AU2021254555A1 - Cladding panel retaining apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fixed and/or sliding type retaining apparatus (single clip or rail) for securing overlapping edges of cladding panels to each other and to a supporting substrate. The present invention further relates to an assembly incorporating the retaining apparatus and substrate, an angled or double standing seam incorporating the retaining apparatus, and a roof or wall cladding system incorporating one or more of the above. coCo LO) co)

Description

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CLADDING PANEL RETAINING APPARATUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixed and/or sliding type retaining apparatus (single clip or rail) for securing overlapping edges of cladding panels to each other and to a supporting substrate. The present invention further relates to an assembly incorporating the retaining apparatus and substrate, an angled or double standing seam incorporating the retaining apparatus, and a roof or wall cladding system incorporating one or more of the above.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Most roofing and cladding systems are designed to ensure a watertight seal between adjacent cladding panels and enable expansion and contraction of the cladding panels as changes in temperature are encountered. The clips also conceal fixings to ensure an aesthetically pleasing facade for residential or commercial structures. Standing seam systems are often used in roofing and wall cladding applications because they allow cladding panels (usually metal panels) to be fixed to a supporting substrate (typically plywood) in a manner that ensures they can withstand wind as well as other loads, prevent water from entering into the roof or wall, and at the same time conceal fixings to provide a clean, modern-looking facade.

[0003] There are generally two types of standing seams, namely, "angled" (also known as single-lock) standing seams which are used mainly in wall cladding applications, and "double" (also known as double-lock) standing seams which are used mainly in roofing applications.

[0004] In each case, the cladding panel is typically an extruded section having a flat horizontal pan with upright male and female edge portions forming opposed edges of the horizontal pan (with the female edge portion extending slightly higher than the male edge portion) and which, at their upper ends, extend perpendicularly in a common direction to form horizontally extending lips. In this way, when two cladding panels are positioned side by side ready to be joined, i.e. where the upright female portion of the first panel is positioned adjacent the upright male edge portion of the second panel, the horizontally extending lip associated with a first edge (the female edge) extends beyond the horizontally extending lip associated with the second edge (the male edge) before flanging substantially downwardly (vertically) to form a downward flange such that the female edge forms an "overcloak" over the "undercloak" male edge. In this way, when two identical panels are joined, the upright portion of the male edge of one panel is brought together with the upright portion of the female edge of the other to form overlapping upright edges, and the downward flange of the overcloak female edge can be folded (or crimped) under the horizontally extending lip of the undercloak male edge to form a seam.

[0005] In an "angled" standing seam, similar to that which is shown in Figure 11, the horizontal lip of the female edge extends over the top and is then folded under the horizontal lip of the male edge to create a sealed join, as described above. In this way, the folded male and female edges form an inverted L-shape and the resulting seam extends substantially horizontally from the upright edge portion.

[0006] An example of a "double" standing seam is shown in Figures 1-2, in which it will be appreciated that the female edge, after being folded over the male edge a first time as described above, is folded again together with the male edge such that the overlapping male and female edges are crimped together in a substantially vertical configuration. In other words, rather than resulting in an inverted L-shape, the double standing seam appears as an upright structure that has been folded onto itself with no laterally extending component.

[0007] Figure 1 shows a prior art cladding system 10 utilising two different types of clip 12 and 14 for fixing a standing seam 16. A double standing seam is illustrated in this example, and is formed by two adjacent cladding panels 18 secured together using the clips 12 and 14. In addition to securing overlapping edges of the cladding panels, the clips 12 and 14 serve to secure the panels to a plywood substrate 20. The enlarged views of Figures 2 and 3 more clearly illustrate how each clip 12 and 14 (respectively) includes a foot portion 22 configured to be fixed to the substrate 20 using countersunk or undercut screws 24, and an upright portion 26 for fixing the standing seam 16. The upright portion 26 is configured to extend between overlapping male 28 and female 30 edges of the two adjacent panels 18. The reference numerals 16, 18, 20, and 24 used to describe certain features associated with clip 12 are also used to describe the same or similar features associated with clip 14, for the purpose of brevity.

[0008] The clip 12 enlarged in Figure 2 is known as a "sliding" clip since it includes a slideable engagement bracket 32 and allows room for movement in associated building materials, including expansion and contraction of panels 18. The sliding clip can be used in both angled and double standing seam applications. The engagement bracket 32 shown includes a vertical web portion having a downwardly folded upper engagement lip 34 and a upwardly folded lower engagement lip 36 to form a bracket that is substantially S-shaped.

[0009] Prior to installation, the engagement bracket 32 is not S-shaped. The upper engagement lip 34 initially forms an inverted L-shape such that it extends horizontally from the vertical web portion, and during installation is folded (at the same time as the male 28 and female 30 edges are folded) to form the double standing seam, as described above. The upper engagement lip 34 is folded tightly over the folded male edge 28 of the panel 18 such that any movement of panel 18 will result in movement of the upper engagement lip 34 and hence corresponding movement of the bracket 32. The lower engagement lip 36 initially forms an L-shape such that it extends horizontally from the vertical web portion in an opposite direction to that of the upper engagement lip 34 in its pre-installation configuration. The upright portion 26 of the sliding clip 12 includes an opening 38 which defines an edge 40 configured to accommodate the lower engagement lip 36 of bracket 32 such that the lower engagement lip 36 extends into the opening and may then be folded up and over the edge 40. The lower engagement lip is tightened to an extent that allows the bracket 32 to remain fixed to the upright flange portion 26 but remain slideable therealong in case of building material movement.

[0010] The clip 14 enlarged in Figure 3 is known as a "fixed" clip, and also includes an upper engagement lip 42. In this case, the upper engagement lip 42 is integral with an upper end of portion 44 extending upright from foot portion 45. Since the upper engagement lip 42 is integrally formed with the upright portion 44, it is not moveable with respect to the upright portion 44. Similar to sliding clip 12, the upper engagement lip 42 of fixed clip 14 forms an inverted L-shape prior to installation, such that it extends horizontally, and is adapted to be folded during installation (at the same time as the male 28 and female 30 edges are folded) to form the double standing seam, as described previously. The fixed clip can also be used in both single and double standing seam applications.

[0011] Either of the fixed clips or sliding clips, or a combination of both, may be selected for use depending on the particular cladding application. For example, in a roof cladding application, fixed clips 14 are typically used towards the top of a sloping roof, whilst sliding clips 12 are used for the remaining length of panel to prevent expansion/contraction and longitudinal buckling (i.e. buckling in the longitudinal direction of the standing seams).

[0012] In each of Figures 1-3, the panel 18 includes a cutout section 46 that exposes the clips 12 and 14 and the manner in which the clip folds over the male edge of one of the cladding panels 18. However, in reality, those sections are not cut out and are merely shown in this way in the drawings in order to illustrate the arrangement of components beneath. The foot portion 22 and 45 of each of clips 12 and 14 respectively extends beneath the flat horizontal pan of the cladding panel 18, and the female edge folds over the male edge 28 and hence covers the upright flange portion 26 and 44 of each respective clip. Since the foot portion 22 and 45 extends beneath the flat horizontal plan of the cladding panels, the fasteners used to secure the foot portions to the plywood substrate must be countersunk undercut fasteners (e.g. flat head screws 24). Screw heads that protrude upwardly will not form a flush surface with each foot portion 22 and 45 and will likely cause panel damage and aesthetic issues.

[0013] A problem experienced during installation of cladding panels is that multiple installers are required to handle and fix plywood substrates to the underlying structure such as a structural members associated with a roof or wall frame. The dimension of a single sheet of plywood is typically 120cm x 240cm, and each sheet is typically 17mm thick and weighs up to 30 kilograms, making it difficult for a single person to carry and install. For this reason, such sheets need to be propped up in position prior to being fixed, requiring additional time and hardware, or one or more additional persons are required to hold the sheet in place. Installation is also slow and tedious because the clips are required to be fixed to the plywood substrate at regular intervals along the length of a cladding panel, resulting in a large number of clips requiring installation. Furthermore, flat head screws can only be installed using Phillips Head screwdrivers which do not lend themselves to quick and efficient tightening. More efficient screw tightening methods, such as the use of a magazine screwdriver which drives screws in automatically when a trigger is operated, are not typically usable with flat head screws since flat head screws tend to be non-magnetic and have low quality (weak) heads which are susceptible to "stripping" by the rotational force of a magazine screwdriver or drill.

[0014] The use of plywood in roof and wall cladding also presents a problem in that plywood is combustible and hence poses a fire risk for building occupants as well as those in the vicinity. Such materials may increase the rate at which fire spreads and have been known to cause fast, very dangerous fires that claim entire buildings. For these reasons, the use of combustible cladding materials have been regulated against in most countries. For example, according to the Australian National Construction Code (NCC), the use of plywood substrates is no longer permitted in certain applications.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems or to provide the public with a useful alternative.

[0016] It is to be understood that any reference to Figure 11 in the preceding paragraphs is not an acknowledgement or suggestion that the clip or substrate or any combination of features shown in Figure 11 forms part of the prior art or the common general knowledge. Reference to Figure 11 above is solely to assist the reader in understanding the configuration of an "angled" standing seam as compared with the "double" standing seam shown in Figure 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a retaining apparatus for securing two cladding panels to each other and to a substrate, each cladding panel having a flat pan section and an edge configured to be used to secure the cladding panel to the edge of another cladding panel, the substrate configured to be fixed to a supporting structure and including alternating crests and valleys and side walls connecting adjacent crests and valleys, the apparatus including: at least one foot portion wherein each foot portion is configured to be fastened to a valley of the substrate; and an upright portion associated with each foot portion, each upright portion including a means of securing the edges of the two cladding panels in an overlapping relationship to form a seam, wherein the apparatus having at least one foot portion fastened to the substrate valley extends to a sufficient height above the substrate crests to ensure that when the overlapping edges of the two cladding panels are secured using the apparatus, the flat pan sections associated with the cladding panels are disposed above the substrate crests.

[0018] In an embodiment, the height of the upright portion is sufficient to cause the flat pan sections to abut with, or hover a short distance above, the substrate crests disposed there beneath.

[0019] In an embodiment, the apparatus is a fixed type clip having one foot portion and an upright flange portion, wherein the means of securing the edges of the two cladding panels in an overlapping relationship to form a seam is in the form of a fixed bracket associated with the upright portion.

[0020] In an embodiment, the upright portion includes an opening having an upper edge, and the fixed bracket engages the upright portion at the upper edge of the opening.

[0021] In an embodiment, the bracket includes an engagement lip at its upper end which is used to secure the two overlapping edges of the two cladding panels to form a seam.

[0022] In an embodiment, the seam is an angled standing seam.

[0023] In an embodiment, the seam is a double standing seam.

[0024] In an embodiment, the apparatus is a fixed type rail configured to extend across a plurality of alternating valleys and crests of the substrate, the rail having a plurality of foot portions and associated upright portions disposed in two or more of the valleys, wherein adjacent upright portions are joined by bridge portions which extend over the crest located between adjacent valleys, each bridge portion disposed a spaced distance from the corresponding crest.

[0025] In an embodiment, the foot portions, upright portions, and bridge portion(s) associated with the rail are integrally formed.

[0026] In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus is a sliding type clip having two foot portions and associated upright portions disposed in two adjacent valleys, and a bridge portion, wherein: adjacent upright portions are joined by the bridge portion which extends over the crest located between the two adjacent valleys, the bridge portion disposed a spaced distance from the crest, and the means of securing the edges of the two cladding panels in an overlapping relationship to form a seam is in the form of a sliding bracket associated with the bridge portion.

[0027] In an embodiment, the foot portions, upright portions, and bridge portion associated with the sliding type clip are integrally formed.

[0028] In an embodiment, the sliding bracket slideably engages with the bridge portion at a lower edge thereof, the lower edge defined by a space between the crest and the bridge portion and having a sufficient length to allow the sliding bracket to slide therealong in the event of expansion or contraction of one or more of the associated cladding panels.

[0029] In an embodiment, the sliding bracket includes an engagement lip at its upper end which is used to secure the two overlapping edges of the two cladding panels to form a seam.

[0030] In an embodiment, the seam is an angled standing seam.

[0031] In an embodiment, the seam is a double standing seam.

[0032] In an embodiment, the apparatus is a sliding type rail configured to extend across a plurality of alternating valleys and crests of the substrate, the rail having a plurality of foot portions and associated upright portions disposed in two or more of the valleys.

[0033] In an embodiment, the side walls connecting adjacent crests and valleys are inclined.

[0034] In an embodiment, each foot portion is fastened to a valley surface using metal tek screws.

[0035] In an embodiment, the apparatus is manufactured from stainless steel.

[0036] In an embodiment, the substrate is manufactured from a non-combustible material.

[0037] In an embodiment, the cladding panels are manufactured from metal sheets.

[0038] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an assembly for securing two cladding panels to each other and to a supporting structure, each cladding panel having a flat pan section and an edge configured to be used to secure the cladding panel to the edge of the other cladding panel, the assembly including: a substrate configured to be fixed to the supporting structure, the substrate including alternating crests and valleys and side walls connecting adjacent crests and valleys; and a retaining apparatus configured in accordance with the first aspect.

[0039] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a standing seam including a retaining apparatus configured in accordance with the first aspect for securing two cladding panels to each other and to a substrate.

[0040] In an embodiment, the standing seam is an angled standing seam.

[0041] In an embodiment, the standing seam is a double standing seam.

[0042] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a roof or wall cladding system including one or more of: one or more retaining apparatus configured in accordance with the first aspect, one or more assemblies configured in accordance with the second aspect, and one more standing seams configured in accordance with the third aspect.

[0043]In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method of assembling two cladding panels of a roof or wall cladding system, the method including: mounting a substrate having alternating crests and valleys, and side walls connecting adjacent crests and valleys, to a supporting structure; mounting one or more retaining apparatus, configured in accordance with the first aspect, to the substrate, including by fastening one or more foot portions of the retaining apparatus to correspondingly spaced apart valleys associated with the substrate; and securing the two cladding panels to each other and to the substrate utilising the retaining apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Features of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limited in the following figure(s), in which like numerals indicate like elements, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art standing seam cladding system including the use of a prior art fixed clip and a prior art sliding clip to secure overlapping edges of adjacent cladding panels to each other and to a plywood substrate.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the prior art sliding clip of Figure 1.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the prior art fixed clip of Figure 1.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fixed type clip according to an embodiment of the present invention fastened at its foot portion to a substrate valley.

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a sliding type clip according to an embodiment of the present invention fastened at its two foot portions to two adjacent substrate valleys.

[0050] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a fixed type rail according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the rail is configured to extend across a plurality of alternating substrate valleys and crests.

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of an angled standing seam cladding system incorporating the fixed type rail of Figure 6.

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the fixed type rail of Figure 6 as used in the cladding system of Figure 7.

[0053] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the clip rail of Figure 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention in which sliding brackets are mounted.

[0054] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an angled standing seam cladding system incorporating the sliding type rail of Figure 9.

[0055] Figure 11 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the sliding type rail of Figure 9 as used in the cladding system of Figure 10.

[0056] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of a sliding type rail according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the rail is configured to extend across a plurality of alternating substrate valleys and crests.

[0057] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of an angled standing seam cladding system incorporating the sliding type rail of Figure 12.

[0058] Figure 14 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the sliding type rail of Figure 12 as used in the cladding system of Figure 13.

[0059] Figure 15 illustrates a yet further enlarged perspective view of the sliding type rail of Figure 12 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0060] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring mainly to an example thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, some methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure. As used herein, the terms "a" and "an" are intended to denote at least one of a particular element, the term "includes" means includes but not limited to, the term "including" means including but not limited to, and the term "based on" means based at least in part on.

[0061] The present invention relates to a retaining apparatus 50 for securing two cladding panels 52 to each other and to a substrate 54, the substrate 54 configured to be fixed to a supporting structure 56 (such as supporting beams or the like) and including alternating crests 58 and valleys 60 and side walls 62 connecting adjacent crests and valleys.

[0062] Whilst different embodiments (fixed type clip, sliding type clip, fixed type rail, sliding type rail, or combination thereof) are illustrated in Figures 4 to 15, the same reference numerals will be used to describe each retaining apparatus and each feature that is similar or identical. The reader will appreciate that each of the apparatus 50 includes at least one foot portion 64 wherein each foot portion is configured to be fastened (using a suitable fastener, such as a tek screw 66), inside a valley 60 of the substrate 54, and an upright portion 68 including a means of securing two overlapping edges of the two cladding panels 52 to each other to form a seam 72. It will also be appreciated that in each embodiment, the upright portion 68 extends to a sufficient height above the substrate crests 58 to ensure that when the two cladding panels 52 are secured to each other to form a seam 72 using apparatus 50, flat pan sections 74 associated with the cladding panels 52 are disposed above the substrate 54. In other words, the height of the upright portions 68 may be such that the flat pan sections 74 abut with or hover a short spaced distance from the crests 58 of the substrate and are thereby substantially supported by the crests 58.

[0063] The supporting structure 56 in the embodiment shown is in the form of one or more top-hat beams fixed to surface 76. However, it is to be understood that any other suitable supporting structure 56 may be used, and will vary depending upon the cladding application. Further, whilst not shown in the figures, the substrate 54 is secured to the top-hat beams 56 using suitable fastening means, such as tek screws, although this is not shown in the Figures.

[0064] The substrate 54 is made of non-combustible material such as a sufficiently strong metal such as Zincalume@ that may be ordered according to the size requirements of a particular job, and which weighs significantly less than plywood on a per metre basis. Accordingly, the use of a non-combustible metal addresses many of the problems associated with using plywood as a substrate mentioned earlier (including fire risk, installation inefficiencies, and the fact that combustible substrates are not permitted according to building regulations in most countries).

[0065] The substrate has a supportive trapezoidal profile comprising alternating crests 58 and valleys 60 separated by inclined side walls 62. In this way, the substrate 54 allows the apparatus (in particular the foot portion(s) 64 of each apparatus) and the upright portion 68 to be disposed in the valley. Since the substrate is covered by the cladding panels 52, the fasteners 66 used to fasten the foot portion to the valley 60 may protrude upwardly from the foot portion 64 without interfering with or damaging the cladding panels 52 or affecting the visual appearance of the panels. In this way, the installer may select fasteners which lend themselves to more quick and efficient installation as compared with flat head fasteners for example. For example, it is much faster for installers to use magnetic impact drivers (not shown) to fasten metal teks 66 to the substrate 54 as compared with installing clips to a plywood substrate with Phillip's Head fasteners (as per the prior art embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3).

[0066] Accordingly, the present invention results in simplified and more efficient installation of cladding panels since a single installer can secure the non-combustible substrates 54 to a supporting structure, and then once the substrate is secured, the process of fixing the apparatus 50 to the substrate can be achieved far more quickly since there is no longer a requirement to drill flat head screws into a plywood substrate or ensure that the screws are sufficiently tightened so as not to protrude too high from the foot portion of each apparatus 50.

[0067] The apparatus 50 shown in Figure 4 is a "fixed type" clip having one foot portion 64 and one associated upright portion 68, and whereby the means of securing the edges of the two cladding panels 52 in an overlapping relationship to form a seam 72 is in the form of a fixed bracket 78 associated with the upright portion 68. The upright portion 68 may include an opening 80 having an upper edge 82, and the bracket 78 may engage the upright portion 68 at the upper edge 82 of the opening 80. The bracket 78 further includes an engagement lip 84 at its upper end which is used to secure the two overlapping edges of the two cladding panels 52 to form seam 72.

[0068] Since the process of using an engagement lip 84 to secure two overlapping edges of two cladding panels has already been described by way of example in the background of the invention, this process will not be described again for the purpose of brevity. It should be noted that whilst Figures 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12 show brackets having engagement lips 84/90 already bent into shape, i.e. where a short angled vertical associated with the engagement lip 84/90 is shown already bent up under the lip, in practice this bending will not occur until after the overlapping edges associated with two cladding panels 52 are arranged in place and ready to be crimped together with the engagement lip 84/90. The engagement lips 84/90 are shown in this configuration in the drawings, i.e. with the short angled vertical already bent up, solely to demonstrate that this component is configured to be bent in this manner in order to engage the overlapping edges associated with the two cladding panels 52. It is to be further understood that other methods of enabling bracket 78 to secure the two overlapping edges of the cladding panels 52 could equally well be used and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the "angled" or "double" standing seam type engagements described.

[0069] The apparatus 50 shown in Figure 5 is a "sliding type" clip having two foot portions 64 and associated upright portions 68 disposed in two adjacent valleys 60, and wherein the adjacent upright portions 68 are joined by a bridge portion 86 which is of a sufficient height to extend over the crest 58 located between the two adjacent valleys 60. The bridge portion 86 disposed a spaced apart distance from, the crest 58 beneath. The means of securing two overlapping edges of the two cladding panels 52 may be in the form of a sliding bracket 78 associated with the bridge portion 86 as shown in Figure 5. In the embodiment shown, the foot portions 64, upright flange portions 68 and bridge portion 86 are integrally formed.

[0070] The sliding bracket 78 may engage with the bridge portion 86 in a manner that allows for the bracket 78 to slide relative to the bridge portion 86 and, in the embodiment shown, the sliding bracket 78 slideably engages with the bridge portion 86 at a lower edge 88 thereof. As with clip bracket 78 associated with clip 50 of Figure 4, this engagement involves folding a section of clip bracket 78 over the edge 88 of bridge portion 86 to an extent that is sufficient to allow some sliding of clip bracket 78 due to expansion or contraction of one or more of the secured cladding panels 52. The lower edge 88 defined by the space between the crest 58 and the bridge portion 86 is of a sufficient length to allow the clip bracket 78 to slide therealong. It should be noted that the engagement in Figure 4 will not allow for sliding since the apparatus in Figure 4 is a fixed type clip.

[0071] The vertical face (web portion) of the fixed bracket 78 shown in Figure 4 as well as the sliding bracket 78 shown in Figure 5, and indeed in any of the fixed/sliding brackets described herein, may be made in variable heights to accommodate cladding seams of different height. For example, cladding seams may vary in height (e.g. 25cm, cm, 38cm, etc), and hence different fixed/sliding brackets 78 can be made to extend to different heights in order to correspond with and accommodate different cladding seam heights.

[0072] The sliding bracket 78 of Figure 5 may also include an engagement lip 90, and similar to engagement lip 84 of Figure 4, may be configured in any way that enables the overlapping edges of cladding panels 52 to be secured both to each other and to the clip. For example, the engagement lip 90 could be configured in accordance with the "double" or "angled" standing seam engagement as described in the background of the invention, or by any other appropriate engagement process to form a seam 72.

[0073] Whilst Figures 4 and 5 illustrate clips for use in a single valley (in the case of the fixed clip of Figure 4) or across two valleys and over one crest (in the case of the sliding clip of Figure 5), most roof and wall cladding applications will require the apparatus 50 to extend over a plurality of alternating valleys and crests. In this regard, Figure 6 shows an example of an apparatus 50 configured in the form of a rail that extends across a plurality of alternating valleys 60 and crests 58 of the substrate 54. The rail 50 has a plurality of foot portions 64 and associated upright portions 68, and wherein the distance between such portions corresponds with the distance between valleys 60 of the substrate 54. As will become apparent, the rail 50 of Figure 6 may be dimensioned to include a particular number of feet portions to suit different applications.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the rail 50 is a "fixed type" rail since it includes only fixed brackets 78, however, the clip rail 50 shown in Figure 6 may also be capable of accommodating sliding brackets 78 to form a "sliding type" rail, as shown in Figure 9, or a combination of both to form a combination sliding/fixed rail (not shown).

[0075] It will be appreciated that whilst the fixed type clip 50 in Figure 4 was configured for use in a single valley, the rail shown in Figures 6-11 includes a plurality of bridge portions 92 configured to join the upright portions 68 and extend over a plurality of crests 58 located between adjacent valleys 60 of the substrate 54.

[0076] Figure 12 shows another "sliding type" rail example 50 that is configured to accommodate, using bridge portions 92, solely sliding brackets 78. It is to be understood that the bridge portions 92 are configured to accommodate sliding brackets in the same manner as previously described with respect to bridge portion 86.

[0077] The skilled addressee will appreciate that by using rails as shown in Figures 6, 9 and 12, installation efficiency is further improved since a single installer is able to fasten one end of the rail in one valley of the substrate, and then after a second foot portion is fastened in another valley, the entire rail is substantially fixed in a position that enables the installer to fasten the remaining foot portions with ease and without having to manually position a new clip each time.

[0078] Figures 7 to 8 show use of the fixed type rail of Figure 6 in a wall cladding application 94. Similarly Figures 10 to 11 show use of the sliding type rail of Figure 9 in a wall cladding application 95, and Figures 13 to 15 show the further sliding type rail example of Figure 12 used in a wall cladding application 96. It will be appreciated in these additional illustrations how a single rail may be utilised to secure two overlapping edges of two adjacent cladding panels to each other to form a seam. Whilst an example of a roof cladding application is not illustrated in the Figures, it is to be understood that the present invention may also be used in roofing applications and will involve a substantially identical set of components and installation process.

[0079] It is to be further understood that a single longitudinal seam does not necessarily require that one of a sliding type or a fixed type clip be selected for use, since there may be applications requiring both types of clips. For example, in a roofing application, it is not uncommon for a combination of fixed and sliding clips to be required along a single longitudinal length of cladding panel, e.g. fixed type clips toward the top of a sloping roof, and sliding type clips for the remaining length of panel, since such a configuration will prevent expansion/contraction as well as longitudinal buckling (i.e. buckling in the longitudinal direction of the seams). There may also be applications where single clips such as those shown in Figures 4 and 5 are used in conjunction with the rails shown in Figures 6, 9 and 12.

[0080] It will also be appreciated that the rails embodying the present invention, such as those shown in Figures 6 and 9, may be configured to incorporate a combination of sliding and fixed brackets, which would enable a single clip rail to be used along an entire length of seam such that along the length of a single rail there is a combination of fixed and sliding brackets.

[0081] The present invention is not intended to restrict the profile of the substrate 54 to the trapezoidal profile shown and described in the present specification. Provided the substrate includes valleys and crests connected by side walls, then any suitable cross sectional profile may be selected for use. The present invention further provides for increased flexibility and use in a wider range of applications since the substrates as well as the retaining apparatus 50 may be custom shaped to suit different application types, including for example to accommodate valleys and crests of different depth.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the retaining apparatus 50 may be manufactured from stainless steel, the substrate may be manufactured from a non-combustible material such as any metal of suitable strength (e.g. Zincalume@ trapezoidal profile), and the cladding panels may also be manufactured from metal sheeting (e.g. copper, zinc, aluminium or steel).

[0083] Whilst the substrate 54 shown in the Figures are all extending in a horizontal configuration, with attached cladding panels 52 secured vertically, it is to be understood that other configurations are possible. For example, the cladding panels 52 could also be laid diagonally with respect to the substrate. Furthermore, in some applications, the substrate 54 may be mounted vertically, with attached cladding panels 52 secured horizontally or diagonally.

[0084] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to mean the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step, or group of features or steps.

[0085] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims (27)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A retaining apparatus for securing two cladding panels to each other and to a substrate, each cladding panel having a flat pan section and an edge configured to be used to secure the cladding panel to the edge of another cladding panel, the substrate configured to be fixed to a supporting structure and including alternating crests and valleys and side walls connecting adjacent crests and valleys, the apparatus including: at least one foot portion wherein each foot portion is configured to be fastened to a valley of the substrate; and an upright portion associated with each foot portion, each upright portion including a means of securing the edges of the two cladding panels in an overlapping relationship to form a seam, wherein the apparatus having at least one foot portion fastened to the substrate valley extends to a sufficient height above the substrate crests to ensure that when the overlapping edges of the two cladding panels are secured using the apparatus, the flat pan sections associated with the cladding panels are disposed above the substrate crests.

2. A retaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the height of the upright portion is sufficient to cause the flat pan sections to abut with, or hover a short distance above, the substrate crests disposed there beneath.

3. A retaining apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus is a fixed type clip having one foot portion and an upright flange portion, wherein the means of securing the edges of the two cladding panels in an overlapping relationship to form a seam is in the form of a bracket associated with the upright portion.

4. A retaining apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the upright portion includes an opening having an upper edge, and the bracket engages the upright portion at the upper edge of the opening.

5. A retaining apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the bracket includes an engagement lip at its upper end which is used to secure the two overlapping edges of the two cladding panels to form a seam.

6. A retaining apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the seam is an angled standing seam.

7. A retaining apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the seam is a double standing seam.

8. A retaining apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus is a fixed type rail configured to extend across a plurality of alternating valleys and crests of the substrate, the rail having a plurality of foot portions and associated upright portions disposed in two or more of the valleys, wherein adjacent upright portions are joined by bridge portions which extend over the crest located between adjacent valleys, each bridge portion disposed a spaced distance from the corresponding crest.

9. A retaining apparatus according to claim 8, wherein:

the means of securing the edges of the two cladding panels in an overlapping relationship to form a seam is in the form of a fixed bracket associated with each upright portion;

each upright portion includes an opening having an upper edge, and each bracket engages the upright portion at the upper edge of the opening; and

the bracket includes an engagement lip at its upper end which is used to secure the two overlapping edges of the two cladding panels to form a seam.

10. A retaining apparatus according to either claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the foot portions, upright flange portions, and bridge portion associated with the fixed type rail are integrally formed.

11. A retaining apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus is a sliding type clip having two foot portions and associated upright portions disposed in two adjacent valleys, and a bridge portion, wherein:

adjacent upright portions are joined by the bridge portion which extends over the crest located between the two adjacent valleys, the bridge portion disposed a spaced distance from the crest, and the means of securing the edges of the two cladding panels in an overlapping relationship to form a seam is in the form of a sliding bracket associated with the bridge portion.

12. A retaining apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the foot portions, upright portions, and bridge portion associated with the sliding type rail are integrally formed.

13. A retaining apparatus according to either claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the sliding bracket slideably engages with the bridge portion at a lower edge thereof, the lower edge defined by a space between the crest and the bridge portion and having a sufficient length to allow the sliding bracket to slide therealong in the event of expansion or contraction of one or more of the associated cladding panels.

14. A retaining apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the sliding bracket includes an engagement lip at its upper end which is used to secure the two overlapping edges of the two cladding panels to form a seam.

15. A retaining apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the seam is an angled standing seam.

16. A retaining apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the seam is a double standing seam.

17. A retaining apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus is a sliding type rail configured to extend across a plurality of alternating valleys and crests of the substrate, the rail having a plurality of foot portions and associated upright portions disposed in two or more of the valleys.

18. A retaining apparatus according to claim 17, wherein:

adjacent upright portions are joined by bridge portions which extend over each crest located between adjacent valleys, the bridge portion disposed a spaced distance from the crest;

the means of securing the edges of the two cladding panels in an overlapping relationship to form a seam is in the form of a sliding bracket associated with each bridge portion; each sliding bracket slideably engages with each bridge portion at a lower edge thereof, the lower edge defined by a space between the crest and the bridge portion and having a sufficient length to allow the sliding bracket to slide therealong in the event of expansion or contraction of one or more of the associated cladding panels; and each sliding bracket includes an engagement lip at its upper end which is used to secure the two overlapping edges of the two cladding panels to form a seam.

19. A retaining apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls connecting adjacent crests and valleys are inclined.

20. A retaining apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each foot portion is fastened to a valley surface using metal tek screws.

21. A retaining apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is made of stainless steel, and the substrate is made of any non-combustible material.

22. An assembly for securing two cladding panels to each other and to a supporting structure, each cladding panel having a flat pan section and an edge configured to be used to secure the cladding panel to the edge of the other cladding panel, the assembly including:

a substrate configured to be fixed to the supporting structure, the substrate including alternating crests and valleys and side walls connecting adjacent crests and valleys; and

a retaining apparatus configured in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

23. A standing seam including a retaining apparatus configured in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 22 for securing two cladding panels to each other and to a substrate.

24. A standing seam according to claim 23 configured as an angled standing seam.

25. A standing seam according to claim 23 configured as a double standing seam.

26. A roof or wall cladding system including one or more of: one or more retaining apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, one or more assemblies according to claim 22, and one more standing seams according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

27. A method of assembling two cladding panels of a roof or wall cladding system, the method including:

mounting a substrate having alternating crests and valleys, and side walls connecting adjacent crests and valleys, to a supporting structure;

mounting one or more retaining apparatus, configured in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 21, to the substrate, including by fastening one or more foot portions of the retaining apparatus to correspondingly spaced apart valleys associated with the substrate; and

securing the two cladding panels to each other and to the substrate utilising the retaining apparatus.

18

14

16 46 1/15

18 46

20

12

FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART)

32 26 34 24 28 12 30 40

36 24 2/15

22 38

24 46 28 30 18

18

Fig. 2 (PRIOR ART)

42 44 28

14 3/15

24

45

24 46

Fig. 3 (PRIOR ART)

50

78

82 4/15

68 80

58

58 54 62 62 60 64 66

Fig. 4

50 68

68 90 5/15

88 86 66 58 58 62 62 60 64 62 54 66 60 64

Fig. 5

50 92

78 92 80 78 80 64 6/15

68 68

92 68 64

64

Fig. 6