STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on‘the Provisional specifications filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Numbers 740181 and 744733, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to cladding. In particular cladding systems and methods for cladding a building.

BACKGROUND ART

Buildings comprising a wooden or steel frame on which pre-formed cladding panels (such as aluminium panels) are mounted to form a non-load bearing exterior facade are known. Such buildings can be erected quickly and more cheaply than brick or block facade buildings.

The Applicant has previously filed and patented a composite cladding building system published as W02014/098615. The system disclosed in W02014/09615 offered a number of advantages over prior art cladding systems. The system in W02014/09615 still however required the use of fasteners during the final stage of affixing the panels to cavity battens. The W02014/09615 system also utilised composite panels having an insulating layer attached thereto. The advantage of a composite panel being it prevented the panel from rippling due to thermal expansion.

It would be useful if there could be provided a cladding system which did not require fasteners, such as screws, to affix the panels to cavity battens on a building frame. It would also be useful if such a cladding system could at least provide a similar, but preferably an improved weather seal to that of prior art cladding systems such as W02014/09615.

It would also be useful if there could be provided a cladding system which did not require composite panels. As composite panels can be flammable and present a fire hazard.

It would also be useful if there could be provided a cladding system which could be used on both new builds or as a retrofit over existing cladding (including but limited to: concrete slabs, stucco, bricks, concrete block, aerated concrete block, aerated concrete slabs, weatherboard or wooden or cement paneling or a combination thereof) already in place on a building without the need to remove the existing cladding, windows or doors.

It would also be useful if the cladding system which helped prevent damage to the outer surface panels themselves or coatings applied thereto - such as paint or powder coatings - through expansion and contraction.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative to a composite cladding panel system that addresses at least some of the problems of the prior art, such as, but not limited to, those discussed above.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DEFINITIONS

The term‘surround’ when used herein in relation to the panels and extrusions of the present invention refers to the extrusions framing and overlapping the edges of a panel to form a border which has an internal and external edge.

The term‘clip’ or clipping’ as used herein refers to connecting one object (e.g. a first extrusion) to another (e.g. a second extrusion) by pressing or pushing into position.

The term “panel mounting extrusions” includes the following different types of mounting extrusions which help hold the panels:

- internal corner panel mounting extrusions located on side edges of a wall·, - external corner panel mounting extrusions located on side edges of a wall·,

- top/bottom panel mounting extrusions located at the top most or bottom most horizontal edges of a wall;

- vertical panel mounting extrusions located intermediate the top/bottom mounting extrusions defining the upper and lower edges of the wall and positioned in between vertically adjacent pairs of horizontal mounting extrusions,

- horizontal panel mounting extrusions located intermediate the internal/external corner extrusions defining the outer side edges of the wall.

The term“installing” as used herein includes the steps of cutting an extrusion, or other item, to the correct size and/or shape required for installation - as would be clear to a person skilled in the art, or as disclosed herein.

The term“finned joinery” as used herein refers to any window or door joinery frames which has a peripheral fin (flange) on the front of the joinery frame. Finned joinery generally is used on domestic buildings (such as houses) and non-finned joinery is generally used on commercial buildings.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an external cladding system for a wall of a building which includes:

- at least one panel of sheet material;

- a series of vertically and horizontally oriented panel mounting extrusions, the respective horizontal and vertical panel mounting extrusions being spaced apart a sufficient distance, to in use:

- underlap with a portion of; and surround; via at least a receiving portion on said panel mounting extrusion; at least two edges of a panel; in use, said panel mounting extrusions affixed to a building frame via cavity battens;

- a plurality of spaced apart apertures passing through a topmost horizontal panel mounting extrusion and a bottom most horizontal panel mounting extrusion on the wall, the apertures extending along a longitudinal axis of an internal horizontal portion of said topmost and bottom most panel mounting extrusions; wherein, in use, the at least one panel is held in place on said panel mounting extrusions, via a combination of:

- capping extrusions which include attachment portions which engage with the receiving portion in the panel mounting extrusions, wherein the capping extrusion also includes a cover section which overlaps with a portion of, and surrounds, at least two edges of the panels; and

- resilient sealing strips which are located between the panel and the capping extrusions;

- one or more spacer elements located on the horizontally oriented panel mounting extrusions which support the bottom edge of a panel, the bottom edge of a panel resting on said spacer element(s); such a combination enabling the panel to: expand or contract and move with respect to the capping extrusion without any contact therewith.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cladding system substantially as described above wherein the cladding system further includes:

- cavity batten extrusions, in use said panel mounting extrusions affixed to a building frame via the cavity batten extrusions;

- a support bar extrusion and associated sill cap extrusion for affixing at the bottom of any windows/doors;

- top window flashing extrusions for affixing at the top of any windows/doors;

- top and bottom mounting extrusions to install over the top window/door flashing.

Preferably, there is a cladding system substantially as described above wherein one or more said panel mounting extrusions is integrally formed with said cavity batten.

Preferably, there is a cladding system substantially as described above further comprising spacer extrusions, wherein the horizontal panel mounting extrusions are attached to spaced apart vertical cavity battens, and wherein a said spacer extrusion is attached to vertical cavity battens between adjacent horizontal panel mounting extrusions intermediate vertical edges of the panels, wherein the spacer extrusion bears against an inside surface of the panels.

Preferably, there is a cladding system substantially as described above wherein the spacer extrusion has the same cross section as the capping extrusion. Preferably, there is a cladding system substantially as described above wherein the system further comprises a mounting extrusion in the form of a vertical cavity batten extrusion to be positioned adjacent a window or door frame, wherein the vertical cavity batten extrusion comprises an integral weather flashing.

Preferably, there is a cladding system substantially as described above wherein a said panel mounting extrusion comprises one or more integral weather flashings.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a cladding system substantially as described above wherein securement of the panel between the mounting extrusion and capping extrusion takes place without the use of fasteners.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cladding a wall of a building with one or more panels comprising the steps of: a) affixing a series of vertically and horizontally oriented panel mounting extrusions, spaced apart a sufficient distance, to in use underlap with a portion of, and surround - via at least a receiving portion on said mounting extrusion - at least two edges of a panel; said panel mounting extrusions are affixed to a building frame via cavity battens; b) placing one or more spacer elements located on the horizontally oriented panel mounting extrusions which support the bottom edge of a panel, the bottom edge of a panel resting on said spacer element(s); c) securing the panel(s) in place on said extrusions, via a combination of:

- capping extrusions which include attachment portions which engage with receiving portions in the panel mounting extrusions wherein the capping elements overlaps with a portion of, and surround, at least two edges of the panels; and

- resilient sealing strips which are squeezed between the panel and the capping extrusions; such that the panel can, expand or contract, with respect to the capping extrusion without any contact therewith, wherein the uppermost and lowermost horizontally oriented panel mounting extrusions on the wall associated with a level of the building are configured to allow air to pass from the exterior to the interior of the panels.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an external corner panel mounting extrusion having a cross sectional profile which includes:

- two connected flanges forming an angled portion for attachment to a stud on an external corner of a wall; - a polygon section portion (PSP) which extends out from intersection of the two flanges;

- a receiving portion which is located on an external corner of the PSP-diagonally opposite the intersection of the two flanges; wherein the channel portion extends from said corner of the PSP.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an external mounting extrusion substantially as described above wherein the receiving portion is angled with respect to said corner portion.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an external mounting extrusion substantially as described above wherein said receiving portion is angled at substantially 45 degrees.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an internal corner mounting extrusion having a cross sectional profile which includes:

- an angled portion (AP) - formed from two connected polygonal sections - for attachment to the two studs forming an internal corner of a wall;

- a receiving portion which is located on or near the internal intersection of the two connected polygonal sections of the AP.

Preferably, the polygonal sections are connected to form a right angle. However, they may be connected to form other angles which conform with the angle of the internal corner.

According to a ninth aspect there is provided an internal corner mounting extrusion substantially as described above wherein the receiving portion is angled with respect to the internal intersection of the connected polygonal sections of the AP.

According to a 10 ^th aspect of the present invention there is provided an internal mounting extrusion substantially as described above wherein the polygonal sections are connected to form a right angle and wherein said receiving portion is angled at substantially 45 degrees.

According to a 1 1 ^th aspect there is provided a kit of parts for cladding the exterior of a building with panels comprising:

- vertically and horizontally oriented panel mounting extrusions;

- cavity battens;

- spacer elements; capping extrusions; at least one panel of sheet material;

- at least one length of resilient sealing strip.

According to an 12 ^th aspect there is provided a cladding system including:

- a panel of sheet material;

- panel mounting extrusions which surround the periphery of the panel and include receiving portions positioned adjacent the outside edge of the periphery of the panel, said panel mounting extrusions being affixed to a building frame via cavity battens;

- capping extrusions which clip into the receiving portions of the panel mounting

extrusions; wherein the panel is held in place, without fixing elements, by the capping extrusions via a resilient strip which is sandwiched between the panel and the capping extrusion; wherein the bottom edge of each panel rests on at least one spacer element on the panel mounting extrusion which receives the bottom edge of the panel.

According to a 13 ^th aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cladding a building comprising the step of securing cladding panels in place upon a building frame, without the use of fasteners, to hold the panels in place, the panels being secured via a combination of: a) panel mounting extrusions affixed to the framework so as to surround the edges of panels, which will in use, clad said framework; and b) clipping capping extrusions which surround and overlap the edge portions of the

cladding panels into said mounting extrusions; the panels further being securely held in place with resilient sealing strips which are pressed in between the panel and the capping extrusions the panel resting one or more spacer blocks.

According to a 14 ^th aspect of the present invention there is provided method of cladding a building as claimed in claim 4 and 15 wherein the method is adapted to provide a retrofit to an existing building wherein the method comprises the additional steps of: i) Installing vertical/top transition base extrusions to both sides of the window or doors using adhesive; ii) Installing vertical/top transition base extrusion to a top of window/door using adhesive; iii) Installing horizontal sill transition base extrusion to bottom of window/door using adhesive. According to a 15 ^th aspect of the present invention there is provided a transition base extrusion having a cross-sectional profile which includes:

- an angled portion formed from two connected planar sections;

- wherein one planar section has a width which is at least substantially twice that of the other planar section; and wherein the planar section having the longest width includes a plurality of spaced apart ribs projecting from the inner surface thereof.

Preferably, in one preferred embodiment the transition base extrusion has the planar sections connected to form a right angle.

Preferably, in another preferred embodiment the transition base extrusion has the planar sections connected to form an angle of substantially 105 degrees.

According to a 16 ^th aspect there is provided a top and bottom mounting extrusion which includes:

- a base portion having a planar surface for attachment to a building frame;

- a projecting portion from the base portion which includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures passing through the projecting portion the apertures extending along a longitudinal axis of said projecting portion;

- a receiving portion which is located at the distal end of said projecting portion for attaching a capping extrusion;

- a panel-receiving (PR) portion which is also located at the distal end of the projecting portion.

According to a 17 ^th aspect of the present invention there is provided a stack joint flashing extrusion which includes:

- a base portion having a planar surface for attachment to a building frame;

- a cover portion which extends laterally out from the base portion which includes a top section and a downwardly depending front section;

- wherein the base portion includes a tab at the top end thereof which projects up above the top section of the cover portion.

Preferably, there is provided a stack joint flashing extrusion substantially as described above wherein the tab includes a longitudinally extending groove or depression on the outer facing surface thereof. According to an 18 ^th aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cladding a building substantially as described above wherein the building will comprise two or more levels, including a high-rise building, wherein the method is adapted to provide a joint between levels, the method comprising the additional steps of:

- installing a stack joint flashing extrusion to abut and overlap the uppermost portion of a top/bottom mounting extrusion mounted on the top of a lower level wall;

- installing a top/bottom mounting extrusion to abut and overlap a tab on the stack joint flashing extrusion; installing capping extrusions onto the respective top/bottom mounting extrusions.

According to a 19 ^th aspect there is provided a window/door - batten receiver (WDBR) flashing extrusion which includes when view end on:

• a vertical section;

• a downwardly sloped section extending outwardly from the lower end of the vertical section;

• a lip portion; wherein the vertical section includes a panel-receiving (PR) portion on the surface from which the downwardly sloped section projects; wherein the PR portion includes a resilient sealing strip (RSS) retaining portion thereon.

According to a 20 ^th aspect there is provided a transition batten (TB) panel-batten extrusion which includes when view end on:

- a polygonal cavity batten portion having outward facing surface which is vertical or vertically inclined;

- a downwardly sloped planar section extending from a lower region of the outward facing surface;

- a panel-receiving (PR) portion at a distal end of the downwardly sloped section.

According to a 21 ^st aspect there is provided a transition batten (TB) extrusion which includes when viewed end on:

- a polygonal cavity batten portion having an outward surface which includes a receiving portion thereon; - a fixing face positioned out from one side of the batten via a projecting arm, wherein said fixing face has at:

- a lower distal end an outer transition face extending therefrom; and

- an upper distal end an inner transition face extending therefrom; wherein:

- the outer transition face includes a fold back portion which runs parallel to said outer transition face a distance sufficient to receive, in use a resilient sealing member, said fold back portion ending in a lipped projection against which the resilient sealing member can abut; and wherein

- the inner transition face, in use, abuts a rigid underlay or flexible building wrap, the fixing face extending a distance sufficient to enable the inner transition face to align the transition batten extrusion so as to be parallel with exterior of the building.

According to a 22 ^nd aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cladding a building substantially as described above wherein the building will comprise two or more levels, including a high-rise building, wherein the method is adapted to provide a stack joint between levels, the method comprising the additional steps of:

- installing a top/bottom mounting extrusion on the top of a lower level wall;

- installing a window/door batten receiver (WDBR) flashing extrusion on the bottom of an upper level wall, the WDBR flashing extrusion having a transition batten (TB) panel-batten extrusion clipped thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1A and 1 B Fig. 1 A shows a wall to which exterior cladding is to be applied comprising a building frame having studs spanning between ceiling and sole plates. In Fig. 1 B the frame of Fig 1A is covered with a rigid air barrier; Figure 2 shows an end-on view of a prior art WANZ bar utilized in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows an end-on view of a prior art sill cap utilized in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a close-up view of the sill cap installed on the WANZ bar which is to be installed on the bottom of the windows.;

Figure 5 shows the wall of Figure 1 once windows have been installed; Figure 6 shows an end-on view of a window/door flashing in accordance with one

preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 7 A & 7B show an end-on view and a bottom view respectively of a top and bottom mounting extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows the top and bottom mounting extrusion affixed to flashing above window;

Figure 9 shows a close-up perspective view of the external corner bottom plate in

accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 show a close-up end-on view of an external corner mounting extrusion in

accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 1 shows a close-up perspective view of the external bottom plate being installed onto an external corner mounting extrusion;

Figure 12 shows the external corner mounting extrusions affixed to the wall of a building and top and bottom mounting extrusions affixed to flashing above the windows;

Figures 13 show a close-up perspective and end-on view of an internal corner mounting extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 shows a close-up of the internal corner bottom plate in accordance with one

preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 shows a close-up of top and bottom mounting extrusions which have been cut to fit an external corner mounting extrusion;

Figure 16 shows a close-up of top and bottom mounting extrusions which have been cut to fit an internal corner mounting extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 shows the wall of Figure 1 once the top and bottom mounting extrusions have been installed;

Figure 18 shows an end-on view of a vertical base extrusion in accordance with one

preferred embodiment of the present invention

Figure 19 shows the wall of Figure 1 with vertical base extrusions installed next to windows; Figure 20 shows a close-up of weather flashing tape installed on top mounting extrusions located above windows;

Figure 21 shows door/window cavity battens extrusions in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 22 shows the door/window mounting extrusion clipped into the vertical mounting extrusions shown in Figure 19;

Figure 23 shows the wall of Figure 1 with the door/window mounting extrusions installed next to the windows;

Figure 24 shows an end-on view of a vertical mounting extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 25 shows the wall of Figure 1 with the vertical mounting extrusions installed; Figure 26 shows an end-on view of a cavity batten in accordance with one preferred

embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 shows the wall of Figure 1 with the cavity battens clipped into the vertical

mounting extrusions located at the mid panel intervals and above the window/door battens.;

Figure 28 shows a close-up of the door/window mounting extrusions next to the windows and cavity battens extending up above the door/window mounting extrusions;

Figure 29 shows a horizontal mounting extrusion in accordance with one preferred

embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 30 shows the wall of Figure 1 with the horizontal mounting extrusions installed

thereon;

Figure 31 shows a capping extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 32 shows the wall of Figure 1 with the capping extrusions clipped on to the door/window mounting extrusions and clipped into the cavity battens of Figure 27;

Figure 33 shows a close-up of how the capping extrusions are cut to fit in between the

horizontal cavity battens;

Figure 34 shows a close-up of.spacer blocks in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 35 shows the wall of Figure 1 with spacer blocks installed on the horizonal mounting extrusions so as to in use support the bottom edge of panels;

Figure 36 shows the panel to be placed on the wall shown in Figure 37; Figure 37 shows the placement of the panel on the wall shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 38 shows the wall as shown in Figure 1 which has all the panels placed thereon to cover the exterior of the wall;

Figure 39 shows the wall as shown in Figure 38 and indicates the order in which the

capping extrusions are fitted to the horizontal and vertical mounting extrusions to mount the panels once put in place as indicated by Figure 37;

Figure 40 shows an external corner capping extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 41 shows an internal corner capping extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 42 shows the wall as shown in Figure 39 indicates the order in which the resilient strip is to be fitted to the edges of each of the panels;

Figure 43 shows an enlarged cross-sectional plan view of horizontally adjacent panels held between a vertical mounting extrusion and a capping extrusion through the section indicated by line A-A on Figure 42;

Figure 44 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of vertically adjacent panels held between a horizontal mounting extrusion and a capping extrusion through the section indicated by line B-B on Figure 42;

Figure 45 shows an end on view of a right angled vertical/top transition base extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 46 shows the wall of a retrofit building which has the vertical/top transition base extrusions installed on the sides and top of the window cavity leading to the existing window which remains in sitw,

Figure 47 shows a 105 degree angled horizontal sill transition base extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 48 shows the wall of the retrofit building in Figure 46 with the horizontal sill transition base extrusions installed;

Figure 49 shows a cross-sectional view of a transition base extrusion which extends into the window cavity of pre-clad building as part of a retro-fit but leaves a gap of 5mm from the end of the extrusion to the surface window for insertion of the resilient sealing strip;

Figure 50 shows an end on view of a stack joint flashing extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention _, ;

Figure 51 shows a side on view of a stack joint flashing being used in a multi-level building. Figure 52 shows a cross-sectional view along line D-D on Figure 37; Figure 53 shows an end-on view of a window/door - batten receiver (WDBR) flashing in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 54A & 54B show an end-on view and bottom view respectively of a top and bottom

(TB) panel-batten extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 55 shows the (TB) panel-batten extrusion affixed to (WDBR) flashing above a

window;

Figure 56 shows a close-up of weather flashing tape installed on top mounting extrusions located above windows;

Figure 57 shows the door/window mounting extrusion clipped into the vertical mounting extrusions shown in Figure 19 as depicted in Figure 22 but including a preferred WDBR flashing and TB panel-batten extrusion, used above a window (or doors), in place of, the flashing 220 and top and bottom mounting extrusion 201 ;

Figure 58 shows a side on view of a stack joint being used in a multi-level building; Figure 59 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a multi-level building using the multi-level joint shown in Figure 58; Figure 60 shows an end on view of a transition batten extrusion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 61 shows a top schematic view of the transition batten extrusion in use adjacent a commercial window or door aluminium joinery which is without fins (i.e. has a flush faced window/door frame);

Figure 62 shows a top schematic view of the transition batten extrusion in use transitioning between brick cladding and the aluminium panel exterior cladding of the present invention in a building which has more than one form of exterior cladding being utilized.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In relation to the Figures 1-42 there a shown a number of different extrusions utilised in the method of the present invention which is detailed below. Like numbers have been used for like elements shown in the Figures.

EXAMPLE 1 - Cladding system for New Builds using finned joinery for windows and doors

Figure 1 A shows a portion of a building 100 which is part of new build. The building 100 has an exterior wall 101 consisting of a building-frame comprising studs 102 and optional dwangs 103 window aperture frames.104 and a ceiling (top) plate 105 and sole (bottom) plate 106. Figure 1 B shows the wall 101 covered with a rigid air barrier (aka rigid underlay) such as sealed cement sheets 107. An alternative to a rigid air barrier is flexible building wrap. However, it should be appreciated whilst building paper could be used instead of a rigid air barrier or flexible building wrap this is less preferred.

The Figures will now all be described in relation to one preferred method of cladding an exterior wall of a new build with rectangular pre-painted aluminium panels, the method comprising the steps of: a) Affixing a support bar (WANZ bar) 221 with screws to the bottom of all window (or door) aperture frames 104 and attaching a sill cap 212 thereto via screws; - refer Figures 1-4. The top edge of panels that will eventually be positioned under the window abut against the vertical surface of 212 and slide behind the back of the window/door fin. b) Installing windows 108 (and doors if any) into the window frame apertures 104 onto the sill cap 212 with an overhang creating 42mm gap between the rigid air barrier 107 and the back of the window fin (or door fin). - refer Figure 5. The front edge of the window aperture frames overhangs the front (outer surface) of the rigid air barrier 107 by 5mm and thus are spaced 37mm from the back of the window fin. This 5mm gap will subsequently enable a top edge of a panel to be slid in behind the fin and for a resilient sealing strip to be sandwiched between the panel and the fin. c) Installing flashing 220 (cut to size) on top of windows 108 (and doors (not shown)) and affixing a top and bottom mounting extrusion 201 (which has been cut to size) with screws over the flashing; -refer Figures 6,7,8 and 12. d) Installing bottom plate 218 to the bottom of an external panel corner mounting extrusion 203. If there is an internal corner then install bottom plate 219 to internal corner panel mounting extrusion 205); - refer Figures 9,10,11 13 and 14. e) Installing external corner panel mounting extrusion 203 with screws at 450mm centres to the external corner edges of the wall 101. If there are any internal corners internal corner panel mounting extrusions 205 would be installed also; refer Figure 12. f) Cutting top and bottom panel mounting extrusions 201 to fit into the external corner panel mounting extrusion 203 (and if required fitting top and bottom panel mounting extrusions 201 to internal corner panel mounting extrusion 205; - refer Figures 15 and 16. g) Installing top and bottom panel mounting extrusions 201 via screws to:

- the ceiling plate (not shown) and sole plate (not shown) of the wall; and

- above windows/doors; - refer Figure 17 h) Installing vertical base extrusions 211 - via screws (at 450mm centres and where

required) - next to windows 103 and door(s), and at mid-panel intervals, and also wherever vertical panel joins will be required; - refer Figures 18 and 19 i) Cutting and placing weather flashing tape (FT) depicted with diagonal hatching to the top and side edges of the top panel mounting extrusions 201 above windows and doors so as to extend around and seal the edges thereof and cover the side of vertical base extrusion 211 adjacent the side edges of the top panel mounting extrusions 201 ; - refer Figure 20. For example, the tape may be 3M 8067 All Weather Flashing tape. j) Clipping door/window cavity battens 210 into vertical base extrusions 211 adjacent

windows 108 and doors, such that the flashing 21 Of on door/window cavity batten 210 goes behind the aluminium frame 108f and the rearwardly directed fin 108fi thereon (not shown) of the window 108; - refer Figures 21 , 22 and 23, 28. k) Clipping vertical panel mounting extrusions 207 which include an integral cavity batten into the vertical base extrusions 211 where vertical panel joins will be required; - refer Figures 24 and 25. Top and bottom ends of the panel mounting extrusions 207 may overlap the base 201 b of the top and bottom horizontal panel mounting extrusions 201 , as shown in Figure 25.

L) Clipping cavity battens 209 into vertical base extrusions 211 at mid-panel intervals; -refer Figures 26, 27. Top and bottom ends of the cavity battens 209 overlap the base 201 b of the top and bottom horizontal panel mounting extrusions 201 , as shown in Figure 27. m) Installing horizontal panel mounting extrusions 208 - via screws - to cavity battens

209,210, to span between vertical panel mounting extrusions 208; - refer Figures 29 and 30. The horizontal panel mounting extrusions overlap a weather flashing 207f of the vertical panel mounting extrusions 207, as shown in Figure 30. n) Clipping capping extrusions 202 to door/window batten extrusions 210 to form a base support that spans between horizontal panel mounting extrusions 208; - Figures 31 and 32. Clipping capping extrusions 202 to vertical batten extrusions 209 aligned with the door/window extrusions 210 above and below doors/windows. A length of capping extrusion 202 is clipped to the aligned batten extrusion 209 which is aligned with the door/window batten extrusion 210 o) Clipping capping-extrusions 202 to vertical batten extrusions 209 at mid panel intervals to span between horizontal panel mounting extrusions 208 and forming a panel.base support and top and bottom mounting extrusions 201, Figure 33. p) Inserting spacer elements 22 in the form of blocks on top of the horizontal panel mounting extrusions 201,208 so they can in use support the base of the panels; Figures 34 and 35. q) Applying adhesive (not shown) onto capping-extrusions 202 which form a panel base support and will be located intermediate vertical edges of panels and preferably in the vertical mid-line of the panels 2000 during installation before you fit panels. The dashed lines in Figure 37 indicate panel placement and capping extrusion 202 (on the vertical mid-line) onto which the adhesive is placed. Note adhesive is not to be applied around windows and doors to the capping extrusions 202 clipped to the batten extrusion 210. It is to be noted the height and width of panels 2000 are cut to be 3mm less than the distance between adjacent vertical panel mounting extrusions and adjacent horizontal panel mounting extrusions. For example, the Adhesive may be Quilosa FMS Adhesive; - Figures 36 and 37. r) Once panels have been fitted applying adhesive at the points indicated by arrows 32 to fill in any visible gaps where panel 2000 meets the edge of window or doors; - Figure 38. s) Clipping external corner capping extrusion 204 to external corner extrusion 203 (and if required clipping internal corner capping extrusion 206 (not shown) to internal corner extrusion 205 (not shown)) as indicated by reference numeral 1 ; - refer Figures 39, 40 and 41. t) Clipping capping extrusion 202 to top and bottom panel mounting extrusions 201 as indicated by reference numeral 2; -refer Figure 39 u) Clipping capping extrusion 202 to vertical panel mounting extrusion 207 as indicated by reference numeral 3; - refer Figure 39. v) Clipping capping extrusion 202 to horizontal panel mounting extrusion 208 as indicated by reference numeral 4; - refer Figure 39. w) Inserting a resilient sealing strip 2200 (shown in Figures 43 and 44) e.g. a strip of

Santoprene™ thermoplastic elastomer under the capping extrusions in the sequence of horizontal capping extrusions first; followed by vertical capping extrusions second; as indicated by reference numerals 1 and 2 in Figure 42. The insertion of the sealing strip may be facilitated by the use of a glazing roller (not shown).

Figure 7A shows an end on view of a top and bottom panel mounting extrusion 201 which has a base portion 201b, a receiving portion 201 r and a resilient sealing strip retaining portion

201 rrp. The base portion 201 b is fastened to the building frame with screws not shown. The receiving portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 201 rp. Connecting the base portion 201 b to the receiving portion 201 r is an internally located projecting portion 201g in the form of a substantially horizontally projecting leg which has a plurality of apertures 201s in the form of 40mm by 3mm slots which pass through projecting leg 201g and extend along the longitudinal axis of the leg 201g - refer Figure 7B. These slots, in use, are located behind the panel and enable air to pass there though and equalize pressure as between the outside surface and inside surface of the panels used in the cladding system of the present invention. The top and bottom mounting extrusions form, in use, the topmost and bottom most extrusions on a wall. The top and bottom panel mounting extrusions mount the panel to the wall but additionally essentially form horizontal battens at the base plate and top plate of the wall.

Figure 10 shows an external corner panel mounting extrusion 203 which has a base portion 203b and a receiving portion 203r. The receiving portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 203rp. The receiving portion is located at an external corner of the extrusion. The corner panel mounting extrusion 203 essentially forms a vertical batten at a vertical edge of the wall or external corner of the building.

Figure 13 shows an internal corner panel mounting extrusion 205 which has a base portion 205b and a receiving portion 205r.The receiving portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 205rp. The receiving portion is located at an internal corner of the extrusion. The internal corner panel mounting extrusion 205 essentially forms a vertical batten at a vertical internal corner of the wall or building.

Figure 18 shows a vertical base extrusion 211 having a base portion 211b and a receiving portion 211r. The receiving portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 211 rp. The base extrusion 211 is fixed by screws through the base portion and cavity battens are received by the receiving portion.

Figure 21 shows a door/window cavity batten extrusion 210 having a base portion 210b in the form of a cavity batten and a receiving portion 210r. The receiving portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 210rp. The cavity batten extrusion 210 has an integral weather flashing 21 Of sits against a frame of joinery forming the window or door frame which is placed into the wall 101.

Figure 24 shows a vertical panel mounting extrusion 207 having a base portion in the form of an integral cavity batten 207b and a receiving portion 207r extending from said integral cavity batten 207b. The receiving portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 207rp. The panel mounting extrusion 207 includes an integral weather flashing 207f at each vertical edge which underlap the panel at the vertical edge of the panel.

Figure 26 shows a cavity batten 209 having a receiving portion 209r and a base portion 209b. The receiving portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 209rp.

Figure 29 shows a horizontal panel mounting extrusion 208 having a base portion 208b and a receiving portion 208r. The receiving portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 208rp.

Figure 31 shows a capping extrusion 202 having two cover sections 202cs and an attachment portion 202a. The attachment portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 202ap. In a preferred form of the present invention the capping extrusion 202 is also used to form a panel base support attached to vertical cavity battens to contact an inside surface of the panel. Thus, a single extrusion profile is used in two different ways:

- as a cap which overlaps the vertical edges of adjacent panels, and

- as a panel base support received on vertical battens to contact and support an inner surface of the panels and receive adhesive thereon to help support the panels during installation prior to the capping extrusions being used to hold the edges of the panels in place.

Figure 37 shows panel 2000 which is made from 2mm thick aluminium sheet and has dimensions of 2.4m in width as shown by the X axis and 1 2m in height as shown by the Y axis.

Figure 40 shows an external corner capping extrusion 204 which having two cover sections 204c and an attachment portion 204a. The attachment portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 204ap. The attachment portion is located at a vertical inside corner of the extrusion 204.

Figure 41 shows an internal corner capping extrusion 206 which has a cover section 206c and an attachment portion 206a. The attachment portion is made up of two spaced apart projections 206ap. The attachment portion is located at a vertical inside corner of the extrusion 206.

Figure 43 shows two horizontally adjacent panels 2000 which have their respective vertical edges surrounded by the receiving projections 207rp of the receiving portion 207r on the vertical panel mounting extrusion 207. Each panel overlaps the panel mounting extrusion, or in other words the panel mounting extrusion underlaps the panels at vertical edges of the panels. The extrusion 207 contacts a rear surface of the panel. It can also be seen that the capping extrusion 202 has the two attachment projections 202ap of the attachment portion located within the receiving portion of vertical panel mounting extrusion 207. The capping extrusion 202 also has cover section 202cs which overlaps with a portion of and surrounds the vertical edges of the panels 2000. The vertical edge of the panel is received between the extrusion 207 and the cover section 202cs of the capping extrusion. The underside of panel 2000 is separated a distance ZX which is 37mm from the outside surface of the rigid air barrier on building frame BF to which vertical base extrusion 211 is attached by screw 2001

Figure 44 shows two vertically adjacent panels 2000 which have their respective horizontal edges surrounded by the receiving projections 208rp of the receiving portion 208r on the horizontal mounting extrusion 208. Each panel overlaps the panel mounting extrusion 208, or in other words the panel mounting extrusion underlaps the panels at horizontal edges of the panels. The extrusion 208 contacts a rear surface of the panel. It can also be seen that the capping extrusion 202 has the two attachment projections 202ap of the attachment portion 202a located within the receiving portion of horizontal mounting extrusion 208. The capping extrusion 202 also has cover section 202cs which overlaps with a portion of and surrounds the horizontal edges of the panels 2000. The horizontal edge of the panel is received between the extrusion 208 and the cover section 202cs of the capping extrusion. The underside of panel 2000 is again separated the same distance ZX of 37mm from the outside surface of the building frame (not shown) to which the vertical base extrusion 211 is attached via a screw (not shown).

Figure 45 shows a vertical/top transition base extrusion 215 which has a outermost portion 215p1 and a cavity portion 215p2 which sits within the existing window or door cavity. On the inside surface of the cavity portion 215p2 are a number of ribs 215r.

Figure 46 shows a horizontal sill transition base extrusion 216 which has a outermost portion 216p1 and a cavity portion 216p2 which sits within the existing window or door cavity. On the inside surface of the cavity portion 216p2 are a number of ribs 216r.

Figure 49 shows a horizontal sill transition base extrusion 216 which has (if necessary) been cut to fit into the window cavity whilst leaving a 5mm gap between the last rib 216r and the surface of the existing window frame 490 which enables a resilient sealing strip 2200 to be inserted there between. Adhesive 491 (such as Quilosa FMS adhesive) js used to bond the ribs 216r to the existing window sill 492. The outermost portion 216p2 of the sill transition base extrusion 216 is captured between a horizontal panel mounting extrusion 208, resilient strip 2200 and capping extrusion 202. Figure 49 also shows how the transition sill base extrusion then interfaces with the panel 2000. Note in Figure 49 like reference numerals have been used for like elements described in the other Figures.

In a similar manner to what is shown in Figure 49 the vertical/top transition base extrusions 215 are held in place with capping extrusions 202 clipped into vertical panel mounting extrusion 207.

Figure 50 shows a stack joint flashing extrusion 223 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. The stack joint flashing extrusion 223 has a base portion 223b to contact the wall and tab 223t, a cover portion 223cp which comprises a top section 223ts and a front section 223fs.

Figure 52 shows cavity batten 209 clipped into vertical base extrusions 211 at mid-panel intervals where adhesive (not shown) has been placed on the outer surface 202os of capping extrusion 202 to help hold the panel in place during installation. The dotted outline indicates the weather flashing 21 Of on window/door cavity batten 210 in a new build (which is otherwise the same as cavity batten 209). The window/door cavity batten is also used in a similar way - to cavity batten 209 - but against windows and doors a key difference being that adhesive is not applied to the outer surface 202os of the capping extrusion clipped to window/door cavity batten 210. The underside of panel 2000 is again separated the same distance ZX of 37mm from the outside surface of the building frame (not shown) to which the vertical base extrusion 211 is attached via a screw (not shown). EXAMPLE 2 - Retrofit Cladding System for Existing Buildings (not restricted to aluminum joinery for windows and doors for the existing building)

In this example a portion of an existing building which has a wail clad with plywood (plyboard) and stucco and having windows therein, is to be retrofitted with pre-painted aluminium panels, without removing the existing cladding or windows or doors. This retrofit process will now where appropriate be described in relation to the wall 1001 of Example 1 and using like reference numerals, method steps, examples and figures from Example 1 described above.

The Figures will now all be described in relation to one preferred method of retrofitting cladding to an exterior wall of an existing building with rectangular pre-painted aluminium panels which are going over a wall having an existing stucco finish onto which the mounting extrusions installed, the method comprising the steps of:

RETRO FIT

Substantially repeated steps from Example 1 a) Installing bottom plate 218 to the bottom of an external corner panel mounting extrusion 203. If there is an internal corner then install bottom plate 219 to internal corner panel mounting extrusion 205); - refer Figures 9,10,1 1 13 and 14. b) Installing external corner panel mounting extrusion 203 with screws at 450mm centres to the external corner edges of the wall 101. If there are any internal corners internal corner panel mounting extrusions 205 would be installed also; refer Figure 12. c) Cutting top and bottom panel mounting extrusions 201 to fit into the external corner panel panel mounting extrusion 203 (and if required fitting top and bottom mounting panel extrusions 201 to internal corner panel mounting extrusion 205; - refer Figures 15 and 16. d) Installing top and bottom panel mounting extrusions 201 via screws to the ceiling plate (not shown) and sole plate (not shown) of the wall; - refer Figure 17 e) Installing vertical base extrusions 211 - via screws and adhesive (at 450mm centres and where required) - next to:

- windows 103 (and door(s));

- at mid-panel intervals; and also

- wherever vertical panel joins will be required; - refer Figures 18 and 19 f) Clipping vertical panel mounting extrusions 207 which include an integral cavity batten into the vertical base extrusions 211 next to windows and doors and where vertical panel joins will be required; - refer Figure 25 g) Clipping cavity battens 209 into vertical base extrusions 211 at mid-panel intervals; -refer Figures 26, 27. h) Installing horizontal panel mounting extrusions 208 - via screws - to cavity battens

209,210 where horizontal joins between adjacent panels are required and above windows/doors, to span between vertical panel mounting extrusions 208; - refer Figures 29 and 30 i) Clipping capping extrusions 202 to mid-panel located cavity battens 209 to span between horizontal panel mounting extrusions 208 and top and bottom mounting extrusions 201 ; - Figures 31 and 32, 33

NEW RETRO FIT WINDOW STEPS j) Installing vertical/top transition base extrusions 215 to both sides of the window or doors using adhesive; - refer Figures 45 and 46. Preferably, the Adhesive may be Quilosa FMS Adhesive. In Figure 46 it the exterior wall 101 has a stucco surface 1070 instead of the rigid air barrier in Example 1. k) Installing vertical/top transition base extrusion 215 to a top of window/door using

adhesive; - refer Figures 45 and 46

L) Installing horizontal sill transition base extrusion 216 to bottom of window/door using

adhesive; - refer Figures 47 and 48

Further detail about the new retro fit steps are shown and described in relation to Figure 49.

RETRO FIT

Substantially repeated steps from Example 1 n) Inserting spacer blocks 22 on top of the horizontal panel mounting extrusions 201,208 so they can in use support the base of the panels; Figures 34 and 35. o) Applying adhesive (not shown) onto capping-extrusions 202 which form a panel base support and will be located intermediate vertical edges of panels and preferably in the vertical mid-line of the panels 2000 during installation before you fit panels. The dashed lines in Figure 37 indicate panel placement and capping extrusion 202 (on the vertical midline) onto which the adhesive is placed. It is to be noted the height and width of panels 2000 are cut to be 3mm less than the distance between adjacent vertical panel mounting extrusions and adjacent horizontal panel mounting extrusions. p) Clipping external corner capping extrusion 204 to external corner extrusion 203 (and if required clipping internal corner capping extrusion 206 (not shown) to internal corner extrusion 205 (not shown)) as indicated by reference numeral 1 ; - refer Figures 39, 40 and 41. q) Clipping capping extrusion 202 to top and bottom panel mounting extrusions 201 as

indicated by reference numeral 2; -refer Figures 31 and 39 r) Clipping capping extrusion 202 to vertical panel mounting extrusion 207 as indicated by reference numeral 3; - refer Figure 39. s) Clipping capping extrusion 202 to horizontal panel mounting extrusion 208 as indicated by reference numeral 4; - refer Figure 39 t) Inserting a resilient sealing strip 2200 (shown in Figures 43 and 44) e.g. a strip of

Santoprene™ thermoplastic elastomer under the capping extrusions in the sequence of horizontal capping extrusions first; followed by vertical capping extrusions second; as indicated by reference numerals 1 and 2 in Figure 42. The insertion of the sealing strip may be facilitated by the use of a glazing roller (not shown); u) Inserting the resilient sealing strip 2200 between ribs 215r, 216r as indicated in Figure 49 to create a seal with the existing window/door frame.

EXAMPLE 3 - Cladding or Re-cladding Multi Level Buildings

The present invention also encompasses cladding a two or multi-storey building (not shown).

The components and methodology used for cladding the additional levels may be substantially the same as outlined for new builds and retrofits as per Example 1 and 2 above. The additional requirement for adding a level above an existing wall is the requirement for a stack joint formed from:

- a stack joint flashing extrusion 223 located above and overlapping with a portion of a top/bottom mounting extrusion 201a on the top edge of a wall; and

- an additional top/bottom mounting extrusion 201 b located above and overlapping with a portion of the stack joint flashing extrusion 223; - refer Figures 50 and 51.

The top/bottom mounting extrusions 201 have capping extrusions 202 clipped thereto - refer Figure 51. A screw (not shown) is used to affix the stack joint flashing extrusion 223 to the building frame in the direction indicated by arrow S. It can be seen that tab 223ts has a groove G therein for locating the tip of the screw.

EXAMPLE 4 - Best Modes Exemplars - DoorAA/indow Flashing

With respect to Figures 53-55 there is provided preferred parts which can be used in place of the extrusions previously shown and described in relation to Figures 6 and 7A,7B.

In particular: a window/door - batten receiver (WDBR) flashing extrusion 228 shown in Figure 53 replaces the flashing 207 shown in Figure 6; and a top and bottom (TB) panel-batten extrusion 227 shown in Figure 54A and 54B replaces the top/bottom mounting extrusion 201 shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

By way of further example, the WDBR flashing 228 and TB panel-batten extrusion 227 are also shown in Figures 53-55 which depict the new preferred parts in place of the parts 207 and 201 shown in Figures 20 and 22.

Furthermore:

Figure 53 shows an end on view of a WDBR flashing extrusion 228 which has: a vertical section 228vs which is substantially planar; a downwardly sloped planar section 228ds extending outwardly from the lower end of the vertical section; a lip portion 228lp which extends downwardly and substantially vertically from said downwardly sloped section before having finishing with an outwardly direct sloped lip

228sl; a panel-receiving (PR) portion 228r made up of two spaced apart projections 228rp.

The WDBR flashing extrusion 228 also has a v-notch groove 228v therein which helps locate the tip of a screw (not shown) used for securing the WDBR flashing extrusion 228 to a building frame.

Figure 54A shows an end on view of a top and bottom (TB) panel mounting extrusion 227 which has a polygonal batten portion 227b which is a hollow substantially rectangular shape. The batten portion 227b has a vertical outward face 227vf from which a downwardly sloped planar section 227ds extends from a lower region thereof. It can be seen that the downwardly sloped planar section 227ds has an angle of around 15 degrees with respect to the horizontal and the vertical outward face 227vf has an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the horizontal. However, this angle for the vertical outward face could be anywhere between substantially 75- 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

At the distal end of the downwardly sloped planar section 227ds is a panel-receiving (PR) portion 227prp. The panel-receiving portion 227prp is substantially u-shaped and has a resilient sealing strip retaining portion 227rrp in the form of two spaced apart projections having curved distal ends. The resilient sealing strip, in use, can receive and retain a further resilient sealing strip (not shown) which enables for example a glass panel to be used as panel 2000 in place of an aluminium panel. The resilient sealing strip housed in retaining portion 227rrp providing a contact surface with the inner surface of the glass and preventing the glass panel from contacting the aluminium of the retaining portion 227rrp. Alternatively, if smaller thickness panels are used the retaining portion 227rrp can be used to house a further resilient sealing strip (not shown) which acts as a packer to firmly hold the panel in place.

The batten portion 227bp has on the inner face 227if is a groove 227g which importantly accommodates a screw head (not shown in Figure 54A - but see Figure 61 where the TB panel-batten extrusion 227 is shown in use).

Figure 54B_shows the underside of the TB panel-batten extrusion 227 and in particular illustrates a plurality of apertures 227s in the form of 40mm by 3mm slots which pass through the downwardly sloped planar section 227ds and extend along the longitudinal axis thereof. These slots enable air to pass there though and equalize pressure as between the outside surface and inside surface of the panels used in the cladding system of the present invention.

Figure 55 (also referring back to Figures 53, 53A and 54B) shows the batten portion 227b of Figure 54A clipped into the receiving portion 228r on the WDBR flashing extrusion 228 of Figure 53. The batten portion 227b has parallel top and bottom surfaces 227tb which each have barbed protrusions 227bp which are substantially triangular and configured to deform and then be retained by corresponding barbed protrusions 228bp on the projections 228rp on the WDBR flashing extrusion 228 - all as clearly shown.

Figure 55 also shows a gap G which is substantially 5.5mm between the base 227prb of the panel receiving portion 227prp and the respective downwardly sloped planar section 228ds on the WDBR flashing extrusion 228. The applicant has found that if the gap is below 5.5mm then water has the tendency to flow as a stream of liquid which gives the liquid what may be termed a penetrative force which can lead to leaks especially in high wind. By way of contrast when the gap is at least 5.5mm this distance is sufficient to enable the stream to become dislocated into droplets which lack the force to penetrate particularly against the force of gravity.

Figures 56 and 57 are the same view as shown and previously described in relation to Figures 20 and 22 respectively with the exception that it shows the new WDBR flashing extrusion 228 and new TB panel-batten extrusion 227 in place of the flashing 220 and panel mounting extrusions 201 respectively.

It is to be noted that the WDBR flashing extrusion 228 and TB panel-batten extrusion 227 now preferably replace the top/bottom mounting extrusion 201 and flashing 220 above windows and doors as shown in Figure 8.

EXAMPLE 5 - Best Modes Exemplars - Multi-Level Building

With respect to Figures 58 and 59 there is provided a preferred stack joint 580 for use in multi level buildings. This joint 580 is used in place of the stack joint formed around the stack joint flashing extrusion 223 with top/bottom mounting extrusions 201a and 201 b as shown in, and described in relation to, Figure 51.

The method for using this joint 580 is similar to that described above in Example 3 above except that in this example the stack joint is used only at every second storey (level) as also shown in Figure 59 where reference numbers 1-5 represent different levels as do reference numbers 2 and 3 in Figure 58. In Figure 58 the floor separating levels 2 and 3 is represented by line 580f.

In Figure 58, a top/bottom mounting extrusion 201 is mounted to the top of the wall on level 2 and a WDBR flashing extrusion 228 with a TB panel-batten extrusion 227 clipped thereto is mounted to the bottom of the wall on level 3.

It should also be appreciated however that the stack joint described in Example 3 and depicted in Figure 51 can also be used every second level as there is no requirement for the joint in Figure 51 to be used every level.

Example 6 - Best Modes Exemplars - Transition Batten for use on non-finned joinery on commercial buildings

With respect to Figure 60 there is shown a transition batten extrusion 224 which has a polygonal cavity batten portion 224cbp which is in the form of a substantially rectangular hollow section having an outward facing surface 224os which includes a receiving portion 224rp thereon. The cavity batten portion 224cbp has a projecting arm 224pa extending from the bottom corner of the outward facing surface 224os. At the distal end of the projecting arm

224pa is a fixing face 224ff which extends substantially parallel to side walls 224s of the cavity batten portion 224cbp on either side of the outward facing surface 224os.

Extending from the lower distal end of the fixing face 224ff is an outer transition face 224otf which includes a fold back portion 224fb which extends parallel to said outer transition face 224otf and extends a distance sufficient to receive, in use, a resilient sealing member, said fold back portion 224fb ending in a lipped projection 224lp on which the resilient sealing strip 2200 can be placed - see Figure 61.

Extending from an upper distal end of the fixing face 224ff is an inner transition face 224itf which in use abuts a rigid underlay or flexible building wrap, the fixing face extending a distance T beyond an inner facing surface of the batten which is the same as the thickness of the base portion 211 b of a vertical base extrusion 211 which secures the transition batten to the building frame - see Figures 60* 61.

The batten portion 224cbp has parallel sides 224s which each have barbed protrusions 224bp which are substantially triangular and configured to deform and then be retained by corresponding barbed protrusions 211 bp on the projections 211 rp on the vertical base extrusion 211 - see Figure 61.

Figure 61 shows a transition batten extrusion 224 in use next to a commercial window frame/door frame 610. Like reference numerals as used in Figure 60 indicate the key features of the transition batten extrusion shown in Figure 61.

The transition batten extrusion 224 is held to the wall framing 61 Ow via is clipped into the receiving portion of vertical base extrusion 211 which itself is affixed to wall framing 61 Ow by screw 610s. In between the vertical base extrusion 211 and the wall framing 610w is a rigid air barrier 61 Orb.

The door/window frame 610 is also held to the wall frame 61 Ow via screws 610s together with sealant 610sl.

A capping extrusion 202 is clipped in to the receiving portion 224rp and provides surface against which a panel 2000 can abut. A resilient sealing strip 2200 is sandwiched between the lipped projection 224lp on the transition batten and the outer face of panel 2000 to help hold the panel securely in place against the capping extrusion 202. To make an aesthetic transition between the window frame and panel 2000 a Z flashing 601z is used to cover this boundary.

The wall framing 61 Ow is internally covered with gypsum board liner 610gb and the internal boundary between the window/door frame is also covered with a right-angled Z flashing 610rz.

Figure 62 is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 61 - so like reference numbers have been used to depict like elements. The key differences of Figure 61 to Figure 60 are that there is cladding in the form of a bricks 620 against which the panel 2000 has to transition in place of the door/window frame 610. In addition, a right-angled Z flashing 620z has been used in place of the planar Z flashing shown in Figure 61. DISCUSSION OF INVENTION AND EXAMPLES OF ALTERNATE WAYS TO IMPLEMENT

The following discussion and examples provided herein are illustrative in nature and are not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the present invention(s) and inventive concept(s) embodied therein.

The sheet material for the panel may be made from a number of different materials suitable for cladding the exterior of a building and may have different shapes and sizes.

For example, the sheet material of the panel may be made from one or more of the following materials:

- glass;

- ceramics;

- wood including plywood;

- cement board;

- metal;

- alloy.

However, the above list of materials from which the panel may be made should not be seen as exhaustive, as other materials suitable for making panels for cladding the exterior of buildings may also be employed.

In a preferred embodiment, the panel may be made of aluminium. Preferably, a colour coated aluminium.

The mounting extrusions may come in a variety of different forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The mounting extrusions have a base portion and a receiving portion.

The base portion may be substantially planar in nature at least on the outer surface against which the panel will rest.

The receiving portion may have any number of configurations which enable push fit connection to the attachment portion on the capping extrusion.

The receiving portions on the mounting extrusions may be in the form of a longitudinally extending channel adapted to receive and retain attachment portions in the form of longitudinally extending/positioned pair or pairs of opposed projections on the capping extrusions. The distance XC (see Figure 29) by which the opposed projections forming a pair are spaced apart on the capping extrusions may be a distance smaller than the width YM (see Figure 31 )_of the channels into which they are placed on the mounting extrusions yet still sufficiently wide to frictionally engage with the walls of the channel on the mounting extrusions - thereby creating a clip fit.

It will be appreciated that the attachment portions may also be in the form of a longitudinal channels on the capping extrusions and the aforementioned projections may instead be on the mounting extrusions. Thus, it will be appreciated that the walls of a channel may also be considered a pair of projections.

In use, the mounting extrusions may be placed on the building frame such that the receiving portion, visibly surrounds the outer edges of the panel section to be retained by said panel mounting extrusion. This ensures the capping extrusions can access the receiving portion to thereby clip onto the mounting extrusion.

In preferred embodiments the pairs of projections on the receiving portion and attachment portion may made of an at least partially resilient material and may engage one another upon initial contact with the opposite pair the contact (i.e. distal) ends of each pair being shaped to cause temporary deformation of the projections and/or channels as they are pushed together; and the respective pairs then subsequently engage one another upon returning to their original non- deformed state in a manner which holds them together. The manner of holding them together may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. It may be frictional or it may be due to a physical feature such as a shoulder.

In one embodiment, the engagement of the receiving and attachment portions may occur by the two portions fitting tightly together upon being pressed to clip to one another.

The channels may be adapted in a number of ways which can include one or more of:

- the channels being at least partially deformable;

- the channels having tapered surfaces on the upper edges thereof which can engage with tapered edges on the projections to deform the projections and/or channels and the channels/projections also having shoulders at the base (i.e. proximal end) of each taper edge which can catch the corresponding shoulder to hold the projections within said channel.

The term‘corner extrusions’ includes both internal and external corner mounting extrusions.

The capping extrusions may come in a number of different forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. In preferred embodiments, the capping extrusions may have a cover-section and an attachment portion.

The cover section may be a substantially planar at least on the inner surface on which the attachment portion is located and against which, in use, the outer surface of the panel will be adjacent.

The attachment portion may have any number of configurations which enable push clip fit connection to the receiving portion on the mounting extrusion. Some examples of suitable push clip fit connections are discussed above in relation mounting extrusions.

The distance that the respective vertical and horizontal mounting extrusions are spaced apart is determined by the dimensions of the panel.

For example, if a panel has a width of 2.4m the vertical mounting extrusions may be spaced 2.4m, provided the width of the panel is reduced by 3mm. This trimming of the panel ensures:

- there is the requisite overlap with the edge of the panel; and also ensures

- the receiving portion on each vertical extrusion surrounds (i.e. frames) an outer vertical edge of the panel; and

- allows for expansion of the panel.

The horizontal mounting extrusions are spaced apart in the same manner taking into account the height of the panel.

The resilient sealing strips may come in a variety of different forms and be made from various water impervious materials without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general, the resilient sealing strips may have a substantially wedge shaped cross-sectional profile.

In one preferred embodiment, the resilient sealing strips may be made from rubber.

In another embodiment, the resilient sealing strips may be made from silicon.

In one preferred embodiment, the resilient sealing strips may be made from Thermoplastic elastomer. For example, the resilient sealing strip may be made from TPE Santoprene™.

The cavity battens may come in a number of different forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the cavity batten may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the cavity batten may have substantially truncated V-shape with flanged ends.

In preferred embodiments, the cavity batten may include a receiving portion the same or similar to that discussed above for the mounting extrusion for securing a capping extrusion or other element thereto by means of a push clip fit.

In some embodiments, the cavity batten may integrally form part of a vertical mounting extrusions.

In some preferred embodiments, the cavity batten may be screwed directly into the stud.

In other embodiments, the cavity batten may clip fit into a vertical mounting extrusion -i.e. not require the use of fasteners.

In some preferred embodiments, the cavity batten adjacent a door/window may be connected to a stud via a vertical mounting extrusion which may have a channel into which the cavity batten is configured to clip fit. The vertical mounting extrusion being nailed or preferably screwed into the stud.

The spacer elements may be made from many materials and generally have a rectangular block form. The purpose of the spacer is to hold the bottom edge of the panel off the mounting extrusion and to enable the panel to expand and contract with substantially less friction then would occur if the panel was to rest on the mounting extrusion.

In a preferred embodiment, the spacer is made from a solid plastic block.

Most, preferably the spacer is made from a material having a low friction coefficient to enable the panel to undergo thermal expansion and contraction with minimal frictional engagement with the spacer.

The support (WANZ) bar extrusion and associated sill cap extrusion may be those that are readily available on the market in relation to aluminium joinery.

The top window flashing extrusions may be those readily available on the market in relation to aluminium joinery.

The present invention also encompasses cladding a two or multi-storey building. The components and methodology used for cladding the additional levels may be substantially the same as outlined for new builds and retrofits as per Example 1 and 2 above. The additional requirement for adding a level above an existing wall is the requirement for:

- a stack joint flashing extrusion 223 located above and overlapping with a portion of a top/bottom mounting extrusion on the top edge of a wall; and - an additional top/bottom mounting extrusion located above and overlapping with a portion of the stack joint flashing.

Any one or more receiving portion may form a male connector half and any one or more attachment portion may form a corresponding female connector half. Alternatively, any one or more receiving portion may form a female connector half and any one or more attachment portion may form a corresponding male connector half. The receiving and attachment portions provide connector halves that can clip together to attach one extrusion to another extrusion.

The panel mounting extrusions 201 , 203, 205, 207, 208 preferably contact an inside surface of the panel. In the illustrated embodiments the panel mounting extrusions comprise support legs L with a distal end of the legs L contacting the inner face of the panels adjacent an edge of the panels. The panel mounting extrusions may include one or more panel contacting legs L. A pair of legs may be provided, to receive a resilient member and/or adhesive therebetween.

In the preferred embodiment the system includes a base extrusion 211 to receive batten extrusions 210, 209 and panel mounting extrusion 207 with integral batten. However, in alternative embodiments the cavity battens 209, 210, and panel mounting extrusion 207 may include an integrally formed base to attach the extrusion 207, 209, 210 directly to the wall. Having a separate base extrusion 211 is preferred as installation is simplified since the same extrusion is used in vertical lengths spaced apart across the building. Once installed the appropriate extrusion 207, 209, 210 may be clipped into place on the wall.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.