NZ564490A - Weatherboard connection and alignment bracket and building system - Google Patents

Abstract

A cladding system for a building is disclosed. The cladding system allows attachment of cladding elements (2) such as weatherboards to be attached to a wall support structure with out the attachment means such as nails being visible from the outside. The system includes a plurality of cladding elements (2), and a plurality of brackets (3) that are attached to the cladding elements (2). A cladding element (2c) is directly or indirectly attached to structural member(s) of a building. A bracket (3) is attached to the back of a second cladding element (2d), laterally offset with respect to the structural member(s) of the building. The second cladding element (2d) is located vertically by placing the top edge of the first cladding element (2c) into the space between the bottom of the bracket (3) and the second cladding element (2d). Thus the two cladding elements (2c, 2d) overlap and the top of the outside face of the first cladding element (2c) is shielded by the bottom of the second cladding element (2d). This has the advantage of hiding any attachment means that connects the first cladding element (2c) to the wall frame and preventing any movement of the bottom of the second cladding element (2d) relative to the first (2c) without recourse to exposed nails and the like.

Description

10055119974* ;56 4 4 90 ;PATENTS FORM NO. 5 ;Fee No. 4: $250.00 ;PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ;In the first instance ;IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO BUILDING SYSTEMS AND PARTS THEREFOR ;WE Pacific Wood Products Limited, a New Zealand company of 65 Thames Street, Napier, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I/We pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: . ;I intellectual Property I Office of N.z. ;19 DEC 2007 ;[received ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO BUILDING SYSTEMS AND PARTS THEREFOR TECHNICAL FIELD ;The present invention relates to improvements relating to building systems and parts therefor. In particular, timber cladding systems and parts therefor. ;5 BACKGROUND ART ;The present invention will now be described in relation to a timber weatherboard cladding system. However, it should be appreciated that there may well be other applications for which aspects of the present invention may well be suited, so this description should not be seen as necessarily limiting. ;10 Timber weatherboard cladding systems have over the years suffered a loss in marketshare with the introduction of new generation weatherboards, made from materials such as vinyl and fibre cement into the weatherboard segment of the market. These new products offer improved stability and durability over timber weatherboards. ;15 Traditionally timber weatherboard systems have been assembled using basic methods such as string or jigs for vertical and horizontal alignment and nails through the front of the weatherboard surface to attach the boards together and to the wall structure. The weatherboards are normally pre-painted with a primer prior to installation. ;20 A single row of nails is used just above the board below to attach the board onto the wall. Two rows of nails cannot be used per board as a result of tangential, seasonal movement. This results in an exposed nail that penetrates the primer and relies on the integrity of the paint subsequently applied to the boards after installation to prevent moister entering into the timber weatherboard. ;2 ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;In general, the boards are coated with 2-3 top coats of paint on the exterior surface, and only a primer on the interior surface, of the board. Moisture can therefore be absorbed more rapidly through one side of the board (i.e. the primer side) than the other, which can potentially promote instability in the timber 5 substrate. ;This problem can be further exacerbated as timber weatherboards are often stored outdoors at the building site in a primed only state and are therefore exposed to the weather. Should moisture enter the weatherboards this can potentially damage the substrate prior to installation. ;10 It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. ;Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. ;All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this 15 specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not 20 constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. ;It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an 25 inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components ;3 ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process. ;DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION ;According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a cladding 5 system for a building which includes: ;a plurality of cladding elements; ;a plurality of brackets; ;the system characterised in that, in use: ;brackets are attached to the cladding elements; and ;10 - wherein the cladding elements are directly or indirectly attached to structural member(s) of a building; and wherein the brackets are configured such that once a bracket has been attached to a first cladding element this creates an area, into which a top edge of a second adjacent cladding element, can be located so as to create 15 a shielded region of said second adjacent cladding element; and wherein said cladding elements are attached to said structural members in the shielded region, and wherein said brackets are laterally offset with respect to the structural member(s) of a building. ;According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket 20 which includes a first section and a second section, which are joined together via an intermediary section so that the first and second sections have a stepped relationship with respect to one another when the bracket is viewed side on, and wherein the first section is adapted by including a region through which, in use, a fixing element can pass for attachment of the bracket to a first cladding element; ;/ ;'| o 2BG8 ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;and wherein the first section includes a protrusion which, in use, can assist with positioning the bracket on the first cladding element, and wherein the intermediary section is: ;orthogonal to the first section; and ;5 - spans a sufficient distance to allow for a top edge of an adjacent second cladding element to be inserted between the first cladding element and the second section. ;According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket which includes a first section and a second section, which are joined together via an intermediary section so that the first and second sections have a stepped relationship with respect to one another, when the bracket is viewed side on, and wherein the first section is adapted by including a region through which, in use, a fixing element can pass for attachment of the bracket to a first cladding element; and wherein the first and second sections include protrusions which, in use, can assist with positioning the bracket on respective cladding elements and wherein the intermediary section spans a sufficient distance to allow for a top edge of an adjacent second sheet of cladding element to be inserted between the first cladding element and the second section. ;According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cladding a building with a plurality of cladding elements comprising the steps of: ;a) (optionally) attaching a spacer to at least one structural member(s) to create a minor cavity for the bracket; ;b) affixing at least one bracket to one or more cladding elements so that in use the brackets will be laterally offset with respect to the structural ;25 member(s) of the building; ;5 ;10 ;15 ;20 ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;c) attaching a cladding element directly or indirectly to at least one structural member of a building in a first region thereof; ;5 ;d) using an area created by the attachment of the bracket(s) to a cladding element to receive a top edge of the attached cladding element from step b) to locate a further cladding element to the attached cladding element from step b) such that the first region of the attached cladding element is shielded by a portion of the further cladding element; ;e) (optionally) repeating steps a) - d) as required. ;f) ;10 A method substantially as described above wherein the method includes the (optional) pre-step of attaching a spacer to a stud or wall sheeting to create a minor cavity for the bracket. ;It is envisaged the cladding elements may come in a variety of different forms. ;In preferred embodiments the cladding elements may be timber weatherboards. ;15 In some embodiments the cladding elements may be sheets of timber. For example, the cladding elements may be sheets of plywood. ;For ease of reference, the cladding elements will now be referred to as boards or weatherboards however, this should not be seen as limiting. ;In general, the structural members of the building may be any part of the 20 framework to which a board can be attached. ;In preferred embodiments the structural members may be studs or such like ;In some embodiments the structural members may be concrete or steel elements, ;or the like. ;6 ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;In some preferred embodiments the boards may be directly attached to the structural member(s) of a building via fixing elements. ;In some other preferred embodiments the boards may be indirectly attached to the structural member(s) via fixing elements attached to a timber batten or similar, 5 wherein the batten is itself attached to the stud. ;The first section and second section of the bracket may include a substantially planar surface against which, in use, the surface of a board may abut. ;In preferred embodiments the intermediary section may also include a planar surface against which, in use, the edge of a board may abut. ;10 In preferred embodiments the protrusion on the first section of the bracket may be located at the distal end of the first section. ;In preferred embodiments the span of the intermediary section between the first and second sections may substantially correspond to the edge of the board upon which, in use, the bracket will be located. ;15 It is envisaged that the fixing element for attaching the boards to the structural members and the brackets to the boards may come in a variety of different forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. ;In preferred embodiments the fixing element may be in the form of a nail, screw or the like. ;20 In preferred embodiments the fixing element may be in the form of a screw. ;In embodiments where the second section also includes a protrusion, this protrusion may also be located at the distal end of the second section of the bracket. ;7 ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;The boards may generally be attached to the structural member(s) of a building via use of a suitable fixing element. ;In selecting a fixing element care must be taken to ensure that the fixing element and/or tool employed to drive the fixing element into the: ;5 - structural member; and/or ;- board; ;are such as to ensure no, or at least minimal, damage occurs to the exterior surface of the boards. ;In preferred embodiments the boards may have a factory finished painted surface. ;10 Preferably, the factory finished painted surface includes one or more coats of primer together with one or more top coats of paint substantially uniformly applied to all surfaces of the board via an automated or semi-automated process. ;In preferred embodiments the boards may include at least one groove or aperture on the internal surface of the board. The purpose of the groove being to received 15 and locate the protrusion on the first section may be located. The groove being introduced into the board prior to factory finishing the painted surface. ;In some further preferred embodiments the board may also include a second groove, or aperture, on the internal surface of the board. The purpose of the second groove being to receive and locate the protrusion on the second section of 20 the bracket may be located. ;Thus the groove(s) assist with correct placement of the bracket into a set position on the board(s) and/or assists with retention of the brackets on the boards. ;In preferred embodiments, the second section may be adapted to exert a force on ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;the edge region of a board, which in use, is positioned in the area created between the second section and the first board to which the bracket is attached. ;In preferred embodiments the second section may be adapted to exert a force on the edge region of a second board. Preferably, the force may be created via a 5 combination of the angle created between the second section and the intermediary section and the inherent resilience of the material from which the bracket is made. For example, the angle may effectively reduce the dimensions of the opening of the area to slightly smaller than those of the thickness of the edge portion of the board, such that the board needs to be forced into the gap. ;10 The force created by the second section creates a preload tension on the boards of cladding system holding them tightly together which helps prevent wind and/or water from being driven in between the boards. ;In preferred embodiments the edge of the distal end of the second section may be tapered to allow for entry of the edge of the second adjacent board into the area 15 created between the second section and the first board. ;The region in the bracket through which a fixing element may pass may come in a variety of different forms. ;In preferred embodiments the region may be an aperture. ;in some other embodiments the region may be a weakened section of the bracket 20 which can be easily penetrated by the fixing element. ;In preferred embodiments the bracket may be made from any substantially resilient material. Preferably, the bracket may be made from nylon or the like. ;In some embodiments the brackets may be made from any substantially resilient plastic or other resilient material. ;9 ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;A cladding system substantially as described above wherein the brackets include a stand-off portion. ;A bracket substantially as described above wherein the brackets include a standoff portion. ;5 In general, the stand-off may be in the form of at least one protrusion on the inner surface of the intermediary section against which, in use, the top surface of the top edge of a board will abut. ;In preferred embodiments, the stand-off portion may be in the form of a protrusion which has a substantially convex surface. ;10 The purpose of the stand-off is to provide tolerance to allow for any dimensional movement of the boards over time due to seasonal temperature and humidity changes. ;In some preferred embodiments the brackets may be positioned on the boards so that they are offset with respect to the structural members. ;15 Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art, which can include: ;- a timber cladding system which has improved durability and stability over existing timber cladding systems; ;- an improved method of installing timber cladding which is easy to perform; ;20 - a bracket which can be used to provide an improved timber cladding system method of cladding; ;- a timber cladding system which is able to withstand a higher wind loading than existing weatherboard systems. The cladding system of the present ;10 ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;invention has been rated to at least substantially 68m/ps; ;- a timber cladding system which is less prone to problems associated with moisture; ;- a timber cladding system which is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, as the 5 fixing elements are not visible on the exterior surface of the wall created by the system. ;BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS ;Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the 10 accompanying drawings in which: ;Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing key components of a cladding system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; ;Figure 2 is a schematic side view as in Figure 1 but showing in more detail 15 how the components fit together; ;Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic side view of Figure 2 showing how cladding elements are connected to one another; ;Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing further elements of the cladding system shown in Figures 1- 3; ;20 Figure 5 is a schematic side view as in Figure 4 showing in more detail how the various components interrelate with one another. ;Figure 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating one preferred embodiment of a direct fix cladding system in accordance with the present hy/entign ;11 ;1 9 MOV ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;such as would be used in Australasia; ;Figure 7 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6; ;Figure 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating one preferred embodiment of a cavity fix cladding system in accordance with the present invention 5 as would be used in Australasia; ;Figure 9 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8; ;Figure 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating one preferred embodiment of the a direct fix cladding system in accordance with the present invention as would be used in the United States of America; ;10 Figure 11 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 10; ;Figure 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating one preferred embodiment of a cavity fix cladding system in accordance with the present invention as would be used in the United States of America; ;Figure 13 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 12; ;15 Figure 14 shows a front perspective view of a cladding system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; ;Figure 15 shows a rear perspective view of the cladding system shown in Figure 14; ;Figure 16 shows a front view of one preferred embodiment of a bracket in ;20 accordance with the present invention; ;Figure 17 shows a side view of the bracket in Figure 16; ;Figure 18 shows a back view of the bracket in Figures 16 and 17; ;12 ;1 9 NOV 21)08 ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the bracket in Figures 16-18; ;Figure 20 shows a front view of one preferred embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the present invention; ;Figure 21 shows a side view of the bracket in Figure 20; ;5 Figure 22 shows a back view of the bracket in Figures 20 and 21; ;Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the bracket in Figures 20 - 22. ;BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION ;With respect to Figures 1-11 there is provided a cladding system generally indicated by arrow 1. The cladding system consists of a plurality of cladding 10 elements in the form of timber weatherboards 2a - 2d. The weatherboards 2a - 2d are connected to one another via a plurality of brackets 3 located on the topwardly adjacent boards. The weatherboards 2a - 2d have a groove 4 into which a protrusion 5 on the bracket 3 is located. The bracket 3 is attached to the first (top) weatherboard 2b via means of a fixing element in the form of a screw 6 - refer 15 Figure 7. ;Once the bracket 3 is attached to the weatherboard 2b via a screw this creates an area 7 - refer Figure 1 into which the top edge 8 of a second (lower) adjacent weatherboard 2a can be inserted - refer Figure 2. ;Referring to Figure 1 it can be seen the bracket 3 has a first section 10, a 20 intermediary section 11 and a second section 12. The angle X at which the second section extends from the intermediary section is such so as to effectively reduce the opening of the area 7 so that it is slightly smaller than that of the thickness of the edge of the top region 14 of the board 2a when fully inserted into area 7. In this embodiment the top region 14 of the board has a tapered profile having an angle ;13 ;1 9 NOV 2®)8 ;vCi ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;Z. In Figure 3 it can be seen that there is a force in the direction indicated by arrow Y as the top region is squeezed against the section 12 of the bracket in order to fit into area 7. The edge of the distal end 13 of the second section 12 is tapered to assist with entry of the edge of the second adjacent board 2a into the area created 5 between the second section 12 and the top board 2b. ;In use, it is the top region 14 of a weatherboard 2a which is attached to a structural member in the form of a stud 21 via a fixing element in the form of a screw 22 refer Figure 4. The top region 14 of all remaining boards 2b - 2° is attached in a similar manner. ;10 Once this first cladding element in the form of a lower board 2a has been attached to the stud 21 a second adjacent cladding element in the form of board 2b on which a bracket 3 has already been attached can be slid onto the top edge 8 of board 2a - as is shown in Figure 5. As can be seen in Figure 5 the lower portion 24 of board 2b creates a shielded region over the top portion 20 of board 2a and fixing element 15 22. this process is repeated for attaching remaining boards to the wall. ;With respect to Figures 6 and 7 there is shown a framing stud 21 on which there has been attached a spacer in the form of a micro-cavity strip 24 which has been attached to the stud 21 over the top of building paper 25. The micro-cavity strip 24 creates a cavity of sufficient size to allow for the bracket 3 to be accommodated on 20 the inside surface of boards 2a and 2b without damaging the building paper spanning across the studs 21 of a building (not shown). ;As can be seen in Figure 6 the brackets 3 are generally off-set with respect to the stud 21. ;With respect to Figures 8 and 9 the boards 2a and 2b are indirectly attached to stud 25 21 via a spacer in the form of an intermediate timber batten 26. The timbe ;14 ;James & Wells Ref. 44259/14AJC ;26 creates a cavity which prevents the bracket 3 from damaging building paper 25. ;With respect to Figures 10 and 11 there is shown alternate cladding system indicated by arrow 200 wherein the boards 2a and 2b are indirectly attached to the stud 21 via fixing elements in the form of screws (not shown) which pass through 5 micro-cavity strip 24 and wall sheeting in the form of OSB board 27. ;With respect to Figures 12 and 13 there is shown an alternate embodiment of cladding system 201. The cladding system 201 has boards 2a and 2b which are indirectly attached to stud 21 via a fixing element in the form of a screw (not shown) which passes through a spacer in the form of a timber batten 25 and OSB 10 board 27. ;With respect to Figures 14 and 15 there is shown a preferred embodiment of a cladding system of the present invention in the form of a partially constructed wall generally indicated by arrow 1000. The cladding system has a plurality of boards 2a, 2b, 2°, 2d. The boards 2ad attached to studs 21 via fixing elements in the form 15 of screws 22. The fixing elements are indirectly attached to studs 21 as they first pass through battens 26. ;The brackets 3 connecting adjacent boards 2a b are offset with respect to the studs 21. ;The brackets 3 have a protrusion (not shown) on the first section thereof (not 20 shown) which is located within groove 4 on the inside surface of boards 2a d. ;In use the cladding system is installed from the bottom up, that is with board 2a being attached to the studs first followed by boards 2b d in sequential order. ;With respect to Figures 16-19 there is shown one preferred embodiment of bracket in accordance with the present invention. The bracket 2000 has a first section 25 2001 connected to a second section 2003 via an intermediary section 2002. A ;James & Wells Ref: 44259/14AJC ;protrusion 2004 extends out from the distal end of the first section 2001. The bracket also includes a region in the form of an aperture 2005 through which in use a fixing element can pass. ;The bracket also includes a stand-off portion 2006 which is a protrusion on the 5 inner surface of the intermediary section 2002. ;With respect to Figures20-23 there is shown an alternate preferred embodiment of a bracket generally indicated by arrow 3000 in accordance with the present invention. ;For ease of reference like reference numerals have been used in relation to like 10 elements to the bracket shown in Figures 16-19. ;The main differences between the embodiments shown in Figures 16-198 and Figures20-23 are that: the bracket 3000 in Figures 20-23 does not include a standoff portion 2006 and instead includes a protrusion 2007 on the distal end of the second section 2003. ;15 Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims. ;16 *

Claims (33)

What we claim is:

1. A cladding system for a building which includes: a plurality of cladding elements; a plurality of brackets; the system characterised in that, in use: brackets are attached to the cladding elements; and wherein the cladding elements are directly or indirectly attached to structural member(s) of a building; and wherein the brackets are configured such that once a bracket has been attached to a first cladding element this creates an area, into which a top edge of a second adjacent cladding element, can be located so as to create a shielded region of said second adjacent cladding element; and wherein said cladding elements are attached to said structural members in the shielded region, and wherein said brackets are laterally offset with respect to the structural member(s) of a building.

2. A method of cladding a building with a plurality of cladding elements comprising the steps of: a) (optionally) attaching a spacer to at least one structural member(s) to create a minor cavity for the bracket; b) affixing at least one bracket to one or more cladding elements so that in use the brackets will be laterally offset with respect to the structural member(s) of the building; 17 c) attaching a cladding element directly or indirectly to at least one structural member of a building in a first region thereof; d) using an area created by the attachment of the bracket(s) to a cladding element to receive a top edge of the attached cladding element from step b) to locate a further cladding element to the attached cladding element from step b) such that the first region of the attached cladding element is shielded by a portion of the further cladding element; e) (optionally) repeating steps a) - d) as required.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the method includes the (optional) pre-step of attaching a spacer to a stud or wall sheeting to create a minor cavity for the bracket.

4. A cladding system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cladding elements are timber weatherboards.

5. A cladding system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cladding elements are sheets of timber.

6. A cladding system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cladding elements are sheets of plywood.

7. A cladding system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixing element is a screw.

8. A cladding system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixing element is a nail.

9. A cladding system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cladding elements have a factory finished painted surface.

10. A cladding system as claimed in the preceding claim wherein the factory finished painted surface has one or more coats of primer together with one or more top coats of paint substantially uniformly applied to all surfaces of the cladding element via an automated or semi-automated process.

11. A cladding system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cladding elements include at least one groove, or aperture, on the internal surface of the cladding element.

12. A cladding system as claimed in the preceding claim wherein the cladding element includes a second groove, or aperture, on the internal surface of the cladding element.

13. A bracket which includes a first section and a second section, which are joined together via an intermediary section so that the first and second sections have a stepped relationship with respect to one another when the bracket is viewed side on, and wherein the first section includes a region through which, in use, a fixing element can pass for attachment of the bracket to a first cladding element; and wherein the first section includes a protrusion which, in use, can assist with positioning the bracket on the first cladding element, and wherein the intermediary section is: orthogonal to the first section; and - spans a sufficient distance to allow for a top edge of an adjacent second cladding element to be inserted between the first cladding element and the second section.

14. A bracket which includes a first section and a second section, which are joined together via an intermediary section so that the first and second sections have a stepped relationship with respect to one another, when the bracket is viewed side on, and wherein the first section includes a region through which, in use, a fixing element can pass for attachment of the bracket to a first cladding element; and wherein the first and second sections include protrusions which, in use, can assist with positioning the bracket on respective cladding elements and wherein the intermediary section spans a sufficient distance to allow for a top edge of an adjacent second cladding element to be inserted between the first cladding element and the second section.

15. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the first and second section of the bracket include a substantially planar surface against which, in use, the surface of a cladding element may abut.

16. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the intermediary section includes a planar surface against which, in use, the edge of a cladding element may abut.

17. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the protrusion on the first section of the bracket is located at the distal end of the first section.

18. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the span of the intermediary section between the first and second section substantially corresponds to the edge of the cladding element upon which, in use, the bracket will be located.

19. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the fixing element is in the form of a nail.

20. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the fixing element is in the form of a screw.

21. A bracket as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the protrusion on the second section is located at the distal end of the second section.

22. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the second section is adapted to exert a force on the edge region of a cladding element which, in use, 20 is positioned in the area created between the second section and first cladding element to which the bracket is attached.

23. A bracket as claimed in claim 22 wherein the force is created via a combination of the angle created between the second section and the intermediary section, and the inherent resilience of the material from which the bracket is made.

24. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the edge of the distal end of the second section is tapered to allow for entry of the edge of the second adjacent cladding element into the area created between the second section and the first cladding element.

25. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the region in the bracket through which a fixing element passes is an aperture.

26. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the bracket is made from a substantially resilient material.

27. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the bracket is made from nylon.

28. A bracket as claimed in either claim 13 or 14 wherein the bracket includes a stand-off portion.

29. A bracket as claimed in claim 28 wherein the stand-off is in the form of at least one protrusion on the inner surface of the intermediary section against which, in use, the top surface of the top edge of a cladding element will abut.

30. A bracket as claimed in claim 29 wherein the stand-off portion may be in the form of a protrusion which has a substantially convex surface.

31. A cladding system substantially as herein before described with respect to, and as shown in, any example or drawing thereof. 21

32. A method of cladding a building substantially as herein before described with respect to, and as shown in, any example or drawing thereof.

33. A bracket substantially as herein before described with respect to, and as shown in, any example or drawing thereof. PACIFIC WOOD PRODUCTS LIMITED by its Attorneys