GB1589612A

GB1589612A - Cladding of buildings

Info

Publication number: GB1589612A
Application number: GB2496076A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: MARLEY TILE CO Ltd
Current assignee: MARLEY TILE CO Ltd
Priority date: 1976-06-16
Filing date: 1976-06-16
Publication date: 1981-05-13
Also published as: FR2355138B1; FR2355138A1; DE2727289A1; NZ184405A; AU2605177A

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THE CLADDING OF BUILDINGS (71) We, THE MARLEY TILE COM PANY LIMITED, a British Company of London Road, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Kent, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to the cladding of buildings with panels of for example plastics or plastics coated metal. In particular the invention is concerned with cladding systems in which a plurality of cladding panels are interengaged along their longitudinal edges to form a generally uniplanar panel assembly, and the assembly is mounted on transversely extending battens.

Cladding panels are known, which have inner and outer surfaces, two opposite parallel longitudinal edges and interengaging means extending parallel to and adjacent each edge, the arrangement being such that two or more of such panels can be engaged along their edges to form a generally uniplanar assembly.

In one case, for example, an L-shaped tongue extends outwardly from the edge of the panel to form one interengaging means and a channel or trough comprising the other interengaging means is formed adjacent the other edge of the panel, the tongue of one panel co-operating with the channel of a like panel to form a so-called secret gutter. Such a panel is described hereafter with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

In another case, along one edge of the panel is provided interengaging means comprising a first lip extending inwardly over the inner surface to define a tongue, and along the other edge of the panel is provided interengaging means comprising a second lip extending inwardly over the outer surface to define a trough, the first lip of the panel being adapted to interlock with the second lip of a like panel. Two such cases are described hereafter with reference to Figures 2 and 18.

Heretofore, cladding panels such as those described above have generally been affixed to buildings by fasteners such as nails and bolts which may be secured to cladding rails extending along the wall or roof of the building as required. The cladding rails may comprise wooden battens or for example angle iron.

The use of fasteners is time consuming and in many cases unsatisfactory. Where bolts must pass through the panels, for example adjacent the joins, these will be unsightly, may corrode, and may allow water to pass into the space between the cladding and the building. Furthermore, fixing the panels directly by bolts or nails will not allow for thermal expansion, and the panels will distort.

It is the object of the invention therefore to provide a cladding system which allows for quick assembly and avoids the direct attachment of cladding panels by fasteners such as bolts.

According to the invention therefore, there is provided a cladding system for a building comprising a plurality of adjacent cladding panels forming a generally uniplanar panel assembly each of said panels having a longitudinally extending trough adjacent one longitudinal edge thereof and a longitudinally extending tongue adjacent the other longitudinal edge thereof, the respective tongues and troughs of adjacent panels being interengaged, said system further comprising at least one transversely extending batten for mounting the panel assembly on a building, wherein there are provided locating elements spaced at substantially equal intervals along the edge of the batten and projecting along the batten in the same direction, each locating element projecting into a respective locating channel in the panel assembly in the region of a join between adjacent panels to restrict movement of the panels away from the batten, each channel extending longitudinally of the panels, and there being associated with each locating element, at least one abutment for engaging a portion of the panel assembly in the region of a join between adjacent panels so as to restrict transverse movement of the panels, wherein the batten carries flanges extending in the longitudinal direction of the panels, against which flanges the panels lie.

In a system in accordance with the invention therefore, a secure mounting of the panels can be obtained without the use of fasteners passing through the panels. Thus the effectiveness of the cladding, and the speed of assembly can be improved. Furthermore, the system allows more freedom for thermal expansion, particularly longitudinal, of the panels.

The system could employ purpose-built panels, but a particular advantage of the invention is that existing panels of the type referred to above can be employed. Thus, in the case of the panel carrying tongue and channel interengaging means, and described with reference to Figure 1, there are oppositely facing portions which can be engaged by batten abutments, being the panel edge adjacent a re-entrant channel in which the tongue engages, and the outside face of the end wall of the re-entrant channel. The locating channel can for example be defined between the upper wall of the re-entrant channel and the inner face of the panel.

In the case of the lipped panel described with reference to Figure 2, one lip is on a portion displaced from the remainder of the panel. The portions which are engaged by the batten abutments can then constitute the edge of this displaced portion, and a wall connecting the displaced portion of the remainder of the panel. The locating channel can for example be defined between the lip and the inner surface of another panel.

One of the portions to be engaged by the batten abutments could be the edge of the lip, this being particularly advantageous in the case of the panel described with reference to Figure 18, where the displaced portion is connected to the remainder of the panel by a curved portion.

It will be appreciated that for the cladding panels described above, as could be the case for a wide range of panels, the portions to be engaged by the batten abutments and the locating channel are behind the inner surface of the panel, so that the appearance when assembled on the batten is considerably better than with fasteners passing through the panels.

For one type of cladding system in accordance with the invention, a pair of abutments are associated with each locating element, the abutments of each pair on the batten being facing surfaces spaced along the batten, the associated locating element being formed adjacent one of the abutments and projecting towards the other. The abutments in this arrangement could comprise lugs extending outwardly from the edge of the batten, or may be defined by the sides of a cut-out in the edge of the batten. Preferably the locating elements are hook-like members, and the free ends of the hook-like members are directed outwardly to provide a lead-in portion to facilitate assembly of the panels to the batten. The hook-like members are advantageously resilient, so as to spring into engagement with panels.

For another type of cladding system, one of the abutments of each pair is provided at the free end of a hook-like member. Thus this end of the member could engage against a facing longitudinal surface on a panel; alternatively or additionally the end of the member could be provided with an inwardly directed portion the face of which pointing away from the free end serves as one of the abutments, and can for example latch over the edge of a lip constituting an engagement means of a panel. Where only one of these measures is employed, the remaining abutment could be provided by a lug or the wall of a cut-out as in the previously described embodiments, either adjacent or remote from the hook-like member.

One or both of the abutments could be arranged to extend along the panels in the longitudinal direction, to define the flanges and provide a greater area of contact. It is particularly advantageous to arrange for hook like members to extend in such direction. A separate, additional lug may be provided, for example in the space between the abutments of a given pair, this lug extending in the said longitudinal direction of the panels.

The batten could be for example of T or L section, and be constructed from metal or plastics. Where the batten is to be used in cladding a roof, to allow for the overlapping of panel lengths down the roof, the batten may have a substantially U-shaped section with one arm longer than the other, and with the abutments and locating elements provided along each of the edges formed by the ends of the arms.

Where the panels extend upwardly, for terminating cladding at the top of the panel assembly, e.g. at the top of the building, the batten may once again be of substanially U-section but with the abutments and locating elements along the lower arm, the upper arm being longer and having a portion along its edge extending towards the lower arm, so as to overlap the upper end region of the panel assembly.

Similarly, for use at the bottom of a building, the batten may be of substantially U-section with the abutments and locating elements provided only along the upper arm, the lower arm being at least as long as the upper arm and being inclined by a small angle downwardly away from the upper arm, so as to serve as a drain for any moisture inside or outside the panels in use.

Generally speaking, in a complete cladding system a number of battens will be provided, spaced at suitable intervals of for example 6 feet in the case of panels of 12 foot length, the battens being substantially parallel and having their abutments and locating elements aligned so that a panel can be held by a number of battens.

At the edges of the panel assembly, account may have to be taken of the fact that the width of the required area to be clad does not correspond to an exact number of panels. Thus, at the ends, a terminating panel may be employed, having a substantially planar panel surface, one free edge, and one edge formed with one of the interengaging means of the panels of the assembly i.e. a tongue or trough. The terminating panel is interengaged with the last full panel of the assembly, and the free edge extends slidingly into a fixed end member, to accommodate the variation in width required. A terminating panel may be provided at each edge of the assembly.

A cladding system in accordance with the invention may be used in the cladding of walls and roofs of buildings and also as fencing or partitioning. On a building, the batten may be secured to existing cladding rails, or may replace the conventional cladding rails. The space between the building and the panels can be filled with insulating material, for instance in the form of sheets to be slotted into place behind the panel assembly. A T-section batten is particularly advantageous in this case.

The panels of the assembly may be of substantially 'M' or 'V' section. 'M' section panel are particularly suitable for use in roofing due to the better drainage provided and the batten may be formed with its edge having a series of 'V' shaped cut-outs to receive the 'M' shape of the panels and improve sealing. On the other hand, surface projections could be provided to co-operate with V-section panels.

It should be noted that, when considering a pair of abutments on the batten, it is not necessary that they engage portions on the same panel. Indeed in an arrangement where both abutments are provided on the free end of a hook like member, it may be convenient to have them engage on different panels.

Some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross section of first type of panel for use in cladding system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is cross section of a second type of panel for use in a cladding system in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a batten for use in a system in accordance with the invention Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of a cladding system in accordance with the invention using a number of panels similar to those shown in Figure 2, and the batten of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a section through an end member; Figure 6 and 7 are sections of two terminating panels; Figure 8 shows the termination of an assembly; Figure 9 is a section of a corner cladding piece;; Figure 10 is a view showing an external corner being cladded; Figure 11 is a view showing an internal corner being cladded; Figure 12 and 13 are sections of battens for use at the top and bottom of an assembly, respectively; Figure 14 is a section of a system for use in roofing; Figure 15 is a view showing how a batten can be secured to a cladding rail; Figure 16 is a perspctive view of a second embodiment of a batten for use in a system in accordance with the invention, for use with M-section panels; Figure 17 is a plan view of a system employing the batten of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a plan view of a system using a further type of panel; and Figure 19 is a persective view of the batten used in the system of Figure 18.

Referring now to the drawings, in Figure 1 there is shown a parallel edge cladding panel 1 of substantially 'M' section. Along one edge is provided interengaging means in the form of an L-shaped tongue 2, and along the other edge is provided interengaging means in the form of a re-entrant channel or trough 3. As is shown in dotted outline, the tongue 2' of an adjacent panel 1' can engage in the channel 3, and the tongue 2 can engage in the channel 3" of a panel 1" to form a generally uniplanar assembly, with secret gutters G.

A pair of surfaces 4 and 5 or 4' and 5' are provided adjacent each join constituted respectively by the edge of the panel and the opposed wall of the re-entrant channel, and a locating channel 6 or 6" is also provided. It will be noted that a locating channel 7 or 7" is also formed between the edge of one panel and the inner surface of another. In use, the outer and inner surfaces will be as indicated.

In Figure 2, an 'M' shaped parallel edge panel 8 with lip engagement means is shown engaged with similar panels 8' and 8". Along one edge of the panel is formed a lip 9 (or 9') extending over the inner surface of the panel to define a tongue, and along the other edge is formed a lip 10 (or 10") extending over the outer surface to define a trough. The lip 10 is formed on a portion 11 displaced from the major portion of the panel by a web 12, which forms an inwardly facing surface 13 parallel to the edge. A further surface 14 is constituted by the edge of the panel 8. A locating channel 15 (or 15") is defined between the lip 10 (or 10") and the adjacent panel 8' (or 8).

Figure 3 shows an L-section cladding batten 16. Along one edge are provided at equal intervals pairs of abutments 17 and 18.

The abutments 17 and 18 are spaced apart longitudinally by a distance sufficient to accommodate the distance between the surfaces 4 and 5 or 13 and 14 of panels 1 or 8 respectively. Abutments 17 are formed on lugs 19 which extend outwardly and then downwardly so as to form flanges which extend along the panels. Abutments 18 are formed on lugs 20 carrying locating elements in the form of hook-like projections 21 all extending along the batten in the same direction. Lugs 20 again extend outwardly and are then bent downwardly to form flanges part of which define no projections 21. Projections 21 have lead-in portions 22, and are adapted to engage in the locating channels, 7, 7" of an assembly of panels as shown in Figure 1, or 15, 15" of an assembly of panels as shown in Figure 2.Slots 23 are provided for attaching the batten to an existing cladding rail, by hook-bolts or like fasteners.

In Figure 4, the assembly of panels 8 and 8"' similar to the assembly shown in Figure 2 is shown clamped in place on the batten 16 of Figure 4. The portion 11 of panel 8 is located between the abutments 17 and 18, and the hook-like projection 21 is located in the channel 15. Projections 21 is resilient, and bears down on the lip 10 to assist location. In this case therefore, the surfaces 14 and abutments 18 do not come into contact, the panel 8 being restrained against movement to the left by the force of resilient projection 21, and to the right by engagement of the surface 13 with abutment 17 of lug 19 and the edge of the flange defined by lug 19.

As can be seen, the panel 8"' is of substantially 'V' section as opposed to the 'M' section of panels 8, 8' and 8" of Figure 2.

The assembly is otherwise the same.

Figure 5 shows a section through an end member 24, which comprises a box section 25 and a norrow channel 26. Figure 6 shows one form of terminating panel 27, and Figure 7 another 28. The panel 27 has interengaging means comprising a lip 29, corresponding to lip 9 of panel 8, and panel 28 interengaging means comprising a lip 30, corresponding to lip 10 of panel 8, formed on a portion 31.

In Figure 8, the end member 24 is shown secured to the cladding batten 16, by a self tapping screw extending into the box section 25. Terminating panel 28 is attached to a neighbouring panel (not shown) by lip 30.

The free end of panel 28 extends into the channel 26 of end member 24 where it is slidingly engaged to account for the particular width of cladding required at the end of a run of interengaged panels. In a complete cladding construction, an end member is provided at each side, each being capable of accounting for half of a panels width.

A corner piece 32 as shown in Figure 9 is adapted to cooperate with two end pieces 24, to clad a corner between the ends of two complete panel assemblies. Thus, as shown in Figure 10, the corner piece 32 is screwed to two end members 24 to clad an external corner. In Figure 11, the corner piece 32 is clamped between two end members 24, to clad an internal corner.

In Figure 12 is shown a batten 33 for finishing the top of a cladding assembly. The batten 33 is substantially U shaped; along one arm 34 are provided the lugs 19 (not shown) and 20, to hold panels 8 indicated by dotted line, whilst the other arm 35 extends outwardly beyond the lug bearing arm 34, and has a downwardly facing portion 36 along its edge. This portion 36 extends down the panels 8, and thus the top of the assembly is protected.

In Figure 13 is shown a batten 37 for finishing the bottom of an assembly. Once again the batten is U-shaped, with lugs 19 (not shown) and 20 along arm 38 to hold panels 8. Arm 39 is longer, and is inclined away from arm 38 by a small angle a to act as a drain. A base flange 40 is provided, which would normally extend down to ground level.

The batten 41 shown in Figure 14 is for use in roofing. Thus this batten is U-shaped in section, with arm 42 longer than arm 43 by for example 1/2 inch. This allows for panels 8 to overlap and provide good sealing. The batten 41 would generally be secured to a cladding rail 44 attached to a roof beam. Arm 42 is provided with a step 45, so that the top end of the lower panel 8 can be held in place, for example by means of a self-tapping screw 46.

Figure 15 shows how one L section batten 16 of Figure 3 can be secured to a cladding rail 47. Thus, a hook bolt 48 passes through one of the slots 23 and is held to the cladding rail 47 by means of a shaped washer 49 and a nut 50.

Figure 16 shows a second embodiment of cladding batten 16' for use with M-section panels. At equal intervals along this batten are provided cut-outs 51, the sides 17' and 18' of which form the abutments. Hook-like projections 21' are formed adjacent sides 18' of the cut-outs 51, and are provided with lead-in portions 22'. Slots 23' are provided for attaching the batten to a cladding rail.

The edge of the batten between adjacent cut-outs 51 is formed with V-shaped cutouts 52, which receive 'M' section cladding panels 8 as shown in Figure 17. It can also be seen from Figure 17 that a portion of the hook-like projections 21' extends inwardly to a ridge from which the lead-in portion 22' extends outwardly again. This assists in locating the cladding panels by ensuring a firm engagement by the projections 21'.

Flanges 53 are bent down from the edge of the batten in the cut-outs 51, and extend along the cladding panels to provide a more secure location.

Figure 18 shows a system utilizing a different type of cladding panel. Thus a batten 54 is adapted to mount engaging cladding panels 55. The panels inter-engage by means of lips 56 and 57 defining a trough and tongue respectively. At regular intervals along the batten, are provided cut-outs 58, which receive the portions of the panels where engagement takes place. From one side of each cut-out projects a hook-like member 59, extending into a locating channel 60 defined between the inner surface of one panel, and the lip 56 of an adjacent, interengaged panel, to prevent movement of the panels away from the batten.

Each hook-like member 59 is provided with a portion 61 adjacent its free end, which projects inwardly and latches over the edge 62 of lip 56, to provide an abutment which prevents movement of the panels in one direction along the batten. Movement of the panels in the other direction is prevented by engagement of an abutment defined by the free end of each member 59, with the inner face of a panel portion 63 connecting lip 57 to the remainder of the panel. As shown in Figure 19, the batten 54 is T-shaped. The portion 61 is formed at the bottom of a flange 64 bent at rignt angles to the major part of the hook-like member 59.

A flange 65 is provided at the bottom of the cut-out 58, to assist in locating cladding panels. It will be seen that flanges 64 and 65 are both therefore arranged to extend along cladding panels in a direction substantially parallel to the edges thereof. In the construction illustrated, a further flange 66 extends along the edge of the batten.

In use, the cladding battens would be secured to existing cladding rails. Alternatively the battens could be fixed directly to a building. Panels of predetermined length, say 12 feet, are then clipped to the battens in turn, starting at the centre and working outwards, the panels being interengaged as they are positioned. No fasteners need be used to secure the panels themselves, and the effectiveness of the cladding, as well as the speed of assembly, are improved.

Sheets of insulating material may be held in place behind the cladding panels, for example, being positioned before the panels are attached. A T-section batten is particularly suitable in this case, since sheets of insulating material can be directly attached to both arms of the T. Thus, a sheet can be secured at each end, between adjacent battens to ensure positive location.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A cladding system for a building comprising a plurality of adjacent cladding panels forming a generally uniplanar panel assembly each of said panels having a longitudinally extending trough adjacent one longitudinal edge thereof and a longitudinally extending tongue adjacent the other longitudinal edge thereof, and respective tongues and troughs of adjacent panels being interengaged, said system further comprising at least one transversely extending batten for mounting the panel assembly on a building, wherein there are provided locating elements spaced at substantially equal intervals along the edge of the batten and projecting along the batten in the same direction, each locating element projecting into a respective locating channel in the panel assembly in the region of a join between adjacent panels to restrict movement of the panels away from the batten, each channel extending longitudinally of the panels, and there being associated with each locating element, at least one abutment for engaging a portion of the panel assembly in the region of a join between adjacent panels so as to restrict transverse movement of the panels, wherein the batten carries flanges extending in the longitudinal direction of the panels, against which flanges the panels lie.

2. A cladding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locating channels and the panel assembly portions engaged by the abutments are behind the inner surface of the panel assembly.

3. A cladding system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, including a terminating panel at one or both edges of the panel assembly, the terminating panel having a substantially planar panel surface, one free edge, and one edge formed with means interengaged with an adjacent complete cladding panel of the panel assembly, the free edge extending slidably into a fixed end member.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. one of the slots 23 and is held to the cladding rail 47 by means of a shaped washer 49 and a nut 50. Figure 16 shows a second embodiment of cladding batten 16' for use with M-section panels. At equal intervals along this batten are provided cut-outs 51, the sides 17' and 18' of which form the abutments. Hook-like projections 21' are formed adjacent sides 18' of the cut-outs 51, and are provided with lead-in portions 22'. Slots 23' are provided for attaching the batten to a cladding rail. The edge of the batten between adjacent cut-outs 51 is formed with V-shaped cutouts 52, which receive 'M' section cladding panels 8 as shown in Figure 17. It can also be seen from Figure 17 that a portion of the hook-like projections 21' extends inwardly to a ridge from which the lead-in portion 22' extends outwardly again. This assists in locating the cladding panels by ensuring a firm engagement by the projections 21'. Flanges 53 are bent down from the edge of the batten in the cut-outs 51, and extend along the cladding panels to provide a more secure location. Figure 18 shows a system utilizing a different type of cladding panel. Thus a batten 54 is adapted to mount engaging cladding panels 55. The panels inter-engage by means of lips 56 and 57 defining a trough and tongue respectively. At regular intervals along the batten, are provided cut-outs 58, which receive the portions of the panels where engagement takes place. From one side of each cut-out projects a hook-like member 59, extending into a locating channel 60 defined between the inner surface of one panel, and the lip 56 of an adjacent, interengaged panel, to prevent movement of the panels away from the batten. Each hook-like member 59 is provided with a portion 61 adjacent its free end, which projects inwardly and latches over the edge 62 of lip 56, to provide an abutment which prevents movement of the panels in one direction along the batten. Movement of the panels in the other direction is prevented by engagement of an abutment defined by the free end of each member 59, with the inner face of a panel portion 63 connecting lip 57 to the remainder of the panel. As shown in Figure 19, the batten 54 is T-shaped. The portion 61 is formed at the bottom of a flange 64 bent at rignt angles to the major part of the hook-like member 59. A flange 65 is provided at the bottom of the cut-out 58, to assist in locating cladding panels. It will be seen that flanges 64 and 65 are both therefore arranged to extend along cladding panels in a direction substantially parallel to the edges thereof. In the construction illustrated, a further flange 66 extends along the edge of the batten. In use, the cladding battens would be secured to existing cladding rails. Alternatively the battens could be fixed directly to a building. Panels of predetermined length, say 12 feet, are then clipped to the battens in turn, starting at the centre and working outwards, the panels being interengaged as they are positioned. No fasteners need be used to secure the panels themselves, and the effectiveness of the cladding, as well as the speed of assembly, are improved. Sheets of insulating material may be held in place behind the cladding panels, for example, being positioned before the panels are attached. A T-section batten is particularly suitable in this case, since sheets of insulating material can be directly attached to both arms of the T. Thus, a sheet can be secured at each end, between adjacent battens to ensure positive location. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A cladding system for a building comprising a plurality of adjacent cladding panels forming a generally uniplanar panel assembly each of said panels having a longitudinally extending trough adjacent one longitudinal edge thereof and a longitudinally extending tongue adjacent the other longitudinal edge thereof, and respective tongues and troughs of adjacent panels being interengaged, said system further comprising at least one transversely extending batten for mounting the panel assembly on a building, wherein there are provided locating elements spaced at substantially equal intervals along the edge of the batten and projecting along the batten in the same direction, each locating element projecting into a respective locating channel in the panel assembly in the region of a join between adjacent panels to restrict movement of the panels away from the batten, each channel extending longitudinally of the panels, and there being associated with each locating element, at least one abutment for engaging a portion of the panel assembly in the region of a join between adjacent panels so as to restrict transverse movement of the panels, wherein the batten carries flanges extending in the longitudinal direction of the panels, against which flanges the panels lie.

4. A cladding system as claimed in claim

1, 2 or 3, for cladding a roof with panel lengths overlapping down the roof, wherein the batten is of substantially U-section with one arm longer than the other, and with the locating elements and abutments being provided along each of the edges formed by the ends of the arms.

5. A cladding system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the panels extend upwardly, and including a batten for terminating the top of the panel assembly, such batten being of substantially U-section, having the locating elements and abutments only along the lower arm, the upper arm being longer than the lower arm and having a portion along its edge extending downwardly towards the lower arm, so as to overlap the upper end region of the panel assembly.

6. A cladding system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the panels extend upwardly and including a batten for terminating the bottom of the panel assembly, such batten being of substantially U-section having the locating elements and abutments formed only along the upper arm, the lower arm being at least as long as the upper arm and being inclined by a small angle downwardly away from the upper arm.

7. A cladding system as claimed in any preceding claim, including sheets of insulating material positioned behind the panel assembly.

8. A cladding system as claimed in claim 7 in which there are a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced battens of T-section, the sheets of insulating material extending between adjacent battens and being secured at their ends to respective arms of the T-section battens.

9. A cladding system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a pair of abutments are associated with each locating element, the abutments of each pair on the or each batten, being facing surfaces spaced along the batten the associated locating element being formed adjacent one of the abutments and extending towards the other.

10. A cladding system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the locating elements are hook-like members.

11. A cladding system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the free ends of the hook-like members are directed outwardly.

12. A cladding systems as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the hook-like members are engaged resiliently on the panels.

13. A cladding system as claimed in claim 10 wherein at least one of the abut ments of each pair is provided at the free end of the associated hook-like member.

14. A cladding system as claimed in claim 13, wherein each hook-like member is provided with an inwardly directed portion adjacent its free end, the face of which pointing away from the free end serves as one of the abutments.

15. A cladding system as claimed in any of claims 9 to 14, wherein at least one of the abutments of each pair is formed on said flange.

16. A cladding system as claimed in any of claims 10-15 wherein each hook-like member extends in said longitudinal direction to form a said flange.

17. Cladding systems, substantially as hereinbefore defined with reference to the accompanying drawings.