of the cladding panel. For example, the abutment may be positioned such that an inside surface of the unfastened panel is butted up against the abutment. This arrangement may be desirable in certain installations where minimal movement of the unfastened panel side is required.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the tongue may extend from a sidewall of the male side and in the interlocked position the abutment is normally spaced apart from the sidewall. In this configuration, an unfastened side (for example the male side) is normally spaced apart from the abutment but may nonetheless move into contact with the abutment. For example, in the normal position (i.e. without windinduced flexion) the unfastened side may be spaced from the abutments. This configuration may allow for some partial movement of the unfastened side away from the interlocked position until contacting the abutment at which point further movement is prevented. This configuration may desirably provide a larger space between the abutment and the recess of a pre-fastened female side. During installation of a cladding panel arrangement, the larger spacing may facilitate the positioning of a male side into interlocking engagement with a pre-fastened female side.

[0025] According to particular embodiment of the invention, the female sides of the cladding panels are, in use, secured to the support structure for example, via screws or similar fasteners. The female sides of the cladding panels may be screwed through in situ using, for example, self-tapping screws. Alternatively, the female sides could include pre-drilled fastener openings for receiving a fastener.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the male side is, in use, located between the female side and the abutment. The abutment may therefore block the withdrawal path of the tongue by obstructing removal from the recess of the female side. The recess can define a depth direction extending inwardly from the female side. The abutment may be orientated so as to intersect the depth direction of the recess i.e. the abutment may cross an axis defined by the recess. In this manner,

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 the abutment may interfere or obstruct withdrawal of the tongue along the depth direction thereby preventing withdrawal.

[0027] The support structure onto which the cladding panel arrangement of the invention is mounted may comprise any structure intended to be cladded and may include an internal or external wall, floor, roof or ceiling. For example, the support structure could comprise wall studs, floor joists, roof battens or other similar structure.

[0028] The specific mode of installation cladding panel may vary. For example, a female side of a first cladding panel may be fastened to the support structure, for example via screws, and then a male side of an adjacent second cladding panel is positioned into interlocked engagement with the pre-fastened female side. In this example, the unfastened male side can be positioned adjacent to the abutment so as to be retained from movement away from interlocked engagement with the fastened female side of the adjacent panel.

[0029] In a particular form of the invention, the first interlocking formation is, in use, pre-fastened to the support structure and the second interlocking formation is manually locatable into interlocked engagement with the pre-fastened first interlocking formation.

[0030] In this context, it will be appreciated that a ‘fastened side’ refers to a side which is directly connected to the support structure for example via a fastener such as a bolt, nail or screw. Similarly, an ‘unfastened side’ is a side which is not directly connected to the support structure via a fastener but may nonetheless be secured or mounted to the support structure via interlocking engagement with another component that is directly connected to the support structure for example via engagement with a fastened panel.

[0031] The abutment of the present invention may be formed in a variety of configurations suitable for maintaining interlocked engagement between the pair of cladding panels.

[0032] The cladding panel may be roll formed from sheet metal to include the features of the male and female sides including the sidewalls of the male and female sides, the tongue, the recess and the underlap portion.. It will be appreciated that

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 other manufacturing methods may be utilised such as stamping, hot rolling, welding, punching or other suitable methods.

[0033] The cladding panel may be preferably formed from metal but may alternatively be formed from polymer in which case additive manufacturing methods or methods such as injection moulding may be used to produce the cladding panels of the present invention.

[0034] In use, the male side of an adjacent cladding panel may be positioned into the opening between the recess and the abutment and the tongue then inserted into the recess and the tongue seated upon the underlap portion. The underlap portion may include a kink providing fastener clearance for a fastener head located beneath the tongue. For example, a screw may be used to fasten the underlap portion to the support structure and the screw head may locate into the fastener clearance beneath the tongue when inserted into the recess.

[0035] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the abutment is not integrally formed with the cladding panel but is located on a separate component of the cladding panel arrangement. For example, the abutment can be located on a panel retainer clip mountable in fixed relation to the first interlocking formation. This form of the invention may advantageously allow for use of the invention with third party cladding panels which do not include an integral abutment.

[0036] The panel retainer clip may be positioned, as needed, adjacent to an unfastened portion of an interlocking cladding panel arrangement. That is, the clip may be installed adjacent to whichever side of a cladding panel is at risk of unintentional disengagement.

[0037] The above-discussed panel retainer clip may be produced from metal, wood, polymer or any other suitable material and may be formed by any of the manufacturing methods noted above in relation to manufacturing of the cladding panels.

[0038] The manner in which the panel retainer clips are mounted to the support structure can vary but may include any of fasteners, adhesives, clips or brackets. In a particular embodiment, the panel retainer clip includes a fastener opening facilitating

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 mounting of the panel retainer clip in fixed relation to the first interlocking formation. For example, the panel retainer clip may be mounted to the support structure or one of the cladding panels (for example a female side of a cladding panel) via the fastener openings. In this manner, the panel retainer clip can be located at a pre-determined spacing from a fastened side of a cladding panel.

[0039] The fastener opening of the retainer clip can, in use, receive the same fastener that is used to mount the cladding panels. In this manner, a side of a cladding panel and one of the panel retainer clips may be mounted to the support structure using a single, shared, fastener. The use of a shared fastener advantageously means no additional fasteners are required to mount the panel retainer clip.

[0040] The panel retainer clip could comprise any suitable configuration and may comprise a block, bracket, clip, shank, member or any other similar object suitable for providing an abutment which may interfere, retain, limit or prevent movement of an unfastened side of a cladding panel out of interlocking engagement with an adjacent cladding panel.

[0041] In a particular form of the invention, the panel retainer clip includes a including a base which includes the fastener opening and the abutment extends from the base. The base may comprise a generally planar sheet and may further include a stiffening formation.

[0042] The retainer clip can be screwed into a desired position which is spaced apart from the fastened side of a first cladding panel so as to allow insertion and interlocking engagement of an unfastened side of the second cladding panel. The desired spacing could be estimated by the installer. However, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the panel retainer clip may further include a locating flange configured for configured for engagement with the first interlocking formation for locating the abutment at a predetermined spacing from the first interlocking formation. During installation, the locating flange of the panel retainer clip may be conveniently inserted into the recess of a panel in order to achieve the proper or desired panel clip location and, in particular, the desired spacing between the recess and the abutment.

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 [0043] In this way, the locating flange enables convenient identification of the appropriate spacing between the abutments of the panel retainer clip and the female side of the cladding panel. This spacing may, for example, correspond to an optimised spacing which is sufficiently large to allow for convenient installation the second cladding panel into interlocking engagement with the first cladding panel, whilst also being sufficiently small so as not to allow excessive movement of the unfastened side of the second cladding panel.

[0044] The locating flange may include a kinked portion deflecting the locating flange from the plane of the panel clip base and facilitating receipt into the cladding panel recess. For example, the recess of the female side may be slightly raised from the support structure. The flange may be shaped or otherwise configured accordingly, for example raised from the support structure via the kinked portion, for convenient insertion into the recess. The locating flange may include at least one stiffening portion which may comprise a stiffening rib, indentation, recess, protrusion or other stiffening element.

[0045] In a particular embodiment, the locating flange of the panel retainer clip may be inserted into the recess of first cladding panel and also overlie an underlapping portion of the female side. The tongue of a second cladding panel may then be inserted into the recess of the first cladding panel and thereby overlie the locating flange.

[0046] The locating flange may therefore provide a receiving surface for the tongue of the second cladding panel. In a particular embodiment, the kink in the locating flange is configured to space the locating flange to provide screw head clearance for the tongue of the second cladding panel. In other words, the locating flange is spaced from the support surface by the kink by a sufficient distance such that the tongue of the second cladding panel clears the screw head when seated atop the locating flange.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, the locating flange and the tongue are configured so as to provide a specific spacing between fascia portions of the adjacent cladding panels. In particular, the length of the tongue may be selected to achieve a desired panel spacing. Similarly, the locating flange may be configured

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 so that the length of the locating flange and/or the position of the kink in the locating flange, relative to the abutment surfaces, is selected according to the desired panel spacing.

[0048] It will be appreciated that the particular spacing or divide between adjacent cladding panels contributes greatly to the aesthetic appearance of the cladding panel arrangement. In particular, varying the portion of a cladded surface comprised of cladding fascia as compared to the portion of the surface comprised of spacing will significantly alter the aesthetic effect of the cladded surface. This is particularly the case where a large surface is cladded. The divides between panels create visible lines or gaps which extend across the cladded surface. Varying the thickness of the panel divide allows particular aesthetic effects to be achieved.

[0049] Interlocking cladding panels are designed such that the tongue on the male side of the second cladding panel is substantially or completely inserted into the recess of the female side of the first cladding panel. That is, the tongue is preferably inserted until contact with the inner end of the recess such that no further insertion can occur. As such, the size of the spacing between adjacent panels is typically determined by the length of the tongue on the male side of the second cladding panel.

[0050] To this end, the tongue may be provided with a longer length to provide a larger (i.e. wider) panel divide or with a shorter length to achieve a smaller (i.e. thinner) panel divide between the adjacent panels. According to an embodiment of the invention, the panel retainer clip is configured according to the particular the length of the tongue that is selected. For example, the panel retainer clip can be configured such that the length of the locating flange and/or the position of the kink in the locating flange relative to the abutment surfaces, achieves a desired distance between the abutment surfaces and the sidewall of the male end of the second cladding panel. A panel clip according to the present invention may therefore be provided with a range of locating flange lengths or configurations to accommodate a range of potential panel divide sizes.

[0051] The abutment of the panel retainer may be formed in a variety of configurations. For example, the abutment may comprise a wall, end portion, ledge, protrusion or any other surface suitable for contacting and retaining the side of a

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 cladding panel against movement. According to a particular embodiment, the abutment of the panel retainer clip comprises a wall upstanding from the base. The panel retainer clips may include a single abutment. Alternatively, the panel retainer clips may each include a pair of abutments defined respectively by a pair of walls upstanding from the base.

[0052] Each panel retainer clip may further include a pair of stiffening flanges extending respectively from the pair of upstanding walls. The stiffening flanges may extend generally perpendicularly from the walls. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the stiffening flanges extend from an end of the upstanding walls and each abutment in the pair of abutments is defined by a surface on one of the stiffening flanges. The stiffening flanges may therefore serve a dual purpose as both the abutments of the panel retainer clip and also for improving the stiffness or strength of the upstanding walls.

[0053] The base of the panel retainer clips may comprise a generally planar sheet and the base may further include a stiffening formation. The stiffening formation may comprise a stiffening rib, recess, protrusion, or other suitable formation. The panel retainer clips may be formed from a variety of materials including polymers or metals. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the panel retainer clips are formed from sheet metal. In a particular embodiment, the panel retainer clips are produced from a single metal sheet via folding.

[0054] It will be appreciated that alternative forms of panel retainer clip are suitable for use with the present invention. For example, the panel retainer clip may comprise a solid block or bracket or any other shape of object which has a base that can be mounted to the support structure and provides an abutment to prevent or limit movement of the cladding panel.

[0055] It should also be appreciated that mounting of the base of the panel retainer clip to the support structure need not necessarily involve contact between the base and the support structure. For example, the base of the panel retainer clip may be located on a portion of one or both cladding panels which lie in between the base and the support structure. In this configuration, the panel retainer clip is nonetheless

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 mounted to the support structure for example, via an engagement with the cladding panels and/or via a fastener connecting the base to the support structure.

[0056] It is anticipated that the abutment of the present invention (whether integrally formed in the cladding panel or provided on a separate panel retainer clip) will typically be used to retain and unfastened side of a cladding panel in interlocking engagement with a fastened side of an adjacent cladding panel. This way, the unfastened side will be nonetheless secured to the support structure via its engagement with the fastened side of the adjacent panel.

[0057] However, this need not necessarily be the case and it is envisaged that the panel retainer clip could also be used to retain an unfastened side in an interlocked position with another unfastened side of an adjacent panel. The abutment may be mounted to the support structure and may itself secure one or both interlocking sides to the support structure. For example, an overlapping portion of a panel retainer clip may overlie an underlapping portion of one or both of the interlocking panel sides. The underlapping portion of the panel side may therefore be secured to the support structure, via the mounting of the panel retainer clip. In a particular embodiment, a panel retainer clip could be positioned on either side of the interlocking connecting between the sides of two panels.

[0058] In another example, a pair of cladding panels may span between a pair of spaced apart battens with the female side of one panel meeting and interlocking with the male side of the other panel at the midpoint between the two battens. In this instance, there is no support structure on which the male and female sides can be mounted. However, an abutment may nonetheless be used to prevent or resist disengagement between the pair of panels. In the case of an integrally formed abutment, the abutment is integrally connected to the female side and is therefore capable of retaining the male side against movement away from the interlocked position. In the case of a panel retainer clip, the clip may be fastened to the female side so as to operate similarly to an integrally formed abutment. In this way, the panel retainer clip advantageously supplements the connection between the interlocked male and female sides located between the pair of spaced battens.

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 [0059] It will be appreciated that the panel retainer clip of the present invention need not necessarily share a fastening with a side of a cladding panel. For example, a female side of a cladding panel may be fastened directly to the support structure and the panel retainer clip may also be fastened directly to the support structure via a separate fastener. This arrangement may be suitable, for example, with certain types of cladding which do not include a suitable underlap onto which the panel retainer clip could be mounted. It will be appreciated that the panel retainer clip could be mounted essentially anywhere on the support structure which will provide suitable interference with respect to an unfastened side of a cladding panel, so as to prevent undesirable movement out of interlocking engagement.

[0060] The present invention may also relate to a cladding panel for use in abovedescribed interlocking panel arrangement.

[0061] The above discussion includes reference to a novel panel retainer clip in combination with a corresponding interlocking panel arrangement. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention also relates to a panel retaining clip perse.

[0062] In this regard, another aspect of the present invention provides a panel retainer clip for use in an interlocking cladding panel arrangement which is mountable to a support structure and includes first and second interlockable cladding panels, the retainer clip including: a base configured for mounting to the support structure beneath the second panel; and an abutment portion extending from the base for, in use, retaining a side of the second panel against movement away from a position of interlocked engagement with the first panel wherein the panel clip is configured according to a predetermined spacing between fascia portions of the first and second cladding panels.

[0063] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a panel retainer clip for use in an interlocking cladding panel arrangement which is mountable to a support structure and includes first and second interlockable cladding panels, the first cladding panel including a first interlocking formation for interlocking engagement with a second interlocking formation of the second cladding panel, the first interlocking formation comprising a female formation having a recess for receiving a male formation having a tongue configured for insertion into the recess

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 during interlocking engagement and the tongue having a length configured to achieve a predetermined spacing between fascia portions of the first and second cladding panels, the retainer clip including a base configured for mounting to the support structure beneath the second panel; and an abutment portion extending from the base and, in use, the abutment being in fixed relation within the recess and being located adjacent to the tongue for retaining the tongue against movement out of said interlocked engagement with the recess, the fixed relation between the abutment portion and the recess being predetermined according to the predetermined spacing between the fascia portions of the first and second cladding panels.

Brief Description of Drawings [0064] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures in which:

[0065] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a panel retainer clip according to the present invention;

[0066] Figure 2 is a front view of the panel retainer clip illustrated in Figure 1;

[0067] Figure 3 is a top view of the panel retainer clip illustrated in Figure 1;

[0068] Figure 4 is a side view of the panel retainer clip illustrated in Figure 1;

[0069] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an interlocking cladding panel arrangement comprising a pair of interlocked cladding panels and the panel retainer clip illustrated in Figures 1-5, when mounted to a support structure;

[0070] Figures 6 is a closer perspective of insert ‘B’ in Figure 5;

[0071] Figure 7 is a closer perspective of insert ‘C’ from Figure 5;

[0072] Figure 8 is a higher perspective view of the cladding panel arrangement illustrated in Figure 5;

[0073] Figure 9 is a closer perspective of insert ‘D’ from Figure 8;

[0074] Figure 10 is a side view of the cladding panel arrangement of Figures 5 to

9.

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 [0075] Figure 10a is a closer perspective of insert ‘A’ from Figure 10;

[0076] Figures 11a and 11b are a side-by-side sequential comparison of an interlocking cladding panel arrangement without and with the use of the panel retainer clip illustrated in Figure 1;

[0077] Figure 12 illustrates an installation phase of a cladding panel arrangement according to the present invention;

[0078] Figure 13 illustrates the installed condition of the cladding panel arrangement of Figure 12;

[0079] Figure 14 illustrated the operative function of the panel retainer clip in relation to the cladding panel arrangement illustrated in Figures 12 and 13;

[0080] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate alternative cladding panel arrangements according to the present invention in which the panel divide between adjacent cladding panels is varied.

Detailed Description [0081] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a panel retainer clip 10 according to the present invention. Figures 2 to 4 illustrate front, top and side views of the clip 10 respectively. The clip 10 includes a locating flange 12 extending from a planar base 14.

[0082] Locating flange 12 includes a kink 16 having a pair of stiffening ribs 22 and which deflects flange 12 from the plane of base 14. As best illustrated in Figure 4, locating flange 12 therefore extends in a plane which is generally parallel to and slightly raised above the plane of the base 14.

[0083] Clip 10 further includes a pair of walls 18 upstanding from opposing edges of base 14. Each wall 18 includes a stiffening flange 20 extending perpendicularly and inwardly from an end of wall 18. The stiffening flanges 20 also define a pair of abutments which have abutment surfaces 28 which face the same direction as connection flange 12. Base 14 further includes an elongate stiffening rib 24 extending partially between opposing sidewalls 18 and a fastener opening 26.

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 [0084] As will be discussed further below, the distal edge 30 of locating flange 12 is configured for insertion into a recess of a cladding panel in order to locate the abutment surfaces 28 in a desired position, relative to the cladding panel. The distance between the distal edge 30 of the locating flange 12 and the abutment surfaces 28 is labelled ‘X’ in Figure 1. This distance may vary depending on the particular panel gap width which is determined by the particular cladding configuration. The distance X may be typically configured to suit a specific type of cladding panel.

[0085] A portion of the base 14 between the abutment surfaces 28 and the kink 16 comprises an underlap portion 45. The distance between the kink 16 and the abutment surfaces 28 us labelled Ύ’ in Figure 1. In addition to (or as an alternative to) varying distance X, the variation of distance Y can also be used to suit a particular panel gap width between adjacent cladding panels. For example, a longer underlap portion 45 will space the kink 16 farther from the abutment surfaces. As will be discussed in further detail below, a larger spacing between kink 16 and abutment surfaces 28 can accommodate a larger panel gap width (also known as a ‘panel divide’).

[0086] Turning to Figures 5 to 7 there is illustrated an interlocking cladding panel arrangement 11 mounted to a support structure comprising a batten 31. The panel arrangement includes a pair of identical cladding panels comprising a first cladding panel 32 and a second cladding panel 34. Each cladding panel includes a male side 36 including a tongue 38 and a female side 40 formed with a recess 42 which is configured for receiving the tongue 36 of an adjacent panel to provide interlocking engagement between panels. The female sides 40 are fastened to the batten 31 in an underlapping portion 44 of the female side which is best illustrated in Figure 7.

[0087] As best shown in Figure 6, the tongue 38 of the second cladding panel 34 is received within the recess 42 of the first cladding panel 32 in an interlocked position thereby providing interlocking engagement between the first and second cladding panels 32, 34.

[0088] The cladding panel arrangement includes a pair of panel retainer clips 10 mounted to batten 31. A first panel retainer clip 10a is mounted beneath the second

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 cladding panel 34 and adjacent to the male side 36 of the second cladding panel 34. The first panel retainer clip 10a is therefore concealed inside the male side 36 of the second cladding panel 34 and is, in use, obscured from view.

[0089] A second panel retainer clip 10b is mounted to batten 31 at the female side 40 of the second cladding panel 34. In Figure 5, a third cladding panel (not shown) is yet to be interlocked with the female side of the second cladding panel 34. Accordingly, the second panel retainer clip 10b is not yet concealed from view.

[0090] Turning to Figures 8 and 9, a fastener comprising a screw 46 is used to mount the panel clips 10 and the female sides 40 to the batten 31. Screw 46 extends through the fastener opening 26 in the panel retainer clip 10 and also through underlapping portion 44 which extends from the female side 40. In this manner, a single screw 46 can mount both a panel retainer clip 10 and the female side 40 to the batten 31.

[0091] Figure 10 illustrates the interlocked engagement between the tongue 38 of the second cladding panel 34 and the recess 42 of the first cladding panel 32. The male side 36 of the second cladding panel 34 includes a sidewall 50 from which tongue 38 extends. The tongue 38 includes a crimped end 48 which abuts the inner end 52 of the recess 42.

[0092] Figure 10 also illustrates the location of the panel retainer clip 10a relative to the interlocked connection between the first and second cladding panels 32, 34. Figure 10 illustrates the interlocked connection in a ‘normal’ position i.e. an at-rest position in which the components are not subject to external influence such as wind. As shown, the abutment surfaces 28 of clip 10a are normally spaced from the sidewall 50.

[0093] The male side 36 and sidewall 50 is therefore permitted a small amount of movement away from the interlocked position illustrated in Figure 10a, i.e. movement to the right hand side of Figure 10 and away from the recess 42. This movement will be halted when sidewall 50 contacts abutment surfaces 28 therefore preventing further movement away from the interlocked position. It will be appreciated that the spacing between the abutment surfaces 28 and the sidewall 50 is determined by the length ‘X’ illustrated in Figure 1. Accordingly, the extent of movement which sidewall

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 is allowed to undertake could be adjusted as desired for a particular application by reconfiguring length X.

[0094] Still referring to Figure 10a, the underlapping portion 44 of the female side includes a kink 54 which corresponds to kink 16 in the locating flange 12. The locating flange 12 is seated upon the underlapping portion 44 with the distal edge 30 of the locating flange 12 inserted up to the inner end 52 of the recess 42. Screw 46 fastens the base 14 of clip 10a and the underlapping portion 44 to the batten 31. As shown, the base 14 of clip 10a is therefore spaced from the batten 31 by the thickness of the underlapping portion 44.

[0095] It is also apparent from Figure 10a that the locating flange 12 is spaced from the batten 31 by sufficient distance to provide clearance for the tongue 38 above the head of screw 46 when the tongue 38 is inserted within recess 42 and is seated upon the locating flange 12. In this manner, the kink 16 in the locating flange 12 provides desired screw head clearance and prevents the screw head from obstructing tongue 38.

[0096] During installation, a first cladding panel is positioned on the batten 31 and a panel retainer clip 10 is seated upon the underlapping portion 44 with the edge 30 of locating flange 12 inserted into the recess 42 of the first panel. The clip 10 is then screwed in through the underlapping portion 44, thereby mounting both the clip 10 and the female side 40 of the panel to the batten 31. The male side 26 of the next panel is then installed as per the convention installation method i.e. the second panel is angled such that the tongue 38 is inserted into the recess 42 of female side 40. Once the tongue 38 is inserted, the second panel is rotated so as to lie flat onto the batten 31 and the second panel is shifted slightly in the direction of the first panel until the end 48 of the tongue 38 abuts the inner end 52 of the recess 42. The female side of the second cladding panel (and, if desired, an accompanying further panel retainer clip 10) may then be secured to the batten 31.

[0097] Turning now to Figures 11a and 11b, the operation of the cladding panel arrangement and, in particular, panel retainer clips 10 will be described in more detail.

[0098] Figures 11a and 11b illustrate a side-by-side comparison between, in Figure 11a, a conventional interlocking cladding panel arrangement and, in Figure

2020100447 24 Mar 2020

11b, a cladding panel arrangement which includes a panel retainer clip according to the present invention. Both Figures 11a and 11b illustrate a middle cladding panel 62 installed between a left panel 60 and a right panel 64. The sequence illustrates the effect of an increasingly high wind load applied to the middle panels 62.

[0099] Referring to Figure 11a, the effect of increasing wind applied to middle panel 62a creates flexion and urges the male side 62a of the middle panel 62a inward

i.e. away from its interlocked position with the female side 40a of the left panel 60. When unrestrained, the inward movement of male end 36a eventually results in the tongue 38a completely disengaging with the female side 40a. The male side 36a of the middle panel 62a becomes unmounted and exposes the underlying batten 61, enabling wind and/or rain to enter the structure.

[0100] Referring to Figure 11a, the ‘normal’ interlocked position shown in the uppermost tile of Figure 11b illustrates spacing between the abutment surfaces 28 on panel retainer clip 10 and the sidewall 50 of the male side 36b. As with Figure 11b, increased wind effect causes flexion within middle panel 62b and consequentially causes movement of the male side 36b away from its interlocked position within the recess of the left panel 60. Said movement reduces the spacing between the sidewall 50 and the abutments surfaces 28 until contact is made and further movement is therefore prevented. As shown in the bottom two tiles of Figure 11b, the male side 36b has shifted away from its normal position but is nonetheless still retained in interlocked engagement with the left panel 60. In this manner, the panel retainer clip 10 retains the middle panel 62b against movement out of said interlocked engagement with an adjacent cladding panel.

[0101] Figures 12 - 14 illustrate an installation and operation sequence of the cladding panel arrangement 11 and panel retainer clip 10 illustrated in the preceding drawings. Figure 12 illustrates an installation stage whereat the first cladding panel 32 and the panel retainer clip 10 have already been secured to batten 31 via screw 46. The locating flange 12 of the panel retainer clip 10 is already located within the recess 42 of the first cladding panel 32. The tongue 38 of the second cladding panel 34 is being inserted into the recess 42 of the first cladding panel 32. As shown, the second cladding panel 34 is orientate at an angle relative to batten 31 in order to facilitate the insertion. The second cladding panel 34 is then rotated clockwise (according to the

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 perspective in Figure 12) in order to achieve the engaged configuration shown in Figure 13.

[0102] Figure 13 illustrates the normally installed configuration and is therefore generally equivalent to the perspective shown in Figure 10a. In Figure 13, the tongue 38 is fully inserted into recess 42. The tongue 38 lies upon and is parallel to the locating flange 12. The sidewall 50 of the second cladding panel 34 is spaced from the abutment 28 on the panel retainer clip 10. The sidewall 51 of the first cladding panel 32 is spaced from (and is orientated generally parallel with) the sidewall 50 of the second cladding panel 34. The cladding panels 32, 34 each include respective planar facia portions 70, 72.

[0103] Figure 14 illustrates the operative function of the panel retainer clip 10. A wind load applied to the second cladding panel 34 urges the fascia portion 72 away from batten 31 (upward in the Figure 14 perspective) such that tongue 38 is partially moved out of recess 42 until the sidewall 50 contacts the abutment 28 and is thereby retained against further movement out of interlocked engagement with the first cladding panel 32.

[0104] As shown in Figure 13, a gap or space comprising a panel divide 71 is present between the fascia portions 70, 72. In use, the panel divide 71 creates a distinctive visual interruption in the otherwise continuous surfaces of the fascia portions 70, 72.

[0105] It will be appreciated that the size of the panel spacing (i.e. the panel divide 71) is predetermined by the configuration of the panels and, in particular, the configuration of the interlocking formation. More particularly, the size of the panel divide 71 is predetermined by the length of tongue 38.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the invention, the size of panel divide 71 may be selected according to aesthetic preference. For example, the spacing between the fascia portions 70, 72 and between the sidewalls 51 and 50 could be selected from a number of options. Varying the panel divide 71 is achieved by varying the length of the tongue 38. A longer tongue 38 results in a larger panel divide 71 and vice versa.

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 [0107] The panel clip 10 is also selected and configured according to the length of tongue 38 and the size of panel divide 71 that is desired. As shown in Figure 13, the kink 16 in the locating flange 12 is seated upon the kink 54 in the first cladding panel 32. Variation of the underlap portion 45 in the panel clip 10 alters the spacing between the kink 16 and abutment surface 28. In this manner, a longer underlap portion 45 increases the distance between the abutment surface 28 and the first cladding panel 32 in order to maintain spacing between the abutment surface 28 and sidewall 50 of the second cladding portion. It will also be appreciated that varying the length of underlap portion 45 also varies spacing between the end of the locating flange 12 and the abutment surface 28.

[0108] The present invention may therefore provide a cladding panel arrangement 11 and a corresponding panel clip 10 which are configured to provide a particular panel divide 71. The panel divide 71 illustrated in Figure 13 may correspond to a ‘large’ size panel divide of approximately 15mm. Figure 15 illustrates a cladding panel arrangement 111 and panel clip 110 providing a ‘small’ panel divide 171 of approximately 5mm. Figure 16 illustrates a cladding panel arrangement 211 and accompanying panel clip 210 which provide a ‘medium’ size panel divide 271 of approximately 10mm. Of course, it will be appreciated that the exact dimensions of the panel divide could vary according to preference.

[0109] In each of the configurations illustrated in Figures 13, 15 and 16, the female sides 40 of the first cladding panels 32 and the size of recesses 42 are equivalent. The configurations in Figures 13, 15 and 16 differ only in the length of tongues 38, 138, 238 and the length of the underlap portions 45, 145, 245 in the panel clips 10, 110, 210.

[0110] It will be appreciated by comparing Figures 13, 15 and 16 that increasing the length of underlap portion 45 increases the spacing between abutment surface 28 and the kink 54 in the female side 40 of the first cladding panel 32. This sets back the abutment surface 28 from the female side 40 to accommodate insertion of a longer tongue 38 on the second cladding panel.

[0111] As shown in Figure 10a, the cladding panels 32, 34 are configured with a space between the sidewall 50 and the abutment surface 28. This space may

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 advantageously facilitate installation by providing additional room in which to insert and manoeuvre the male side 36 into engagement with the female side 40.

[0112] In an alternative form of the invention (not illustrated) the cladding panels are configured to engage via an interference fit. In particular, an interference or friction fit between the sidewall 50 and the abutment surface 28. That is, there is no longer any space between the sidewall 50 and the abutment surface 28. The interference fit engagement may supplement the engagement between the tongue 38 and recess 42 of the cladding panels. This configuration may advantageously reduce or eliminate the possibility of rattling in a high or buffering wind situation. This configuration may be particularly suited with cladding that is relatively flexible so as to still permit convenient installation.

[0113] The present invention therefore provides a concealed panel retainer clip component which blocks movement of the interlocking wall cladding, relative to the support structure and which is concealed from view. The present invention therefore facilitates the use of desirable thinner and lighter cladding panels which are more susceptible to wind-induced flexion, and without requiring visible screws through the cladding which diminish aesthetic appearance.

[0114] 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 understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0115] Where the terms comprise, comprises, comprised or comprising are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or group thereof.

Claims (24)

1. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement, including:

a pair of first and second interlockable cladding panels mounted in a side-by-side configuration on a support structure, each cladding panel including a fascia portion, the first cladding panel including a first interlocking formation and the second cladding panel including a second interlocking formation in interlocked engagement with the first interlocking formation; and an abutment located on a panel retainer clip mountable in fixed relation to the first interlocking formation and located adjacent to the second interlocking formation for retaining the second interlocking formation against movement out of said interlocked engagement with the first interlocking formation, wherein at least one of the interlocking formations is configured to provide a predetermined spacing between the fascia portions of the cladding panels and the panel retainer clip being configured according to said predetermined spacing.

2. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 1, the fixed relation between the abutment portion and the first interlocking formation being of predetermined size selected according to the predetermined spacing between the fascia portions of the first and second cladding panels.

3. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, the first interlocking formation comprising a female formation having a recess and the second interlocking formation comprising a male formation having a tongue configured for insertion into the recess during interlocking engagement.

4. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 3, the tongue being of predetermined length in order to provide the predetermined spacing between the fascia portions of the cladding panels.

5. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 4, each cladding panel including a pair of opposing sides comprising a male side

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 which includes the male formation and a female side which includes the female formation.

6. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 5 wherein, during interlocked engagement, the abutment is positioned to retain movement of the tongue out of receipt within the recess.

7. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 6, the tongue including a distal end for insertion into the recess and a proximal end from which the tongue extends and the abutment being, in use, positioned adjacent to the proximal end for obstructing withdrawal of the tongue from the recess.

8. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 6, the tongue extending from a sidewall of the male side and wherein, in the interlocked position, the abutment being normally spaced apart from the sidewall.

9. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 8, the male side being, in use, located between the female side and the abutment.

10. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, the first interlocking formation being, in use, pre-fastened to the support structure and the second interlocking formation being manually locatable into interlocked engagement with the pre-fastened first interlocking formation.

11. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, the panel retainer clip including a fastener opening facilitating mounting of the panel retainer clip in fixed relation to the first interlocking formation.

12. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 11, the panel retainer clip including a base which includes the fastener opening and the abutment extending from the base.

13. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 12, the base comprising a generally planar sheet and the base further including a stiffening formation.

14. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, the panel clip further including a locating flange configured for engagement

2020100447 24 Mar 2020 with the first interlocking formation for locating the abutment at a predetermined spacing from the first locking formation.

15. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 14 the locating flange being configured according to the predetermined spacing between the fascia portions of the cladding panels.

16. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claims 14 or 15, the locating flange including a kinked portion deflecting the locating flange from a plane of the panel clip base.

17. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 16, the kinked portion of the locating flange being locatable on a corresponding flange of the first interlocking formation and the kinked portion of the locating flange being spaced from the abutment according to the predetermined spacing between the fascia portions of the cladding panels.

18. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to any one of claims 14 to 17, the locating flange including at least one stiffening formation.

19. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the abutment of the panel retainer clip comprising a wall upstanding from a base.

20. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the panel retainer clip including pair of abutments defined respectively by a pair of walls upstanding from a base.

21. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 20, each panel retainer clip including a pair of stiffening flanges extending respectively from the pair of upstanding walls.

22. An interlocking cladding panel arrangement according to claim 21, the pair of stiffening flanges extending from an end of the upstanding walls and each abutment in the pair of abutments defined by a surface on one of the stiffening flanges.

2020100447 24 Mar 2020

23. A panel retainer clip for use in an interlocking cladding panel arrangement which is mountable to a support structure and includes first and second interlockable cladding panels, the retainer clip including:

• a base configured for mounting to the support structure beneath the second panel; and • an abutment portion extending from the base for, in use, retaining a side of the second panel against movement away from a position of interlocked engagement with the first panel.

wherein the panel clip is configured according to a predetermined spacing between fascia portions of the first and second cladding panels.

24. A panel retainer clip for use in an interlocking cladding panel arrangement which is mountable to a support structure and includes first and second interlockable cladding panels, the first cladding panel including a first interlocking formation for interlocking engagement with a second interlocking formation of the second cladding panel, the first interlocking formation comprising a female formation having a recess for receiving a male formation having a tongue configured for insertion into the recess during interlocking engagement and the tongue having a length configured to achieve a predetermined spacing between fascia portions of the first and second cladding panels, the retainer clip including • a base configured for mounting to the support structure beneath the second panel; and • an abutment portion extending from the base and, in use, the abutment being in fixed relation with the recess and being located adjacent to the tongue for retaining the tongue against movement out of said interlocked engagement with the recess, the fixed relation between the abutment portion and the recess being predetermined according to the predetermined spacing between the fascia portions of the first and second cladding panels.