WO2008101319A1

WO2008101319A1 - Apparatus and method for installing cladding to structures

Info

Publication number: WO2008101319A1
Application number: PCT/CA2008/000289
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dmytro Lysyuk
Original assignee: Dmytro Lysyuk
Priority date: 2007-02-19
Filing date: 2008-02-19
Publication date: 2008-08-28
Also published as: WO2008101320A1; CA2716222A1; WO2008101325A1; CA2716118A1; CA2716113A1

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses to install cladding to a structure, such as a building, are disclosed. Base profiles are secured to a structure, and supporting profiles are secured to the base profiles. The structure can be a skeletal building structure comprising a plurality of vertically spaced floor slabs. The supporting profiles can be arranged to present a plurality of spaced courses, with each course of supporting profiles presenting supporting elements adapted to receive selected cladding. The selected cladding can be secured to the supporting elements so that the selected cladding extends between successive courses of supporting profiles.

Description

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 jeyiifts.

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 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.

[0009] 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. [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 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. [0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of base profiles secured to a structure;

[0018] FlG. 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. 8A is a perspective view of a second base profile secured to a first base profile;

[0025] FlG. 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; [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, 18B₁ 18C and 18D 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;

[003B] FlG. 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; [0046] FlG. 28 is a perspective view of bricks secured to a structure;

[0047] FlGS. 29, 3OA and 30B are sectional views of supporting profiles;

[0048] FlG. 31 is a perspective view of bricks secured to a structure by supporting profiles; and

[0049] FlG. 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 aρplicant(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, 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 16 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 FlQ₁ 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 FIQ. 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 FlG. 6, the first base profile 18 is fixed to the anchor bolts 22 (by πuts 28 for the various embodiments illustrated, but not limited to this structure) so that the thermal break 26 is between the first base profile 18 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 FlGS. 8A₁ 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, 8B and 9, and having regard to FlG.

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 base profiles 20 (see PIG. 8B).

[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. [0061] For various embodiments of applicant's 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 metal panels 58 have upper edges 60 and lower edges 62. For some embodiments of applicant's 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. [0069] Having regard to FIGS. 12, 13A, 13B, 130 and 14, and in accordance with this example of some of the embodiments of applicant's 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 FlG. 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 FlG. 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 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, 16B 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. 18A₁ 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 F(G. 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 18D₁ 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 IA

[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 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 68 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 1 10, 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 1 12 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 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 1 and having regard to FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C.

[0081] A second supporting profile 116 is illustrated in FIGS. 23A and

5 23B. A modified second supporting profile 1 16a is shown in FIG. 24A and 24B. Modified second supporting profile 116a is similar to profile 116, except is adapted to only receive a tile 1 10 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 1 12. G [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 provided5 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 1 12. The second supporting profiles 116 are spaced along the first supporting profiles 112 a distance generally equal to the width of the tiles 1 10 to be installed. The second supporting profile 116a is provided along the very bottom course,

[0083] Referring to FlGS. 26A, 26B, 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 116a for the lowest course) present first supporting elements 132 to receive lower edges 134 of the tile 110. Second supporting profile 1 16 (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. [0084] in particular, the second supporting profiles 116 (or 116a 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 1 10 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 110 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 I .

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, 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 FlGS. 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 1 12 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, 16B and 16C.

[0092] For this example, a second supporting profile 140 is illustrated in

FIGS. 27B and 27C. The second supporting profiles 140 are adapted to be fixed to the first supporting profiles 112, as will hereinafter be explained. [0093] In particular, as seen in FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C₁ 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, 27A₁ 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 ©xample screws S4; -Once-in — place the tile 149 with second supporting profile 140 are lifted into place so that hook 142 catches end 146 of first support elements 1 12 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 lhe building structure to the inside. A further method for tile cladding can be realized by following a similar installation method but proceeding generally on© 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. [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 FlG. 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 FlG. 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. 3OA 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 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.

[00104] 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. [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.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A method of installing cladding to a structure, 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 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.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the structure is a skeletal building structure comprising a plurality of vertically spaced floor slabs, and wherein the base profiles are secured to the floor slabs.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the base profiles extend vertically to span at least two of the vertically spaced floor slabs.

4. The method of any one of claims 2 or 3, further comprising providing a thermal break between the base profiles and the structure.

5. The method of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the base profiles present flanges facing outwardly from the structure, and the supporting profiles are secured to the flanges.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the base profiles 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 to present the outwardly facing flanges.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the second base profiles extend vertically to span at least two of the vertically spaced floor slabs.

8. The method of any one of claims 6 or 7, further comprising providing a thermal break between the first base profile and the second base profile,

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the selected cladding has upper and lower edges parallel to one another, and said upper and lower edges are flanged.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the supporting profiles comprise first supporting profiles having supporting elements and second supporting profiles having supporting elements, the supporting elements of the first supporting profiles fixed to the lower edges of the selected cladding, and the supporting elements of the second supporting profiles fixed to the upper edges of the selected cladding.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first supporting profiles with selected cladding is 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, and the first supporting profiles along the lower edges of a subsequent course of selected cladding is 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, either or both of the first and second supporting profiles when joined together are fixed to the base profiles; the process repeated until the desired number of courses of selected cladding has been installed on the structure,

12. The method of claim 1 1 , wherein the first and second supporting profiles are fixed to one another through a sliding fit.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the supporting profiles 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.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the supporting profiles 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.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein when the second supporting profiles present first supporting elements to receive lower edges of the selected cladding, and second supporting elements to receive upper edges of the selected cladding.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second supporting profiles is fixed to the first supporting profiles of a given course, the lower edges of the selected cladding is retained within the first supporting elements of the second supporting profiles of the given course, and the upper edges of the selected cladding are 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 repeated until the desired number of courses of selected cladding has been installed on the structure.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second supporting profiles fixed to the lowermost course of the first supporting profiles present only the first supporting elements to receive lower edges of the selected cladding.

18. The method of any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the second supporting profiles are fixed to the first supporting profiles by a snap fit.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the supporting elements of the second supporting elements are fixed to one face of the selected cladding.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the second supporting profiles are arranged on the one face of the selected cladding so as to match the spacing between two successive courses of the first supporting profiles.

21. The method of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein each floor slab is provided with a course of supporting profiles.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the supporting elements are 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.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein further supporting profiles are 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.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein further supporting profiles are vertically spaced between the successive courses of supporting profiles corresponding to each floor slab.

25. The method of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein an insulation supporting profile is fixed to the supporting profiles so that said insulation supporting profiles present surfaces adapted to receive insulating material.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the insulation supporting profile is fixed to the supporting profile by a snap fit.

27. The method of any one of claims 25 or 26, wherein the insulation supporting profiles are provided with insulation retaining members.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the insulation retaining members are spikes adapted to pierce and retain layers of insulating material.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the insulation retaining members are fixed to the insulation supporting profiles by a snap fit. 30, The method of claim 29, wherein a retaining ring is provided adapted to slide over the spike and fix the insulating material in place.