FIELD

[0001] Applicant's teachings relate to apparatuses and methods for installing cladding to structures, such as, for example, a building.

INTRODUCTION [0002] Known methods exist for creating aluminum, stone, tile or other panel facades for buildings. The known methods typically employ techniques in which the existing wall of the building is decorated, i.e. finished, with insulation and covered by different exterior finishes like aluminum, ceramic, granite, brick or glass etc. However, in some cases, known methods for creating a panel facade involve relatively complicated support structures. In some cases, known methods for creating a panel facade are relatively time consuming. In some cases, known methods for creating a panel facade rely on relatively expensive materials. In some of these known methods, the building substructure, such as joists, railings, anchors, insulation and other wall components, such as insulation and external panels, are installed from the outside of the building. In some cases, known methods require the use of tools and/or equipment such as swing stages, scaffolding, safety lines and belts, hoists or jeylifts.

SUMMARY [0003] In some examples, a cladding support system comprises: at least one supporting profile, the supporting profile including a structure mounting portion, and first and second profile connecting portions; and at least one clip member, the clip member including first and second panel retaining elements, and first and second clip connecting portions, the clip connecting portions configured to engage a respective profile connecting portion of the supporting profile to install the clip member on the supporting profile. [0004] The first clip connecting portion of the clip member can define a first slot, the first slot sized to receive and retain the first profile connecting portion of the supporting profile, and the second profile connecting portion of the supporting profile can define a second slot, the second slot sized to receive and retain the second clip connecting portion of the clip member. Distal edges of the first profile connecting portion and the second clip connecting portion can bear against end surfaces of the first and second slots, respectively, when the clip member is in a load-bearing position relative to the supporting profile. When the clip member is in the load-bearing position relative to the supporting profile, the distal edge of the first profile connecting portion can bear in a first direction against the end surface of the first slot, and the distal edge of the second clip connecting portion can bear in a second direction against the end surface of the second slot, the first and second directions generally opposing. [0005] The first and second clip connecting portions can be generally coplanar and separated by a bridge portion that is inclined relative to the first clip connecting portion such that the first and second clip connecting portions are laterally offset. The first and second profile connecting portions can be generally coplanar and laterally offset to correspond with the first and second clip connecting portions.

[0006] The first clip and profile connecting portions can each include complementary flared distal edges for retaining the first profile connecting portion within the first slot.

[0007] The supporting profile can include a longitudinal protuberance disposed within the second slot and configured to urge the second clip connecting portion of the clip member against the second profile connecting portion. The longitudinal protuberance can include an inclined upper surface for guiding a distal edge of the second clip connecting portion of the clip member into the second slot of the supporting profile. [0008] The first panel retaining element can be defined by a first front panel retaining wall, a first panel surface of a web portion, and a first rear panel retaining wall, and the first panel surface of the web portion can be sloped to bias a panel of selected cladding towards the first front panel retaining wall. The second panel retaining element can be defined by a second front panel retaining wall, a second panel surface of the web portion, and a second rear panel retaining wall, and the second rear panel retaining wall can extend further from the second panel surface of the web portion that the second front panel retaining wall. [0009] The supporting profile can include at least one spacing portion for maintaining a panel of selected cladding spaced apart from a structure.

[0010] In some examples, a structure comprises: at least a first supporting profile and a second supporting profile, the first and second supporting profiles in a spaced apart arrangement, each of the supporting profiles including a structure mounting portion secured to a surface of the structure, and first and second profile connecting portions; at least two clip members, at least one clip member being installed on each of the first and second supporting profiles, each of the clip members including first and second panel retaining elements, and first and second clip connecting portions, the first clip connecting portion engaging the first profile connecting portion of the respective supporting profile and the second clip connecting portion engaging the second profile connecting portion of the respective supporting profile such that each clip is installed on the respective supporting profile; and at least one panel of selected cladding including a first edge and a second edge, the first edge retained by the first panel retaining element of the clip installed on the first supporting profile, the second edge retained by the second panel retaining element of the clip member mounted to the second supporting profile.

[0011] The first clip connecting portion of each clip member can define a first slot, the first slot retaining the first profile connecting portion of the respective supporting profile, and the second profile connecting portion of each supporting profile can define a second slot, the second slot retaining the second clip connecting portion of the respective clip member. For each clip member and supporting profile combination, distal edges of the first profile connecting portion and the second clip connecting portion can bear against end surfaces of the first and second slots, respectively. For each clip member and supporting profile combination, the distal edge of the first profile connecting portion can bear upwardly against the end surface of the first slot, and the second clip connecting portion can bear downwardly against the end surface of the second slot.

[0012] For each clip member, the first and second clip connecting portions can be generally coplanar and separated by a bridge portion that is inclined relative to the first clip connecting portion such that the first and second clip connecting portions are laterally offset. For each supporting profile, the first and second profile connecting portions can be generally coplanar and laterally offset to correspond with the first and second clip connecting portions of the respective clip member.

[0013] For each clip member and supporting profile combination, the first clip and profile connecting portions can each include complementary flared distal edges for retaining the first profile connecting portion within the first slot.

[0014] Each supporting profile can include a longitudinal protuberance disposed within the second slot and configured to urge the second clip connecting portion of the respective clip against the second profile connecting portion. The longitudinal protuberance can include an inclined upper surface for guiding a distal edge of the second clip connecting portion of the clip into the second slot of the supporting profile.

[0015] The first panel retaining element of the clip mounted to the first supporting profile can be defined by a first front panel retaining wall, a first panel surface of a web portion, and a first rear panel retaining wall, and the first panel surface of the web portion can be sloped to bias the panel of selected cladding towards the first front panel retaining wall.

[0016] The second panel retaining element of the clip mounted to the second supporting profile can be defined by a second front panel retaining wall, a second panel surface of the web portion, and a second rear panel retaining wall, and the second rear panel retaining wall can extend further from the second panel surface of the web portion that the second front panel retaining wall.

[0017] The supporting profile can include at least one spacing portion for maintaining the panel of selected cladding spaced apart from the structure.

[0018] In some examples, a method of installing cladding to a structure comprises: securing first and second supporting profiles to the structure in a spaced apart arrangement, each of the supporting profiles including first and second profile connecting portions; providing at least one panel of selected cladding, the panel including first and second edges; providing at least two clip members, each of the clip members including first and second panel retaining elements, and first and second clip connecting portions; installing a first clip member to the first supporting profile by engaging the first and second clip connecting portions of the first clip member to the respective first and second profile connecting portions of the first supporting profile, and downwardly shifting the first clip member to place the first clip member in a load-bearing position relative to the first supporting profile; positioning the panel to retain the first edge of the panel with the first panel retaining element of the first clip member installed on the first supporting profile; and installing a second clip member to the second supporting profile by engaging the first and second clip connecting portions of the second clip member to the respective first and second profile connecting portions of the second supporting profile, aligning the second edge of the panel with the second panel retaining element of the second clip member, and shifting the second clip member downwardly to install the second clip member to the second supporting profile and retain the panel in place.

[0019] In the steps of installing, the first profile connecting portion of each supporting profile can be inserted within a first slot defined by the first clip connecting portion of each clip, and the second clip connecting portion of each clip can be inserted within a second slot defined by the second profile connecting portion of each supporting profile. A distal edge of the first profile connecting portion can bear upwardly against an end surface of the first slot, and a distal edge of the second clip connecting portion can bear downwardly against an end surface of the second slot.

[0020] The first and second clip connecting portions and the first and second profile connecting portions can be dimensioned so that the first profile connecting portion engages the first slot and the second clip connecting portion engages the second slot generally concurrently. The first clip connecting portion and the first profile connecting portion can be prevented from being disengaged.

[0021] The method of installing cladding to a structure can further comprise: shifting the second clip member installed on the second supporting profile upwardly in a direction away from the first supporting profile to free the second edge of the panel from the second panel retaining element of the second clip member; removing the panel by freeing the first edge from the first panel retaining element of the first clip member installed on the first supporting profile; positioning a replacement panel to retain a first edge of the replacement panel with the first panel retaining element of the first clip member installed on the first supporting profile; and aligning a second edge of the replacement panel with the second panel retaining element of the second clip member, and shifting the second clip member downwardly to install the second clip member to the second supporting profile and retain the replacement panel in place. [0022] The steps of installing can be repeated to secure a plurality of panels with the clip members so that the panels extend across a desired length of the supporting profiles. The clip members can installed spaced apart across the desired length of the supporting profiles. The step of securing can be repeated to secure a plurality of the supporting profiles to the structure in a successive spaced apart arrangement, and the steps of installing, positioning and installing can be repeated to secure a plurality of the panels with the clip members so that the panels extend in successive courses between the supporting profiles. The first and second supporting profiles can maintain the panels generally parallel with the surface of the structure when installed. The method of installing cladding to a structure can further comprise biasing the panel away from the structure against the clip member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the applicant's teachings in any way.

[0024] FIGS. 1 A and 1 B show sectional and perspective views of a clip member, respectively;

[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B show sectional and perspective views of a supporting profile, respectively;

[0026] FIGS. 3A to 3C show a sequence of sectional views of a clip member being anchored to a supporting profile;

[0027] FIGS. 4A to 4H show a sequence of sectional views of a supporting profile being secured to a structure, and a clip member being anchored to the supporting profile;

[0028] FIGS. 5A to 5G show a sequence of sectional views of a panel of selected cladding being retained by clip members, the clip members installed on supporting profiles secured to a structure; [0029] FIGS. 6A to 6J show a sequence of sectional views of another panel of selected cladding being retained by clip members;

[0030] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of panels of selected cladding being installed on a plurality of supporting profiles;

[0031] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of panels of selected cladding installed on an exterior of a structure, secured with a plurality of clip members;

[0032] FIGS. 9A to 9F show a sequence of sectional views of an end panel of selected cladding being retained by an inverted clip member and supporting profile;

[0033] FIGS. 10A and 10B are closeup views of portions of FIGS. 9E and 9F, respectively, showing the inverted clip member and supporting profile;

[0034] FIGS. 11 A to 1 U show a sequence of sectional views of a panel of selected cladding being removed and a replacement panel being installed;

[0035] FIGS. 12A to 12F show a sequence of sectional views of a panel of selected cladding having end grooves being retained by clip members; and

[0036] FIGS. 13A to 13F show a sequence of sectional views of another panel of selected cladding having end grooves being retained by clip members. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to provide an example of embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses or methods that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or methods having all of the features of any one apparatus or method described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or method described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. The applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) reserve all rights in any invention disclosed in an apparatus or method described below that is not claimed in this document and do not abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document. [0038] Applicant's teachings relate to a method and apparatus to install cladding to structures, such as, for example, a building. In particular, applicant provides a supporting profile, and a clip member configured to anchor with the supporting profile to secure panels of selected cladding to structures, as will hereinafter be explained. [0039] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1 B, a clip member is provided generally at 100. The clip member 100 can have a generally uniform cross- section in a longitudinal direction. The clip member 100 can be extruded aluminum or plastic, for example.

[0040] The clip member 100 can include a first panel retaining element 102 and a second panel retaining element 104. In some examples, the first panel retaining element 102 is defined by a first front panel retaining wall 106, a first panel surface 108 of a web portion 110, and a first rear panel retaining wall 112. The first panel surface 108 of the web portion 1 10 can be sloped to bias a panel of selected cladding (not shown) towards the first front panel retaining wall 106. In some examples, the second panel retaining element

104 is defined by a second front panel retaining wall 114, a second panel surface 116 of the web portion 110, and a second rear panel retaining wall

1 18. The second rear panel retaining wall 1 18 can extend further from the second panel surface 1 16 of the web portion 1 10 than the second front panel retaining wall 114 for panel replacement purposes, as will hereinafter be explained.

[0041] The clip member 100 also can include a first clip connecting portion 120 and a second clip connecting portion 122. The first and second clip connecting portions 120, 122 can be generally coplanar, and can be separated by a bridge portion 124 that is inclined relative to the first clip connecting portion 120 such that the first and second clip connecting portions 120, 122 are laterally offset. The first and second clip connecting portions 120, 122 each include respective distal edges 126, 128. As illustrated, the distal edge 126 of the first clip connecting portion 120 can be flared. The first clip connecting portion 120 defines a first slot 130. The first slot 130 can include an end surface 132.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a supporting profile is provided generally at 200. The supporting profile 200 can have a generally uniform cross-section in a longitudinal direction. The supporting profile 200 can be extruded aluminum or plastic, for example.

[0043] The supporting profile 200 can include a structure mounting portion 202, and a first profile connecting portion 204 and a second profile connecting portion 206. The first and second profile connecting portions 204, 206 can be generally coplanar and laterally offset to correspond with the first and second clip connecting portions 120, 122. The first and second profile connecting portions 204, 206 each include respective distal edges 208, 210. As illustrated, the distal edge 208 of the first profile connecting portion 204 can be flared. The second profile connecting portion 206 of the supporting profile 200 defines a second slot 212. The second slot 212 can include an end surface 214. The second slot 212 can be sized to receive and retain the second clip connecting portion 122 of the clip member 100. Similarly, the first slot 130 of the clip member 100 can be sized to receive and retain the first profile connecting portion 204 of the supporting profile 200. [0044] In some examples, the supporting profile 200 can include a longitudinal protuberance 216 disposed within the second slot 208, the longitudinal protuberance 216 including an inclined surface 218. The supporting profile 200 can also include at least one spacing portion 220 having a panel support surface 222, and one or more grooves 224 adapted to receive in snap fit a flange of an insulation supporting profile (not shown) that may be provided to support courses of insulation provided along the interior of cladding once the panels of cladding have been installed.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 3C, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1A, 1 B, 2A and 2B, the clip connecting portions 120, 122 of the clip member 100 are configured to engage a respective profile connecting portion 204, 206 of the supporting profile 200 to install the clip member 100 to the supporting profile 200. In particular, the first slot 130 is sized to receive and retain the first profile connecting portion 204 of the supporting profile 200, and the second slot 212 is sized to receive and retain the second clip connecting portion 122 of the clip member 100. The clip member 100 is positioned relative to the supporting profile 200 so that the first clip connecting portion 120 engages the first profile connecting portion 204 and the second clip connecting portion 122 engages the second profile connecting portion 206 (FIG. 3A). The connecting portions can be spaced apart such that the first clip connecting portion 120 engages the first profile connecting portion 204 and the second clip connecting portion 122 engages the second profile connecting portion 206 roughly concurrently. The clip member 100 can then be shifted downwardly so that the first slot 130 receives the first profile connecting portion 204 and the second slot 212 receives the second clip connecting portion 122 (FIG. 3C).

[0046] As illustrated, the first clip and profile connecting portions 120,

204 each include complementary flared distal edges 126, 208 for retaining the first profile connecting portion 204 within the first slot 130. The distal edges 126, 208 can each include a generally rounded surface enabling them to ride over one another once engaged (as shown in FIG. 3B), causing the first clip connecting portion 120 to deflect in a direction away from the first rear panel retaining wall 112. The first clip connecting portion 120 then returns to its undeflected position once the distal edges 126, 208 have cleared one another (as shown in FIG. 3C), with the distal edge 208 inserted within the first slot 130. If the clip member 100 is shifted upwardly relative to the supporting profile 200, the distal edges 126, 208 are configured to catch one another to prevent the clip member 100 from being uninstalled from the supporting profile 200.

[0047] As illustrated, the supporting profile 200 can include a longitudinal protuberance 216 disposed within the second slot 212. The longitudinal protuberance 216 is configured to urge the second clip connecting portion 122 of the clip member 100 towards and against the second profile connecting portion 206 as the second clip connecting portion 122 is inserted into the second slot 212. The longitudinal protuberance 216 can include an inclined upper surface 218 that is configured to guide the distal edge 128 of the second clip connecting portion 122 of the clip member 100 into the second slot 212 of the supporting profile 200, making it easier to properly position the clip member 100 to install it to the supporting profile 200.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3C, with the first rear panel retaining wall 112 lying flush against the first profile connecting portion 204, and with the second clip connecting portion 122 lying flush against the second profile connecting portion 206, a relatively rigid arrangement between the clip member 100 and the supporting profile 200 can be achieved.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4H, the supporting profile 200 can be secured, directly or indirectly, to a structure 300 having a surface 302. Although rivets are illustrated (e.g., FIG. 4C) as the means of securing the supporting profiles 200 to the structure 300, it is not intended that the applicant's teachings be limited to such embodiments. The supporting profiles 102 can be secured or connected directly to the structure 300 using any suitable fastening means, for example but not limited to, rivets, screws, bolts, adhesive, etc. The supporting profiles 200 can also be connected indirectly to the structure 300 via one or more secondary supporting or base profiles (described below). [0050] Once the supporting profile 200 is secured to the surface 302 of the structure 300, a clip member 100 can be installed to the supporting profile 200 by engaging the first and second clip connecting portions 120, 122 of the clip member 100 to the respective first and second profile connecting portions 204, 206 of the supporting profile 200, and downwardly shifting the clip member 100 to place the clip member 100 in a load-bearing position relative to the supporting profile 200 (see FIG. 4H).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4H, and with reference again to FIGS. 1A and

2A, when the clip member 100 is in the load-bearing position relative to the supporting profile 200, the distal edges 208, 128 of the first profile connecting portion 204 and the second clip connecting portion 122 bear against end surfaces 132, 214 of the first and second slots 130, 212, respectively, achieving a relatively rigid arrangement between the clip member 100 and the supporting profile 200. In some examples, when the clip member 100 is in the load-bearing position relative to the supporting profile 200, the distal edge 208 of the first profile connecting portion 204 bears in a first direction against the end surface 132 of the first slot 130, and the distal edge 128 of the second clip connecting portion 122 bears in a second direction against the end surface 214 of the second slot 212, the first and second directions generally opposing. As illustrated, the distal edge 208 of the first profile connecting portion 204 can bear upwardly against the end surface 132 of the first slot 130, and the distal edge 128 of the second clip connecting portion 122 can bear downwardly in a second direction against the end surface 214 of the second slot 212. [0052] The clip members 100 and the supporting profiles 200 can be used to install panels of selected cladding. The panels of selected cladding can be formed from a variety of materials, for example but not limited to, ceramic tiles, natural granite, epoxy fiber panels, cement fiber panels, metal panels, composite panels, natural stone panels, artificial stone panels, etc. [0053] FIGS. 5A to 5G illustrate steps for installing a panel 304 of selected cladding between two supporting profiles 200a, 200b. The supporting profiles 200a, 200b are secured to the surface 302 of the structure 300 in a spaced apart arrangement. A first clip member 100a is provided and installed on the supporting profile 200a by downwardly shifting the clip member 100a to place the clip member 100a in a load-bearing position relative to the supporting profile 200a.

[0054] With the clip member 100a in place, the panel 304 is positioned so that the first edge 306 is retained with the first panel retaining element 102 of the clip member 100a. As illustrated, and with reference to FIG. 1A, the first edge 306 of the panel 304 can be coupled to the first panel retaining element 102 so that the first edge 306 engages the first panel surface 108 of the web portion 110, and sides of the panel 304 proximate to the first edge 306 are retained by the first front panel retaining wall 106 and the first rear panel retaining wall 112. The thickness of the panel 304 can be selected such that the panel 304 fits with relatively tight fit between the first front panel retaining wall 106 and the first rear panel retaining wall 112 such that the panel 304 is held firmly in place by the first front panel retaining wall 106 and the first rear panel retaining wall 1 12. Alternatively, if the thickness of the panel 304 is substantially less than the space between the first front panel retaining wall 106 and the first rear panel retaining wall 112, the slope of the first panel surface 108 of the web portion 110 will bias the panel 304 towards the first front panel retaining wall 106. Biasing the panel 304 towards the first front panel retaining wall 106 ensures that, even with varying thicknesses of the panel 304, the outer surfaces of the panels 304 will remain flush, which is desirable for aesthetic reasons.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5C (and with reference to FIG. 1A), with the clip member 100a in the load-bearing position, distal edges 208, 128 of the first profile connecting portion 204 and the second clip connecting portion 122 bear against end surfaces 132, 214 of the respective first and second slots 130, 212. Supporting the weight of the panel 304, the distal edge 208 of the first profile connecting portion 204 bears upwardly against the end surface 132 of the first slot 130, and the distal edge 128 of the second clip connecting portion 122 bears downwardly against the end surface 214 of the second slot 212. The spacing portion 220 can engage the panel 304 so that the second end 308 is aligned to be retained by the second clip member 100b.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 5D to 5G, a second clip member 100b can be installed on the second supporting profile 200b by aligning the second panel retaining element 104 of the upper clip member 100b with the second edge 308 of the panel 304, and downwardly shifting the clip member 100b to install the upper clip member 100b to the second supporting profile 200b, thereby retaining the panel 304 in place between the supporting profiles 200a, 200b. The supporting profiles 200a, 200b maintain the panel 304 generally parallel with the surface 302 of the structure 300 when installed. As illustrated (and with reference to FIG. 1 A), the second edge 308 of the panel 304 is coupled with the second panel retaining element 104 of the clip member 100b so that the second edge 308 engages the second panel surface 116 of the web portion 110, and sides of the panel 304 proximate to the second edge 308 are retained by the second front panel retaining wall 114 and the second rear panel retaining wall 118. Optionally, the supporting profiles 200a, 200b can be spaced apart so that there is a gap provided between the second edge 308 and the second panel surface 116 of the web portion 110 of the supporting profile 200b, the gap permitting thermal expansion of the panels 304.

[0057] FIGS. 6A to 6J illustrate steps for installing two panels 304a, 304b of selected cladding between three supporting profiles 200a, 200b,

200c. The supporting profiles 200a, 200b, 200c are secured to the surface

302 of the structure 300 in a spaced apart arrangement. The supporting profiles 200a, 200b, 200c can be secured to the surface 302 prior to the installation of the panels, or the supporting profiles 200a, 200b, 200c can be secured progressively (as illustrated) with the lower panel 304a connected to the supporting profiles 200a, 200b prior to the supporting profile 200c being secured to the surface 302. The lower panel 304a is retained between the clip member 100a anchored to the supporting profile 200a and the clip member 100b anchored to the supporting profile 200b, thereby establishing a base course of cladding. The upper panel 304b is retained between the clip member 100b anchored to the supporting profile 200b and the clip member 100c anchored to the supporting profile 200c, thereby establishing a subsequent course of cladding.

[0058] The panels 304 may be installed using the clip members 100 and the supporting profiles 200 and therefore additional tools may not be required. Also, the clip members 100 and the supporting profiles 200 can have a generally uniform cross-section and therefore may be manufactured by an extrusion technique.

[0059] As mentioned above, the supporting profiles 200 can be connected either directly or indirectly to the exterior surface 302 of the structure 300. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an example is shown for affixing the supporting profiles 200 to the structure 300. As illustrated, the structure

300 can take the form of a skeletal building structure generally comprising a plurality of vertically spaced floor slabs, each floor slab having an outwardly facing surface 310. The supporting profiles 200 can be connected or secured indirectly to the exterior surface 310 via one or more base profiles.

[0060] For example, as illustrated, a series of base profiles may be provided including first base profiles 312 and second base profiles 314. The first base profile 312 can be secured to the floor slab surface 310, and the second base profile 314 can be secured to the first base profile 312. The base profiles 312, 314 can be installed so that the first base profiles 312 are secured to the floor slabs 310 to create a vertical line between respective first base profiles 312 on successive floor slabs 310. The second base profiles 314 can extend vertically to span at least two of the vertically spaced floor slabs 310. The first base profiles 312 can receive two of the second base profiles 314: one extending upwardly from the first base profile 312 to the floor slabs above, and a second extending downwardly from the first base profile 312 to the floor slabs therebelow. The steps of fixing the first and second base profiles 312, 314 can be repeated until a skeletal building structure that requires cladding is covered: this process basically creates the vertical structure that the supporting profiles 200 are secured to.

[0061] The second base profiles 314 present flanges facing outwardly from the floor slabs 310 and the building structure 300. The flanges present the surface 302 for the supporting profiles 200 to be secured thereto. The structure mounting portions 202 of the supporting profiles 200 can be fixed to the surface 302 of the second base profiles 314 by, for example but not limited to, rivets, bolts, screws or adhesive. The supporting profiles 200 are arranged to present a plurality of spaced courses. As was previously described, a plurality of clip members 100 can be anchored to the supporting profiles 200 of each course to retain one or more of the panels 304. The clip members can be installed spaced apart across the supporting profiles 200 at a desired spacing, and installed across a desired length of the supporting profiles 200. The process can be repeated until the desired number of courses of selected cladding has been installed on the building structure. [0062] Accordingly: (i) each of the panels 304 can be secured between two successive courses of the supporting profiles 200, and the process can be repeated for another course until the desired number of courses of selected cladding has been installed on the building structure; and (ii) a plurality of the panels 304 can be secured to clad along a desired length of each of the supporting profiles 200 until the desired width of selected cladding has been installed on the building structure. The steps of (i) and (ii) can be performed in any order, or any combination thereof. Once the panels 304 have been applied to the outside of the structure 300, insulating materials and/or internal wall structures, etc., can be applied to the interior of the cladding structure. [0063] It is not essential that the supporting profiles 200 be installed exactly horizontally. Various orientations are possible, as the supporting profiles can be installed on an angle, or inverted so that the clip member 100 is shifted upwardly to anchor the clip member 100 to the supporting profile 200. In particular, referring to FIGS. 9A to 9F, where desirable, a top course of cladding can be installed by securing an inverted supporting profile 200c' and anchoring an inverted clip member 100c' thereto. As shown in detail in FIGS. 10A and 10b, gravity will urge the clip member 100c' downwardly so that the first panel retaining element 102' retains the second edge 308 of the panel 304b.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11 E, with the upper panel 304b retained using an inverted clip member 100c' and supporting profile 200', it is possible to replace the panel 304a. To replace the panel 304a, firstly the clip member 100b installed on the supporting profile 200b is shifted upwardly in a direction away from the supporting profile 200a. Shifting the clip member 100b upwardly causes the panel 304b and the clip member 100c' to also shift upwardly. Once the clip member 100b, the panel 304b and the clip member 100c' are shifted upwardly a sufficient distance, the second edge 308 can be freed from the clip member 100b. As mentioned with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1 B, the second rear panel retaining wall 1 18 extends further from the second panel surface 1 16 of the web portion 1 10 than the second front panel retaining wall 114 so that the second edge 308 may be retained by the second rear panel retaining wall 118 but can clear the second front panel retaining wall 114. In other words, the second front and rear panel retaining walls 114, 1 18 are configured so that the panel 302a can only be moved in an outward direction away from the surface 302. With the second edge 308 freed from the clip member 100b, the panel 304a can be pivoted outwardly and shifted upwardly to free the first edge 306 from the clip member 100a. Referring to FIGS. 11 F to 11 J, a replacement panel 304a' can be installed so that the first edge 306' is retained by the clip member 100a. The replacement panel 304a' can then be positioned so that the second edge 308' is aligned with the clip member 100b. The clip member 100b can then be shifted downwardly (along with the panel 304b and the clip member 100c') to retain the replacement panel 304a' in place. Although the panel 304a is illustrated as the course adjacent to panel 304b of the top course, it is possible to replace a panel spaced several courses below panel 304b of the top course in a similar manner.

[0065] The clip members 100 and the supporting profiles 200 can be used to install a variety of panels of selected cladding. In addition to being compatible with panels of selected cladding formed from a variety of materials, the clip members 100 and the supporting profiles 200 can be used to install panels of differing shapes, sizes and configurations.

[0066] For example, FIGS. 12A to 12F illustrate steps for installing a panel 304' of selected cladding between two supporting profiles 200a, 200b. The panel 304' features longitudinal grooves provided at both the first and second edges 306', 308'. With the clip member 100a in place, the panel 304' is positioned so that the first edge 306' is retained with the first panel retaining element 102 of the clip member 100a. In particular, and with reference to FIG. 1 A, the grooved first edge 306' receives the first front panel retaining wall 106. The thickness of the panel 304' between the groove in the first edge 306' and the interior surface of the panel 304' can be selected such that the panel 304' fits with relatively tight fit between the first front panel retaining wall 106 and the first rear panel retaining wall 1 12 such that the panel 304 is held firmly in place by the clip member 100a. A second clip member 100b can be installed on the second supporting profile 200b to retain the panel 304' in place between the supporting profiles 200a, 200b. In particular, the second clip member 100b is shifted downwardly until the grooved second edge 308' receives the second front panel retaining wall 114 (see FIG. 12G).

[0067] FIGS. 13A to 13F illustrate steps for installing two panels 304a', 304b' between three supporting profiles 200a, 200b, 200c. The lower panel 304a' is retained between the clip member 100a anchored to the supporting profile 200a and the clip member 100b anchored to the supporting profile 200b, thereby establishing a base course of cladding. The upper panel 304b' is retained between the clip member 100b anchored to the supporting profile 200b and the clip member 100c anchored to the supporting profile 200c, thereby establishing a subsequent course of cladding. With the first panel retaining element 102 and the second front panel retaining wall 114 disposed within the grooved first and second edges 306', 308', respectively, the clip members 100a, 100b, 100c can be generally hidden from view from the exterior of the cladding, which may be desirable for aesthetic reasons.

[0068] The terms up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom, front, rear, interior, exterior, etc., are used in this disclosure for the sake of clarity and relate to the position of the clip members 100, supporting profiles 200 and panels 304 when in an installed orientation relative to the structure 300 in accordance with the specific examples illustrated. Applicant's teachings are not intended to be limited to particular orientations of the clip members 100, the supporting profiles 200 and/or the panels 304, and that various orientations are possible within applicant's teachings.

[0069] While the applicant's teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the applicant's teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.