Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING CLADDING TO
STRUCTURES
PRIORITY
[00011 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 method of installing cladding to a structure is disclosed, the
method comprising: securing base profiles to the structure; securing
supporting profiles to the base profiles, the supporting profiles arranged to
present a plurality of spaced courses, and with each course of supporting
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profiles presenting supporting elements adapted to receive a selected
cladding; and securing the selected cladding to the supporting elements, so
that the selected cladding extends between successive courses of supporting
profiles.
[0005] The structure can be a skeletal building structure comprising a
plurality of vertically spaced floor slabs. The base profiles can be secured
to
the floor slabs. The base profiles can extend vertically to span at least two
of
the vertically spaced floor slabs.
[0006] The method can further comprise providing a thermal break
between the base profiles and the structure.
[0007] The base profiles can present flanges facing outwardly from the
structure. The supporting profiles can be secured to the flanges.
[0008] The base profiles can comprise a first base profile that is
secured to the floor slab, and a second base profile that is secured to the
first
base profile. The second base profile can present the outwardly facing
flanges. The second base profiles can extend vertically to span at least two
of
the vertically spaced floor slabs.
[0008] The method can further comprise providing a thermal break
between the first base profile and the second base profile.
[0010] The selected cladding can have upper and lower edges parallel
to one another. The upper and lower edges can be flanged.
[0011] The supporting profiles can comprise first supporting profiles
having supporting elements and second supporting profiles having supporting
elements. The supporting elements of the first supporting profiles can be
fixed to the lower edges of the selected cladding, and the supporting elements
of the second supporting profiles can be fixed to the upper edges of the
selected cladding.
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[0012] The first supporting profiles with selected cladding can be fixed
to the base profiles to form a course that presents the second supporting
profiles along the upper edges of the course of selected cladding. The first
supporting profiles along the lower edges of a subsequent course of selected
cladding can be fixed to the second supporting profiles along the upper edges
of the previous course of selected cladding so that a subsequent course of
selected cladding is formed. The first and second supporting profiles when
joined together can be fixed to the base profiles. The process can be
repeated until the desired number of courses of selected cladding has been
installed on the structure. The first and second supporting profiles can be
fixed to one another through a sliding fit_
[0013] The supporting profiles can comprise at least first supporting
profiles, the first supporting profiles adapted to be fixed to the base
profiles to
form the plurality of spaced courses. The supporting profiles can further
comprise second supporting profiles which are adapted to be fixed to the first
supporting profiles, the second supporting profiles presenting supporting
elements to receive the selected cladding, The second supporting profiles
can present first supporting elements to receive lower edges of the selected
cladding, and second supporting elements to receive upper edges of the
selected cladding. The second supporting profiles can be fixed to the first
supporting profiles of a given course, the lower edges of the selected
cladding
being retained within the first supporting elements of the second supporting
profiles of the given course, and the upper edges of the selected cladding
being retained in the second supporting elements of the second supporting
profiles of a subsequent course so that the selected cladding is secured
between two successive courses of the first supporting profiles. The process
can be repeated until the desired number of courses of selected cladding has
been installed on the structure. The second supporting profiles can be fixed
to the lowermost course of the first supporting profiles present only the
first
supporting elements to receive lower edges of the selected cladding. The
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second supporting profiles can be fixed to the first supporting profiles by a
snap fit. The supporting elements of the second supporting elements can be
fixed to one face of the selected cladding, The second supporting profiles can
be arranged on the one face of the selected cladding so as to match the
spacing between two successive courses of the first supporting profiles.
[0014] Each floor slab can be provided with a course of supporting
profiles. The supporting elements can be generally horizontal flanges
presented by the supporting profiles and adapted to receive mortar and a
layer of masonry, so that layers of mortar and masonry are laid between
successive courses of supporting profiles. Further supporting profiles can be
provided just below a course of supporting profiles of a successive floor
slab,
the further supporting profiles presenting generally horizontal flanges to
receive the topmost layer of masonry from the just below course. Further
supporting profiles can be vertically spaced between the successive courses
of supporting profiles corresponding to each floor slab.
[0015] An insulation supporting profile can be fixed to the supporting
profiles so that said insulation supporting profiles present surfaces adapted
to
receive insulating material. The insulation supporting profile can be fixed to
the supporting profile by a snap fit_ The insulation supporting profiles can
be
provided with insulation retaining members. The Insulation retaining members
can be spikes adapted to pierce and retain layers of insulating material, The
insulation retaining members can be fixed to the insulation supporting
profiles
by a snap fit. A retaining ring can be provided adapted to slide over the
spike
and fix the insulating material in place.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] 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.
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[0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of base profiles secured to a
structure;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a first base profile;
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of a second base profile;
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of bolts being secured to a
floor slab;
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a thermal break;
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a first base profile being
secured to a floor slab;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of first base profiles secured on
successive floor slabs;
[0024] FIG. BA is a perspective view of a second base profile secured
to a first base profile;
[0025] FIG. 8B is a partial cutaway view of the first and second base
profiles shown in FIG. 8A;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two second base profiles
secured to a first base profile;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of supporting profiles secured to
base profiles;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of panels secured to a structure;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of panels secured to base profiles;
[0030] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C show a sequence of sectional views of
panels being engaged;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective sectional view of adjacent panels that
are engaged;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an insulation supporting profile;
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[0033] FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C show a sequence of sectional views of
an insulation supporting profile being engaged within a slot;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of insulating material being
installed;
[0035] FIGS. 18A, 188, 18C and 1 BD show a sequence of side views
of a insulation retaining member being secured to an insulation supporting
profile;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of insulating material retained by
insulation retaining members;
[0037] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a wall built internally of
insulating material;
[0038] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of panels of cladding being
installed on supporting profiles;
[0039] FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a first supporting profile;
[0040] FIGS. 23A and 23B are sectional and perspective views of a
second supporting profile, respectively;
[0041] FIGS. 24A and 24B are sectional and perspective views of a
modified second supporting profile, respectively;
[0042] FIGS. 25A, 25B and 25C show a sequence,of sectional views of
a second supporting profile being secured to a first supporting profile;
[0043] FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C and -25D show a sequence of sectional
views of a panel of cladding being secured generally between two first
supporting profiles by two second supporting profiles;
[0044] FIG. 27A Is a rear perspective view of tiles secured to first
supporting profiles by second supporting profiles;
[0045] FIGS. 27B and 27C are sectional and front elevational views of
a second supporting profile, respectively;
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[0046] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of bricks secured to a structure;
[0047] FIGS. 29, 30A and 30B are sectional views of supporting
profiles;
[00481 FIG. 31 is a perspective view of bricks secured to a structure by
supporting profiles; and
[0049] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of bricks secured to a structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(0050] Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to
provide an example of embodiment of each claimed invention. No
embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed
invention may cover apparatuses or methods that are not described below.
The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or methods having all of
the features of any one apparatus or method described below or to features
common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible
that an apparatus or method described below is not an embodiment of any
claimed invention. The applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) reserve all
rights in any invention disclosed in an apparatus or method described below
that is not claimed in this document and do not abandon, disclaim or dedicate
to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
(0051) Applicant's teachings relate to a method and apparatus to install
cladding to structures, such as, for example, a building. In particular,
applicant provides a series of profiles that allow selected cladding to be
fixed
to exteriors of structures, such as, for example, buildings, and the profiles
allow for the fixing of the cladding to the structure from either inside the
structure, or outside the structure, as will hereinafter be explained.
[0052] In accordance with various embodiments of applicant's
teachings, the profiles are generally of two categories, namely base profiles,
which are fixed to the structure, and supporting profiles, which are fixed to
the
base profiles and which support the cladding. It can be appreciated, however,
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that applicant's teachings are not intended to be limited to only two
profiles,
and that other profiles are possible within applicant's teachings.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, a base profile 10 is disclosed fixed to a
skeletal structure 12, such as, for example, but not limited to, a building.
The
skeletal building structure 12 generally comprises a plurality of vertically
spaced floor slabs 14, 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 10 are secured to the floor slabs 14, as
illustrated
in FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the base profiles 10 extend vertically to
span at least two of the vertically spaced floor slabs 14.
[0054] Further, for various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the
base profiles 10 present flanges 18 facing outwardly from the floor slabs 14
and the building structure 12. The flanges 16 are adapted to retain the
supporting profiles, as will hereinafter be explained.
[0055] Moreover, in accordance with applicant's teachings, the base
profiles 10 comprise a first base profile 18 (see FIG. 2) that Is secured to
the
floor slab 14, and a second base profile 20 (see FIG. 3) that is secured to
the
first base profile 18. For various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the
second base profile 20 presents the outwardly facing flanges 16.
[0056] In accordance with various embodiments of applicant's
teachings, the base profiles 10 are secured to structure 12 as follows. First,
referring to FIG. 4, anchor bolts 22 are secured within matching holes 24 in
floor slabs 14. Applicant is not intended to be limited to anchor bolts 22
however, and other suitable mechanical fixings are contemplated by
applicant's teachings. Once the anchor bolts 22 are in place, and in
accordance with some embodiments of applicant's teachings, a thermal break
26 can be positioned, as Illustrated in FIG. 5. The thermal break 26 can be
of,
for example, but not limited to, an insulating polyester material in sheet
form.
As shown in FIG. 6, the first base profile 18 is fixed to the anchor bolts 22
(by
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nuts 28 for the various embodiments illustrated, but not limited to this
structure) so that the thermal break 26 is between the first base profile 16
and
the floor slab 14. The first profile 18 Is provided with openings 30 in a
first
member 32 that are arranged to generally align with the anchor bolts 22.
[0057] The above process is repeated so that the first base profiles 18
are secured to the floor slabs 14 to create a vertical line between respective
first profiles 18 on successive floor slabs 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
7.
[0058] After a first base profile 18 has been fixed to the floor slab 14,
for some embodiments of applicant's teachings, a second thermal break in the
form of a cartridge 34 can be inserted into a slot 36 provided between
generally opposed panels 38a and 38b of a second member 40 of first base
profile 18, as best illustrated having regard to FIGS. 8A, 88 and 2. The
second thermal break 34 can be, for example, but not limited to, of a plastic
or
polyester construction.
[0059] As illustrated In FIGS. 8A, 86 and 9, and having regard to FIG.
3, the second base profile 20 slides into the slot 36 provided in the first
base
profile 18, and, more particularly for some embodiments of applicant's
teachings where the cartridge 34 is provided, the second base profile 20
presents a web 42 that can be fitted in sliding fit within a matching slot 44
provided within cartridge 34. The cartridge 34 can include spacer members
45 located within the slot 44 for spacing apart adjacent ends of two second
be profiles 20 (see FIG. 89).
[0060] In particular, the second profile 20 is fixed in place by suitable
nuts and bolts 46 as illustrated in FIG. 9 so that the flanges 16 face
outwardly
from floor slabs 14 (and consequently structure 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 9). For some embodiments of applicant's teachings, the cartridge 34 can
first be slid onto web 42 of the second profile 20, and then the assembled
cartridge/second profile combination slid into the slot 36 provided in the
first
profile 18.
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[0061] For various embodiments of applicants teachings, and as can
be seen in FIGS. 1 and 9, the second base profiles 20 extend vertically along
the aligned first base profiles 18 to span at least two of the vertically
spaced
floor slabs 14. Moreover, for some embodiments of applicant's teachings, the
first base profiles 18 can receive two of the second base profiles 20: one 48
extending upwardly from the first base profile 18 to the floor slabs above,
and
a second 50 extending downwardly from the first base profile 18 to the floor
slabs therebelow.
[0062] The steps of fixing the first and second profiles 18,20 as
described are repeated until the skeletal building structure 12 that requires
cladding is covered: this process basically creates the vertical structure
that
the supporting profiles are fixed to, as will hereinafter be explained.
[0063] In accordance with various embodiments of applicant's
teachings, supporting profiles 52, such as, for example, but not limited to,
those illustrated in FIG. 10 are fixed to the base profiles 10, and, for the
embodiments illustrated, the flanges 16 of the second base profiles 20. The
supporting profiles 52 are arranged to present a plurality of spaced courses
54. Moreover, and as will hereinafter be explained having regard to the
various examples of applicant's teachings, each course 54 of supporting
profiles 52 present supporting elements 56 adapted to receive a selected
cladding. The supporting elements 56 vary depending on the selected
cladding.
[0064] Aspects of the applicant's teachings having regard to the
supporting profiles 52 may be further understood In light of the following
examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present
teachings in any way.
EXAMPLE 1
[0065] In a first example of applicant's teachings, the cladding is in the
form of metal panels 58 as illustrated in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, the
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metal panels 58 have upper edges 60 and lower edges 62. For some
embodiments of applicants teachings, the upper edges 60 and lower edges
62 are parallel to one another. Moreover, in accordance with some
embodiments of applicant's teachings, the upper and lower edges 60,62 are
flanged.
[0066] Having regard to FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C, the supporting
profiles 52 comprise first supporting profiles 64 having supporting elements
66, and second supporting profiles 68 having supporting elements 70.
Moreover, second supporting profile 68 is provided with a slot 72 of a size
and
shape that is adapted to receive in sliding fit or friction fit a web 74 of
the first
supporting profile. Further, the supporting elements 66 of the first
supporting
profiles 64 are adapted to be fixed to the lower edges 62 of the selected
cladding 58, and the supporting elements 70 of the second supporting profiles
68 are adapted to be fixed to the upper edges 60 of the selected cladding 58,
as will hereinafter be explained.
[0067] In accordance with the method of this example, the first
supporting profile 64 is secured to the top flange 60 of the cladding 58, and
a
second supporting profile 68 is secured to the bottom flange 62 of the
cladding 58. The second supporting profile 68 can be shorter than the bottom
flange 62 and fixed generally symmetrically to a center of the flange to
provide
room on either side of the second supporting profile 68 for securing the first
supporting profile 64 to flanges 16 when installing the cladding to the
structure
14 (see FIG. 12). In general, first and second supporting profiles are secured
to the flanges 60,62 of the cladding 58 by, for example, but not limited to,
adhesive, rivets, bolts, or screws.
[0068] FIG. 14 illustrates for purposes of some embodiments of
applicant's teachings the first supporting profile 64 received within the
second
supporting profile 68 as described to form a single supporting structure for
the
cladding 58, as will hereinafter be explained.
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[0069] Having regard to FIGS. 12, 13A, 13B, 13C and 14, and in
accordance with this example of some of the embodiments of applicants
teachings, the first supporting profile 64 can be fixed to the flanges 16 to
form
a course 76. Course 76 can form the base course of the cladding 58. The
second profile 68 may be horizontally leveled before being fixed (by, for
example, but not limited to adhesive, rivets, bolts, or screws, as shown by
way of example at 78 in FIG. 12). A subsequent course 80 of cladding 58 is
fixed to the below course 76 as follows. The second supporting profiles 68
along the lower edges 62 of subsequent course 80 of selected cladding is
fixed to the first supporting profiles 64 along the upper edges 60 of the
below
or previous course 76 by inserting the webs 74 of the first supporting
profiles
64 within the slots 72 of the second supporting profiles 68 as previously
described. The assembled first and second supporting profiles 64,68 when
joined together (as shown in FIG. 13C and 14) are fixed to the base profiles,
and in particular to the flanges 16 of the second base profile 20 (see FIG.
12).
[0070] The process may be repeated until the desired number of
courses of selected cladding 58 has been installed on the building structure.
[0071] Once the cladding 58 has been applied to the outside of the
building, as described, insulating material can then be applied to the inside
of
the building structure as follows. An insulation supporting profile 82, as
shown in FIG. 15, is fixed to the supporting profiles 64 so that the
insulation
supporting profiles 82 present surfaces 84 adapted to receive insulating
material 94, as best shown in FIG, 17, Insulating material 94 Is mounted on
the various surfaces 84 of insulation supporting profiles 82 to form a first
layer
of insulation. For the embodiment as illustrated, the thickness of the
insulating material 94 corresponds to the extent of the surface 84 provided by
the insulation supporting profiles 82.
[0072] The insulation supporting profile 82 is adapted to be fixed to the
supporting profile 64 by a snap fit. In particular, for the various
embodiments
of applicant's teachings, the first supporting profile 64 is provided with a
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groove 86 adapted to receive a flange 88 of insulation supporting profile 82.
For the embodiments illustrated, flange 88 includes a catch 90 adapted to
abut a matching surface 92, as best illustrated in FIGS. 16A, 168 and 16C, to
effect the snap fit.
[0073] Once the first layer of insulation is in place, in accordance with
some embodiments of applicant's teachings, Insulation retaining members 96
are provided, generally in snap fit arrangement on Insulation supporting
profiles 82, as best shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D. In particular, for
the various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the insulation supporting
profile 82 is provided with a groove 98 (see FIG. 15) adapted to receive a
flange 100 of insulating retaining members 96. For the embodiments
illustrated, flange 100 includes a catch 102 adapted to fit within groove 98,
as
best illustrated in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D, to effect the snap fit,
[0074] For the various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the
insulation retaining members 96 are spikes adapted to pierce and retain
additional layers of insulating material 104, as best shown in FIG. 19, As
many additional layers of insulating material are laid, as desired, and as
will fit
on the insulation retaining members 96. Once all the insulating layers are in
place a retaining ring 106 is provided to slide over the spike 96 and fix the
insulating material 104 in place. The retaining members 96 can include
barbed or serrated edges that are received by the retaining rings 106 and
prevent the retaining rings 106 from being separated from the retaining
members 96.
[0075] The final step in the example would be to construct a desired
internal wall 108, as illustrated in FIG. 20.
EXAMPLE 1A
[0076] Example 1 described a method wherein the cladding is metal
panels and the installation proceeded from the outside of the building
structure to the inside. A further method for metal panel cladding can be
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realized by following a similar installation method but proceeding generally
one course at a time, so that the method can be generally performed from
inside the building structure.
[0077] For this method, base profiles are fixed to the outside of the
building structure 14 as described in Example 1. Similarly, the first
supporting
profiles 64 are fixed to the upper edges 60 of the metal panels 58, and the
second supporting profiles 66 are fixed to the lower edges 62 of the metal
panels. Each first supporting profile 64 of each course of the cladding 58 Is
fixed in place to the base profiles. Insulating material may be installed
before
moving on to the next course.
EXAMPLE 2
[0078] In accordance with various embodiments of applicant's
teachings, a further example (see FIG. 21) is provided suitable for use with
cladding in the form of panels or tiles 110, such as, 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.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 21, the supporting profiles comprise at least
first supporting profiles 112 that are adapted to be fixed to base profiles to
form the plurality of spaced courses. similar to as described above. For this
example, however, the vertical spacing of the courses of first supporting
profiles 112 would be generally equal to the size of the selected tile 110,
plus
a desired gap size between adjacent tiles (as at 114 in FIG. 21). The gap 114
can be provided as an aid to securing the tiles and to allow for thermal
expansion. The first supporting profiles 112 are fixed to the flanges 16 of
the
second base profile 20 by, for example, but not limited to, adhesive, rivets,
bolts or screws.
[0080] The first supporting profile 112 for the various embodiments of
applicant's teachings for this example is shown in FIG. 22. First supporting
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profile 112 includes a groove 86 and catch 92 adapted to receive in snap fit
the flange 88 of insulation supporting profiles 82, similar to as described
above for Example I and having regard to FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C.
[0081]. A second supporting profile 116 is illustrated in FIGS. 23A and
23B. A modified second supporting profile 116a is shown in FIG. 24A and
24B. Modified second supporting profile 11 6a is similar to profile 116,
except
is adapted to only receive a tile 110 from one direction, as will hereinafter
become apparent. The second supporting profiles 116 and 116a are adapted
to be fixed to the first supporting profiles 112.
[0082] In particular, and as best shown in FIGS. 25A, 25B and 25C,
second supporting profile 116 has a first arm 118 having a hooked end 120.
Hooked end 120 is adapted to catch and anchor within a matching groove 122
in first supporting profile 112 to form a pivot as at 124. The second
supporting
profile 116 can then the pivoted about pivot 124 so that a groove 126 provided
in its body contacts a catch 128 provided by first supporting profile 112.
Further pushing of second supporting profile about pivot 124 causes catch
128 to snap fit within groove 128 so that second supporting profile 116 nests
within the nook 130 of the first supporting profile 112. The second supporting
profiles 116 are spaced along the first supporting profiles 112 a distance
generally equal to the width of the tiles 110 to be installed. The second
supporting profile 116a is provided along the very bottom course.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 26A, 266, 26C and 26D, and having regard
to FIGS. 22, 23 and 24, the method of securing tiles 110 to the building
structure is shown. In particular, the second supporting profiles 116 (or 11
6a
for the lowest course) present first supporting elements 132 to receive lower
edges 134 of the tile 110. Second supporting profile 116 (not 116a), also
presents, for some embodiments of applicant's teachings, a second
supporting element 136 adapted to receive the upper edges 138 of the tile
110.
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[0084] In particular, the second supporting profiles 116 (or 11 6a for the
lowermost course) is fixed to the first supporting profiles 112 of a given
course, as previously described), and then the lower edges 134 of the tile 110
is retained within the first supporting elements 132. The tile 110 is then
guided into a channel so that its upper edge 138 contacts the second support
element 136 to be retained by a second supporting profile 116 of a
subsequent course. The tile 110 is then pressed and this action causes the
second supporting profile 116 of the subsequent course to engage the nook
130 of the first supporting profile 112 of that course, as previously
described.
Accordingly, the tile 110 is secured between two successive courses of the
first supporting profiles 112, and the process is repeated until the desired
number of courses of selected tiles 11 0 has been installed on the building
structure.
[0085] Once the tiles 110 have been applied to the outside of the
building, as described, the insulating material can then be applied to the
inside of the building structure as described above for Example 1.
EXAMPLE 2a
[0086] Example 2 described a method wherein the cladding is 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., and the installation proceeded from the outside
of
the building structure to the inside. A further method for tile cladding can
be
realized by following a similar installation method but proceeding generally
one course at a time, so that the method can be generally performed from
inside the building structure.
[0087] For this method, base profiles are fixed to the outside of the
building structure as described In Example 1. Similarly, the first supporting
profiles 112 are adapted to be fixed to the base profiles to form the
plurality of
spaced courses, similar to as described above. For this example, however,
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the vertical spacing of the courses of first supporting profiles 112 would be
generally equal to the size of the selected tile 110, plus a desired gap size
between adjacent tiles (as at 114 in FIG. 21),
[0088] In this example, each course of the tiles 110 is fixed in place,
followed by securing the appropriate insulation supporting profiles to that
course and completing the insulation, before moving on to the next course.
EXAMPLE 3
[0089] In accordance with various embodiments of applicant's
teachings, a further example is provided suitable for use with cladding in the
form of panels or tiles, such as, 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., as
illustrated in FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C.
[0090] Similar to Example 2, and referring to FIGS. 22, 27A, 27B and
27C, the supporting profiles comprise at least first supporting profiles 112
that
are adapted to be fixed to base profiles to form the plurality of spaced
courses, similar to as described above. The first supporting profiles 112 are
fixed to the flanges 16 of the second base profile 20 by, for example, but not
limited to, adhesive, rivets, bolts or screws.
[0091] The first supporting profiles 112 for the various embodiments of
applicant's teachings for this example are shown in FIGS. 22, 27A, 27B and
27C. First supporting profiles 112 also include a groove 86 and catch 92
adapted to receive in snap fit the flange 88 of insulation supporting profiles
82,
similar to as described above for Example 1 and having regard to FIGS. 16A,
168 and 16C.
[0092] For this example, a second supporting profile 140 is illustrated in
FIGS. 278 and 27C. The second supporting profiles 140 are adapted to be
fixed to the first supporting profiles 112, as will hereinafter be explained.
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[0093] In particular, as seen in FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C, second
supporting profile 140 has a hook 142 extending from a base 144. Hook 142
is adapted to catch over end 146 of first supporting profile 112 (see FIGS.
22,
27A, 27B and 27C).
[0094] For this example, the second supporting profiles 140 are fixed to
the reverse side 147 of the tile 149 and fixed in place by, for example, but
not
limited to, adhesive, rivets, bolts, or screws, for example screw-164;--- Once-
in-----
placethe tile 149 with second supporting profile 140 are lifted into place so
that hook 142 catches end 146 of first support elements 112 so that the tile
149 hangs in place. In some embodiments the hook 142 can be fixed to the
end 146 by, for example, but not limited to, adhesive, rivets, bolts, or
screws,
for example screw 166-
[0095] Once the tiles have been applied to the outside of the building,
as described, the insulating material can then be applied to the inside of the
building structure as described above for Example 1.
EXAMPLE 3a
[0096] Example 3 described a method wherein the cladding is 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., and the installation proceeded from the outside
of
the building structure to the inside. A further method for tile cladding can
be
realized by following a similar installation method out proceeding generally
one course at a time, so that the method can be generally performed from
inside the building structure.
[0097] For this method, base profiles are fixed to the outside of the
building structure as described in Example 1. Similarly, the first supporting
profiles 112 are adapted to be fixed to the base profiles to form the
plurality of
spaced courses, similar to as described above.
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[0098] In this example, each course of the tiles 149 is fixed in place,
followed by securing the appropriate insulation supporting profiles to that
course and completing the insulation, before moving on to the next course.
EXAMPLE 4
[0099] In accordance with various embodiments of applicant's
teachings, a further example is provided suitable for use with cladding in the
form of masonry, such as, for example, but not limited to, brick, limestone,
ceramic blocks, cement base blocks, etc., collectively called bricks 148
hereinafter, but understood not to be limiting, and as illustrated in FIG. 28.
[00100] For this example, the supporting profiles 150 and 152, as
illustrated in FIGS_ 29 and 30 present supporting elements in the form of
generally horizontal flanges 154 and 156, respectively, adapted to receive
mortar 158 (see FIG. 31) and a layer of brick 148, so that layers of mortar
158
and brick 148 are laid between successive courses of supporting profiles
150,152. The supporting profiles 152 for the various embodiments of
applicant's teachings for this example are shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B
(labeled 152a and 152b). The differences in cross-section between the two
profiles 152a,152b is for strength and the choice of the one to use would
depend on the type of brick to be secured to the building structure.
[00101] As best illustrated in FIG. 31, the supporting profile 150 is
secured to the flanges 16 of the second base profile 20 so that the bottom of
the horizontal flange 154 is aligned with the bottom 161 of the second base
profile 20. In accordance with various embodiments of applicant's teachings,
there can be one supporting profile 150 fixed to base profiles as described
for
each floor slab 14. Moreover, there can be one supporting profile 150
positioned above each window location.
[00102] As previously mentioned, upon flanges 154 mortar 158 is laid.
followed by brick 148 until a desired height of bricks has been achieved.
Once done, the supporting profile 152 is secured to the base profiles in a
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similar manner to 150 so that flange 156 is positioned to start a next height
of
bricks. Just before a floor slab, the supporting profile 152 is reversed in
orientation so that the flange 156 is at the top to receive the topmost layer
of
masonry from the just below course. The brickwork is then finished, and the
process repeats from the next floor slab 14. This process is continued until a
desired area on the structure is cladded with bricks 148 (see FIG. 32).
[00103] The supporting profiles 150 and 152 also Include a groove 160
and catch 162 adapted to receive in snap fit the flange 88 of insulation
supporting profiles 82, similar to as described above for Example 1 and
having regard to FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C.
[001041 Once the brickwork is complete, as described, the insulating
material can then be applied to the inside of the building structure as
described above for Example 1.
EXAMPLE 4a
[00105] Example 4 described a method wherein the cladding is
masonry, such as, for example, but not limited to, brick, limestone, ceramic
blocks, cement base blocks, etc., and the Installation proceeded from the
outside of the building structure to the inside. A further method for brick
cladding can be realized by following a similar installation method but
proceeding generally one course at a time, so that the method can be
generally performed from inside the building structure.
[00106] For this method, base profiles are fixed to the outside of the
building structure as described in Example 1. Similarly, the supporting
profiles 150 and 152 are fixed to the base profiles to form the plurality of
spaced courses, similar to as described above.
[00107] In this example, each course of the brickwork completed,
followed by securing the appropriate insulation supporting profiles to that
course and completing the insulation, before moving on to the next course.
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[00108] Terms such as upper, lower, top, bottom, front, rear, etc., may
be used in this disclosure for the sake of clarity and relate to the position
of
the various components when in an installed orientation in accordance with
the specific examples illustrated. Applicant's teachings are not intended to
be
limited to particular orientations of the base profiles, supporting profiles,
cladding, etc., and that various orientations are possible within applicant's
teachings.
[00109] 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.
