Patent Application
20250163705
The technical field generally relates to cladding assemblies for vertical structures. More particularly, the technical field relates to panels and anchors for cladding assemblies.
Cladding assemblies are routinely used for improving the outer appearance of a building or other structure. Cladding assemblies can include anchors secured to the building as well as decorative panels mountable onto the anchors to be supported thereby. The panels of conventional cladding assemblies typically include an upper mounting profile configured to mate with a lower portion of an anchor mounted above the panel, and a bottom mounting profile differing from the upper surface profile and configured to mate with an upper portion of an anchor mounted below the panel. The differing mounting profiles of the panels can facilitate the installation of the cladding assembly but define a single installation orientation of the panels onto the structure thereby increasing the repetition of the decorative patterns of the panels. Differing mounting profiles further promote the formation of gaps between adjacent panels which highlights the installation of anchors and further detracts from the impression of natural stone.
In view of the above, there is a need for a cladding assembly that overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of known designs.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a cladding assembly for covering a vertical architectural structure, the cladding assembly comprising:
In some implementations, the support face is recessed to a depth corresponding to a half of a thickness of the support plate.
In some implementations, the contact face of the lower horizontal edge face is configured to abut the contact face of the upper horizontal edge face of the bottom-adjacent panel to conceal the anchor when the cladding assembly is assembled.
In some implementations, the anchor is a first anchor configured to secure a lower end of the panel to the vertical architectural structure, the cladding assembly further comprising a second anchor having the same configuration as the first anchor, the second anchor being configured to secure an upper end of the panel to the vertical architectural structure when the cladding assembly is assembled.
In some implementations, each of the first and second horizontal edge faces comprises first and second lateral edge portions, each of the first and second lateral edge portions defining a planar edge surface extending from the front face to the rear face.
In some implementations, the planar edge surface of the first and second lateral edge portions is coplanar with the contact surface of the respective first and second horizontal edge faces.
In some implementations, the longitudinal groove of the first and second horizontal edge faces extends from the first lateral portion to the second lateral portion of the respective first and second horizontal edge faces.
In some implementations, each planar edge surface of the first and second lateral edge portions extends about 0.3 to about 0.7 inches from the adjoining vertical edge face to the longitudinal groove of the respective first and second horizontal edge faces.
In some implementations, each planar edge surface of the first and second lateral edge portions extends about 0.5 inches from the adjoining vertical edge face to the longitudinal groove of the respective first and second horizontal edge faces.
In some implementations, each of the front face and the vertical edge faces of the panels includes a textured decorative surface.
In some implementations, the contact face of at least one of the first and second horizontal edge faces extends about 0.1 to about 0.7 inches from the front face to the longitudinal groove.
In some implementations, the contact face of at least one of the first and second horizontal edge faces extends about 0.5 inches from the front face to the longitudinal groove.
In some implementations, the longitudinal groove of the upper and lower panels defines an arcuate surface extending between the contact face and the support face of the upper and lower panels.
In some implementations, the arcuate surface of the longitudinal groove of the upper and lower panels comprises an inverted bell curve shape.
In some implementations, the retention tab of the anchor comprises a curved shape configured to engage the arcuate surface of the longitudinal groove of the lower panel.
In some implementations, the anchor further comprises a spacing tab extending from the fixed plate, the spacing tab being configured to space the rear face of the panel apart from the vertical architectural structure to define a continuous air gap between the panel and the vertical architectural structure.
In some implementations, at least a portion of the spacing tab is positioned above the support plate.
In some implementations, the spacing tab extends upwardly from the fixed plate at an angle of about 30° to 60° relative to the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the spacing tab extends upwardly from the fixed plate at an angle of about 45° relative to the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the panel comprises a drainage channel extending from the longitudinal groove of at least one of the first and second horizontal edge faces, to the rear face of the panel, the drainage channel being configured to convey a fluid from the longitudinal groove of the corresponding horizontal edge face to the continuous air gap.
In some implementations, the retention tab of the anchor is a lower retention tab, the anchor further comprising an upper retention tab extending from the support plate and configured to engage with a part of the longitudinal groove of the lower horizontal edge face of the panel when the cladding assembly is assembled.
In some implementations, the upper retention tab extends upwardly from the support plate at an angle of about 120° to about 150° relative to the support plate.
In some implementations, the upper retention tab extends upwardly from the support plate at an angle of about 137.5° relative to the support plate.
In some implementations, the upper retention tab is configured to restrict a displacement of the panel in a direction normal to a surface of the vertical architectural structure when the cladding assembly is assembled.
In some implementations, the support plate of the anchor has a cantilever structure.
In some implementations, the anchor further comprises a brace extending between the fixed plate and the support plate, the brace being configured to maintain a relative angle between the fixed plate and the support plate when the anchor is supporting a part of the weight of the panel.
In some implementations, the brace extends from the fixed plate at an angle of about 30° to about 60° relative to the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the brace extends from the fixed plate at an angle of about 45° relative to the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the brace defines a fastener receiving aperture.
In some implementations, the fastener receiving aperture is a first fastener receiving aperture, and wherein the fixed plate defines a second fastener receiving aperture.
In some implementations, at least one of the vertical edge faces of the panel is configured to abut the vertical edge face of a side-adjacent panel when the cladding assembly is assembled, the side-adjacent panel having the same configuration as the panel.
In some implementations, the cladding assembly further comprises a mounting bracket for securing to the vertical architectural structure a lowermost panel of the cladding assembly, the lowermost panel having the same configuration as the panel, the mounting bracket comprising:
In some implementations, the horizontal plate extends upwardly from the vertical plate at an angle of about 85° to 89° relative to the vertical plate.
In some implementations, the horizontal plate extends upwardly from the vertical plate at an angle of about 87° relative to the vertical plate.
In some implementations, the mounting bracket further comprises a mounting brace extending between the vertical plate and the horizontal plate, the mounting brace being configured to maintain a relative angle between the vertical plate and the horizontal plate when the horizontal plate engages with the support face of the lower horizontal edge face of the lowermost panel.
In some implementations, the mounting brace is configured to limit a downward deflection of the horizontal plate when supporting a part of a weight of the lowermost panel beyond an angle of about 90° relative to the vertical plate.
In some implementations, the mounting bracket comprises a retention member extending from the horizontal plate, the retention member being configured to engage with the longitudinal groove of the lower horizontal edge face of the lowermost panel.
In some implementations, the retention member extends upwardly from the horizontal plate towards the vertical plate to engage a rearward portion of the longitudinal groove of the lower horizontal edge face of the lowermost panel when the cladding assembly is assembled or, optionally, extends laterally along a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal groove of the lower horizontal edge face.
In some implementations, the mounting bracket further comprises a spacing member extending outwardly from the vertical plate, the spacing member being configured to space the rear face of the lowermost panel apart from the vertical architectural structure to define a continuous air gap between the lowermost panel and the vertical architectural structure.
In some implementations, the spacing member extends from the vertical plate at an angle of about 75° to 105° relative to the vertical plate.
In some implementations, the spacing member extends from the vertical plate at an angle of about 90° relative to the vertical plate.
In some implementations, the mounting bracket defines drainage apertures.
In some implementations, the anchor comprises an orientation mark configured to indicate an installation orientation of the anchor.
In some implementations, the orientation mark is an embossed orientation mark provided on the fixed plate of the anchor.
In some implementations, the panel has a width of about 28 to 36 inches.
In some implementations, the panel has a width of about 32 inches.
In some implementations, the panel has a height of about 8 to 10 inches.
In some implementations, the panel has a thickness of about 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
In some implementations, the panel has a thickness of about 2 inches.
In some implementations, the front face has a surface area of about 2 square feet.
In some implementations, the panel is made of concrete.
In some implementations, the panel is made of at least one of lightweight concrete and reinforced concrete.
In some implementations, the vertical architectural structure is an interior vertical architectural structure of a building.
In some implementations, the support face of at least one of the first and second horizontal edge faces extends at least about 0.2 to about 0.3 inches from the rear face to the longitudinal groove.
In some implementations, the support face of at least one of the first and second horizontal edge faces extends at least 0.25 inches from the rear face to the longitudinal groove.
In some implementations, each of the support faces of the first and second horizontal edge faces is recessed to a depth of about 0.02 to about 0.066 inches relative to the respective contact faces of the first and second horizontal edge faces.
In some implementations, each of the support faces of the first and second horizontal edge faces is recessed to a depth of about 0.043 inches relative to the respective contact faces of the first and second horizontal edge faces.
In some implementations, the longitudinal groove of the first and second horizontal edge faces has a depth of about 0.2 to about 0.34 inches.
In some implementations, the longitudinal groove of the first and second horizontal edge faces has a depth of about 0.25 inches.
In some implementations, the longitudinal groove of the first and second horizontal edge faces has a depth of about 0.29 inches.
In some implementations, the anchor comprises a plurality of retention tabs extending downwardly from the support plate.
In some implementations, the anchor comprises a plurality of spacing tabs extending from the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the fixed plate is a vertical fixed plate when the cladding assembly is assembled.
In some implementations, the support plate is a horizontal fixed plate when the cladding assembly is assembled.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an anchor for securing an upper panel and a lower panel of a cladding assembly to a vertical architectural structure, the anchor comprising:
In some implementations, the support plate has a cantilever structure with a proximal end of the support plate secured to the fixed plate and a distal end of the support plate extending outwardly from the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the upper retention tab extends outwardly from the distal end of the support plate.
In some implementations, the lower retention tab extends outwardly from the distal end of the support plate.
In some implementations, the lower retention tab extends from the distal end of the support plate at an angle of about 120° to about 145° relative to the support plate.
In some implementations, the lower retention tab extends from the distal end of the support plate at an angle of about 132.5° relative to the support plate.
In some implementations, the anchor further comprises a brace extending between the fixed plate and the support plate, the brace being configured to maintain a relative angle between the fixed plate and the support plate when the anchor is supporting a part of the weight of the upper panel.
In some implementations, the brace extends from the fixed plate at an angle of about 30° to about 60° relative to the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the brace extends from the fixed plate at an angle of about 45° relative to the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the brace defines a fastener receiving aperture.
In some implementations, the fastener receiving aperture is a first fastener receiving aperture, and wherein the fixed plate defines a second fastener receiving aperture.
In some implementations, the lower retention tab comprises a proximal portion extending downwardly from the support plate, and a distal portion extending upwardly from the proximal portion of the lower retention tab.
In some implementations, the upper retention tab extends upwardly from the support plate at an angle of about 125° to about 150° relative to the support plate.
In some implementations, the upper retention tab extends upwardly from the support plate at an angle of about 137.5° relative to the support plate.
In some implementations, the upper retention tab is configured to restrict a displacement of the upper panel in a direction normal to a surface of the vertical architectural structure when the cladding assembly is assembled.
In some implementations, the upper retention tab is configured to engage with a rearward portion of the longitudinal groove of the lower horizontal edge face of the upper panel.
In some implementations, the anchor further comprises a spacing tab extending from the fixed plate, the spacing tab being configured to space the rear face of the upper panel apart from the vertical architectural structure when the cladding assembly is assembled to define a continuous air gap between the upper panel and the vertical architectural structure.
In some implementations, at least a portion of the spacing tab is positioned above the support plate.
In some implementations, the spacing tab extends upwardly from the fixed plate at an angle of about 30° to about 60° relative to the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the spacing tab extends upwardly from the fixed plate at an angle of about 45° relative to the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the anchor comprises a plurality of spacing tabs extending from the fixed plate.
In some implementations, the arcuate shape of the lower retention tab defines a radius of curvature of about 6 mm to about 8.5 mm.
In some implementations, the arcuate shape of the lower retention tab defines a radius of curvature of about 7.25 mm.
In some implementations, at least one of the fixed plate, support plate, upper retention tab, and the lower retention tab has a thickness of about 1.42 mm to about 2.64 mm.
In some implementations, at least one of the fixed plate, support plate, upper retention tab, and the lower retention tab has a thickness of about 2.03 mm.
In some implementations, the support plate extends from the fixed plate a distance of about 15 mm to about 18.3 mm.
In some implementations, the support plate extends from the fixed plate a distance of about 16.65 mm.
In some implementations, the anchor comprises an orientation mark configured to indicate an installation orientation of the anchor.
In some implementations, the orientation mark is an embossed orientation mark provided on the fixed plate of the anchor.
In some implementations, the anchor comprises a plurality of lower retention tabs extending downwardly from the support plate.
In some implementations, the fixed plate is a vertical fixed plate when the cladding assembly is assembled.
In some implementations, the support plate is a horizontal fixed plate when the cladding assembly is assembled.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method of assembling a cladding assembly to at least partially cover a vertical architectural structure, the method comprising:
In some implementations, mounting the panel onto the first anchor in one of at least two possible mounting configurations comprises mounting the panel in one of an upright configuration and an upturned configuration.
In some implementations, mounting the panel onto the first anchor comprises positioning a lower recessed support face of the panel onto a support plate of the first anchor.
In some implementations, mounting the panel onto the first anchor further comprises positioning a lower contact face of the panel to abut an upper contact face of a bottom-adjacent panel, the bottom-adjacent panel having the same configuration as the panel.
In some implementations, mounting the panel onto the first anchor further comprises engaging a lower arcuate longitudinal groove of the panel with a retention tab of the first anchor, the retention tab of the first anchor being configured to engage with a rearward portion of the lower arcuate longitudinal groove of the panel.
In some implementations, securing the second anchor of the cladding assembly to the surface of the vertical architectural structure comprises engaging a retention tab of the second anchor with an upper arcuate longitudinal groove of the panel, the retention tab of the second anchor having a corresponding arcuate shape.
In some implementations, securing the second anchor of the cladding assembly to the surface of the vertical architectural structure comprises positioning an upper contact face of the panel to receive a lower contact face of an upper-adjacent panel when the cladding assembly is assembled, the upper-adjacent panel having the same configuration as the panel.
In some implementations, securing the second anchor of the cladding assembly to the surface of the vertical architectural structure comprises securing a downwardly angled fastener to the second anchor to apply a compressive force onto the panel.
In some implementations, mounting the panel onto the first anchor further comprises spacing a rear face of the panel from the surface of the vertical architectural structure to define a continuous air gap between the panel and the vertical architectural structure.
In some implementations, spacing the rear face of the panel from the surface of the vertical architectural structure comprises engaging the rear face of the panel with a spacing tab of the first anchor.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a cladding assembly for covering a vertical architectural structure, the cladding assembly comprising:
In some implementations, the cladding assembly includes one or more features as defined in any one of the, the description or the drawings.
The attached figures illustrate various features, aspects and implementations of the technology described herein.
Techniques described herein relate to cladding assemblies for improving the outer appearance of an architectural structure including, for instance vertical architectural structures forming parts of residential, commercial, institutional or industrial buildings. The cladding assemblies can include panels and anchors configured to secure the panels to the structure. In particular, the panels can include features allowing said panels to be mounted onto one or more of the anchors in one of multiple configurations. Notably, adjacent panels of the cladding assembly can thus be mounted in alternating configurations to conceal the repetition of a decorative pattern of the panels.
Referring to
In some implementations, the cladding assembly 10 can further include fasteners 50 (shown in
It will be understood that the expression “panel” as used herein refers to a structural component having a depth that is reduced relative to its width and height, and which is configured to be mounted onto the vertical architectural structure to conceal it. In some implementations, the panels 100 of the cladding assembly 10 have a substantially rectangular shape with a depth of each panel 100 being reduced relative to the height and width of the respective panel 100. In other implementations, the panels 100 can have any other desirable shape such as, for instance, a square, a circular, or a hexagonal shape.
In the illustrated implementation, the panels 100 has a width of about 32 inches, a height of about 9 inches, and a depth of about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. In other implementations, the panels 100 can have a width of about 28 inches to about 36 inches and a height of about 8 inches to about 10 inches. In other implementations still, the panels 100 can have any other suitable height, width and depth to form a cladding assembly 10 suitable for concealing the vertical architectural structure.
In some implementations, the panels 100 can be made of a material having properties suitable for installation in spaces subjected to outdoor environmental conditions. In other implementations, the panels 100 can be made of a material providing a desirable aesthetic or decorative appearance. In other implementation still, the panels 100 can be made of a material having a combination of desirable properties and decorative appearance. For instance, the panels 100 can be made of wood, metal, brick, cement, lightweight concrete or polymer. In other implementations, the panels 100 can be made of composite materials which can include aluminium, wood, blends of cement and recycled polystyrene, or wheat/rice straw fibres. In some implementations, it may be desirable to provide a reinforcement to the panels 100 to provide an increased resistance to tensile, shear and/compressive stresses which the panels 100 can be subjected to. For instance, the panels 100 can be made of fiber reinforced concrete.
Referring now to
As best shown in
As indicated above, the panels 100 can be selected to provide a desirable or decorative aesthetic appearance to a surface of the structure. Accordingly, in some implementations, the panels 100 can include a front face 130 defining a non-planar decorative surface resembling the surface of a natural stone. In other implementations, the front face 130 can define a decorative surface having any other desirable aesthetic appearance. In implementations in which the panels 100 include a front face 130 defining a non-planar surface (for instance when the panels 100 include a front face 130 defining a decorative surface), the thickness of the panels 100 can vary in accordance with a texture of the front face 130.
In some implementations, the vertical edge faces 150 of the panels 100 can define a decorative surface having a desirable appearance such as, for instance, the appearance of natural stone. In particular, the vertical edge faces 150 can include a non-planar decorative surface being similar in appearance to the non-planar surface of the front face 130 of the panels 100. In such implementations, the panels 100 can define a decorative surface on two adjoining sides suitable for provide a decorative appearance around a corner of the vertical architectural structure.
As best shown in
In some implementations, the panels 100 can be reversible panels 100. It is to be understood that the expression “reversible” as used herein refers to a panel configured to be mounted in one of multiple possible orientations. In particular, in the illustrated implementation, the panels 100 include first and second horizontal edge faces 140 having similar or identical features and dimensioning thus enabling a mounting of the panels 100 onto the anchors 200 in one of an upright configuration or an upturned configuration. In such implementations, the adjacent ones of the panels 100 can be mounted onto the surface of the vertical architectural structure in alternating configurations to minimize or conceal the repetition of a pattern of the decorative surface of the front face 130 so as to further promote the appearance of a natural cladding. The reversible panels 100 can further enable the mounting of the panels 100 which have undergone a cutting process during the assembly of the cladding system 10. More specifically, each of the reversible panels 100 having undergone a cutting process can be reversed to a required orientation to suit a corner of the vertical architectural structure.
Referring now to
In some implementations, the support plate 220 is configured to engage with the support face 146 of one of the first and second horizontal edge faces 140 of the panel 100 to support at least a portion of a weight of the panel 100. In some implementations, the anchor 200 further includes a brace 230 extending between the fixed plate 210 and the support plate 220. The brace 230 can provide a structural rigidity to the anchor 200 to maintain a relative angle between the fixed plate 210 and the support plate when the support plate 220 is supporting a portion of the weight of the panel 100 (i.e. to prevent a downward deflection of the support plate 220 when subjected to a load).
In some implementations, the brace 230 can define a fastener receiving aperture 232 configured to receive one or more of the fasteners 50 to secure the anchor 200 to the surface of the vertical architectural structure. In some implementations, the fastener receiving aperture 232 can define a downward bore angle configured to direct the fastener 50 in a downwardly angled position when being fastened to the vertical architectural structure. In particular, the fastener receiving aperture 232 can define a downward bore angle being normal to a primary surface 234 of the brace 230. In such implementations, the anchor 200 can apply a compressive force onto a panel 100 mounted beneath said anchor 200 when the cladding assembly 10 is assembled.
In some implementations, the anchor 200 can further define a second fastener receiving aperture 212 on the fixed plate 210. The second fastener receiving aperture 212 can allow the insertion of a second fastener 50 to be used in conjunction with a fastener 50 secured to the fastener receiving aperture 232 of the brace 230 or individually when the fastener receiving aperture 232 of the brace 230 is inaccessible such as, for instance, when the anchor 200 is secured to the vertical architectural structure beneath a cornice or other structural element preventing access to the fastener receiving aperture 232 of the brace 230.
In some implementations, the brace 230 extends from the fixed plate 210 towards the support plate 220 at an angle of about 30° to about 60° relative to the fixed plate 210. More specifically, the brace can extend from the fixed plate 210 at an angle of about 30° to 45° relative to the fixed plate 210. It will be understood that, in other implementations, the brace 230 can extend from the fixed plate 210 towards the support plate 220 at any other suitable angle.
Still referring to
In some implementations, the lower retention tab 240 of the anchor 200 comprises a curved shape conforming to a shape of the arcuate surface 143 of the longitudinal groove 142 of the first or second horizontal edge surface 140 of the panel 100. More specifically, the lower retention tab 240 can have an inverted bell curve shape similar to that of the longitudinal groove 142 to promote a more secure engagement between the anchor 200 and the panel 100. In some implementations, the lower retention tab 240 can have an arcuate shape defining a radius of curvature of about 6 mm to about 8.5 mm. More specifically, the lower retention tab 240 can have an arcuate shape defining a radius of curvature of about 7.25 mm. In other implementations, the lower retention tab 240 can have an arcuate shape defining any other suitable radius of curvature.
In some implementations, when the lower retention tab 240 of the anchor 200 comprises a curved shape, the lower retention tab 240 can include a proximal portion 242 extending downwardly from the distal end 224 of the support plate 220, and a distal portion 244 extending upwardly from an end of the proximal portion 242 of the lower retention tab 240 opposite the distal end 224 of the support plate 220.
Still referring to
In certain embodiments, a width of the upper retention tab 250 (i.e. a dimension of the upper retention tab 250 in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the support plate 220) can be selected in accordance with a width of the lower retention tab 240. For instance, in the implementation shown, the anchor 200 includes two lower retention tabs 240 with a ratio between a width of the upper retention tab 250 and a width of each of the lower retention tabs 240 can be between about 2.4:1 and about 2.8:1. More specifically, the ratio between the width of the upper retention tab 250 and the width of each of the lower retention tabs 240 can be about 2.625:1. In certain embodiments, the above specified ration may improve a retention of the panel 100 in a direction normal to the surface of the vertical architectural structure.
As best shown in
In some implementations, the anchor 200 can further include a spacing tab 260 extending outwardly from the fixed plate 210 to space the rear face 120 of the panel 100 apart from the vertical architectural structure so as to define a continuous air gap between the panel 100 and the vertical architectural structure. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the spacing tab 260 is positioned above the support plate 220 of the anchor 200 to engage the panel 100 mounted above the anchor 200. In other implementations, the spacing tab 260 can be positioned below the support plate 220 of the anchor 200 to engage the panel 100 mounted beneath the anchor 200. In some implementations, the spacing tab 260 can extend from the fixed plate 210 at an angle of about 30° to about 60° relative to the fixed plate 210. In other implementations, the spacing tab 260 can extend from the fixed plate 210 at an angle of about 55° relative to the fixed plate 210 to define an air gap having a depth of about 11 mm. It will be understood that, in other implementations, the spacing tab 260 can extend from the fixed plate 210 at any other suitable angle.
In some implementations, the spacing tab 260 can further prevent a stress concentration in the longitudinal groove 142 of the first or second horizontal edge face 140 when the cladding assembly 10 is assembled. Notably, in the absence of the spacing tabs 260, the engagement of a panel 100 with one or more of anchors 200 could generate a stress concentrated at or near the front face 130 of the panel 100. In some implementations, the spacing tab 260 can at least partially relieve a portion of the stress concentration to prevent the formation of visible breakages of said front face 130 of the panel 100. In some implementations, the spacing tab 260 can further counter a force applied to the front face 130 of the panel 100 thus preventing a flexing or displacement of the panel 100.
In the non-limitative implementation shown, at least one of the fixed plate 210, the support plate 220, the upper retention tab 260, and the lower retention tab 240 has a thickness of about 2.03 mm. It will be appreciated that, in other implementations, each of these elements of the anchor 200 can include any other suitable thickness.
In some implementations, the panel 100 can include a drainage channel 160 (shown in
Referring back to
In some implementations, the cladding system 10 can include a mounting bracket 300 for securing a lowermost panel 100 of the cladding assembly 10 to the vertical architectural structure. Referring now to
In some implementations, the horizontal plate 320 can deflect downwardly when supporting a part of a weight of the lowermost panel 100. Accordingly, the horizontal plate 320 can extend outwardly from the vertical plate 310 in an upwardly direction to compensate for said deflection of the horizontal plate 100. For instance, in some implementations, the horizontal plate 320 can extend upwardly from the vertical plate 310 at an angle of about 81° to 89° relative to the vertical plate 310. More specifically, the horizontal plate 320 can extend upwardly from the vertical plate 310 at an angle of about 85° relative to the vertical plate 310. In some implementations, the mounting bracket 300 can include a mounting brace 330 extending between the vertical plate 310 and the horizontal plate 320. The mounting brace 330 can be configured to maintain a relative angle between the vertical plate 310 and the horizontal plate 320 when the horizontal plate 320 supports a at least a portion of a weight of the lowermost panel 100. In particular, the mounting brace 330 can be configured to limit a downward deflection of the horizontal plate 320 when supporting a part of a weight of the lowermost panel 100 beyond an angle of about 90° relative to the vertical plate 310.
In some implementations, the mounting bracket 300 can further include a retention member 322 extending from the horizontal plate 320. The retention member 322 can be configured to engage with the longitudinal groove 142 of the first or second horizontal edge face 140 of the lowermost panel 100. More specifically, in some implementations, the retention member 322 can extend from the horizontal plate 320 in an upward direction towards the vertical plate 310 to engage a rearward portion 148 of the longitudinal groove 142 of the first or second horizontal edge face 140 of the lowermost panel 100 when the cladding assembly 10 is assembled. In other implementations, the retention member 322 can extend from the horizontal plate 320 in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal groove 142 when the cladding system 10 is assembled.
In the illustrated implementation, the mounting bracket 300 further includes an abutment 326 defined on the horizontal plate 320 and positioned between the retention member 322 and the mounting brace 330 in a transverse direction of the horizontal plate 320. In certain implementations, the abutment 326 can be configured to support the supporting face 146 of the lowermost panel 100.
In some implementations, the mounting bracket 300 further comprises a spacing member (not shown) extending outwardly from the vertical plate 310. The spacing member can be configured to space the rear face 120 of the lowermost panel 100 apart from the vertical architectural structure to define a continuous air gap between the lowermost panel 100 and the vertical architectural structure. In some implementations, the spacing member can extend from the vertical plate 310 at an angle of about 75° to 105° relative to the vertical plate 310. More specifically, the spacing member can extend from the vertical plate 310 at an angle of about 90° relative to the vertical plate 310. In some implementations, the mounting bracket 300 can further define drainage apertures 324 configured to convey a fluid out of the continuous air gap.
While the cladding assembly 10 has herein been described as being assembled onto an exterior structure, it will be understood that the cladding assembly 10 can similarly be assembled onto an interior surface of a structure such as, for instance, an interior wall or an interior column of a building.
A method for assembling the cladding system will now be described in further detail. The method can include providing a panel of the cladding assembly, securing a first anchor of the cladding assembly to a surface of the vertical architectural structure, mounting the panel onto the first anchor in one of at least two possible mounting configurations, and securing a second anchor of the cladding assembly to the surface of the vertical architectural structure at a distance above the first anchor corresponding to a height of the panel to secure the panel to the vertical architectural structure.
In some implementations, the step of mounting the panel onto the first anchor in one of at least two possible mounting configurations can include mounting the panel in one of an upright configuration and an upturned configuration. As stated above, the reversible aspect of the panels enables a flexibility with respect to the installation of said panels.
In some implementations, mounting the panel onto the first anchor comprises positioning a lower recessed support face of the panel onto a support plate of the first anchor. In some implementations, the same step can include spacing a rear face of the panel from the surface of the vertical architectural structure to define a continuous air gap between the panel and the vertical architectural structure. Moreover, spacing the rear face of the panel from the surface of the vertical architectural structure can include engaging the rear face of the panel with a spacing tab of the first anchor.
In some implementations, mounting the panel onto the first anchor further comprises positioning a lower contact face of the panel to abut an upper contact face of a bottom-adjacent panel, the bottom-adjacent panel having the same configuration as the panel.
Within the step of mounting the panel onto the first anchor, a lower arcuate longitudinal groove of the panel can be engaged with a retention tab of the first anchor. More specifically, the retention tab of the first anchor can engage with a rearward portion of the lower arcuate longitudinal groove of the panel.
Moreover, within the step of securing the second anchor of the cladding assembly to the surface of the vertical architectural structure, a retention tab of the second anchor can be engaged with an upper arcuate longitudinal groove of the panel. Optionally, the retention tab of the second anchor can have a corresponding arcuate shape. In some implementations, the same step can further include positioning an upper contact face of the panel to receive a lower contact face of an upper-adjacent panel when the cladding assembly is assembled. In some implementations, the same step can include securing a downwardly angled fastener to the second anchor to apply a compressive force onto the panel.
In some implementations, the step of securing the second anchor of the cladding assembly to the surface of the vertical architectural structure can include securing a horizontally angled fastener to the second anchor and subsequently securing a downwardly angled fastener to the second anchor to limit a compressive force onto the panel beneath the second anchor. It may be appreciated that, when secured in this manner, the assembly of the cladding system may prevent a deformation of the lowermost anchor of the assembly.
To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions provided herein are qualified with the term “about”. It will be understood that whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity recited herein is meant to refer to an actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by a person of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.
Several alternative implementations and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The implementations of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual implementations, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the implementations could be provided in any combination with the other implementations disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and implementations, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific implementations have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/602,113, filed Nov. 22, 2023, entitled Cladding Assembly for a Vertical Structure and Method of Assembly Thereof, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63602113 | Nov 2023 | US |
