Patent Application
20210131113
The present disclosure relates generally to building surface panel systems for example, suitable for covering the walls or ceilings of buildings. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a building surface panel system that uses clips to secure building surface panels to a support structure.
Many building surfaces are constructed with a supporting structure, such as a frame or substrate layer, that is covered with a layer of panels. For example, exterior walls may include an exterior sheathing that is covered with siding that is, or appears to be, wood siding, brick, or stone. Other walls may include building surface panels attached to a frame or furring strips.
Typically, building surface panels are attached to the supporting structure using fasteners that extend through the building surface panels. The fasteners may securely hold the entire panel to the support structure or may hold one side of the panel to the supporting structure while the opposing side of the panel is attached to an adjacent panel.
The present inventor has determined that the use of fasteners extending through panels is only effective with panels having a certain configuration. As a result, most building surface panels of a particular type have a similar shape and construction. The present inventor has determined that an alternative system to secure building surface panels to a support structure would be attractive to builders and allow greater versatility of building surface panel systems.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a building surface panel kit for attachment to a support structure, the building surface panel kit comprising:
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of securing a building surface panel kit to a support structure, the method comprising:
In another aspect, the disclosure provides another building surface panel kit for attachment to a support structure, the building surface panel kit comprising:
Additional aspects of the disclosure will be evident from the disclosure herein.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the methods and devices of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and sizes of various elements may be distorted for clarity. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosure.
As described above, the present inventor has noted that conventional mechanisms for attaching building surface panels to a support structure limit conventional panels to certain configurations. The present inventor has determined that an alternative system to secure building surface panels to a support structure would be attractive to builders and allow greater versatility of building surface panel systems. Embodiments of the disclosure relate to various types of building surface panels. For example, in some embodiments, the building surface panels are siding panels configured to cover an exterior wall surface. In other embodiments, the building surface panels are wall panels configured to cover an interior wall surface. Still in other embodiments, the building surface panels are ceiling panels configured to cover the ceiling of an interior space.
Accordingly, one aspect of the disclosure is a building surface panel kit for attachment to a support structure. The building surface panel kit includes a first connector clip and a first building surface panel. The first connector clip includes an attachment platform configured to be secured to the support structure, a base wall secured to the attachment platform, and a first projection extending laterally from a first side of the base wall. The first building surface panel has a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a front face, and a rear face. The first building surface panel also includes a structural body including a first perimeter wall section at the first end that surrounds a recess configured to receive the first projection of the first connector clip.
The foregoing two components of such a building surface panel kit are shown in perspective view in
First connector clip 110 also includes a base wall 120 secured to attachment platform 112. Base wall 120 extends directly from a front face 115 of attachment platform 112 and includes a first side 122 and a second side 124. First connector clip 110 further includes a first projection 140 that extends laterally from the first side 122 of base wall 120.
First building surface panel 160 has two ends including first end 162, a first side 166, a second side 168, a front face 170 and a rear face 172. In the illustrated configuration, first side 166 is located at the top of building surface panel 160 and second side 168 is located at the bottom of building surface panel 160. However, the orientation of building surface panel 160 could be flipped, such that first side 166 is located at the bottom. First building surface panel 160 is formed by a structural body 174 that includes a first perimeter wall section 176 at first end 162 that surrounds a recess 178. In an installed configuration, the first projection 140 of first connector clip 110 is inserted into recess 178 such that first perimeter wall section 176 surrounds first projection 140.
In some embodiments, the attachment platform of the connector clip is aligned with the base wall. For example, in first connector clip 110, base wall 120 substantially spans the height of attachment platform 112 and extends outward therefrom. In other embodiments, however, the base wall and attachment platform are not aligned. For example, in some embodiments, the base wall hangs downward from the attachment platform.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first building surface panel is hollow and the first perimeter wall section is part of a perimeter wall that extends the length of the panel. For example, the structural body 174 of first building surface panel 160 has a hollow interior that spans the length of first building surface panel 160. In particular, the structural body 174 includes a perimeter wall the extends the length of first building surface panel 160 and includes first perimeter wall section 176 at first end 162 of first building surface panel 160. In other embodiments, an interior of the first building surface panel is solid. For example, in some embodiments, the structural body of the first building surface panel includes a solid plank that extends along the majority of the length of the first building surface panel, and the first perimeter wall section that engages with the connector clip extends from the solid plank at the first end of the first building surface panel.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the structural body of the first building surface panel is an extruded member that includes the first perimeter wall section. For example, structural body 174 of first building surface panel 160 is an extruded member, where the entire length of the first building surface panel 160 has substantially the same cross section. Thus, extruded structural body 174 includes a perimeter wall that spans the length of first building surface panel 160 and includes first perimeter wall section 176.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first projection of the first connector clip includes a plurality of projection portions that are separated by gaps along a height of the first connector clip. For example, first projection 140 of first connector clip 110 includes four projection portions 142 that are separated by gaps along the height of first connector clip 110. The top three projection portions 142 each have the same height, while the bottom projection portion 142 is somewhat shorter than the others, as explained in more detail below.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the structural body of the first building surface panel includes at least one web extending between the front face and the rear face. Further, in certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, each web of the at least one web is configured to be received in a respective gap between the projection portions. For example, structural body 174 of first building surface panel 160 includes three webs 180 that extend across the thickness of first building surface panel 160 from an inner surface of the perimeter wall at the front face 170 to an inner surface of the perimeter wall at the rear face 172. The three webs 180 of first building surface panel 160 divide the recess 178 within the first perimeter wall section 176 into four hollow sections. When first projection 140 is inserted into recess 178, the four projection portions 142 are respectively inserted into the four hollow sections of recess 178 with the webs 180 respectively positioned in the gaps between projection portions 142.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first connector clip is a joint connector clip and further comprises a second projection extending laterally from a second side of the base wall in a direction that is opposite the first projection. Such a joint connector clip is configured to secure the ends of two building surface panels together so as to form a continuous elongate structure. Accordingly, two building surface panels connected by a joint connector clip may behave as a single building surface panel. For example, first connector clip 110 is a joint connector clip that includes a second projection 150 extending from the second side 124 of base wall 120. The second projection 150 has a similar configuration to first projection 140, but extends in the opposite direction as first projection 140. In other embodiments, the second projection may have any of the features or configurations described herein with respect to the first projection. Further, while in some embodiments the first projection and the second projection may have identical configurations that are mirror images of one another, in other embodiments, the first and second projections have different configurations.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first connector clip does not include an attachment platform. For example, in some embodiments, the first connector clip is a joint connector clip that joins two building surface panels together without attaching the panels to a support structure. Such a first connector clip is shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first projection of the first connector clip is hollow. Further, in certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first projection includes a plurality of tabs extending from the base wall. For example, first connector clip 110 includes a hollow first projection 140 that is formed of a plurality of tabs, as illustrated in greater detail in
In other embodiments, the first projection of the connector clip is not hollow.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first building surface panel includes a tongue along the first side and a groove along the second side. For example, first building surface panel 160, as shown in
In some embodiments, the overall height of the first projection is configured to avoid interfering with the groove of the first building surface panel. For example, as shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the base wall of the first connector clip includes a notch configured to accommodate a tongue of an adjacent building surface panel. For example, in connector clip 110, base wall 120 includes a notch 128 that is adapted to receive the tongue of a neighboring building surface panel. Thus, with first building surface panel 160 coupled to connector clip 110, the groove 184 in first building surface panel 160 may receive the tongue of a neighboring building surface panel and the notch 128 in base wall 120 of connector clip 110 may also receive the tongue of the neighboring building surface panel. Accordingly, the tongue of the neighboring building surface panel can extend across the groove 184 of first building surface panel 160 through the notch 128 of connector clip 110 and, further, to a groove of an additional building surface panel attached to a second projection of connector clip 110, as described in more detail below.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first connector clip includes an aperture through the attachment platform that is configured to receive a mechanical fastener for securing the first connector clip to the support structure. For example, first connector clip 110 includes three apertures 129 that extend through attachment platform 112. The apertures 129 may be used to attach the first connector clip 110 to a support structure, for example using screws or nails that pass through the apertures 129 and penetrate the support structure. In other embodiments, the connector clip may include more or fewer apertures. Further, while first connector clip 110 includes all three apertures 129 on the side of base wall 120 that is opposite first projection 140, in other embodiments the apertures are on the same side as the first projection. Further, in other embodiments, the apertures are disposed on both sides of the base wall.
In other embodiments, the attachment platform of the first connector clip does not include any apertures. For example, in some embodiments the attachment platform includes indicia or indentations that indicate a suggested location for a mechanical fastener to pass through the attachment platform, but the attachment platform does not include an aperture therethrough. Thus, to mount such a first connector clip to the support structure, the installer may drill or nail through the first connector clip at the location of the indicia or indentation. Furthermore, in some embodiments the first connector clip is configured to be attached to the support structure using another type of fastener, such as adhesive.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the aperture is a slot so as to allow the first connector clip to move laterally along the support structure. For example, in some embodiments, the aperture through the attachment platform of the first connector clip is a slot that extends laterally in the same direction as the first projection. For example, the attachment platform 112 of first connector clip 110 includes apertures 129 that are in the form of slots that extend laterally in the same direction of extension as the first projection 140. The slot shape of the apertures 129 allows the first connector clip 110 to shift laterally after it is secured to the support structure using mechanical fasteners. Specifically, the mechanical fasteners can move laterally along the slot. This allows adjustment between the first connector clip 110 and the support structure. Accordingly, when the first connector clip 110 is connected to the first building surface panel 160, if the first building surface panel 160 expands or contracts, the first connector clip 110 can move laterally to accommodate the expansion or contraction.
Alternatively, in some embodiments the first connector clip accommodates expansion or contraction through a sliding element within the connector clip. For example, in some embodiments, the base wall is connected to the attachment platform through a sliding connection. Thus, the attachment platform may be fixedly secured to the support structure while the base wall and first projection can slide laterally over the attachment platform. For example, in some embodiments, the base wall is secured to the attachment platform on a rail so as to allow lateral movement over the attachment platform. Accordingly, as the first building surface panel expands or contracts, the base wall and first projection can slide laterally with respect to the attachment platform and support structure in order to accommodate the expansion or contraction of the first building surface panel.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the aperture through the attachment platform is positioned further from the base wall than a distal end of the first projection. For example, in some embodiments, the first projection extends laterally outward from the base wall, and has a proximal end attached to the base wall and a distal end that is remote from the base wall. To allow easy access to the apertures for installation of mechanical fasteners, the apertures in the attachment platform are positioned further from the base wall than the distal end of the first projection.
On the other hand, in certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first projection of the first connector clip includes a plurality of projection portions that are separated by gaps along a height of the first connector clip, and the aperture through the attachment platform is aligned with a respective gap in the first projection. For example, such a first connector clip is shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the attachment platform comprises a first portion and a second portion that is connectable to the first portion, the base wall is secured to the first portion, and the aperture extends through the second portion. Accordingly, the first portion may be installed on the support structure using mechanical fasteners or other fasteners, and the second portion may be attached to the first portion after installation of the first portion onto the support structure. Thus, the base wall and any projections extending therefrom can be installed after the first portion of the attachment platform is secured to the wall. The connection between the first portion of the attachment platform and the second portion of the attachment platform can be permanent or removable.
Further, in other embodiments, the base wall is attachable to the attachment platform. Thus, the attachment platform may be initially secured to the support structure using mechanical fasteners or other fasteners, and the base wall and any projections extending therefrom may be attached to the attachment platform after it is secured to the support structure. Accordingly, interference between the projections and installation onto the support structure can be avoided. The connection between the base wall and the attachment platform can be permanent or removable.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the front face of the first building surface panel includes a textured contour. Further, in certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the textured contour of the front face of the first building surface panel replicates a cut wooden plank. For example, in some embodiments, the front face of the first building surface panel has a surface texture having a contour that imitates wood grain. In other embodiments, the front face of the first building surface panel has a surface texture with a contour that imitates a masonry product, such as stone or brick. Still in other embodiments, the front face of the first building surface panel has a surface texture that enhances acoustic performance of the building surface panel. In other embodiments, the front face of the first building surface panel has a contour in a geometric patter. Further, in other embodiments, the front face of the first building surface panel is smooth.
In some embodiments, the front face of the first building surface panel has a first textured contour and the rear face has a second textured contour that is different form the first textured contour. Further, in some embodiments, the front face of the first building surface panel has a first color and the rear face has a second color that is different from the first color. Such configurations allow the first building surface panel to be reversible, such that the visible face of the building surface panel is selectable. Applicable methods for making a building surface panel according to the disclosure are set forth, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,955,281, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first projection of the first connector clip is configured to form a friction fit in the recess of the first building surface panel. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the first projection between the front side of the first projection and the rear side of the first projection is sized at or very slightly less than the width of the recess in the first building surface panel, such as a difference between 1 and 20 thousandths of an inch. Accordingly, when the first projection of the first connector clip is inserted into the recess of the first building surface panel, the first projection engages the first building surface panel with a tight friction fit such that removal of the connector clip from the first building surface panel requires significant force and the assembly of the first building surface panel and the first connector clip move as a unit. As an example, first connector clip 110 of kit 100 has a friction fit with first building surface panel 160 when the first projection 140 of first connector clip 110 is inserted into the recess 178 of first building surface panel 160.
In other embodiments, the first projection includes a protrusion for forming a snap fit connection in a recess of the first building surface panel. The term snap fit, as used herein, is defined as a connection between components where at least one of the components undergoes a deflection as the components are connected. Accordingly, if the connection is detachable, a corresponding deflection is needed in order to disconnect the assembled components. Such a snap fit connection can provide a relatively stable attachment without the need for any additional fasteners. The deformation that occurs may be elastic, such that the components return to their original shape after the connection is made or after the components are disconnected. Alternatively, the deformation can be plastic and a permanent connection can be established. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the protrusion on the first projection undergoes a deflection as the first projection is inserted into the recess at the first end of the first building surface panel.
An example of such an embodiment is shown in
First connector clip 610 includes a base wall 620 and a first projection 640 that extends laterally from a first side 622 of base wall 620. First building surface panel 660 has two ends including first end 662, a first side 666, a second side 668, a front face 670 and a rear face 672. First building surface panel 660 is formed by a structural body 674 that includes a first perimeter wall section 676 at first end 662 that surrounds a recess 678. In an installed configuration, the first projection 640 of first connector clip 610 is inserted into recess 678 such that first perimeter wall section 676 surrounds first projection 640. Further, the first projection 640 of first connector clip 610 includes a protrusion 643 configured to form a snap fit connection within the first building surface panel 660.
Further, in some embodiments, the recess at the first end of the first building surface panel includes a catch to receive the protrusion. For example, in some embodiments, the protrusion is in the form of a hook and the catch is in the form of a hole in the first perimeter wall section that surrounds the recess at the first end of the first building surface panel. For example, protrusion 643 of first projection 640 is in the form of a hook. Likewise, first building surface panel 660 includes a catch 683 in the form of a hole in the first perimeter wall section 676 that surrounds first recess 678. Specifically, the rear face 672 of first building surface panel 660 includes a hole 683 configured to receive protrusion 643 so as to secure first connector clip 610 to first building surface panel 660. When the first projection 643 is inserted into the recess 678 in the first building surface panel 660, the protrusion 643 engages with the hole 683 to form a snap fit connection, as shown in
In some embodiments, the first connector clip includes a plurality of projection portions and each of a group of the projections portions includes a protrusion configured to form a snap fit connection. For example, first connector clip 610 includes a plurality of projection portions 642 that are each configured to be received in the recess 678 of first building surface panel 610. Further, the upper and lower projection portions 642 each include a protrusion 643 configured to form a snap fit connection by engaging a corresponding catch 683 in the first building surface panel 660. In some embodiments, as in first connector clip 610, only some of the projection portions include a protrusion for a snap-fit connection. In other embodiments, each of the projection portions includes a protrusion to form a snap-fit connection.
In some embodiments, each of the projection portions of the first connector clip is formed of a pair of tabs and the protrusion for forming a snap-fit connection is provided on a tab. For example, each of projection portions 642 of first connector clip 610 is formed by a pair of tabs 644 (as shown at the lowermost protrusion portion 642). Further, the protrusion 643 for a snap-fit connection is provided on the rear tab 644. The pair of tabs 644 of each protrusion portion 642 is configured to provide a friction fit within the recess 678, while the protrusion 642 provides a snap-fit connection in order to hold the first connector clip 610 in place. In some embodiments, both the front tab and rear tab include a protrusion for snap-fit connection. In other embodiments, such as in first connector clip 610, only one of the tabs includes the protrusion.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the building surface panel kit further includes a second building surface panel having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a front face, and a rear face, the second building surface panel comprising a structural body including a first perimeter wall section at the second end that surrounds a recess configured to receive the second projection of the first connector clip. For example, building surface panel kit 100 may include a second building surface panel having an identical construction as first building surface panel 160 with a recess that is configured to receive the second projection 150 of first connector clip 110. In other embodiments, the first building surface panel and the second building surface panel may have different constructions.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the base wall is formed by a single plate, and the first projection extends from a first side of the plate and the second projection extends from a second side of the plate. For example, base wall 120 of first connector clip 110 is formed by a single plate. First projection 140 extends from the first side 122 of the single plate of base wall 120 and second projection 150 extends from the second side 124 of the single plate of base wall 120. Such a single plate configuration of the base wall allows for a seamless connection between two building surface panels that are both connected to the connector clip. Visually, the gap between the two building surface panels that are attached to the connector clip is filled by the base wall so as to form a continuous surface from one building surface panel to the next.
On the other hand, in certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the base wall includes a first plate and a second plate, and the first projection extends from the first plate and the second projection extends from the second plate. For example, a connector clip including such a configuration is shown in
Forming the base wall of first and second plates can create a visual of two separated building surface panels, where each building surface panel is capped at its respective end by one of the two plates. However, with the two building surface panels both coupled to the connector clip, the pair of building surface panels will move as unit through their connection by the connector clip. Accordingly, as the building surface panels expand and contract due to changes in temperature, both building surface panels and the connector clip will expand and contract together even though they appear as separate and distinct panels.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the distance between the first plate and the second plate is adjustable. Accordingly, such a connector clip allows for a variable gap dimension between adjacent building surface panels that are attached to the connector clip.
Further, in certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the attachment platform includes a first portion and a second portion that is connectable to the first portion, the first plate of the base wall is secured to the first portion of the attachment platform, the second plate of the base wall is secured to the second portion of the attachment platform, and the first portion and the second portion of the attachment platform are connectable in a plurality of positions. For example, a connector clip including such a configuration is shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first connector clip is an end connector clip, and wherein a second side of the base wall that is opposite the first side is substantially flat. For example, in some embodiments, the connector clip includes a projection extending from one side of the base wall and no projection extending from the other side of the base wall. Such a connector clip is operable to hold the end of a single building surface panel securely to the support structure.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the building surface panel kit further includes a plurality of additional building surface panels and a plurality of additional connector clips configured to secure the building surface panels to one another and to the support structure. For example, in some embodiments, the building surface panel kit includes building surface panels and connector clips sufficient to cover a large portion of a support structure, such as an exterior wall. In some embodiments, the building surface panel kit includes joint connector clips as well as end connector clips. Further, in some embodiments, the building surface panel kit includes connector clips with a base wall having a single plate and other connector clips with a base wall having first and second plates.
In some embodiments the first connector clip is made of a polymer material. For example, in some embodiments, the first connector clip is made of PVC or ABS. In other embodiments, the first connector clip is made of another polymer material. Still, in other embodiments, the first connector clip is made of metal, or another material. Further, in some embodiments, the first connector clip is made of more than one material. For example, in some embodiments, one portion of the first connector clip is made of a polymer material and another portion is made from metal.
In some embodiments, the first connector clip is cast or molded. In other embodiments, the first connector clip is machined or welded. Further, in some embodiments, the first connector clip is made by an additive manufacturing process, such as 3D printing. Thus, in some embodiments, the first connector clip is formed as a single unitary piece. In other embodiments, the first connector clip is made in separate pieces that are connected to one another. For example, in some embodiments the base wall and projections are formed as one piece that is attached to the support platform, as described in more detail above.
In some embodiments, the first building surface panel has a length that is at least 4 feet, e.g., at least 6 feet, e.g., at least 8 feet. Further, in some embodiments, the first building surface panel has a length no greater than 20 feet, e.g., no greater than 15 feet, e.g., no greater than 12 feet. For example, in some embodiments, the first building surface panel has a length in a range from 4 feet to 20 feet, e.g., from 6 feet to 15 feet, e.g., from 8 feet to 12 feet. In some embodiments, the first building surface panel has a width that is at least 4 inches, e.g., at least 6 inches, e.g., at least 8 inches. Further, in some embodiments, the first building surface panel has a width no greater than 24 inches, e.g., no greater than 18 inches, e.g., no greater than 12 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the first building surface panel has a width in a range from 4 inches to 24 inches, e.g., from 6 inches to 18 inches, e.g., from 8 inches to 12 inches. Further, in some embodiments the first building surface panel has a thickness that is at least which, e.g., at least % inch feet, e.g., at least 1 inch. Further, in some embodiments, the first building surface panel has a thickness no greater than 4 inches, e.g., no greater than 2% inches, e.g., no greater than 2 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the first building surface panel has a thickness in a range from inch to 4 inches, e.g., from % inch to 2% inches, e.g., from 1 inch to 2 inches.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a building surface panel system including a support structure and a building surface panel kit according the disclosure secured to the support structure. The attachment platform of the first connector clip is attached to a surface of the support structure and the first projection of the first connector clip is disposed in the recess at the first end of the first building surface panel. Such a building surface panel system is shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel system as otherwise described herein, the building surface panel system further includes a second building surface panel having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a front face, and a rear face, the second building surface panel comprising a structural body including a perimeter wall including a first perimeter wall section at the first end that surrounds a first recess and a second perimeter wall section at the second end that surrounds a second recess, the first connector clip includes a second projection extending laterally from the base wall in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, and the second projection of the first connector clip is disposed in the second recess at the second end of the second building surface panel. For example, building surface panel system 990 includes a second building surface panel 961 that has the same construction as first building surface panel 960 and includes a first end 963 and a second end 965. Further, first connector clip 910 includes a second projection 950 that extends laterally from base wall 920 in a direction that is opposite first projection 940. The second projection 950 is inserted into a recess surrounded by a perimeter wall section at second end 965 of second building surface panel 961. Accordingly, first building surface panel 960 and second building surface panel 961 are connected to each other by way of first connector clip 910.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel system as otherwise described herein, the building surface panel system further includes a second connector clip including an attachment platform secured to the support structure, a base wall secured to the attachment platform, and a first projection extending laterally from a first side of the base wall, where the first projection of the second connector clip is disposed in the first recess at the first end of the second building surface panel. For example, building surface panel system 990 also includes a second connector clip 911 that includes an attachment platform 913 secured to the support structure 992. The second connector clip 911 includes a base wall 921 that extends outward from the attachment platform 913 and a first projection 941 that extends laterally from base wall 921. Further first projection 941 of second connector clip 911 is inserted into a recess at the first end 963 of second building surface panel 961 so as to hold the second building surface panel 961 to the support structure 992.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel system as otherwise described herein, the second connector clip is an end connector clip, and a second side of the base wall of the second connector clip is substantially flat. For example, second connector clip 911 of building surface panel system 990 is an end connector clip and the side of base wall 921 that is opposite first projection 941 is substantially flat. Moreover, the side of base wall 921 that is opposite first projection 941 does not include a projection extending therefrom.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel system as otherwise described herein, a trim element covers the second connector clip. Such a building surface panel system is shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel system as otherwise described herein, the second connector clip is a joint connector clip and includes a second projection extending laterally from a second side of the base wall in a direction opposite the first projection. For example, second connector clip 1011 is a joint connector clip and includes a second projection 1051 extending from base wall 1021 in a direction that is opposite first projection 1041. In building surface panel system 1090, the second projection 1051 of second connector clip 1011 is not being used to secure a building surface panel to the support structure, and instead is simply covered by trim element 1093. However, in other embodiments, the second projection of the second connector clip may be used to secure another building surface panel to the support structure.
For example, in certain embodiments of the building surface panel system as otherwise described herein, the building surface panel system further includes a third building surface panel, where the second projection of the second connector clip is disposed in a recess in the third building surface panel. Such a building surface panel system is shown in
Building surface panel system 1190 also includes a second connector clip 1111 that includes an attachment platform 1113 secured to the support structure 1192. The second connector clip 1111 includes a base wall 1121 that extends outward from the attachment platform 1113 and a first projection 1141 that extends laterally from base wall 1121. The first projection 1141 of second connector clip 1111 is inserted into a recess at the first end 1163 of second building surface panel 1161 so as to hold the second building surface panel 1161 to the support structure 1192. The second connector clip 1111 also includes a second projection 1151 that extends laterally outward from base wall 1121 in a direction that is opposite first projection 1141. The second projection 1151 is inserted into a recess at the second end of a third building surface panel 1194. Accordingly, the second connector clip 1111 also secures third building surface panel 1194 to support structure 1192.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel system as otherwise described herein, the base wall of the first connector clip is formed by a single plate with the first projection of the first connector clip extending from a first side of the single plate and the second projection of the first connector clip extending from a second side of the single plate, and the base wall of the second connector clip includes a first plate and a second plate with the first projection of the second connector clip extending from the first plate and the second projection of the second connector clip extending from the second plate. For example, base wall 1120 of first connector clip 1110 includes a single plate and the first projection 1140 and second projection 1150 extend from opposite sides of the single plate of base wall 1120. On the other hand, base wall 1121 of second connector clip 1111 includes a first plate 1127 and a second plate 1129. First projection 1141 extends laterally outward from first plate 1127 and second projection 1151 extends laterally outward from second plate 1129. Accordingly, first connector 1110 provides a seamless visual where a continuous surface extends from first building surface panel 1160 to second building surface panel 1161, while second connector clip 1111 provides a separated visual where there is a gap between second building surface panel 1161 and third building surface panel 1194. Despite the different visuals provided by the two connector clips, all three building surface panels can move as a unit due to their attachment through the two connector clips. In particular, if the attachment apertures are slotted, the first building surface panel 1160, second building surface panel 1161 and third building surface panel 1194 can expand and contract together as a unit.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides another building surface panel kit for attachment to a support structure. The building surface panel kit includes a first building surface panel having a first end, a second end, a front face, a rear face, a first edge including a groove, and a second edge including a tongue configured to be inserted into the groove of another building surface panel. The building surface panel kit also includes a first attachment clip configured to secure the first building surface panel to the support structure. The first attachment clip includes a clip body and an attachment surface coupled to the clip body, where the attachment surface is configured to be secured to the support structure. Further, the attachment clip also includes a retaining fastener coupled to the clip body that is configured to engage an edge of the first building surface panel.
A rear perspective view of a portion of such a building surface panel kit is shown in
First building surface panel 1260 further includes a first edge 1267 disposed along first side 1266 that includes a groove 1284 extending laterally outward in the direction of the width of building surface panel 1260. Likewise, first building surface panel 1260 also includes a second edge 1269 along second side 1268 that includes a corresponding tongue 1282. Tongue 1282 of second edge 1269 is configured to fit within groove 1284 of first edge 1267, such that a respective tongue and groove of two similar building surface panels may engage one another.
Building surface panel kit 1200 also includes an attachment clip 1230 that is configured to secure first building surface panel 1260 to a support structure. A detailed view of attachment clip 1230 is shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the retaining fastener of the first attachment clip includes a ridge configured to engage the groove of the first edge of the first building surface panel. The ridge of the retaining fastener is configured for insertion into the groove such that the ridge is surrounded on three sides by the groove. Such a configuration allows the ridge to provide vertical support of the first building surface panel and to also retain the first building surface panel against any support structure on which the attachment clip is secured. Moreover, the use of a ridge in the retaining fastener allows for lateral movement of the first building surface panel with respect to the attachment clip. Thus, the ridge can move within the groove along the length of the first building surface panel, for example if the first building surface panel expands or contracts.
Attachment clip 1230 includes an embodiment of such a ridge construction. Specifically, retaining fastener 1234 of attachment clip 1230 includes a ridge 1235 that is configured to engage with groove 1284 that extends along first edge 1267. In operation, ridge 1235 extends into groove 1284 such that ridge 1235 is surrounded on three sides by the structure that forms groove 1284. Accordingly, ridge 1235 can provide vertical support and retain first building surface panel 1260 against any support structure on which attachment clip 1230 is secured. Ridge 1235 also allows for lateral movement of first building surface panel 1260 with respect to attachment clip 1230.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the ridge is disposed on an arm that extends laterally from the clip body. For example, ridge 1235 of retaining fastener 1234 in attachment clip 1230 is disposed on an arm 1236 that extends laterally outward from clip body 1231. Arm 1236 extends in the same direction as first building surface panel 1260 and ridge 1234 runs along the top surface of arm 1236. In some embodiments, the arm is configured to fit within the groove of the first building surface panel along with the ridge. For example, arm 1236 is configured so that both ridge 1235 and arm 1236 are inserted into groove 1284. In other embodiments, the ridge extends outward from the arm and only the ridge fits within the groove of the first building surface panel. For example, in some embodiments, the arm is wider than the groove and the narrower ridge extends upward from the arm so as to be insertable into the groove. In other embodiments the arm is tall and only the upper section of the arm, where the ridge is formed, fits into the groove.
In some embodiments, the retaining fastener includes two arms that extend laterally from the clip body in opposite direction. For example, retaining fastener 1234 of attachment clip 1230 includes two arms that extend in opposite directions from clip body 1231. In other embodiments, the retaining fastener includes only a single arm. Still in other embodiments, the retaining fastener does not include any arms. For example, in some embodiments, the ridge of the retaining fastener is disposed on a top surface of the clip body and is insertable into the groove of the first building surface panel without the use of an arm.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the retaining fastener of the first attachment clip includes a notch configured to receive the tongue of the first edge of the first building surface panel. The notch of the retaining fastener is configured to receive the tongue such that the front and rear surfaces of the tongue are held by the notch, which allows the notch to retain the first building surface panel against the support structure without hindering lateral movement of the building surface panel. For example, the tongue can move through the notch along the length of the first building surface panel as the first building surface panel expands or contracts.
A rear perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a building surface panel kit including such a first attachment clip is shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the notch is formed between two retaining walls that extend from the clip body. For example, notch 1437 is bordered by two retaining walls 1438 which form the structure of notch 1437 therebetween. Retaining walls 1438 are position to the front and to the rear of notch 1437 and are configured to engage tongue 1482 so as to retain first building surface panel 1460 against the support structure. In particular, the retaining wall 1438 positioned in front of notch 1437 prevents first building surface panel 1460 from being separated from the support structure.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the clip body includes an aperture configured to receive a mechanical fastener for fastening the retaining clip to the support structure. To secure the attachment clip to the support structure, the mechanical fastener extends through the aperture and into the support structure where it is securely held in place. In some embodiments the aperture is a bore for receiving a nail or screw. For example, as shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the aperture extends from a front face of the clip body to the attachment surface. For example, as shown in
Further, in some embodiments, the attachment clip does not include any aperture. For example, in some embodiments, the attachment clip is configured to be secured to the support structure by a mechanical fastener that penetrates through a section of the attachment clip. For example, in some embodiments, the attachment clip is configured to receive a nail or screw that is driven through the clip body. In other embodiments, the attachment clip is configured to be secured to the support structure using a mechanical fastener that surrounds a portion of the attachment clip. For example, in some embodiments, the clip body includes one or more tabs that are configured to be secured to the support structure using a staple.
Further still, in some embodiments the attachment clip is configured to be secured to the support structure without the use of a mechanical fastener. For example, in some embodiments the attachment clip includes a layer of adhesive on the attachment surface for attaching the attachment clip to the support structure. Of course, such an adhesive layer may also be used in combination with a mechanical fastener.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the attachment clip further includes a foot attached to the clip body, and wherein the attachment surface is disposed on the foot. In some embodiments, the foot extends outward from the clip body. Such a foot provides an enlarged area for the attachment surface, which enhances the attachment of the attachment clip to an underlying support structure. For example, as shown in
In various embodiments of the building surface panel kit, the first building surface panel includes any combination of the building surface panel features described above. For example, in some embodiments the first building surface panel includes a hollow structural body where a front wall forms the front face of the building surface panel and a rear wall forms the rear face of the building surface panel. For example, building surface panel 1260, as shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the hollow structural body of the first building surface panel is an extruded member. For example, in some embodiments, the first building surface panel is extruded from a die and has a substantially uniform cross section along an entire length of the panel. For example, first building surface panel 1260 has a substantially uniform cross section along the length thereof such that the front wall 1271, rear wall 1273, tongue 1282 and groove 1284 extend along the length of the first building surface panel.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the rear wall of the hollow structural body includes an opening to accommodate the first attachment clip. For example, in first building surface panel 1260, the rear wall 1273 includes an opening 1275 that is configured to accommodate first attachment clip 1230. In particular, opening 1275 is positioned such that clip body 1231 of first attachment clip 1230 can be placed within opening 1275 when the ridge 1235 on arm 1236 engages with groove 1284 of the first building surface panel 1260.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the opening is adjacent to the first edge. For example, opening 1275 in building surface panel 1260 is positioned at the first edge 1267 next to groove 1284. Such a position allows attachment clip 1230, which includes laterally extending arms 1236 that form ridges 1235, to be aligned with groove 1284. Accordingly, the arms 1236 can extend laterally into the groove 1284. Likewise, opening 1475 in building surface panel 1460 is also positioned at the first edge 1467 next to groove 1484. Thus, if attachment clip 1430 is disposed within the opening 1475, i.e., at the bottom of building surface panel 1460, the notch 1437 will be aligned with groove 1484. As a result, the notch 1437 and groove 1484 form a continuing channel to receive the tongue 1482 of a neighboring building surface panel.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, a gap is formed in the groove at the opening. For example, first building surface panel 1260 includes a gap in groove 1284 that extends the width of opening 1275. Such a gap may be formed by removing a portion of the groove along with a portion of the rear wall when the opening is formed. For example, the first building surface panel may be cut to remove a portion of the rear wall and a portion of the groove so as to form the opening and gap simultaneously. The gap in the groove can allow the clip body of the attachment clip to sit within the first building surface panel where the groove is absent or has been removed.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, a length of the attachment clip is longer than a length of the opening. For example, attachment clip 1230 is longer with respect to the length direction of first building surface panel 1260 than the opening 1275. In particular, arms 1236 extend outward from clip body 1231 to an extent that is longer than opening 1275. Accordingly, the ends of arms 1236 are able to sit within groove 1284 where the arms 1236 extend beyond opening 1275.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, a length of the attachment clip is shorter than a length of the opening. For example, the length of attachment clip 1430 with respect to the length direction of the first building surface panel 1460, is shorter than the length of opening 1475. Accordingly, clip body 1431 is able to fit entirely within opening 1475 such that there is no interference between the attachment clip 1430 and the first building surface panel 1460 when the first building surface panel 1460 is secured to the support structure.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the attachment clip further includes a slot configured to engage a cut edge of a building surface panel. A front perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a building surface panel kit including such a first attachment clip is shown in
A detailed view of attachment clip 1630A is shown in
Attachment clip 1630A also includes a slot 1635 configured to receive a cut edge of the building surface panel. For example, as shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the slot configured to receive a cut edge of a building surface panel is disposed between the clip body and the attachment surface. For example, slot 1635 of attachment clip 1630A is positioned between clip body 1631 and attachment surface 1632.
In some embodiments, the cut edge building surface panel includes a front wall and a rear wall and the slot is configured to receive the rear wall of the cut edge of the building surface panel. For example, building surface panel 1660 has a front wall and a rear wall and slot 1635 is secured on the rear wall such that attachment clip 1630A is behind the front surface of building surface panel 1660.
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the first attachment clip is one of a plurality of attachment clips including a first group of attachment clips and a second group of attachment clips, where the retaining fastener of each attachment clip in the first group of attachment clips includes a ridge configured to engage the groove of the first edge of the first building surface panel and the retaining fastener of each attachment clip in the second group of attachment clips includes a notch configured to receive the tongue of the second edge of the first building surface panel.
Such a building surface panel kit is shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the building surface panel kit further includes a plurality of additional building surface panels configured to be secured to a support structure using the plurality of attachment clips. For example, in some embodiments, the building surface panel kit includes another building surface panel that is configured to be placed on top of the first building surface panel. To secure the second building surface panel, the groove of the second building surface panel is configured to receive the tongue of the first building surface panel. Further, additional attachment clips of the first group may be used to secure the second building surface panel to the support structure. An embodiment of a building surface panel kit with multiple building surface panels is shown in
In certain embodiments of the building surface panel kit as otherwise described herein, the building surface panel kit further includes a first connector clip according to the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the building surface panel kit includes the above-described attachment clips along with any of the connector clips of the disclosure, such as those connector clips described with reference to
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of securing a building surface panel kit according to the disclosure to a support structure. The method includes attaching a first group of attachment clips to a support structure. Each of the attachment clips in the first group of attachment clips has a retaining fastener including a ridge configured to engage a groove of a building surface panel. The method also includes securing a first building surface panel to the first group of attachment clips by placing the ridge of each attachment clip into a groove on a first edge of the first building surface panel. Further, the method includes securing a second group of attachment clips to a second edge of the first building surface panel. Each of the attachment clips in the second group of attachment clips has a retaining fastener including a notch, and the second group of attachment clips are secured to the second edge of the first building surface panel by placing a tongue located on the second edge of the first building surface panel into each notch of a respective attachment clip of the second group of attachment clips. The attachment clips in the second group of attachment clips are then attached to the support structure.
In certain embodiments of the method as otherwise described herein, the method further includes securing a second building surface panel to the first building surface panel by inserting the tongue located on the second edge of the first building surface panel into a groove on a first edge of the second building surface panel. For example, as shown in
In certain embodiments of the method as otherwise described herein, the method further includes securing a third group of attachment clips to a second edge of the second building surface panel. Each of the attachment clips in the third group of attachment clips has a retaining fastener including a notch, and securing the third group of attachment clips to the second edge of the second building surface panel includes placing a tongue located on the second edge of the second building surface panel into each notch of a respective attachment clip of the third group of attachment clips. The third group of attachment clips is then attached to the support structure. For example, as shown in
In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, attaching the attachment clips to the support structure includes extending a mechanical fastener through a respective aperture in each of the attachment clips and into the support structure. In other embodiments, the attachment clips are attached using a mechanical fastener that punctures the attachment clips. Still, in other embodiments the attachment clips are attached using an adhesive.
Another aspect of the disclosure is a building surface panel system secured to a support structure, the building surface panel system comprising a first building surface panel secured to the support structure via a first group of attachment clips and a second group of attachment clips. The building surface panel, the first group of attachment clips and the second group of attachment clips, and their association with one another and the support structure can be as described with reference to any of the kits and methods above.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the processes and devices described here without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the processes and devices can be oriented in multiple directions such has vertical and horizontal or on multiple surfaces such as walls, floors or ceilings. Such building surface panel kits could be installed on the insides or outsides of buildings or in open air spaces wherein the building surface panel kits when assembled may define the building surface. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Embodiment 1. A building surface panel kit for attachment to a support structure, the building surface panel kit comprising:
a first building surface panel having a first end, a second end, a front face, a rear face, a first edge including a groove, and a second edge including a tongue configured to be inserted into the groove of another building surface panel; and
a first attachment clip configured to secure the first building surface panel to the support structure, the first attachment clip including:
Embodiment 2. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 1, wherein the retaining fastener of the first attachment clip includes a ridge configured to engage the groove of the first edge of the first building surface panel.
Embodiment 3. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 2, wherein the ridge is disposed on an arm that extends laterally from the clip body.
Embodiment 4. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 1, wherein the retaining fastener of the first attachment clip includes a notch configured to receive the tongue of the second edge of the first building surface panel.
Embodiment 5. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 4, wherein the notch is formed between two retaining walls that extend from the clip body.
Embodiment 6. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the clip body includes an aperture configured to receive a mechanical fastener for fastening the retaining clip to the support structure.
Embodiment 7. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 6, wherein the aperture extends from a front face of the clip body to the attachment surface.
Embodiment 8. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the attachment clip further includes a foot attached to the clip body, and wherein the attachment surface is disposed on the foot.
Embodiment 9. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 8, wherein the foot extends outward from the clip body.
Embodiment 10. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the first building surface panel includes a hollow structural body including a front wall forming the front face and a rear wall forming the rear face.
Embodiment 11. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 10, wherein the hollow structural body of the first building surface panel is an extruded member.
Embodiment 12. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 10 or embodiment 11, wherein the rear wall of the hollow structural body includes an opening to accommodate the first attachment clip.
Embodiment 13. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 12, wherein the opening is adjacent to the first edge.
Embodiment 14. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 12 or embodiment 13, wherein a gap is formed in the groove at the opening.
Embodiment 15. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 12 to 14, wherein a length of the attachment clip is longer than a length of the opening.
Embodiment 16. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 12 to 14, wherein a length of the attachment clip is shorter than a length of the opening.
Embodiment 17. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the attachment clip further includes a slot configured to engage a cut edge of a building surface panel.
Embodiment 18. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 18, wherein the slot is disposed between the clip body and the attachment surface.
Embodiment 19. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the front face of the first building surface panel includes a textured contour.
Embodiment 20. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 19, wherein the textured contour replicates a cut wooden plank.
Embodiment 21. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the rear face of the first building surface panel includes a textured contour.
Embodiment 22. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein each of the front face and the rear face of the first building surface panel includes a textured contour.
Embodiment 23. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiment 22, wherein the textured contour of the front and rear faces of the first building surface panel are different from each other.
Embodiment 24. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the first attachment clip is one of a plurality of attachment clips including a first group of attachment clips and a second group of attachment clips,
Embodiment 25. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 24, further comprising a plurality of additional building surface panels configured to be secured to a support structure using the plurality of attachment clips.
Embodiment 26. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 1 to 25, further comprising a first connector clip including:
Embodiment 27. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 26, wherein the first projection of the first connector clip includes a plurality of projection portions that are separated by gaps along a height of the first connector clip.
Embodiment 28. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 26 or embodiment 27, wherein the structural body of the first building surface panel includes at least one web extending between the front face and the rear face.
Embodiment 29. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 26 to 28, wherein the first projection includes a plurality of tabs extending from the base wall.
Embodiment 30. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 26 to 29, wherein the first projection of the first connector clip is configured to form a friction fit in the recess of the first building surface panel.
Embodiment 31. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 26 to 30, wherein the first projection includes a protrusion configured to form a snap-fit connection in a recess of the first building surface panel.
Embodiment 32. A method of securing a building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 1 to 31 to a support structure, the method comprising:
Embodiment 33. The method according to embodiment 32, further comprising securing a second building surface panel to the first building surface panel by inserting the tongue located on the second edge of the first building surface panel into a groove on a first edge of the second building surface panel.
Embodiment 34. The method according to embodiment 33, further comprising securing a third group of attachment clips to a second edge of the second building surface panel, each of the attachment clips in the third group of attachment clips having a retaining fastener including a notch, wherein securing the third group of attachment clips to the second edge of the second building surface panel includes placing a tongue located on the second edge of the second building surface panel into each notch of a respective attachment clip of the third group of attachment clips; and
Embodiment 35. The method according to any of embodiments 32 to 34, wherein attaching the attachment clips to the support structure includes extending a mechanical fastener through a respective aperture in each of the attachment clips and into the support structure.
Embodiment 36. A building surface panel system comprising a first building surface panel secured to a support structure via a first group of attachment clips and a second group of attachment clips, the building surface panel, the first group of attachment clips and the second group of attachment clips, and their association with one another and with the support structure being as described above with reference to any of embodiments 1-35.
Embodiment 37. A building surface panel system comprising a building surface panel kit as described with reference to any of embodiments 1-35 secured to a support structure, wherein the attachment platform of the first connector clip is attached to a surface of the support structure, and wherein the first projection of the first connector clip is disposed in the recess at the first end of the first building surface panel.
Embodiment 38. A building surface panel kit for attachment to a support structure, the building surface panel kit comprising:
Embodiment 39. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 38, wherein the first building surface panel is hollow and the first perimeter wall section is part of a perimeter wall that extends the length of the panel.
Embodiment 40. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 38 or embodiment 39, wherein the structural body of the first building surface panel is an extruded member that includes the first perimeter wall section.
Embodiment 41. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 40, wherein the first projection of the first connector clip includes a plurality of projection portions that are separated by gaps along a height of the first connector clip.
Embodiment 42. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 41, wherein the structural body of the first building surface panel includes at least one web extending between the front face and the rear face.
Embodiment 43. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 42, wherein each web of the at least one web is configured to be received in a respective gap between the projection portions.
Embodiment 44. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 43, wherein the first projection of the first connector clip is hollow.
Embodiment 45. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 44, wherein the first projection includes a plurality of tabs extending from the base wall.
Embodiment 46. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 45, wherein the first building surface panel includes a tongue along the first side and a groove along the second side.
Embodiment 47. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 46, wherein the first projection of the first connector clip includes a slot configured to accommodate the groove of the first building surface panel.
Embodiment 48. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 46 or embodiment 47, wherein the base wall of the first connector clip includes a notch configured to accommodate a tongue of an adjacent building surface panel.
Embodiment 49. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 48, wherein the first connector clip includes an aperture through the attachment platform that is configured to receive a mechanical fastener for securing the first connector clip to the support structure.
Embodiment 50. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 49, wherein the aperture is a slot so as to allow the first connector clip to move laterally along the support structure.
Embodiment 51. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 49 or embodiment 50, wherein the aperture through the attachment platform is positioned further from the base wall than a distal end of the first projection.
Embodiment 52. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 49 or embodiment 50, wherein the first projection of the first connector clip includes a plurality of projection portions that are separated by gaps along a height of the first connector clip, and
Embodiment 53. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 49 to 52, wherein the attachment platform comprises a first portion and a second portion that is connectable to the first portion, wherein the base wall is secured to the first portion and the aperture extends through the second portion.
Embodiment 54. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 53, wherein the front face of the first building surface panel includes a textured contour.
Embodiment 55. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 54, wherein the textured contour replicates a cut wooden plank.
Embodiment 56. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 55 wherein the first projection of the first connector clip is configured to form a friction fit in the recess of the first building surface panel.
Embodiment 57. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 55, wherein the first projection includes a protrusion for forming a snap fit connection in the recess of the first building surface panel.
Embodiment 58. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 57, wherein the recess at the first end of the first building surface panel includes a catch to receive the protrusion.
Embodiment 59. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 58, wherein the first connector clip is a joint connector clip and further comprises a second projection extending laterally from a second side of the base wall in a direction that is opposite the first projection.
Embodiment 60. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 59, further comprising a second building surface panel having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a front face, and a rear face, the second building surface panel comprising a structural body including a first perimeter wall section at the second end that surrounds a recess configured to receive the second projection of the first connector clip.
Embodiment 61. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 59 or embodiment 60, wherein the base wall is formed by a single plate, and
Embodiment 62. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 57 or embodiment 60, wherein the base wall includes a first plate and a second plate, and
Embodiment 63. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 62, wherein a distance between the first plate and the second plate is adjustable.
Embodiment 64. The building surface panel kit according to embodiment 63, wherein the attachment platform includes a first portion and a second portion that is connectable to the first portion,
Embodiment 65. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 58, wherein the first connector clip is an end connector clip, and wherein a second side of the base wall that is opposite the first side is substantially flat.
Embodiment 66. The building surface panel kit according to any of embodiments 38 to 65, further comprising a plurality of additional building surface panels and a plurality of additional connector clips configured to secure the building surface panels to one another and to the support structure.
Embodiment 67. A building surface panel system comprising:
Embodiment 68. The building surface panel system according to embodiment 67, further comprising a second building surface panel having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a front face, and a rear face, the second building surface panel comprising a structural body including a perimeter wall including a first perimeter wall section at the first end that surrounds a first recess and a second perimeter wall section at the second end that surrounds a second recess,
Embodiment 69. The building surface panel system according to embodiment 67, further comprising a second connector clip including:
Embodiment 70. The building surface panel system according to embodiment 69, wherein the second connector clip is an end connector clip, and wherein a second side of the base wall of the second connector clip is substantially flat.
Embodiment 71. The building surface panel system according to embodiment 69 or embodiment 70, wherein a trim element covers the second connector clip.
Embodiment 72. The building surface panel system according to embodiment 69, wherein the second connector clip is a joint connector clip and includes a second projection extending laterally from a second side of the base wall in a direction opposite the first projection.
Embodiment 73. The building surface panel system according to embodiment 72, further comprising a third building surface panel,
Embodiment 74. The building surface panel system according to embodiment 72 or embodiment 73, wherein the base wall of the first connector clip is formed by a single plate with the first projection of the first connector clip extending from a first side of the single plate and the second projection of the first connector clip extending from a second side of the single plate, and
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 62/928,983, filed Oct. 31, 2019; 62/955,551, filed Dec. 31, 2019; and 63/025,010, filed May 14, 2020, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62928983 | Oct 2019 | US | |
| 62955551 | Dec 2019 | US | |
| 63025010 | May 2020 | US |
