CLADDED STRUCTURE AND A FIXING SYSTEM FOR CLADDING

Abstract

A cladded structure having rows of spaced-apart fixing devices with engagement members mounted to the support structure for supporting rows of partially overlapping cladding boards. Each row of cladding boards being supported by a respective row of fixing devices. Each cladding board having a recess being provided in and along its rear surface into which the engagement members of the fixing devices engage to support the cladding board on the support structure. Retaining gaps are formed between sections of the upper surface of each cladding board and protruding surfaces of the fixing devices supporting the next upper adjacent cladding board, and a plurality of resiliently deformable retaining components are located in a deformed state in at least one retaining gap associated with each cladding board to exert a downward force on the cladding boards to retain them in an engaged state with their fixing devices.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This specification relates to a fixing system for cladding. In particular, although not exclusively, the fixing system may be utilised to secure weatherboards to the walls or framing of buildings. The fixing system also has applications in relation to fencing, screens, and roofing.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are numerous weatherboard designs on the market. The most important feature of a weatherboard design is its cross-sectional profile. This profile dictates the way in which the weatherboards should be installed and the overall appearance of the weatherboard cladding after installation. Commonly, weatherboards are designed to be installed in an overlapping relationship with each other and can be fixed horizontally, vertically or on an angle. Further, some weatherboard designs include grooves that, when installed, cooperate with the grooves of overlapping like weatherboards to provide anti-capillary channels. Such channels prevent moisture from getting in behind the weatherboards and causing damage.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show cross-sectional and front views of a known weatherboard design 10. The rear surface 11 of the weatherboard 10 has a sloped portion 12 that is arranged to abut the framing 16 of a building when installed and this enables like weatherboards to be installed in a partial overlapping relationship with each other as shown in FIG. 3. Weatherboards having this design are also provided with wide grooves 13 and 14 along the front 15 and rear 11 surfaces respectively. When such weatherboard cladding is installed, the grooves of each weatherboard cooperate with the grooves of overlapping weatherboards to create anti-capillary channels 17 shown in FIG. 3.

During installation, the weatherboards shown in FIGS. 1-3 are typically fixed to the framing 16 one at a time from the bottom up such that the weatherboards are parallel and have an even overlap up the framing. One method of aligning the weatherboards is to ascertain the required level and then rest the next weatherboard to be installed on a line of nails partially nailed in, which are removed once the weatherboard has been nailed into place.

Referring to FIG. 4, it has become increasingly common for cavity battens 19 to be provided between the framing 16 and weatherboards 10. The battens 19 create cavities between the framing 16 or wall of the building and the weatherboards 10 and these cavities provide a drainage path for water and/or moisture that may penetrate in behind the weatherboards. The use of cavity battens is particularly desirable in coastal properties or buildings that are situated in exposed areas that have harsh weather conditions. The cavity battens are used to form drainage channels and the increased drainage allowed by the cavities reduces the likelihood of water or moisture penetrating the framing cavity, the cause of internal structural and interior lining rotting and decay.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the inventions. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fixing system for cladding and an associated cladded structure, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a fixing strip for holding cladding boards up against framing, the strip being securable to the framing and being arranged to, in co-operation with a number of like strips, receive and retain boards thereon, each board having front and rear faces and being arranged to be fixed to the framing in a partially overlapping relationship relative to one another, a recess being provided in and along the rear face of each board, the fixing strip being an elongate strip of material defined by a front face and a rear face extending between a top end and bottom end and comprising a series of integral fixing clips spaced apart along the length of the strip that form rows of fixing clips when a number of strips are secured to the framing, each fixing clip comprising an engagement tab that is a substantially flat portion of material punched from the strip and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact edge of the tab, the engagement tab being bent about a bending edge so as to extend at an acute angle relative to the front face of the strip for engaging in the complementary recess of a cladding board in a holding relationship to enable the boards to be held on the framing by the fixing clips.

Additionally, each fixing clip may further comprise an alignment (or ‘secondary’) tab situated below its associated engagement tab relative to the top end of the strip. Preferably, the alignment tab is a substantially flat portion of material punched from the strip and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact bending edge of the tab, the alignment tab being bent about the bending edge so as to extend at a predetermined angle relative to the front face of the strip.

Preferably, the engagement tab is substantially rectangular in shape and is defined by left and right parallel edges extending from its lateral intact edge at the front face of the strip and terminating at an upper lateral edge displaced from the front face of the strip. The left and right edges, and the upper lateral edge, are free edges in the sense that they are no longer directly connected to the strip of material.

In one form, the intact edge of the engagement tab may be aligned with the bending edge or line. In another form, the bending edge of the engagement tab may be located below the intact edge such that the punching of the tab displaces the intact edge from the front face of the strip to thereby form integral reinforcement webs or gussets on each left and right side of the tab, each web extending outwardly the front face of the strip toward its respective left or right side of the tab in the region between the intact edge and bending edge. In one form, each left and right web is substantially triangular in shape.

Preferably, the alignment tab is substantially rectangular in shape and is defined by left and right parallel edges extending from its lateral bending edge at the front face of the strip and terminating at an upper lateral edge displaced from the front face of the strip. The left and right edges, and the upper lateral edge, are free edges in the sense that they are no longer connected to the strip of material.

In one form, one or both of the engagement and alignment tabs of each fixing clip have a larger width (transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip) than their length. In another form, the alignment tab has a larger length than its width.

Preferably, one or both of the engagement and alignment tabs of each fixing clip are centrally located relative to the width of the strip (in the direction transverse or perpendicular to its longitudinal direction).

Preferably, the engagement tab has a larger surface area than its associated alignment tab.

Preferably, the bending edges of one or both of the engagement and alignment tabs extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip.

Preferably, the fixing clips are equi-spaced along the length of the fixing strip.

Preferably, the alignment tab is bent away from the front face of the strip at a greater angle relative to the angle at which the engagement tab is bent from the front face of the strip.

Preferably, the engagement tab is bent away from the front face of the strip about its bending edge at a predetermined acute angle. Preferably, the acute angle is in the range of about 30° to about 60°.

Preferably, the alignment tab is bent away from the front face of the strip about its bending edge at a predetermined angle. In one form, the alignment tab is bent to an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the front face of the strip, but other angles could alternatively be employed.

Preferably, the strip is formed from a substantially rigid material, or material at least having substantial thickness to be substantially rigid. By way of example, the material may be any of the following: metal, steel, aluminium or any other appropriate material that is capable of achieving a nominated holding power for retaining the cladding boards on the framing. In a preferred form, the material may have at least a 50-year durability, although this is not essential.

In one form, the fixing strip is substantially planar or flat (apart from in the region of the integral fixing clips). For example, the rear face of the fixing strip is substantially planar or flat, as is the front face apart from the protruding fixing clips. In one embodiment, the cross-section through the fixing strip in an area not containing a fixing clip is substantially flat.

In one form, the bending edges of the engagement and alignment tabs of each fixing clip may be located at a common position. In another form, for each fixing clip, the bending edge of the alignment tab is located below the bending edge of the engagement tab.

In one form, for each fixing clip, the alignment tab is at least partially formed from the same portion of material of the strip that forms the engagement tab. In another form, for each fixing clip, the alignment tab is entirely formed from the same portion of material of the strip that forms the engagement tab. In another form, for each fixing clip, the portions of strip material forming the engagement tab and alignment tab do not overlap.

In one form, the upper lateral edge of the engagement tab is displaced further from the front face of the strip than the upper lateral edge of the alignment tab.

Preferably, one or more mounting apertures are provided extending through the fixing strip. In one form, one or more mounting apertures are provided between each spaced-apart fixing clip. The mounting apertures may be any desired shape or size, and may be located at any desired position relative to each fixing clip. Any combination, placement or pattern of the same mounting apertures or a mixture of different sizes and shapes of mounting apertures may be provided along the length of the fixing strip.

In use, an end region or portion of the engagement tab of each fixing clip forms an engagement surface that abuts against a complementary inclined surface of the recess in the rear face of the board such that the board rests on the engagement tab against gravity in an abutting relationship.

In use, the alignment tab of each fixing clip provides an engagement surface that is arranged to temporarily contact a section of the upper surface of a cladding board to be installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips during installation. For example, the alignment tabs of the row of fixing clips above the row of fixing clips onto which a cladding board is to be installed act as an alignment or stop into which the board may be slid into and then dropped down for installation onto the lower row of fixing clips.

In use, the alignment tab of each fixing clip may also act as a retaining or engagement tab for cladding boards installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips. For example, in use, each (i.e. all of) or at least some of the alignment tabs of the fixing clips for a row of cladding boards may be bent downward about their respective lateral bending edge from their original alignment position into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of a cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips. In this way, each board is supported and held on the framing by the engagement tabs of its corresponding row of fixing clips that engage into the complementary recess in the rear face of the board and additionally by at least one or more of the alignment tabs of the adjacent upper row of fixing clips that are bent down into holding or clamping engagement with respective sections of the upper surface of the board to assist in holding or clamping the board down into engagement with the engagement tabs of its respective row of fixing clips.

In a second aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a fixing strip that is mountable to framing for holding cladding boards up against the framing, the fixing strip comprising an elongate strip of material defined by a front face and a rear face extending between a top end and bottom end and comprising a series of integral fixing clips spaced apart along the length of the strip, each fixing clip comprising an engagement tab that is a flat portion of material formed from the strip and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact edge of the tab, the engagement tab being angled so as to extend at an acute angle relative to the front face of the strip for engaging in the complementary recess of a cladding board in a holding relationship.

Preferably, the engagement tab is angled about a bending line in the strip of material that has a transverse orientation relative to the longitudinal direction of the strip.

The second aspect of the invention may include any one or more features mentioned in respect of the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a fixing clip that is mountable to framing for holding cladding boards up against framing, each board having front and rear faces, a recess being provided in and along the rear face, and being arranged to be installed on the framing in a partially overlapping relationship with other like boards, the fixing clip being arranged to co-operate with a number of like fixing clips such that the fixing clips are supported by the framing and are spaced apart relative to each other and arranged in rows, the fixing clip comprising a mounting plate that is securable to the framing, and an engagement tab that is a flat portion of material punched from the mounting plate and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact edge of the tab, the engagement tab being bent about a bending edge so as to extend at an acute angle relative to the front face of the mounting plate for engaging in the complementary recess of a cladding board in a holding relationship to, in co-operation with the other fixing clips of that row also engaging with a section of the recess, hold the board in place on the framing.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a fixing clip that is mountable to framing for holding cladding boards up against framing, each board having front and rear faces, a recess being provided in and along the rear face, and being arranged to be installed on the framing in a partially overlapping relationship with other like boards, the fixing clip being arranged to co-operate with a number of like fixing clips such that the fixing clips are supported by the framing and are spaced apart relative to each other and arranged in rows, the fixing clip comprising a mounting plate that is securable to the framing, and an engagement tab that is a flat portion of material formed from the mounting plate and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact edge of the tab, the engagement tab being angled so as to extend at an acute angle relative to the front face of the mounting plate for engaging in the complementary recess of a cladding board in a holding relationship to, in co-operation with the other fixing clips of that row also engaging with a section of the recess, hold the board in place on the framing.

Preferably, the fixing clips of the third or fourth aspects of the invention are arranged to be securely attached directly or indirectly to the framing. In one form, one or more mounting apertures are provided in the mounting plate through which fixing components may extend so as to securing the fixing clip to the framing. By way of example, the fixing components may be nails, screws or any other type of fixing component. In an alternative form, the fixing clips may be secured to the framing by adhesive situated between the rear face of the mounting plate and the framing.

The third or fourth aspects of the invention may include any one or more features mentioned in respect of the fixing clips of the first or second aspects of the invention.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cavity batten comprising an elongate member to which one or more fixing strips of either the first or second aspects of the invention are secured along its length.

In one form, the fixing strip(s) are fixed to a flat surface of the elongate member, but alternatively the elongate member may comprise a flat surface having one or more complimentary recesses within which the fixing strip(s) are received and retained such that the front face of the fixing strip is flush with the remainder of the flat surface of the elongate member.

The fixing strips of the cavity batten may have any one or more features mentioned in respect of the first or second aspects of the invention.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cavity batten comprising an elongate member to which one or more fixing clips of the third or fourth aspects of the invention are secured along its length with a uniform spacing.

The fixing clips of the cavity batten may have any one or more of the features mentioned in respect of the third or fourth aspects of the invention.

In one form, the fixing clip(s) are fixed to a flat surface of the elongate member, but alternatively the elongate member may comprise a flat surface having one or more complimentary recesses within which the fixing clip(s) are received and retained such that the front face of the fixing clip is flush with the remainder of the flat surface of the elongate member.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a fixing system for securing cladding boards to framing in a partially overlapping relationship, each board having front and rear faces extending between upper and lower surfaces with a recess being provided in and along the rear face, the fixing system comprising:

• • a plurality of fixing strips of the first or second aspects of the invention or fixing clips of the third or fourth aspects of the invention that are supported by the framing and are spaced apart and aligned on the framing relative to each other so as to provide rows of fixing clips on the framing for supporting rows of boards, each fixing clip having an engagement tab that is arranged to engage with a section of the recess of a board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a section of the recess, support the board in place on the framing; and
  • a plurality of fixing components that are arranged to extend through the front face of each board within the overlapping region of adjacent boards and into the framing to secure each board to the framing in co-operation with the fixing clips.

The fixing strips or fixing clips of the fixing system may have any one or more of the features mentioned in respect of the first-fourth aspects of the invention.

As set out above, each fixing clip may have a bendable alignment (or secondary') tab. Preferably, the alignment tab of at least some or all of the fixing clips act as retaining or engagement tabs for cladding boards installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips. More preferably, each or at least some of the alignment tabs of the fixing clips for a row of cladding boards are bent downward about their respective lateral bending edge or otherwise from their original alignment position into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of a cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips. In this way, each board is supported and held on the framing by the engagement clips of its corresponding row of fixing clips that engage into the complementary recess in the rear face of the board and additionally by at least one or more of the alignment tabs of the adjacent upper row of fixing clips that are bent down into holding or clamping engagement with respective sections of the upper surface of the board to retain the board in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips.

In an eighth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a fixing system for securing cladding boards to framing in a partially overlapping relationship, each board having front and rear faces extending between upper and lower surfaces with a recess being provided in and along the rear face, the fixing system comprising:

• • a plurality of fixing strips of the first or second aspects of the invention or fixing clips of the third or fourth aspects of the invention that are supported by the framing and are spaced apart and aligned on the framing relative to each other so as to provide rows of fixing clips on the framing for supporting rows of boards, and each fixing clip comprising:
  • an upper engagement tab that is arranged to engage with a section of the recess of a board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a section of the recess, support the board in place on the framing.

Optionally, each fixing clip may further comprise a lower (or ‘secondary’) tab in the form of a lower engagement tab situated below the upper engagement tab and which is arranged to be bent into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of a cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips to force, clamp or hold the board down into engagement with the engagement tabs of its respective row of fixing clips. Alternatively, the lower tab may be in the form of an alignment tab that is not configured for bending into engagement or contact with the upper surface of a cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips, but rather provides a fixed alignment surface or guide that may temporarily contact a section of the upper surface of a cladding board to be installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips during installation. For example, the alignment tabs of the row of fixing clips above the row of fixing clips onto which a cladding board is to be installed act as an alignment or stop into which the board may be slid to indicate clearance for then dropping and/or pivoting the lower portion of the board into engagement with its lower row of fixing clips.

Optionally, the fixing system may further comprise a plurality of fixing components that are arranged to extend through the front face of each board within the overlapping region of adjacent boards and into the framing to further secure each board to the framing in co-operation with the fixing clips.

The fixing systems of the seventh and eighth aspects of the invention may further comprise any one or more of the features mentioned in respect of the first-sixth aspects of the invention and any one or more of the following features:

Preferably, the fixing clips are spaced apart along the length of the strips or directly to the framing by a uniform predetermined distance that is calculated based on the height of the boards and a uniform desired board overlap distance so that each row of boards has a corresponding row of fixing clips.

In one form, the fixing strips or individual fixing clips are secured to respective cavity battens which are in turn fixed to the framing. Preferably, the battens being spaced apart and aligned on the framing relative to each other to provide rows of fixing clips on the framing for supporting rows of boards. The battens may be formed from any suitable type of material, such as wood, plastic, metal, steel or any combination thereof. The battens may be any desired length as required.

Preferably, the recess in the rear face of each board includes an inclined upper surface extending in from the rear face of the board and which, in use, is arranged to rest upon the engagement tabs of a row of fixing clips to thereby support the board in place on the framing.

Preferably, each board is provided with grooves along its front and rear faces and is arranged to abut another board in a partially overlapping relationship when installed on the framing such that the grooves of the front and rear faces co-operate to form a channel, the fixing components being arranged to extend through the front face of each board and into the framing within the overlapping region of adjacent boards but under the respective channels to secure each board to the framing in co-operation with the fixing clips.

Preferably, the fixing components are arranged to extend through the front face of each board within the overlapping region and into the framing behind each board such that the fixing components are concealed underneath the overlapping portion of an adjacent board.

Preferably, the fixing components are selected from the following: nails, screws, or staples.

In a ninth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a method of installing cladding boards onto framing in a partially overlapping relationship such that adjacent boards have an overlapping region, each board having front and rear faces extending between upper and lower surfaces with a recess being provided in and along the rear face, the method comprising the steps of:

• • (a) securing a plurality of spaced-apart fixing strips of the first or second aspects of the invention or fixing clips of the third or fourth aspects of the invention to the framing such that they are aligned to form rows of fixing clips on the framing, each row of fixing clips being arranged to support a board or row of boards and each fixing clip having an engagement tab that is arranged to engage with a section of the recess of a board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a section of the recess, support the board in place on the framing, the vertical distance between the rows of fixing devices determining the overlapping region between adjacent boards;
  • (b) engaging a first board or first row of boards with the lower-most row of fixing clips such that the engagement tabs of the fixing clips of that row engage into the recess of the rear face of the first board or first row of boards to support and hold the board(s) in place on the framing; and
  • (c) repeating step (b) for each next upper adjacent board or rows of boards in relation to their respective rows of fixing clips to progressively clad the framing with boards from the bottom up.

In a first form, the method further comprises the step of driving a number of fixing components through the front face of the first board or row of boards and into the framing along the length of the board(s) within the overlapping region to secure the board(s) in place on the framing after each step (b) and prior to installing the next upper adjacent board or row of boards. By way of example, the fixing components may be selected from, but not limited to, the following: nails, screws, or staples.

As set out above, each fixing clip may have a bendable alignment (or ‘secondary’) tab that features as a lower engagement tab. In a second form, the method further comprises bending or causing each or at least some of the alignment tabs of the next free adjacent row of fixing clips above the last installed row of cladding boards to bend downward into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of the last installed board or row of boards so as to hold or clamp the board(s) down into engagement with the engagement tabs of their respective row of fixing clips after each step (b) and prior to installing the next upper adjacent board or row of boards. Optionally, this step may further comprise driving a number of fixing components through the front face of the last installed board or row of boards and into the framing along the length of the board(s) within the overlapping region to secure the board(s) in place on the framing.

In one form, step (a) comprises providing a number of battens, each batten having a number of fixing strips mounted thereon to provide a number of fixing clips uniformly spaced apart along its length, and securing the battens in a spaced apart relationship and in a vertical orientation on the framing such that the fixing clips of the battens are aligned to form the rows of fixing clips.

In another form, step (a) comprises securing individual fixing clips directly to the framing in a spaced apart arrangement vertically and horizontally with respect to each other to form the rows of fixing clips.

In yet another form, step (a) comprises providing a number of fixing strips, each fixing strip having a number of integral fixing clips spaced apart along its length, and securing the fixing strips in a spaced apart relationship and in a vertical orientation on the framing such that the fixing clips of the fixing strips are aligned to form the rows of fixing clips.

In a tenth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cladded structure comprising:

• • a framing for the cladding;
  • a plurality of fixing strips of the first or second aspects of the invention or fixing clips of the third or fourth aspects of the invention that are mounted to the framing so as to provide rows of fixing clips on the framing for supporting rows of boards, each fixing clip having a primary engagement tab for engaging with a section of the recess of a cladding board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a section of the recess, support the board in place on the framing; and
  • rows of partially overlapping boards covering the framing with each row of boards being supported by a respective row of fixing clips, each cladding board being defined along the length of the board by front and rear surfaces that extend between upper and lower surfaces, and a recess being provided in and along the rear surface into which the engagement tabs of a number of fixing clips of a row engage to support the board on the framing.

Optionally, each fixing clip may further comprise a lower (or ‘secondary’) tab in the form of a lower engagement tab situated below the primary engagement tab and which is bent into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of a board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips to support or hold the board down into engagement with the engagement tabs of its respective row of fixing clips. Alternatively, the lower tab may be in the form of an alignment tab that does not contact the lower board.

Optionally, the cladded structure may further comprise a plurality of fixing components that extend through the front face of each board within the overlapping region of adjacent boards and into the framing to further secure each board to the framing in co-operation with the fixing clips.

The cladded structure may have any one or more of the features mentioned in respect of the first-ninth aspects of the invention.

The term “board” as used in this specification and claims, unless the context suggests otherwise, is intended to cover any type, shape, or profile of cladding board, sheathing, or siding, including, by way of example only, weatherboards, bevel-backed boards and sidings, and rusticated boards and sidings.

The term “framing” as used in this specification and claims, unless the context suggests otherwise, is intended to cover any surface, support structure or framework that is to be clad with boards, including any framing components such as studs or struts, whether timber framing or steel framing, any type of sheet backing surface, or any other structure such as those formed from concrete panels or concrete blocks, whether in the context of walls, fencing, screens, roofing or otherwise.

The phrase “partially overlapping relationship” as used in this specification and claims in the context of partially overlapping adjacent rows of cladding boards is intended to mean any overlapping or interlinking relationship whereby a lower portion of an upper cladding board overlaps or engages with an upper portion of a lower adjacent cladding board, including, but not limited to, configurations where a lower portion of the rear face or recessed section of the rear face of the upper cladding board abuts or covers an upper portion of the front face or recessed section of the front face of the lower adjacent cladding board, or configurations where a tongue or groove formed along the lower surface of the upper cladding board engages with a complementary groove or tongue formed along the upper surface of the lower adjacent cladding board, or any other overlapping or interlinking relationship created by the profiles of the boards or sidings.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification and claims means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

The inventions consist in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a prior art weatherboard design;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the prior art weatherboard design of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a series of the prior art weatherboards of FIGS. 1 and 2 installed on the framing of a building;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a prior art weatherboard cladding system that utilises cavity battens in between the framing and weatherboards;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the fixing system of the invention for securing weatherboards to a wall in which cavity battens in combination with fixing strips are used;

FIG. 6 shows the fixing system of FIG. 5 when used for securing weatherboards to framing;

FIGS. 7a and 7b show perspective and plan views respectively of a fixing strip having a first form of fixing clip in accordance with the fixing system of FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the cavity batten and the first form of fixing strip used in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 9a shows a cross-sectional side elevation view of the fixing system of FIG. 6 for securing weatherboards to framing;

FIGS. 9b shows a close-up view of the area marked A in FIG. 9a;

FIGS. 10a and 10b show perspective and plan views respectively of another fixing strip having a second form of fixing clip;

FIG. 10c shows a close-up view of the area marked B in FIG. 10a;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an alignment tab of the second form fixing clip acting as a retaining clip or engaging tab for engaging with an upper surface of a board supported on a lower adjacent row of fixing clips;

FIG. 12a shows a cross-sectional side elevation view of the fixing system employing the second form of fixing clip of FIGS. 10a and 10b;

FIG. 12b shows a close-up view of the area marked C in FIG. 12a;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an individually-mountable fixing clip mounted to a cavity batten in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14a shows a perspective view of another fixing strip having a third form of fixing clip;

FIG. 14b shows a close-up view of the area marked D in FIG. 14a;

FIG. 15a shows a cross-sectional side elevation view of the fixing system employing the third form of fixing clip of FIGS. 14a and 14b with a first-type of alternative board profile and showing the lower tabs of the fixing clips operating as alignment tabs;

FIG. 15b shows a close-up view of the area marked E in FIG. 15a;

FIGS. 16a and 16b (close-up of area marked F) show the equivalent views of the fixing system of FIGS. 15a and 15b, except where the lower tabs of the fixing clips are functioning as lower engagement tabs that are bent into engagement with the upper surface of the lower adjacent board;

FIG. 17a shows a cross-sectional side elevation view of the fixing system employing the third form of fixing clip of FIGS. 14a and 14b with a second-type of alternative board profile and showing the lower tabs of the fixing clips operating as engagement tabs;

FIG. 17b shows a close-up view of the area marked G in FIG. 17a;

FIG. 18a shows a cross-sectional side elevation view of the fixing system employing a modified version of the third form of fixing clip having no alignment tab and with a third-type of alterative board profile; and

FIGS. 18b shows a close-up of the area marked H in FIG. 18a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Overview

By way of example, the fixing system of the invention will be described with reference to cladding boards of the weatherboard type. The weatherboards are arranged to be installed on framing or walls of a building in a partially overlapping relationship and are preferably provided with grooves on the front and rear faces that, when installed, co-operate to form an anti-capillary channel in the overlapping region of two adjacent weatherboards. It will be appreciated that there are many different weatherboard or cladding board designs that could provide for the overlapping relationship and the channel, and these alternative designs are all intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Further, the fixing system will work with boards that are not designed to form anti-capillary channels, i.e. boards profiles that do not have anti-capillary grooves.

In general, the invention relates to a concealed fixing system for securing cladding boards to the framing, walls, or other support structure of a building to form an overall cladded structure. The fixing system is entirely concealed when the boards are installed. The fixing system comprises rows of spaced apart fixing clips supported, directly or indirectly, by the framing or wall or other support structure, each row of fixing clips being arranged to support a board or row of boards via engagement into a complementary recess provided in the rear face of each board. As will be explained in more detail, one form of fixing clip comprises a primary or engagement tab for engaging into the recess of the board it is supporting and a secondary or lower alignment tab that assists in alignment of the lower row of boards onto their respective fixing clips.

In one embodiment, the fixing system may additionally utilise a number of fixing components, such as nails, that extend through the front face of each board along an upper edge or region of the board in the overlapping region between adjacent boards and into the framing to secure the boards to the framing, although this is not essential depending on the nature or type of installation.

In an alternative embodiment, the fixing system may additionally or alternatively utilise the alignment tabs of the fixing clips to assist in securing the boards to the framing in that the alignment tab may be bent down into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of the cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips during installation. With this configuration, the alignment tabs act to apply downward force on or act as a stop at the upper surface of the boards so as to assist in holding them in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of their respective row of fixing clips, ie the alignment tabs assist in preventing the boards from sliding up and out of engagement with their engagement tabs. In this embodiment, the fixing clips may solely support the boards on the framing, although fixing components, such as nails, extending through the overlapping region as above may also be used to further secure the boards if desired.

First Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 5-9b, a first embodiment of the fixing system will be described by way of example. The fixing system 20 comprises a number of elongate cavity battens 22 that are attached or secured to the exterior surface of a wall 24 (FIG. 5) or framing 26 (FIG. 6) upon which a number of cladding boards 28 are installed in an overlapping relationship. The cavity battens 22 may be attached or secured to the wall 24 or framing 26 via fixing components such as nails or screws, or adhesive, or any other fixing means. The battens 22 are preferably installed in a vertical orientation and are spaced apart along the wall 24 or framing 26. They are also preferably aligned to form horizontal rows of fixing clips 30.

Each cavity batten 22 is provided with a number of fixing clips (or clip formations) 30 spaced apart along its length. As will be explained in further detail later, the fixing clips 30 are integrally formed in fixing strips that are attached or fixed to the surface of each cavity batten. In alternative embodiments, the fixing system need not employ cavity battens 22, and in such arrangements the fixing strips of clips 30 may be attached directly to the wall 24, framing 26 or other cladding surface or structure with nails, screws, staples, adhesive, or any other fixing means so as to form the rows of aligned clips 30.

As will be explained in further detail later, the preferred form fixing clips 30 include an engagement tab that is arranged to engage with or into a section of a complementary recess provided in and along the rear face of a board. The cavity battens 22 are arranged such that, when installed, the fixing clips 30 form rows, each row of clips being arranged to engage into the recess in the rear face of a board or row of boards to hold the board or boards in place against the battens and/or framing. There is one row of fixing clips for each row of boards. A number of fixing clips 30 of a row are arranged to co-operate together to engage in sections of the complementary recess of a board to hold the board in place against the wall 24 or framing 26. In use, the engagement tab of each fixing clip 30 acts as a support member or surface upon which a section of the cladding board rests against gravity.

Fixing Clip Configuration

With reference to FIGS. 7a-9b, an example first form of the fixing clip 30 for use in the fixing system will now be described in further detail. As mentioned, a series of identical fixing clips 30 are integrally formed in strips 40. In the preferred form, the strips 40 of material are substantially elongate and planar and is formed from a substantially rigid and strong material, such as metal, steel or aluminium, and may be of any desired thickness that is capable of withstanding specific loads and having a specified holding power. In one example, the strips 40 may be formed from stainless steel. The length (L) of the strips can be varied as desired, as can the number and spacing of the fixing clips 30 along its length. In the preferred form, the fixing clips 30 are equi-spaced along the length of the fixing strip 40. The spacing of the fixing clips 30 from each other is dependent on the width of the weatherboard used and the desired overlap between a weatherboard as will be appreciated. In the preferred form, the clips or clip formations are integrally punched out from the metal, steel or aluminium strip using known methods.

Each fixing strip 40 extends between a top end 40a and a bottom end 40b and is defined by a front facing surface 42 and a rear facing surface (not visible) on the opposite side. In use, the rear surface is arranged to be fixed to a cavity batten or directly the cladding structure if battens are not used. Each fixing strip is arranged to be installed in a vertical orientation with the top end 40a located above the bottom end 40b relative to the ground. The opposing front surface 42 faces the cladding boards. The fixing clips 30 protrude from the front surface 42 of the strip 40 for engagement with the cladding boards to be installed. In the preferred form, each fixing clip 30 comprises a pair of tabs, namely a primary upper engagement tab 50 and a secondary lower alignment tab 60. In this embodiment, the alignment tab 60 is not necessarily essential but desirable to assist the installation process as will be explained in detail later. Both tabs 50,60 are punched from a portion or portions of material of the strip and bent to protrude from the front surface 42 of the strip by respective predetermined angles. In this first form, both tabs are substantially planar and flat. In the preferred form, the tabs 50,60 are substantially rectangular having a larger width than height (in the elongate direction (L) of the strip). In the preferred form, the tabs are centrally located with respect to the width (W) of the strip transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip.

The parallel left 52 and right 54 edges of the engagement tab 50, along with its upper lateral edge 56, are uncoupled or detached from the strip from the punching formation, leaving the lower lateral edge 58 (parallel with the upper edge) of the tab 50 intact and still adjoined or coupled with the strip. The lower lateral edge 58 of the engagement tab 50 essentially forms a bending edge from which the remainder of the tab bends or extends outwardly relative to the front face 42 of the strip. In the embodiment shown, the upper left and right corners of the engagement tab 50 are rounded for safety during installation, although this is not essential to their operation. The smaller alignment tab 60 has a similar construction with the parallel left 62 and right 64 edges, and the lateral upper edge 66, being uncoupled from the strip, and leaving the lower later edge 68 coupled to the strip as the bending edge. As shown, the straight bending edges 50 and 60 of both of the tabs 50,60 extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular or transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the fixing strip 40. As shown, the left 52,62 and right 54,64 edges, and the upper lateral edge 56,66, are free edges of the tabs 50,60 in the sense that they are no longer connected to the strip of material.

In the preferred form, the engagement tab 50 has a larger surface area than the alignment tab 60 as it is performing a support function. As shown, the upper lateral edge 56 of the engagement tab 50 is displaced a further distance from the front face 42 of the strip 40 than the upper lateral edge 66 of the smaller alignment tab 60. Additionally, the upper lateral edge 56 of the engagement tab 50 extends above (in respect of the longitudinal direction of the fixing strip 40 when installed) the upper lateral edge 66 of the alignment tab 60. For example, the engagement tab 50 terminates at its upper lateral edge 56 at a position that appears closer to the top end 40a of the fixing strip than the upper lateral edge 66 of its alignment tab 60 (from a plan view of the fixing strip).

In the embodiment shown, each alignment tab 60 is at least partially formed or punched from a portion of the material of the strip from which the engagement tab 50 is formed, i.e. the alignment tab 60 is at least partially punched out from the larger engagement tab 50. In the embodiment shown, this partial overlap between the material of the strip forming the tabs 50,60 occurs as the lower lateral edge 68 of the alignment tab 60 is displaced only slightly below the lower lateral edge 58 of the engagement tab 50, such that the strip material forming each tab partially overlaps. It will be appreciated that this arrangement is not necessarily essential. In another embodiment, the lower lateral edges 58,68 of the tabs 50,60 may be aligned such that both tabs extend from a common bending edge and in this case the alignment tab 60 is entirely punched from the strip of material defining the engagement tab 50. In yet another embodiment, the alignment tab 60 may be displaced further below the engagement tab 50 such that there is no overlap in material used to form each tab, i.e. both tabs 50,60 of each fixing clip 30 may be formed from different portions of the strip material, and the portions may be close or immediately adjacent each other.

Once punched from the strip, each of the tabs 50,60 is bent about its bending edge upwardly from the front face 42 of the strip by a predetermined angle, or alternatively the punching process may simultaneously perform the required bending of the tabs. The angles of the tabs relative to the front face will be explained in more detail later, but typically the alignment tab 60 is disposed or bent at a greater angle relative to the front face 42 of the strip than the engagement tab 50. The angles of bending are defined between the front face of the strip and the surfaces of the tabs formed by the rear face of the strip of material once punched out. In one embodiment, the engagement tab 50 is bent at an acute angle relative to the front face 42 of the strip 40 such that it extends outwardly and upwardly toward the top end 40a of the strip, while the alignment tab 60 is bent at a greater angle so as to extend, for example but not limited to, substantially perpendicularly from the front face 42 of the strip 40. The material used to form the strips is preferably of suitable strength, rigidity and/or thickness such that the angle of the tabs 50,60 is substantially fixed once punched and bent to the desired profile angles, or at least the engagement tab 50 is configured or formed to remain fixed in position under load of a board.

As discussed, the fixing system may or may not employ cavity battens. In systems that employ cavity battens 22, one or more fixing strips 40 are secured along the length of each cavity batten with nails, screws, adhesive or any other fixing means, as shown in FIG. 8. The cavity battens 22 shown are elongate members, formed from wood, plastic, metal or any other suitable material, and in the preferred form have a rectangular cross-sectional profile, and a width that corresponds to the width (W) of the fixing strip, although this is not essential. The cavity battens 22 with the onboard fixing strips 40 are then secured to the cladding structure, for example the framing or a wall. Each fixing strip 40 may be provided with one or more mounting apertures through which fixing components, such as nails or screws, may be inserted in order to fix the cavity batten to the framing or other cladding structure. The mounting apertures may be any desired shape or size, and may be located at any desired position relative to each fixing clip. Any combination, placement or pattern of the same mounting apertures or a mixture of different sizes and shapes of mounting apertures may be provided along the length of the fixing strip.

In the embodiment shown, each fixing strip 40 is provided with a plurality of mounting apertures 70 between each spaced-apart fixing clip 30. In this form, the mounting apertures are a series of holes centrally located along the length of the strip between each of the fixing strip, although it will be appreciated that this configuration may be varied as desired. FIG. 9a shows, in cross-section, the cavity batten 22 with onboard fixing strip 40 fixed to the framing via one or more screws 72 that extend through all or some of the mounting apertures 70 to fix the cavity batten 22 to the framing 26. It will be appreciate that the fixing strips 40 need not necessarily be independently secured to the battens 22 prior to their installation on the framing 26. For example, the screws 72 may operate to couple the fixing strips 40 to the cavity batten 22, as well as securing the batten to the framing.

In fixing system systems that do not use cavity battens, each fixing strip 40 is secured directly to the framing 26 via fixing components, such as screws, that extend through the some or all of the mounting apertures and into the framing 26.

Co-Operation of Fixing Clips with Cladding Boards

With reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the operation of the fixing clips 30 to hold the cladding boards 28 in place will be explained in further detail. In general, the purpose of the engagement tab 50 is to engage into a complementary shaped recess 74 extending along the rear face of a cladding board 28 so as to hold and support the board against the fixing strip 40 in co-operation with the one or more other fixing clips of that row, which are performing the same function for a section of the board. The purpose of the alignment tab 60 is to provide a guide or stop for alignment and installation of a lower cladding board as will be explained further later.

With reference to FIG. 9b, the engagement tab 50 is arranged to hold the board against the framing and support it against gravity. By way of example, an upper cladding board 28a and a lower cladding board 28b are shown installed on the framing 26 against the fixing strip 40. In this embodiment, the recesses 74 of the boards 28 are preferably provided with a cross-sectional profile that co-operates with the engagement tab 50 of each fixing clip in that it is arranged to receive and retain the engagement tab in a hook-like engagement relationship. As shown, the recess 74 of each board 28a may, for example, have a cross-sectional profile that comprises a lower surface 74a that extends substantially perpendicularly into the board from and relative to the rear face of the board, a back surface 74b extending upwardly from the lower surface, and an angled upper surface 74c may then extending downwardly from the top of the back surface 74bd back toward the rear face of the board to complete the recess. In this configuration, the angled or inclined upper surface 72c and rear face together form a tapered upper edge 72d that points downwardly and outwardly relative to the rear face for engaging in a hook-like engagement relationship with the engagement tab 50 of the fixing clip.

As shown, one side of the engagement tab 50 abuts or contacts the recess to hold the board in place, namely the engagement surface 50a, which is the side of the tab that faces toward the fixing strip 40 (and which is actually formed from a portion of the rear face of the fixing strip after the punching). In this embodiment, only an end region or portion of the engagement surface 50a adjacent the upper edge 56 of the engagement tab abuts with the inclined upper surface 74c of the recess 74 of the board 28a to thereby support the board 28 against gravity, although it will be appreciated the contact region may be larger in other embodiments where a deeper recess 74 is provided in the board. The angular position θ_E of the engagement tab 50a relative to the front face 42 of the fixing strip 40 may be any acute angle, but may often be between the range of about 30° to about 60°, although this will depend on design requirements. The angle θ_E of the engagement tab 50 is arranged to complement the angle of the inclined upper surface 74c of the recess 74 of the board when installed such that the abutting relationship acts to both hold the board against the framing and support the board against gravity. It will be appreciated that the angle θ_E of the engagement tab 50 can be configured to suit any particular cladding board profile, and will depend on the desired profile used and the amount of overlap desired between the boards when installed.

In this embodiment, the purpose of the alignment tab 60 is to provide a guide or stop for alignment and installation of the lower cladding board 28b. For example, the alignment tab 60 serves as an indicator that the board 28b when being installed has reached a position of clearance for engagement with the engagement tabs of its row of fixing clips (not shown in FIG. 9b), i.e. the lower portion of the board can then be angled towards the framing so that the engagement tabs can engage with the recess in the back surface of the board as explained further below. During installation, the boards are installed from bottom up.

Therefore the lower board 28b is installed on the framing prior to the upper board 28a (although both are shown installed in FIG. 9b). When installing the lower board 28b, it is placed against or angled toward the framing such that its top surface 80 abuts the engagement surfaces 60a of the alignment tabs 60 of the row of fixing clips that are for holding the next upper board 28a. The engagement surface 60a of each alignment tab 60 is the side of the tab that is formed from the front face 42 of the fixing strip after the punching and formation of the tab from the strip material.

In this position, the engagement tabs 50 of the fixing clips for the lower board 28b may extend into and contact the back surface (equivalent to 74b shown for the upper board 28a) for their respective recess of the rear face of the lower board 28b in a partially installed position, depending on how the board is angled. From this position, the installer drops, slides, and/or pivots the lower portion of the board 28b to cause the engagement tabs to contact the inclined upper surface (equivalent to 74c of the upper board 28a) and come to rest in a fully installed position with the engagement tab in a hook-like engagement relationship with its complementary recess as described above. As shown, the alignment tabs 60 are preferably bent so as to extend from the front face 42 of the strip 40 at an angle θ_A that is at least greater than its corresponding engagement tab angle θ_E and in one example corresponds to the flush abutment of the engagement surface 60a with the top or upper surface 80 of the lower board 28b.

As shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the fixing system 20 further preferably comprises a number of fixing components 82 that extend through the front face of the boards 28 toward and along the upper edge or upper region of each board and into the fixing strip 40, cavity battens 22 and framing 26 to secure each board in place. It will be appreciated that a number of fixing components 82 may be provided along the length of each board at appropriate places. The fixing components 82 may be nails, screws, or the like, and are located in the overlapping region of two adjacent boards so that they are concealed. Preferably, the fixing components 82 are inserted below the anti-capillary channel 46 formed by the co-operating grooves of the overlapping boards 28. Alternatively the fixing components may be inserted above the channel 46 or they may be inserted anywhere in the overlapping region if the boards do not provide anti-capillary channels.

Installation of Cladding Boards using the Fixing System

Installation of cladding boards utilising the fixing system of the inventions will now be described. Firstly, a cavity batten based fixing system will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 9b. Referring to FIG. 6 by way of example, installation involves firstly fixing a number of cavity battens 22 with fixing strips 40 to the framing 26 of the building in a vertical orientation at spaced apart intervals. These intervals can be lengthened or shortened as desired and they do not necessarily have to be uniform. The cavity battens 22 are installed such that that fixing clips 30 provided on each cavity batten by the onboard fixing strips 40 are aligned with the fixing clips of the other cavity battens to form rows of fixing clips. Installation then involves fixing cladding boards 28 to the cavity battens so that the boards have an overlapping relationship with respect to each other. For example, a top portion of a lower board should be covered by a lower portion of the next highest board, with all boards preferably in a parallel configuration with even overlap.

Typically, the boards 28 are fixed to cavity battens 22 one at a time beginning at the bottom of the framing 26 where the cladding is to start. Typically, the lower-most board is installed first by being engaged against the lower-most row of fixing clips such that the engagement tabs of a number of the fixing clips of that row engage securely in sections of the complementary recess in the rear face of the board in a manner previously described. For longer boards, the boards will be initially engaged centrally onto a centre fixing clip and then additional fixing clips either side of centre of the board, one at a time. For shorter boards, the boards will be engaged onto all fixing clips for that board at once.

With the board 28 held in place against the cavity battens 22 by a number of fixing clips, a number of fixing components 82, such as nails, screws, staples, or the like, can be inserted or driven through the front face and toward the top edge, and preferably under the anti-capillary groove, of the board 28 and into the battens 22 and/or framing 26 to secure the board in place. With the lower-most board in place, the next board may be positioned against the cavity battens such that its rear face recess engages with the engagement tabs of a number of fixing clips of the next row and it may then also be nailed in place. The vertical spacing between the rows of fixing clips is preferably uniform and predetermined to ensure an even overlap of boards up the framing. The overlap also conceals the nails inserted below the anti-capillary channel. Each subsequent board is installed in a similar manner until the cavity battens and/or framing of the building is fully covered.

Installation of the cladding boards utilising the fixing system without cavity battens is similar to the above except that the initial step involves securing a number of fixing strips 40 directly to the framing 26 of the building in a vertical orientation at spaced apart intervals to collectively form the rows of fixing clips 30.

Second Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 10a-12b, a second embodiment of the fixing system will be described by way of example. The second embodiment fixing system is similar to the first embodiment, but employs a modified second form of fixing clip.

Referring to FIGS. 10a-10c, the fixing clips 130 are integrally formed in fixing strips 140 as described above. The fixing strip 140 is again provided with mounting apertures through which nails, screws or other fixing components may be inserted to secure the fixing strip to the framing either directly or indirectly via cavity battens. In this form, the mounting apertures comprise two upper circular mounting apertures 170a above each fixing clip toward the left and right sides of the strip, and a lower elongate mounting slot 170b situated below each fixing clip extending in a transverse orientation relative to the longitudinal direction of the strip. In some embodiments, the upper mounting apertures 170a are used to attach the fixing strip to the cavity battens and/or framing and lower slot aperture 170b provides an opening through which fixing components 82 (see FIG. 9b) such as nails may extend through the fixing strip 140 if employed in the overlapping region of the cladding board for additional securement of the board to the framing. It will be appreciated that this mounting aperture configuration may be modified as desired.

Each fixing clip 130 is similar to the first form previously described except the formation of the engagement tab 150 is different. The substantially rectangular engagement tab 150 is again defined by parallel left 152 and right 154 edges, and an upper lateral edge 156 that are uncoupled or detached from the strip of material from the punching formation, but leaving a lower lateral intact edge 158. In this second form, the engagement tab is bent from the strip of material about a transverse bending edge or line 159 that is situated below and parallel to the intact lateral edge 158 such that the punching and bending formation process displaces the intact edge 158 from the front face 142 of the strip 140. This process forms integral reinforcement webs 161 or gussets on each left and right side of the tab (only right web visible). Each web 161 extends outwardly from the front face of the strip to its respective left or right side of the tab in the region between the intact edge 158 and bending edge or line 159. In this form, the reinforcement webs are triangular in shape. Although not essential, the reinforcement webs support the engagement tab 150 to maintain its position under load when supporting a board in use.

The fixing strip shown in FIGS. 10a-10c is a substantially flat fixing strip in the non-fixing clip areas along its length. In other words, the rear face of the fixing strip is substantially flat, and this is also the same for the front face of the fixing strip except in the regions of the fixing clips which contain the protruding tabs 150,160. More specifically, the cross-sectional profile of the fixing strip 140 in the non-fixing clip regions is substantially flat.

It will be appreciated that the fixing strip 140 may be made in lengths to match the framing stud length. The material for forming a fixing strip may for example be stainless steel or mildsteel galvanized, or any other suitable material, whether metal, steel, aluminium or the like.

The alignment tab 160 is formed as before, but may perform a dual function of alignment and also as an additional engagement or locking tab or retaining clip. In this form, the alignment tab 160 is longer than it is wide (in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the fixing strip), although this is not necessarily essential. Referring to FIG. 11, the alignment tab 160 (or in this form referred to as a ‘lower engagement tab’ of the fixing clip) is bendable such that it may be bent downward into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface 180 of the adjacent lower cladding board 28 to thereby hold or clamp the board in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips. This will be explained further in regard to the overall fixing system shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b which shows use of the second form of fixing clip in a fully installed state.

Referring to FIGS. 12a and 12b, the fixing system employing the second form of fixing clip operates in a similar manner to the fixing system and installation method described with reference to FIGS. 6, 9a and 9b, and like reference numbers refer to like components. The main differences are that the engagement tab 150 is provided with reinforcing webs 161 to increase the strength of the engagement tab under load of a board when in use and the use of the alignment tab 160 as a lower engagement tab to assist the system in holding boards on the framing as will be explained in further detail below.

Referring to FIG. 12b, the second form of fixing clip comprises the first upper engagement tab 150 that is arranged to engage into the recess 74 in the rear face of a first cladding board 28a to support that board in place on the framing as previously described. As shown, the recess 74 is typically located in the middle or toward the lower region of the board, although this is not essential. Additionally, the fixing clip comprises a second lower engagement tab 160 (also previously referred to as the alignment tab) that serves a dual purpose of assisting alignment of a lower adjacent board 28b during installation as previously discussed, but additionally after alignment may be bent into engagement with the upper surface 180 of the lower board 28b to hold, clamp, or retain the board in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips. For example, the alignment tabs may be bent toward and into engagement with the upper surface 180 of the board 28b so as to either apply a downward force or pressure on the board or to otherwise act as a stop to prevent the board from sliding up and out of engagement with the engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips (the row below the alignment tabs). More particularly, during installation, each or at least some of the second lower engagement tabs 160 are bent further from their initial alignment position angle θ_A about their bending edge or otherwise toward a greater angle until the tab engages into abutting contact with the upper surface 180 of the lower board 28b such that it acts to hold the board in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips. Engagement of the alignment tabs with the upper surface of the boards may also assist in holding or clamping the upper sections or regions of the boards against the framing in some embodiments. As shown, at least a portion 181 of the upper surface 180 of the board toward the front face may be beveled or angled to form a complimentary retaining seat surface for the engaging tab 160, although it will be appreciated that a beveled edge on the upper surface of the board is not essential.

In summary, the fixing system using the second form of fixing clips operates such that each fixing clip acts to support or hold both upper and lower adjacent boards against the framing. More particularly, the first engagement tab 150 supports the upper board 28a under gravity, while the second lower engagement tab 160 is bent into abutting engagement with the upper surface of the lower board 28b to clamp or hold the board in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips. In other words, each installed board is held in place by the first engagement tabs 150 of a row of fixing clips, and additionally each or at least some of the lower engagement tabs 160 of the next adjacent upper row of fixing clips.

The installation method for this form of fixing system is similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 6, 9a and 9b described above, except including the repeated additional step for each installed row of boards of bending all or at least some of the second lower engagement tabs 160 of the next upper free adjacent row of fixing clips into clamping engagement with the upper surface 180 of boards installed on the engagement tabs 150 of the lower adjacent row of fixing clips. Once the second lower engagement tabs 160 have been bent into engagement, for example by hammering or another suitable tool, the next upper row of boards may be installed.

It will be appreciated that the use of the fixing components, such as nails 82, in the overlapping region may not be necessary when using the second form of fixing clip. The second lower engagement tabs 150 may be engaged with the upper surface 180 of the boards with sufficient holding power to render the use of the nails 82 as optional in some installations. Therefore, in such situations, the boards are entirely held in place on the framing by the concealed engagement tabs 150, 160 of the fixing clips.

It will be appreciated that the reinforcement web feature of the upper engagement tab may be applied to the first form of fixing clip 30. Additionally, or alternatively, the bending of the alignment tab to act as a retaining clip may be employed in the first form of fixing clip 30 if desired.

Third Embodiment

The previous embodiments are described in the context of the fixing system when used with bevel-backed board profiles in which the rear surfaces of the boards have a sloped or angled upper portion (like is shown at 12 in FIG. 1) that abuts the framing such that only a portion of the rear surface of the board contacts the framing and which pivots the front surface of the board at an angle relative to the framing. However, it will be appreciated that the fixing system may be applied to alternative types of board profiles which are flat-backed such that boards are not pivoted relative to the framing. Various examples of a cladded structure formed with the fixing system with flat-backed boards will now be described by way of example with reference to FIGS. 14a-18b.

Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, a third form of fixing strip 240 is shown for using with the flat-backed profiled boards. In these embodiments, the fixing strip 240 is substantially similar to the first form of fixing strip 40 described with reference to FIGS. 7a-9b, and like reference numbers represent like features or components. The primary differences with the third form of fixing strip 240 relate to the modified fixing clips 230 in that the engagement tab 250 and/or alignment tab 260 are shorter in length to accommodate a flat-backed profiled boards and that the tabs 250, 260 are displaced from one another such that there is no overlap between the material of the fixing strip forming the tabs of each clip.

Referring to FIGS. 15a and 15b, a cladded structure employing the fixing system with the third form of fixing strip 240 with the modified fixing clips 230 is shown in use with a first-type of flat-backed profiled boards 228 mounted to framing 260. In this first-type of flat-backed profile, the overlapping configuration comprises a recessed lower portion of the rear face of the upper board overlapping and abuting an upper portion of the front face of the lower board. As shown in FIG. 15b, the engagement tab 250 is shown engaged into an angled recess 274 provided in the rear surface of the upper board 228a in a similar manner to that previously described for the other embodiments. The alignment tab 260 in this embodiment operates as an alignment stop during installation of the boards in a manner previously described. However, an alternative embodiment of the cladded structure is shown in FIGS. 16a and 16b in which a longer alignment tab 260a may be bent into engagement with the upper surface of the lower adjacent board 228b in a manner previously described to act to hold the board in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips.

As shown in FIGS. 15b and 16b, in these embodiments the vertical distance or displacement D1 between the top surface 229 of the cladding board and the intact edge 263 of the associated alignment tab 260 is preferably greater than the vertical distance or displacement between the outer edge 253 of the engagement tab 250 and the entrance edge 231 to the recess 274 on the rear surface of the cladding board. This spacing enables the cladding boards to be installed onto or removed from the fixing strips.

FIGS. 17a and 17b show another cladded structure similar to FIGS. 16a and 16b, except with a second-type of flat-backed profiled boards 328 but having a similar overlapping relationship. The alignment tab 260a is shown bent into engagement with the upper surface of the lower board 328b in this embodiment, but it will be appreciated that the alignment tab 260a may be shorter and non-engaged and simply function as an alignment stop as in FIGS. 15a and 15b if desired. The relationship between distances D1 and D2 is also preferably as described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 15a-16b.

FIGS. 18a and 18b show another cladded structure employing the fixing system with a modified version of the third form of fixing strip 240 in use with a third-type of flat-backed profiled boards 428. The modified fixing strip 240 employs fixing clips with engagement tabs 250, but no alignment tabs 260 are provided. In this third-type of flat-backed profile, the boards have an overlapping relationship via a tongue and groove interlinking or interlocking relationship. In particular, with reference to FIG. 18b, the upper surface of each board is provided with a tongue 430 or protrustion along its length and the lower surface of each board is provided with a complementary groove 440 or recess along its length into which the tongue/protrustion engages, or vice versa. As shown in FIG. 18b, the engagement tab 250 is shown engaged into an angled recess 474 provided in the rear surface of the upper board 428a in a similar manner to that previously described for the other embodiments. As shown, the fixing system optionally employs diagonally oriented nails 82 extending through the boards 428 and into the framing 261 behind for additional securement. In this embodiment, the nails 82 enter the boards in the vicinity of the corner region created by the front surface 431 of the tongue meeting the upper surface 432 of the board, and extend diagonally through the board exiting the board at the rear surface 433 and terminating in the framing 261. In such embodiments, the front edge entrance into the groove 440 of the boards are rounded or chamfered or bevelled to provide a space or gap for the nail heads 82. As mentioned above, the nails 82 are optional, and need not necessarily be employed in all applications.

Possible Alternative Embodiments of Fixing System

Fixing components, such as nails or the like, extending through the boards in the overlapping region and into the framing to further secure the upper portion of the boards in place against the framing are shown at 82 in the embodiments of FIGS. 9a, 9b, 12a, 12b, 18a, and 18b. It will be appreciated that such fixing components may be used in all embodiments described, although the use of fixing components is optional in all embodiments. For example, the boards may be securely supported on the framing via the fixing clips alone, depending on the design requirements, and this may be the suited approach in certain cladding applications. The alignment tab of the fixing clip has been described in some embodiments as being an alignment stop and in other embodiments may be bent down into engagement with the lower boards such that it functions as a lower engagement tab for holding lower boards in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of their respective fixing clips. It will be appreciated the either usage of the alignment tab may apply to all embodiments described. In summary, the boards are held in place via engagement with the primary engagement tabs of the fixing clips in all embodiments, but optionally the boards may be further secured by using fixing components in the overlapping region, or by bending down the alignment tab to function as a lower engagement tab, or using both techniques, depending on the cladding requirements and conditions.

The fixing clips described above by way of example employ rectangular engagement and alignment tabs. It will be appreciated that one or both tabs need not necessarily be rectangular in shape, and could be any other suitable shape that is capable of performing their respective functions. Rectangular tabs are utilised in the example above because of their ease of formation using a punching and bending process as is known by those skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated that the specific profile of the recesses in the rear face of the cladding boards described above is not necessarily essential. Other profiles of recesses could be employed to retain and receive the engagement tab of the fixing clip and co-operate with that tabs in a gravity-hold or hook-like engagement relationship. In the embodiments shown and described, the cladding board rests under its own weight upon the angled engagement tabs and this arrangement acts to hold the board in place due to the angular orientation of the tabs. However, in alternative embodiments the cladding boards may be provided with a slot recess extending into the board and which is dimensioned to receive and retain the engagement tab in a snug or friction fit hold.

It will be appreciated that the alignment tab of each fixing clip is not necessarily essential in some embodiments. The alignment tab does assist in the efficient installation and alignment of the cladding boards, but the fixing system could alternatively work with each fixing clip only having the engagement tab for holding the cladding boards optionally in combination with the fixing components. In other embodiments, the alignment tab is required as it operates as a lower engagement tab for assisting in holding the boards in place, with or without the assistance of fixing components.

It will be appreciated that the vertical and horizontal spacing between fixing clips, whether installed via cavity battens or directly to framing, may be varied as desired to accommodate different framing structures, cladding board sizes and the like. Preferably, the vertical spacing intervals between fixing clips is uniform to provide an even overlap of boards up the framing. The horizontal spacing intervals can be varied according to the desired level of structural integrity required.

Individual Mountable Fixing Clips

It will be appreciated that the fixing clips 30,130,230 need not necessarily be provided in integral fixing strips of multiple spaced-apart clips. The fixing clips can alternatively be provided as individual and separate fixing clips 30,130,230 that may be individually mountable directly or indirectly to the framing, being aligned and spaced-apart vertically and horizontally, to form the rows of fixing clips. FIG. 13 shows an example of an individually-mountable fixing clip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in which the fixing clip is in the form of fixing clip 130, but it will be appreciated that the other forms of fixing clips 30,230 may similarly be provided as individually-mountable components in the same ways.

Referring to FIG. 13, the individually-mountable fixing clips 130 are punched and formed integrally from individual mounting plates 141, which may be equivalent to the strip material for example. As shown, each mounting plate 141 preferably has its own set of mounting apertures 170a, 170b for installing the clips in a spaced-apart manner along cavity battens or directly onto framing, although as before other mounting aperture arrangements or configurations could be employed. As previously indicated, fixing pins such as screws or nails may be inserted through the upper mounting apertures 170a into the cavity batten and/or framing. The lower mounting slot aperture 170b provides an open space through the fixing clip through which fixing components 82, such as nails or the like, may be inserted after extending through the weatherboard 28b in the overlapping region as shown in FIG. 9b. In FIG. 13, individual fixing clips 130 are shown mounted in a spaced-apart manner along a cavity batten 22 by way of example only. It will be appreciated that the first form of fixing clip 30 could also be provided as a separate individually mountable component in a similar manner. As shown in FIG. 13, the cavity batten may be provided with a series of spaced-apart recessed or rebated portions that are shaped and sized to receive and retain the individually mounted fixing clips 130 such that the front face of the batten 22 is flush with the front faces of the mounting plates of the fixing clips. However, complimentary recesses are not essential to the cavity batten and the individual fixing clips may be mounted to a flat front surface of the cavity baton if desired.

Advantages and Benefits

The various embodiments may have any one or more of the following advantages and/or benefits.

The fixing system of the invention provides greater stability in the construction of cladding board buildings and houses. The fixing clips of the fixing system are designed to hold boards in place, with nails or the like providing optional additional securement at intervals through the unexposed surface of the boards in the overlapping region. The fixing system provides greater stability of boards and provides greater resistance against the elements as it is an entirely concealed fixing system. The concealed nature of the fixing system also provides an aesthetic advantage in that there is no visible nailing. Also, boards can be pre-painted prior to installation on the framing and this may provide cost savings from an installation viewpoint. Further, the cavity batten based fixing system provides a means of enhancing the durability and life of cladding via increased drainage.

In embodiments in which the boards are held in place without the optional use of fixing components, such as nails, this can provide the benefit of reduced water penetration and resultant hydriscopic movement during construction, and allows for easy replacement of damaged boards if required post-installation.

The fixing system has been described in the context of cladding the framing of a building, but it will be appreciated that the system can also be applied to roofing, fencing, and screens, whether the framing is timber or metal. The embodiment described above is for installing cladding boards in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the ground, although it will be appreciated that orientation of the fixing system components can be modified for fixing boards vertically or on an angle.

The foregoing description of the inventions includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A fixing strip for holding cladding boards up against framing, the strip being securable to the framing and being arranged to, in co-operation with a number of like strips, receive and retain boards thereon, each board having front and rear faces and being arranged to be fixed to the framing in a partially overlapping relationship relative to one another, a recess being provided in and along the rear face of each board, the fixing strip being an elongate strip of material defined by a front face and a rear face extending between a top end and bottom end and comprising a series of integral fixing clips spaced apart along the length of the strip that form rows of fixing clips when a number of strips are secured to the framing, each fixing clip comprising an engagement tab that is a substantially flat portion of material punched from the strip and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact edge of the tab, the engagement tab being bent about a bending edge so as to extend at an acute angle relative to the front face of the strip for engaging in the complementary recess of a cladding board in a holding relationship to enable the boards to be held on the framing by the fixing clips.

2. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein each fixing clip further comprises a secondary tab situated below its associated engagement tab relative to the top end of the strip.

3. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the secondary tab is a substantially flat portion of material punched from the strip and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact bending edge of the tab, the secondary tab being bent about the bending edge so as to extend at a predetermined angle relative to the front face of the strip.

4. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the engagement tab is substantially rectangular in shape and is defined by left and right parallel edges extending from its lateral intact edge at the front face of the strip and terminating at an upper lateral edge displaced from the front face of the strip.

5. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the intact edge of the engagement tab is aligned with the bending edge of the engagement tab.

6. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the bending edge of the engagement tab is located below the intact edge such that the punching of the tab displaces the intact edge from the front face of the strip to thereby form integral reinforcement webs or gussets on each left and right side of the tab, each web extending outwardly the front face of the strip toward its respective left or right side of the tab in the region between the intact edge and bending edge.

7. A fixing strip according to claim 6 wherein each left and right web is substantially triangular in shape.

8. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the secondary tab is substantially rectangular in shape and is defined by left and right parallel edges extending from its lateral bending edge at the front face of the strip and terminating at an upper lateral edge displaced from the front face of the strip.

9. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the engagement and secondary tabs of each fixing clip has a larger width, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip, than its length.

10. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the secondary tab has a larger length than its width in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip.

11. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the engagement and secondary tabs of each fixing strip are centrally located relative to the width of the strip in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip.

12. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the engagement tab has a larger surface area than its associated secondary tab.

13. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the bending edge at least one of the engagement and secondary tabs extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip.

14. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the fixing clips are equi-spaced along the length of the fixing strip.

15. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the secondary tab is bent away from the front face of the strip at a greater angle relative to the angle at which the engagement tab is bent from the front face of the strip.

16. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the engagement tab is bent away from the front face of the strip about its bending edge at an acute angle in the range of approximately 30° to approximately 60°.

17. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the secondary tab is bent about its bending edge to an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the front face of the strip.

18. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the strip is formed from a substantially rigid material or a material at least having sufficient thickness to be substantially rigid.

19. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein the fixing strip is substantially planar or flat apart from in the region of the integral fixing clips.

20. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the bending edges of the engagement and secondary tabs of each fixing clip are located at a common position.

21. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein the bending edge of the secondary tab is located below the bending edge of the engagement tab.

22. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein for each fixing clip the secondary tab is at least partially formed from the same portion of material of the strip that forms the engagement tab.

23. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein for each fixing clip the secondary tab is entirely formed from the same portion of material of the strip that forms the engagement tab.

24. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein for each fixing clip the portions of strip material forming the engagement tab and secondary tab do not overlap.

25. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein for each fixing clip the upper lateral edge of the engagement tab is displaced further from the front face of the strip than the upper lateral edge of the secondary tab.

26. A fixing strip according to claim 1 wherein, in use, an end region or portion of the engagement tab of each fixing clip forms an engagement surface that abuts against a complementary inclined surface of the recess in the rear face of the board such that the board rests on the engagement tab against gravity in an abutting relationship.

27. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein, in use, the secondary tab of each fixing clip provides an engagement surface that is arranged to temporarily contact a section of the upper surface of a cladding board to be installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips during installation.

28. A fixing strip according to claim 2 wherein, in use, the secondary tab of each fixing clip acts as a retaining or engagement tab for cladding boards installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips by being bent downward about its respective lateral bending edge from an original alignment position into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of a cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips.

29. A fixing clip that is mountable to framing for holding cladding boards up against framing, each board having front and rear faces, a recess being provided in and along the rear face, and being arranged to be installed on the framing in a partially overlapping relationship with other like boards, the fixing clip being arranged to co-operate with a number of like fixing clips such that the fixing clips are supported by the framing and are spaced apart relative to each other and arranged in rows, the fixing clip comprising a mounting plate that is securable to the framing, and an engagement tab that is a flat portion of material punched from the mounting plate and which is adjoined to the strip at an intact edge of the tab, the engagement tab being bent about a bending edge so as to extend at an acute angle relative to the front face of the mounting plate for engaging in the complementary recess of a cladding board in a holding relationship to, in co-operation with the other fixing clips of that row also engaging with a section of the recess, hold the board in place on the framing.

30. A cavity batten comprising an elongate member to which one or more fixing strips according to claim 1 are secured along its length.

31. A cavity batten according to claim 30 wherein the fixing strip(s) are fixed to a flat surface of the elongate member.

32. A cavity batten according to claim 30 wherein the elongate member comprises a flat surface having one or more complementary recesses within which the fixing strip(s) are received and retained such that the front base of the fixing strip is flush with the remaining of the flat surface of the elongate member.

33. A cavity batten comprising an elongate member to which mulitple fixing clips according to claim 29 are secured along its length with a uniform spacing.

34. A cavity batten according to claim 33 wherein the fixing clips are fixed to a flat surface of the elongate member.

35. A cavity batten according to claim 33 wherein the elongate member comprises a flat surface having one or more complementary recesses within which the fixing clips are received and retained such that the front face of the fixing clip is flush with the remainder of the flat surface of the elongate member.

36. A fixing system for securing cladding boards to framing in a partially overlapping relationship, each board having front and rear faces extending between upper and lower surfaces with a recess being provided in and along the rear face, the fixing system comprising:

a plurality of fixing strips according to claim 1 that are supported by the framing and are spaced apart and aligned on the framing relative to each other so as to provide rows of fixing clips on the framing for supporting rows of boards, each fixing clip having an engagement tab that is arranged to engage with a section of the recess of a board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a section of the recess, support the board in place on the framing.

37. A fixing system according to claim 36 further comprising a plurality of fixing components that are arranged to extend through the front face of each board within the overlapping region of adjacent boards and into the framing to secure each board to the framing in co-operation with the fixing clips.

38. A fixing system according to claim 36 wherein each fixing clip further comprises a lower tab in the form of a lower engagement tab situated below the upper engagement tab and which is bendable into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of a cladding board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips to retain the lower board in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of its respective row of fixing clips.

39. A method of installing cladding boards onto framing in a partially overlapping relationship such that adjacent boards have an overlapping region, each board having front and rear faces extending between upper and lower surfaces with a recess being provided in and along the rear face, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) securing a plurality of spaced-apart fixing strips according to claim 1 to the framing such that they are aligned to form rows of fixing clips on the framing, each row of fixing clips being arranged to support a board or row of boards and each fixing clip having an engagement tab that is arranged to engage with a section of the recess of a board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a section of the recess, support the board in place on the framing, the vertical distance between the rows of fixing devices determining the overlapping region between adjacent boards;

(b) engaging a first board or first row of boards with the lower-most row of fixing clips such that the engagement tabs of the fixing clips of that row engage into the recess of the rear face of the first board or first row of boards to support and hold the board(s) in place on the framing; and

(c) repeating step (b) for each next upper adjacent board or rows of boards in relation to their respective rows of fixing clips to progressively clad the framing with boards from the bottom up.

40. A method according to claim 39 further comprising the step of driving a number of fixing components through the front face of the last installed board or row of boards and into the framing along the length of the board(s) within the overlapping region to secure the board(s) in place on the framing after each step (b) and prior to installing the next upper adjacent board or row of boards.

41. A method according to claim 39 wherein each fixing clip comprises a bendable secondary tab and the method further comprising the step of bending or causing each or at least some of the secondary tabs of the next free adjacent row of fixing clips above the last installed row of cladding boards to bend downward into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of the last installed board or row of boards so as to retain those board(s) in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of their respective row of fixing clips after each step (b) and prior to installing the next upper adjacent board or row of boards.

42. A method according to claim 39 wherein step (a) comprises providing a number of battens, each batten having a number of fixing strips mounted thereon to provide a number of fixing clips uniformly spaced apart along its length, and securing the battens in a spaced apart relationship and in a vertical orientation on the framing such that the fixing clips of the battens are aligned to form the rows of fixing clips.

43. A method according to claim 39 wherein step (a) comprises securing individual fixing clips directly to the framing in a spaced apart arrangement vertically and horizontally with respect to each other to form the rows of fixing clips.

44. A method according to claim 39 wherein step (a) comprises providing a number of fixing strips, each fixing strip having a number of integral fixing clips spaced apart along its length, and securing the fixing strips in a spaced apart relationship and in a vertical orientation on the framing such that the fixing clips of the fixing strips are aligned to form the rows of fixing clips.

45. A cladded structure comprising:

a framing for cladding;

a plurality of fixing strips according to claim 1 that are mounted to the framing so as to provide rows of fixing clips on the framing for supporting rows of boards, each fixing clip having a primary engagement tab for engaging with a section of the recess of a cladding board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing clips of the same row also engaging with a section of the recess, support the board in place on the framing; and

rows of partially overlapping boards covering the framing with each row of boards being supported by a respective row of fixing clips, each cladding board being defined along the length of the board by front and rear surfaces that extend between upper and lower surfaces, and a recess being provided in and along the rear surface into which the engagement tabs of a number of fixing clips of a row engage to support the board on the framing.

46. A cladded structure according to claim 45 wherein each fixing clip further comprises a secondary tab in the form of a lower engagement tab situated below the primary engagement tab and which is bent into abutting contact or engagement with a section of the upper surface of a board installed on the lower adjacent row of fixing clips to retain the lower board in an engaged state with the engagement tabs of its respective fixing clips.

47. A cladded structure according to claim 45 wherein each fixing clip further comprises a secondary tab situated below the engagement tab which is configured as an alignment tab.

48. A cladded structure according to claim 45 further comprising a plurality of fixing components that extend through the front face of each board within the overlapping region of adjacent boards and into the framing to further secure each board to the framing in co-operation with the fixing clips.