TITLE: APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING CLADDING TO

STRUCTURES

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.

60/890,620 filed on February 19, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by this reference to it. FIELD

[0002] Applicant's teachings relate to apparatuses and methods for installing cladding to structures, such as, for example, a building.

INTRODUCTION

[0003] 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

[0004] A cladding system is disclosed comprising at least one panel of selected cladding, at least one supporting profile for spaced apart connection to a structure, and at least one clip member. The supporting profile can include a pivot groove, and one of a catch or stop, the catch or stop spaced

apart from the pivot groove. The clip member can include at least one supporting element adapted to receive and retain an edge of the panel, a pivot arm having a distal end spaced apart from the at least one supporting element, the distal end of the pivot arm engageable with the pivot groove of the supporting profile to allow the clip member to pivot in relation to the supporting profile, and one of a catch or stop complementary to the catch or stop of the supporting profile, the catch or stop of the clip member disposed generally between the at least one supporting element and the distal end of the pivot arm. When the clip member pivots in relation to the supporting profile the catch or stop of the clip member engages the catch or stop of the supporting profile to lock the clip member generally between the pivot groove and the catch or stop of the supporting profile.

[0005] Each of the supporting profiles can include a base portion having an overhanging lip defining the pivot groove, and a flange portion projecting generally away from the base portion and spaced apart from the pivot groove, the flange portion having the catch or stop near an outer edge. The base portion and the flange portion can define a nook, with the clip member nesting within the nook of the supporting profile when locked generally between the pivot groove and the catch or stop of the supporting profile.

[0006] The distal end of the pivot arm of the clip member and the pivot groove of the supporting profile can include complementary hook portions for anchoring the distal end of the pivot arm of the clip member to the pivot groove of the supporting profile. [0007] Each of the panels can comprise first and second edges, and each of the plurality of clip members can comprise a first supporting element configured to receive the first edge of a panel of a given course of cladding, and a second supporting element configured to receive the second edge of panel of a subsequent course of cladding.

[0008] For each of the plurality of clip members, the first supporting element can comprise first front and rear retaining members and the second supporting element comprises second front and rear retaining members. The first rear retaining member can be disposed between the first front retaining member and the pivot arm, and the second rear retaining member can be disposed between the second front retaining member and the catch or stop of the clip member.

[0009] The first and second front retaining members can include engaging surfaces for engaging the panels. The first and second rear retaining members can comprise arm portions angled generally toward the first and second retaining members, respectively. The arm portions of the first and second rear retaining members can comprise first and second engaging ends, respectively. The first and second engaging ends can be generally rounded. In a plane parallel with the engaging surface of the first front retaining member, the first rear retaining member can be longer than the first front retaining member. In a plane parallel with the engaging surface of the second front retaining member, the second rear retaining member can be longer than the second front retaining member. The engaging surfaces of the front retaining members can be coplanar. In a plane parallel with the engaging surfaces of the front retaining members, the second front retaining member can be longer than the first front retaining member.

[0010] The catch or stop of the clip member and the catch or stop of the supporting profile can be engaged by a snap fit.

[0011] The first and second edges of each of the panels can be generally parallel and opposing.

[0012] The supporting profiles can have a generally uniform cross- section, and the clip members can have a generally uniform cross-section.

[0013] A plurality of base profiles can be provided for securing the plurality of supporting profiles to the structure. The base profiles can

- A -

comprise first base profiles and second base profiles, the first base profiles for securing the second base profiles to the structure, and the second base profiles for securing the supporting profiles to the structure.

[0014] A clip member is disclosed for use with a supporting profile, the clip member comprising: at least one supporting element adapted to receive and retain an edge of a panel of selected cladding; a pivot arm having a distal end spaced apart from the at least one supporting element, the distal end of the pivot arm engageable with a pivot groove of the supporting profile to allow the clip member to pivot in relation to the supporting profile; and one of a catch or stop complementary to a catch or stop of the supporting profile, the catch or stop of the clip member disposed generally between the at least one supporting element and the distal end of the pivot arm, so that when the clip member pivots in relation to the supporting profile the catch or stop of the clip member engages the catch or stop of the supporting profile to lock the clip member generally between the pivot groove and the catch or stop of the supporting profile.

[0015] The clip member can further comprise a body portion, wherein the supporting element comprises a front retaining member, a side of the body portion, and a rear retaining member spaced apart from the front retaining member. The rear retaining member can be disposed between the front retaining member and the pivot arm. The front retaining member can comprise an engaging surface generally facing the rear retaining member. The rear retaining member can comprise an arm portion angled generally toward the front retaining member. The arm portion of the rear retaining member can comprise a generally rounded engaging end. In a plane parallel with the engaging surface of the first front retaining member, the engaging end of the rear retaining member can extend a greater distance from the side of the body portion than a distal end of the first front retaining member.

[0016] The clip member can further comprise a body portion including first and second sides, wherein the at least one supporting element comprises

first and second supporting elements configured to receive edges of adjacent panels of selected cladding, and wherein the first supporting element is disposed on the first side of the body and the second supporting element is disposed on the second side of the body. The second supporting element can be disposed generally opposite the first supporting element. The catch or stop can be disposed on the second side between the second supporting element and the pivot arm.

[0017] The first supporting element can comprise a first front retaining member, the first side of the body, and a first rear retaining member spaced apart from the first front retaining member. The first rear retaining member can be disposed on the first side of the body portion between the first front retaining member and the pivot arm. The first front retaining member can include a first engaging surface generally facing the first rear retaining member. The first rear retaining member can comprise an arm portion angled generally toward the first front retaining member. The arm portion of the first rear retaining member can comprise a generally rounded first engaging end. In a plane parallel with the first engaging surface of the first front retaining member, the first engaging end of the first rear retaining member can extend a greater distance from the first side of the body portion than a distal end of the first front retaining member.

[0018] The second supporting element can comprise a second front retaining member, the second side of the body portion, and a second rear retaining member spaced apart from the second front retaining member. The second rear retaining member can be disposed on the second side of the body portion between the second front retaining member and the catch or stop. The second front retaining member can include a second engaging surface generally facing the second rear retaining member. The second rear retaining member can comprise an arm portion angled generally toward the second front retaining member. The arm portion of the second rear retaining member can comprise a generally rounded second engaging end. In a plane

parallel with the engaging surface of the second front retaining member, the distal end of the second rear retaining member can extend a greater distance from the second side of the body portion than a distal end of the second front retaining member. In a plane parallel with the engaging surfaces of the front retaining members, the distal end of the second front retaining member can extend a greater distance from the second side of the body portion than the distal end of the first front retaining member extends from the first side of the body portion.

[0019] A supporting profile is disclosed for use in combination with the clip member as described above, the supporting profile comprising: a pivot groove for receiving the distal end of the pivot arm of the clip member to allow the clip member to pivot in relation to the supporting profile; and one of a catch or stop, the catch or stop spaced apart from the pivot groove and complementary to the catch or stop of the clip member, so that when the clip member pivots in relation to the supporting profile the catch or stop of the clip member engages the catch or stop of the supporting profile to lock the clip member generally between the pivot groove and the catch or stop of the supporting profile.

[0020] The supporting profile can include a base portion having an overhanging lip defining the pivot groove, and a flange portion projecting generally away from the base portion and spaced apart from the pivot groove, the flange portion having the catch or stop near an outer edge. The base portion and the flange portion can define a nook, the clip member nesting within the nook of the supporting profile when locked generally between the pivot groove and the catch or stop of the supporting profile. The distal end of the pivot arm of the clip member and the pivot groove of the supporting profile can include complementary hook portions for anchoring the distal end of the pivot arm of the clip member to the pivot groove of the supporting profile.

[0021] The catch or stop of the clip member and the catch or stop of the supporting profile can be engaged by a snap fit.

[0022] The clip member and the supporting profile can have a generally uniform cross-section.

[0023] A structure is disclosed comprising 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 can include a pivot groove, and one of a catch or stop, the catch or stop spaced apart from the pivot groove. The structure further comprises at least two clip members, at least one clip member being anchored to each of the first and second supporting profiles, each of the clip members including at least one supporting element adapted to receive and retain and edge of the panel, a pivot arm having a distal end spaced apart from the at least one supporting element, the distal end of the pivot arm engaged with the pivot groove of the supporting profile, and one of a catch or stop complementary to the catch or stop of the supporting profile, the catch or stop of the clip member disposed generally between the at least one supporting element and the distal end of the pivot arm, the catch or stop of the clip member engaged with the catch or stop of the supporting profile thereby locking the clip member generally between the pivot groove and the catch or stop of the supporting profile. The structure yet further comprises at least one panel of selected cladding including a first edge and a second edge, the first edge retained by the supporting element of the clip member anchored to the first supporting profile, the second edge retained by the supporting element of the clip member mounted to the second supporting profile.

[0024] Each of the supporting profiles can comprise a base portion having an overhanging lip defining the pivot groove, and a flange portion projecting away from the base portion and spaced apart from the overhanging lip, the flange portion having a catch at its tip. The distal end of the pivot arm of the clip member and the pivot groove of the supporting profile can include complementary hook portions for anchoring the distal end of the pivot arm of the clip member to the pivot groove of the supporting profile.

[0025] The at least one supporting element of each of the clip members can comprise first and second supporting elements adapted to receive edges of adjacent panels of selected cladding. The first edge of the at least one panel of selected cladding can be retained by the first supporting element of the at least one clip member anchored to the first supporting profile, and the second edge of the at least one panel of the of selected cladding can be retained by the second supporting element of the at least one clip member anchored to the second supporting profile. The first supporting element of the at least one clip member anchored to the second supporting panel can retain a panel of a subsequent course of selected cladding.

[0026] The structure can further comprise at least one base profile for securing the at least two supporting profiles to a surface of the building. The base profiles can comprise first base profiles and second supporting profiles, the first base profiles for securing the second base profiles to the surface, and the second base profiles for securing the supporting profiles to the surface.

[0027] A method of installing cladding to a structure is disclosed, the method comprising: connecting at least two supporting profiles to the structure in a spaced apart arrangement, each of the supporting profiles including a pivot groove, and one of a catch or stop, the catch or stop spaced apart from the pivot groove; providing at least one panel of selected cladding, each panel including first and second edges; providing at least two clip members, each of the clip members including at least one supporting element adapted to receive and retain an edge of the panel, a pivot arm having a distal end spaced apart from the at least one supporting element, the distal end of the pivot arm engageable with the pivot groove of the supporting profile to allow the clip member to pivot in relation to the supporting profile, and one of a catch or stop complementary to the catch or stop of the supporting profile, the catch or stop of the clip member disposed generally between the at least one supporting element and the distal end of the pivot arm, so that when the clip member pivots in relation to the supporting profile the catch or stop of the clip

member engages the catch or stop of the supporting profile to lock the clip member generally between the pivot groove and the catch or stop of the supporting profile; installing at least one of the clip members to one of the supporting profiles and retaining the first edge of the panel with the supporting element of the clip member; and installing at least one of the clip members to a subsequent one of the supporting profiles and retaining the second edge of the panel with the supporting element of the clip member.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The clip members can be installed spaced apart across the desired length of the supporting profiles.

[0030] The step of connecting can be repeated to connect a plurality of the supporting profiles to the structure in a successive spaced apart arrangement, and the steps of 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.

[0031] The supporting profiles can be attached to an exterior surface of the structure and spaced apart vertically. [0032] Each clip member can comprise first and second supporting elements, the first supporting element for retaining the first edge of the panel of a first course, and the second supporting element for retaining the second edge of the panel of a subsequent course. The first supporting elements of the clip member can be configured to receive the first edge of one of the panels when the panel is in an installing position and retain the panel when the panel is in a retained position.

[0033] The supporting profiles can be connected spaced apart to allow a desired gap between the panels of adjacent courses. A thermal break between the supporting profiles and the structure can be provided.

[0034] The structure can be a skeletal building structure comprising a plurality of vertically spaced floor slabs, with the method further comprising securing base profiles to the floor slabs, and securing the supporting profiles to the base profiles. [0035] The base profiles can comprise first base profiles and second base profiles. The first base profiles can be secured to the floor slabs, and the second base profiles can be secured to the base profiles and spaced apart horizontally. The supporting profiles can be secured to the second base profiles. The clip members can be arranged on the supporting profiles so as to generally match the spacing between adjacent second base profiles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] 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. [0037] FIG. 1 shows apparatuses according to various embodiments of applicant's teachings including clip members, supporting profiles and panels of selected cladding;

[0038] FIGS. 2A and 2B show sectional and perspective views of a supporting profile, respectively; [0039] FIGS. 3A and 3B show sectional and perspective views of another supporting profile, respectively;

[0040] FIGS. 4A and 4B show sectional and perspective views of a clip member, respectively;

[0041] FIGS. 5A and 5B show sectional and perspective views of another clip member, respectively;

[0042] FIGS. 6A to 6D show a sequence of sectional views of a clip member being anchored to a supporting profile;

[0043] FIGS. 7 A to 7I show a sequence of sectional views of a panel of selected cladding being received and retained by clip members anchored to supporting profiles;

[0044] FIGS. 8A to 8I show a sequence of sectional views of another panel of selected cladding being received and retained by clip members anchored to supporting profiles;

[0045] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of base profiles secured to floor slabs;

[0046] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of anchor bolts and a thermal break on a floor slab;

[0047] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a first base profile secured to a floor slab;

[0048] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a plurality of first base profiles secured to two successive floor slabs; [0049] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a second base profile secured to first base profile secured to a floor slab;

[0050] FIG. 14 shows perspective view of two second base profiles secured to first base profile secured to a floor slab;

[0051] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a plurality of second base profiles extending vertically between successive floor slabs;

[0052] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a plurality of supporting profiles secured to a plurality of second base profiles;

[0053] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of panels of selected cladding being installed on a plurality of supporting profiles; and [0054] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of panels of selected cladding installed on an exterior of a structure, secured with a plurality of clip members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. The applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) reserve all rights that they may have in any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document, for example the right to claim such an invention in a continuing application and do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0056] Applicant's teachings relate to apparatuses, systems and methods to install cladding to structures. In particular, applicant provides a clip member configured to anchor with supporting profiles to secure panels of selected cladding to the structures, such as, for example, buildings, to clad a desired area on the structure, for example but not limited to, an exterior surface of the structure.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 1 , in accordance with various embodiments of applicant's teachings, clip members 100 are configured to anchor with supporting profiles 102. The clip members 100 and the supporting profiles 102 can be used to install panels of selected cladding 104. The panels of selected cladding 104 can be, 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.

[0058] The supporting profiles 102 can be connected to, directly or indirectly, an exterior surface 106 of the structure 108. For example, the supporting profiles 102 can be connected directly to the exterior surface 106 using suitable fastening means, for example but not limited to, rivets, screws, bolts, adhesive, etc. Alternatively, the supporting profiles 102 can be connected indirectly to the exterior surface 106 via one or more secondary supporting or base profiles (discussed below). The spacing of the supporting profiles 102, shown in FIG. 1 spaced apart vertically, can be generally equal to the size of the particular panels of selected cladding 104, plus a gap 110 between adjacent panels. The gap 110 can provide for thermal expansion of the panels 104.

[0059] The supporting profile 102 for the various embodiments of applicant's teachings for this example are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The supporting profile 102 can include a base portion 112 having an overhanging lip 114 defining a pivot groove 116. The supporting profile 102 can also include a flange portion 118 projecting generally away from the base portion 112 and spaced apart from the overhanging lip 114. The flange portion 118 can have one of a catch or stop 120 near or along an outer edge of the flange portion 118. The catch or stop 120 is shown in FIG. 2A as a catch protrusion. The base portion 112 and the flange portion 118 define a nook 122. The supporting profile 102 can also include a groove 124 adapted to receive in snap fit a flange of an insulation supporting profile (not shown) that may be included to support courses of insulation provided along the interior of the cladding once the cladding has been installed. [0060] The supporting profile 102 can have a generally uniform cross- section in a longitudinal direction. The supporting profile 102 can be extruded aluminum, for example. The supporting profile 102 is shown as being generally symmetrical for ease of installation.

[0061] An alternative embodiment of the supporting profile 102a is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The supporting profiles 102 and 102a are

generally the same except for different dimensions. The choice of which one to use will depend on the type of panel of selected cladding 104 to be secured to the building structure. The supporting profile 102a can include a base portion 112a having an overhanging lip 114a defining a pivot groove 116a. The supporting profile 102a can also include a flange portion 118a projecting generally away from the base portion 112a and spaced apart from the overhanging lip 114a. The flange portion 118a can have one of a catch or stop 120a near or along an outer edge of the flange portion 118a. The catch or stop 120a is shown in FIG. 3A as a catch protrusion. The base portion 112a and the flange portion 118a define a nook 122a. The supporting profile 102a can also include a groove 124a adapted to receive in snap fit a flange of an insulation supporting profile (not shown) that may be included to support courses of insulation provided along the interior of the cladding once the cladding has been installed. [0062] Another supporting profile in the form of a clip member 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The clip member 100 can include a body portion 126. The clip member 100 can include a first supporting element 128, which can be generally channel-shaped, for receiving first or lower edges (if the panels are installed vertically) of panels 104. The clip member 100 can also include a second supporting element 130, which also can be generally channel-shaped, for receiving second or upper edges (again, if the panels are installed vertically) of the selected cladding 104.

[0063] The clip member 100 can include a pivot arm 132 projecting generally away rearwardly from the body portion 126 and the first or second supporting elements 128,130. The pivot arm 132 includes a distal end 134, the distal end generally spaced apart from the first or second supporting elements 128,130. The clip member 100 can also include one of a catch or stop 136 disposed on the lower side of the body portion 126 between the second supporting element 130 and the pivot arm 132. The catch or stop 136

is shown in FIG. 4A as a catch groove, the catch groove being complementary to the catch protrusion 120 of the supporting profile 102.

[0064] The first supporting element 128 is disposed on a first or upper side of the body portion 126, and is defined by a first or upper front retaining member 138 and a first or upper rear retaining member 140. The second supporting element 130 is disposed on a second or lower side of the body portion 126, and is similarly defined by a second or lower front retaining member 142 and a lower rear retaining member 144.

[0065] The terms upper, lower, top, bottom, front, rear, etc., are used in this disclosure for the sake of clarity and relate to the position of the clip members 100 when in an installed orientation in accordance with the specific examples illustrated. In particular, the term front refers to a direction generally away from the surface of the structure being cladded, while the term rear refers to a direction generally toward the surface of the structure being cladded. Applicant's teachings are not intended to be limited to particular orientations of the clip members 100, the supporting profiles 102 and/or the panels 104, and that various orientations are possible within applicant's teachings.

[0066] The upper and lower front retaining members 138,142 include engaging surfaces 146,148, respectively, for engaging front surfaces of the panels 104 once installed (as shown in FIG. 7F, for example). Alternatively, the engaging surfaces 146,148 engage a groove provided on edges of the panels 104 once installed (as shown in FIG. 8F, for example). The engaging surfaces 146,148 can be parallel and within the same plane so that the front surfaces of the panels 104 lie within the same plane once installed.

[0067] The upper and lower rear retaining members 140,144 comprise arm portions having distal ends 150,152, respectively, for engaging rear surfaces of the panels 104 once installed (as shown in FIG. 7F, for example). The arm portions of the upper and lower rear retaining members 140,144 are

angled generally toward the upper and lower front retaining members 138,142, respectively, to engage the panels 104 once installed and hold or bias the panels 104 against the engaging surfaces 146,148 of the front retaining members 138,142. The distal ends 150,152 can be generally rounded to allow it to ride along the rear surface of the panels 104. The clip members 100 are adapted to be anchored or locked to the supporting profiles 102, as will hereinafter be explained.

[0068] A modified clip member 100a is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Modified clip member 100a is similar to clip member 100, except it is adapted to only receive and retain a panel 104 from one direction, as it lacks the lower front and rear retaining members 142,144 of clip 100.

[0069] Although not shown, a similar modified clip member is possible being adapted to only receive and retain a panel 104 from another direction (lacking the upper front and rear retaining members 138,140). [0070] FIGS. 6A-6D show the anchoring or locking of a clip member

100 with a supporting profile 102. In particular, and having regard to FIGS. 2 and 4 (or 3 and 5), the distal end 134 of the pivot arm 132 of the clip member 100 is configured to engage the pivot groove 116 of the supporting profile 102 to form a pivot. The catch or stop 136 of the clip member 100 is complementary to the catch or stop 120 of the supporting profile 102. When the clip member 100 pivots in relation to the supporting profile 102, the catch or stop 136 of the clip member 100 engages the catch or stop 120 of the supporting profile 102 in a detent arrangement to lock the clip member 100 generally between the pivot groove 116 and the catch or stop 120 of the supporting profile 102. In other words, complementary catch and stop 120, 136 engage in a snap fit manner so that the clip member 100 nests within the nook 122 of supporting profile 102.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6C for example, the distal end 134 of the pivot arm 132 of the clip member 100 and the pivot groove 116 of the supporting

profile 102 can include complementary hook portions for anchoring the distal end 134 to the pivot groove 116.

[0072] It should be understood that the term pivot does not necessarily refer to a pivot motion about a fixed axis, and that some translational movement may be possible as the clip member pivots until the catch or stops 120,136 engage.

[0073] To begin installing cladding to a structure, the second supporting profile 102 can be connected to the structure, directly or indirectly, marking the bottom of a first course of cladding. The clip members 100 can then be spaced along the supporting profiles 102 at regular intervals and, for example, at a distance generally equal to the width of the panels 104 to be installed.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7I, and having regard to FIGS. 2A and 3A, a method of securing panels 104 to the building structure is shown. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the clip member 100 (or 100a for the lowest course) presents first supporting elements 128 to receive lower edges

154 of the panels 104. In particular, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 3A, in a plane parallel with the engaging surface 146 of the upper front retaining member 138, the distal end 150 of the upper rear retaining member 140 extends a greater distance from the upper side of the body portion 126 than a distal end of the upper front retaining member 138. Because of this, and because the upper rear retaining member 140 is angled toward the upper front retaining member 138, the first supporting elements 128 of the clip member 100 are configured to receive the panels 104 when the selected cladding is in an angled installing position (e.g., FIG. 7B) and retain the selected cladding when the selected cladding is in a retained position generally parallel with the exterior surface 106 of the structure 108 (e.g., FIG. 7F).

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7C ₁ once the bottom edge 154 of the panels

104 is received by the first supporting elements 128 of the clip member of a

given course, another clip member 100 is provided for anchoring with the supporting profile 102 of a subsequent course. The clip member 100 of the subsequent course presents a second supporting element 130 configured to receive the upper edges 156 of the panels 104. [0076] In particular, the clip member 100 (or 100a for the lowermost course) is fixed to the supporting profiles 102 of a given course, as previously described, and then the lower edges 154 of the panels 104 is retained within the first supporting elements 128. The panels 104 is then guided so that its upper edge 156 contacts the second support element 130 to be retained by the supporting profile 102 of a subsequent course. The selected cladding is then pressed and this action causes the clip member 100 of the subsequent course to engage the nook 122 of the supporting profile 102 of that course, as previously described. During this step, as shown in FIG. 7E, the arm portion of the lower rear retaining member 144 of clip member 100 of the subsequent course may deflect to allow clearance of the upper edge 156 of the panels 104 past the lower front retaining member 142. As shown in FIG. 7F, once the clip member 100 is anchored to the supporting profile 102 of the subsequent course, a gap can be provided between the body portion 126 and the upper edge 156 of the panels 104 to allow for thermal expansion. In other words, whereas the bottom edge 154 of the panels can engage the upper side of the body portion 126 once installed, there can be a gap provided between the top edge 154 of the panels 104 and the lower side of the body portion 126 (see FIG. 1 ).

[0077] The panel 104 is not necessarily free to move, however, as it is possible that, in addition to holding the panels 104 against the engaging surfaces 146,148 of the front retaining members 138,142, both the upper and lower rear retaining members 140,144 act as biasing agents urging the panel

104 against the engaging surfaces 146,148 with some force. Also, the upper and lower rear retaining members 140,144 may be able to deflect to allow variance in the thickness of the panels 104. This ensures that, even with

varying thicknesses, the outer surfaces of the panels 104 will remain flush, which is advantageous for aesthetic reasons. For this reason, at least the arm portions of the rear retaining members 140,144 can be formed of a resilient material, for example but not limited to a metallic material. [0078] Accordingly: (i) each of the panels 104 can be secured between two successive courses of the supporting profiles 102, and the process can be repeated for another course (FIGS. 7G-7I) until the desired number of courses of selected cladding has been installed on the building structure; and (ii) a plurality of the panels 104 can be secured to clad along a desired length of each of the supporting profiles 102 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 104 have been applied to the outside of the structure, as described, insulating materials and/or internal wall structures, etc., can be applied to the interior of the cladding structure.

[0079] An alternative embodiment of the selected cladding is shown in

FIGS. 8A-8I. For ease of reference, like elements retain the same reference characters as previously assigned. In this case, the panels 104a include grooves 158 provided at least on the top and bottom edges 156a, 154a. The engaging surfaces 146,148 of the upper and lower retaining members 138,142 engage the front surfaces of the grooves 158. The method of installing panels 104a is generally the same as that described above in reference to FIGS. 7A-7B. In this manner, once the panels 104a are installed, the clip members 100 may be hidden from view. [0080] The panels 104 may be installed using the clip members 100 and the supporting profiles 102 and therefore additional tools may not be required. Also, the clip members 100 and the supporting profiles 102 can have a generally uniform cross-section and therefore may be manufactured by an extrusion technique. Other aspects of the applicant's teachings may be

further understood in light of the following, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present teachings in any way.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 9, an example is provided for affixing the supporting profiles 102 to the exterior of a structure. A base profile 200 is disclosed fixed to a skeletal structure 202, such as, for example, but not limited to, a building. The skeletal building structure generally comprises a plurality of vertically spaced floor slabs 204, or at least a floor slab and a similar structure to form the ceiling/roof of the building. For the various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the base profiles 200 are secured to the floor slabs 204, as illustrated in FIG. 9. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the base profiles 200 can extend vertically to span at least two of the vertically spaced floor slabs 204.

[0082] Further, for various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the base profiles 200 present flanges 206 facing outwardly from the floor slabs 204 and the building structure 202. The flanges 206 are adapted to retain the supporting profiles 102. For instance, the supporting profiles 102 can be fixed to the flanges 206 of the base profiles 200 by, for example, but not limited to, rivets, bolts, screws or adhesive.

[0083] Moreover, in accordance with applicant's teachings, the base profiles 200 comprise a first base profile 208 that is secured to the floor slab 204, and a second base profile 210 that is secured to the first base profile 208. For various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the second base profile 210 presents the outwardly facing flanges 206.

[0084] In accordance with various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the base profiles 200 are secured to structure 202 as follows. First, referring to FIG. 10, anchor bolts 212 are secured within matching holes in floor slabs 204. Applicant is not intended to be limited to anchor bolts 212 however, and other suitable mechanical fixings are contemplated by applicant's teachings. Once the anchor bolts 212 are in place, and in

accordance with some embodiments of applicant's teachings, a thermal break 214 can be positioned. The thermal break 214 can be of, for example but not limited to, an insulating polyester material in sheet form. As shown in FIG. 11 , the first base profile 208 is fixed to the anchor bolts 212 (by nuts 216 for the various embodiments illustrated, but not limited to this structure) so that the thermal break 214 is between the first base profile 208 and the floor slab 204. The first base profile 208 is provided with openings 218 in a first member 32 that are arranged to generally align with the anchor bolts 212.

[0085] The above process can be repeated so that the first base profiles 208 are secured to the floor slabs 204 to create a vertical line between respective first base profiles 208 on successive floor slabs 204, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0086] After first base profiles 208 have been fixed to the floor slabs

204, for some embodiments of applicant's teachings, a second thermal break in the form of a cartridge 222 can be inserted into a slot provided between generally opposed panels 224 and 226 of a second member 228 of the first base profile 208, as best illustrated having regard to FIG. 13. The second thermal break 222 can be, for example, but not limited to, of a plastic or polyester construction. [0087] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the second base profile 210 slides between the generally opposed panels 224 and 226 of the first base profile 208, and, more particularly for some embodiments of applicant's teachings where the cartridge 222 is provided, the second base profile 210 presents a web 230 that can be fitted in sliding fit within a matching slot provided within the cartridge 222. The second profile 210 can be fixed in place by suitable nuts and bolts so that the flanges 206 face outwardly from floor slabs 204 (and consequently structure 202). It can be appreciated that for some embodiments of applicant's teachings, the cartridge 222 can first be slid onto web 230 of the second profile 210, and then the cartridge 222 and the second

base profile 210 combination can be slid between the generally opposed panels 224 and 226 of the first base profile 208.

[0088] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, for various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the second base profiles 210 can be secured to the first base profiles 208 to extend vertically along aligned first base profiles 208 to span at least two of the vertically spaced floor slabs 14. Moreover, for some embodiments of applicant's teachings, the first base profiles 208 can receive two of the second base profiles 210: one extending upwardly from the first base profile 208 to the floor slabs above, and a second extending downwardly from the first base profile 208 to the floor slabs therebelow. The steps of fixing the first and second base profiles 208,210 as described are repeated until a skeletal building structure that requires cladding is covered: this process basically creates the vertical structure that the supporting profiles 102 are fixed to. [0089] In accordance with various embodiments of applicant's teachings, supporting profiles, such as, for example, but not limited to, the supporting profiles 102 illustrated in FIG. 2, are fixed to the base profiles 200, and, for the embodiments illustrated, the flanges 206 of the second base profiles 210. The supporting profiles 102 can be secured to the flanges 206 by, for example, but not limited to, rivets, bolts, or screws. The supporting profiles 102 are arranged to present a plurality of spaced courses as shown in FIG. 16. Moreover, as was previously explained having regard to the various examples of applicant's teachings, a plurality of clip members 100 can be provided to be anchored to the supporting profiles 102 of each course to retain the panels 104 (FIG. 17). The process can be repeated until the desired number of courses of selected cladding has been installed on the building structure (FIG. 18).

[0090] Additional steps may be taken in order to, for example, install insulation or to construct a desired internal wall, etc.

[0091] 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.