Structural cladding system and cladding sheet therefor

Abstract

The structural cladding system described involves a profiled metal sheet with a convex cross-sectional profile, offering longitudinal rigidity for cladding long spans without additional supports. Its edges have joint rails with semicylindrical cross-sections, enabling rotatable interlocking, as illustrated in various figures. These rails allow for diverse cladding configurations, from straight to right-angled or curved sections, and their design permits a waterproof connection without penetrating fasteners. The sheets can be stacked efficiently for shipping and feature an optional dovetail interlock profile for accessory attachment without compromising waterproofing. A locking clamp may secure the interlocked rails, and the system may also include a structural truss design for engaging the sheets at various angles, allowing for versatile cladding solutions, including flat assembly for ease of installation. The trusses can be adjusted for different configurations, supporting the cladding system's flexible and efficient design.

Description

STRUCTURAL CLADDING SYSTEM AND CLADDING SHEETTHEREFORField of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to a type of structural cladding system and a cladding system therefor.Summary of the Disclosure

[0002] The described structural cladding system features a profiled metal sheet for structural cladding, with a convex cross-sectional profile for enhanced rigidity, allowing for long-span cladding without additional supports.

[0003] Its outer edges have joint rails with semi-cylindrical cross-sections, enabling interlocking in various angles for different cladding configurations, including straight, right-angled, or curved sections.

[0004] The joint rails facilitate connection without penetrating fasteners, preserving waterproofing integrity. Additionally, the sheet profile allows efficient stacking for transportation. Each sheet has differently oriented male and female rail joints for effective interlocking. The joint rails also include a semi-cylindrical section interfacing with inner planar sections, allowing them to lie flat against each other when fully rotated.

[0005] The central pan of the sheet may feature a dovetail interlock profile, suitable for suspending accessories without compromising waterproofing. Edge stiffening ribs can also be inserted for added strength. A locking clamp may secure the interlocked joint rails, comprising semi-cylindrical and planar portions with a releasable connector.

[0006] Furthermore, the system may include a structural truss engaging lapped sheets, with crossbars and angled cords providing additional support and facilitating corner formations.

[0007] The truss design allows for easy installation and adjustment, with screw fasteners used for securing. The trusses also enable cladding assembly on the ground before being raised into position. The bifurcated portions of the inner cord and the planar interfacing faces of the trusses adapt to the angle of assembly, providing versatility in construction.

[0008] In a first aspect the invention may be said to involve a structural cladding system comprising a. a cladding sheet including a generally convex cross-sectional profile defining angled sides, a central pan and outer side edges, b. wherein the outer side edges include joint rails defining respective open at least partly cylindrical cross-sections that are configured to interlock in a pivoting manner.

[0009] In a further aspect the invention may be said to involve a structural cladding system comprising a. a cladding sheet having a generally convex cross-sectional profile defined by angled sides defining a central pan and outer side edges, the outer side edges forming joint rails defining respective open semicylindrical cross-sections that are configured to interlock in a rotatable manner.

[0010] In one example, the cladding sheet is metal.

[0011] In one example, the rails define openings on opposite sides of the sheet.

[0012] In one example, the system comprises a pair of interlocking sheets and wherein adjacent sides thereof are parallel.

[0013] In one example, the system comprises a pair of interlocking sheets and wherein adjacent sides thereof are at 90° with respect to each other.

[0014] The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each edge defines a semicylindrical section interfacing an inner planar section, the inner planar section further interfacing a further inner planar section at an angle, the inner planar section further interfacing a side section.

[0015] In one example, the system comprises a pair of interlocking sheets and wherein respective inner planar sections and further inner planar sections thereof lie flat against each other.

[0016] In one example, the central pan defines a channel having a profile constricted towards its opening.

[0017] In one example, the system comprises a connector configured for interfacing the channel without fasteners and suspending accessory from the sheet.

[0018] In one example, the system further comprises a locking clamp configured for securing interlocked joint rails.

[0019] In one example, the locking clamp comprises inner and outer jaws defining opposing open semicylindrical cross-sections entrapping interlocked joint rails therebetween.

[0020] In one example, the jaws define semicylindrical sections interfacing planar sections which converge towards each other.

[0021] In one example, the planar sections define a releasable connector therebetween.

[0022] In one example, a portion of the connector defines an outer profile matching an angle between an inner planar section and a further inner planar section of a respective sheet.

[0023] In one example, the system further comprises a truss comprising crossbars and angled cords interfacing respective angled sides of the sheet.

[0024] In one example, the truss is formed by separable crossbars having respective angled cords protruding therefrom which close against opposite sides of interconnected sheets.

[0025] In one example, the truss comprises parallel adjacent cords which interface opposite sides of a respective side of the sheet.

[0026] In one example, the parallel adjacent cords overlap.

[0027] In one example, the cords are at 45° with respect to the crossbars.

[0028] In one example, the system comprises trusses defining a corner section engaging adjacent sheets at 90° with respect to each other.

[0029] In one example, the corner section comprises an inner cord interfacing a respective pair of outer cords.

[0030] In one example, the outer cords interface outer surfaces of adjacent angled sides of the adjacent sheets and the inner cord interfaces inner surfaces of the adjacent angled sheets.

[0031] In one example, the joint rails of the adjacent sheets interlock between the outer cords.

[0032] In one example, the corner section is configured to close through 90°.

[0033] In one example, the corner section is configurable in a straight configuration wherein trusses thereof are parallel with respect to each other and a right-angled configuration wherein the trusses thereof are at 90° with respect to each other.

[0034] In one example, the inner cord is bifurcated.

[0035] In one example, each truss comprises a respective bifurcated portion of the inner cord.

[0036] In one example, corner edges of the trusses have planar faces which are at 90° with respect to each other in the right-angled configuration and which are parallel with each other in the straight configuration.

[0037] In one example, the planar faces meet flush when parallel with each other.

[0038] In a further aspect the invention may be said to involve a cladding sheet comprising a. a sheet wall including a pair of opposed outer side edges, the sheet wall defining a cross-sectional profile, b. wherein one of the outer side edges includes a male joint rail and one of the outer side edges includes a female joint rail adapted for receiving the male joint rail of an adjacent similar cladding sheet, c. wherein the female joint rail defines an at least partly cylindrically curved inner surface extending around a mouth; and d. wherein the male joint rail defines an outer at least partly cylindrically curved surface configured for engaging with the cylindrically curved inner surface of the female joint rail in a pivoting fashion.

[0039] In one example, the cross-sectional profile of the sheet wall includes at least one strengthening ridge.

[0040] In one example, the male joint rail is hollow.

[0041] In one example, the female joint rail is hollow.

[0042] In one example, the strengthening ridge extends parallel with the pair of opposed outer side edges.

[0043] In one example, the cross-sectional profile of the sheet wall is generally one or more selected from concave and convex.

[0044] In one example, the cross-sectional profile of the sheet wall defines opposed angled sides.

[0045] In one example, the cross-sectional profile of the sheet wall defines a central pan.

[0046] In one example, the sheet wall is generally elongate.

[0047] In one example, the pair of opposed outer side edges are parallel.

[0048] In one example, the cladding sheet generally defines a V-shaped profile in cross-section.

[0049] In one example, the cladding sheet defines a pair of angled planar faces forming the sides of the V shaped profile.

[0050] In one example, the joint rails are configured to extend out of the planes of the pair of angled planar faces.

[0051] In one example, the cladding sheet defines an interlocking profile that includes a channel.

[0052] In one example, the channel extends parallel to the joint rails.

[0053] In one example, the channel includes a restricted mouth.

[0054] In one example, the channel extends the length of the cladding sheet.

[0055] In one example, the male joint rail and the female joint rail define an opening that opens to a similar side in cross-section.

[0056] In one example, the cladding sheet can include end caps for closing the convex open ends of the cladding sheet.

[0057] In one example, the cladding sheet can include a second sheet wall secured to the first sheet wall.

[0058] In one example, the second sheet wall and the first sheet wall, together with end caps define a chamber therebetween.

[0059] In one example, the chamber is a sealed chamber.

[0060] In a further aspect, the invention may be said to involve a locking clamp for locking a pair of adjacent cladding sheets together, the locking clamp including: a. a female clamping member and email clamping member configured to be secured to each other at a proximal end; b. the female clamping member including a curved wall defining an inner cylindrical face; and c. a male clamping member including a curved wall defining an outer cylindrical face; d. a securing arrangement for securing the male clamping member and the female clamping member together for clamping at least one or more cylindrically shaped cladding sheets together in use.

[0061] In one example, the curved wall of the female clamping member extends in an opposed direction to the curved wall of the male clamping member.

[0062] In one example, the securing arrangement is a camming arrangement.

[0063] In one example, the securing arrangement includes a fastener.

[0064] In one example, the locking clamp includes a mounting formation on which external items can be mounted.

[0065] In a further aspect, the invention may be said to involve a structural truss for holding cladding sheets in position, the structural truss including: a. a first trust member comprising at least one supporting crossbar and at least one or more engaging members extending from the crossbar, the engaging members being configured for engaging with a face of a profiled cladding sheet;b. a second truss member comprising at least one supporting crossbar and at least one or more engaging members extending from the crossbar, the engaging members being configured for engaging with an opposed face of the profiled cladding sheet.

[0066] In one example, the at least one or more engaging members extend diagonally outwardly from the crossbar.

[0067] In one example, the at least one or more engaging members extend diagonally outwardly from the crossbar in opposed directions to form a V shape.

[0068] In one example, the structural truss includes a truss corner member, the truss corner member including a. an outer corner member and at least one or more engaging members extending from the outer corner member, the at least one or more engaging members being configured for engagement with the outer faces of a plurality of profiled cladding sheets; and b. an inner corner member and at least one or more engaging members extending from the inner corner member, the at least one or more engaging members being configured for engagement with the inner faces of a plurality of profiled cladding sheets.

[0069] In one example, the at least one or more engaging members of the first trust member and the at least one or more engaging members of the second truss member are configured for overlapping each other at their distal ends.

[0070] In a further aspect, the invention may be said to involve a truss corner assembly, the truss corner member including: a. an outer corner member and at least one or more engaging members extending from the outer corner member, the at least one or more engaging members being configured for engagement with the outer faces of a plurality of profiled cladding sheets; and b. an inner corner member and at least one or more engaging members extending from the inner corner member, the at least one or moreengaging members being configured for engagement with the inner faces of a plurality of profiled cladding sheets.

[0071] In one example, the outer corner member is composed of a pair of support members configured at an angle of between 0° and 180° to each other.

[0072] In one example, the support members are fixed in relation to each other.

[0073] In one example, the support members are pivotably connected to each other.

[0074] In one example, the support members are pivotably connected to each other by a hinge.

[0075] In one example, the truss corner assembly can include a pair of inner corner members.

[0076] In a further aspect, the invention may be said to involve a structural cladding system, the structural cladding system comprising a. a plurality of cladding sheets as described above; and b. at least one or more selected from: i. a locking clamp as described above; ii. a truss corner assembly as described above; and Hi. a structural truss as described above.

[0077] In one example, the structural cladding system includes at least one or more batons.

[0078] In one example, the structural cladding system includes at least one or more external cladding elements.

[0079] In a further aspect, the invention may be said to involve a building construction including a structural cladding system as described above.

[0080] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0081] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0082] Figure 1 shows a top front right perspective view of a profiled metal cladding sheet (101) of a structural cladding system (100) illustrating the convex cross- sectional profile of the sheet, including angled sides (102), central pan (103), and outer side edges (104).

[0083] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a cladding sheet of figure 1 detailing the joint rails (105) with openings (106) and a female rail joint (105A) and male rail joint (105B).

[0084] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a pair of interlocking joint rails (105A and 105B) at a first angle.

[0085] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the pair of interlocking joint rails of figure 3 at a second angle in which at the end of the rotation position between the rails, where planar sections (108) and further inner planar sections (109) lie flat against each other.

[0086] Figures 5a-5d shows front cross-sectional views of different ways adjacent sheets (101 ) can be interlocked at different angles by the interlocking joint rails (105

[0087] Figure 6 shows a top front cutaway perspective view of a cladding system including a plurality of cladding sheets and a structural truss, the cladding sheets including forming wall and roof portions.

[0088] Figure 7 shows a top front right side perspective view of a stack of nested cladding sheets, showing how the profile of the cladding sheet (101) allows for stacking within the confines of a standard shipping container.

[0089] Figure 8 shows a cutaway cross-sectional view of a structural cladding system in the form of a pair of interlocked cladding sheets held together by a locking clamp (1 12).

[0090] Figure 9 shows a cutaway top front perspective view of a structural cladding system including plurality of interlocked cladding sheets held in position by a truss.

[0091] Figure 10 shows a close-up cutaway front elevation view of a structural cladding system showing a 90° corner.

[0092] Figure 11 shows a close-up cutaway perspective view of figure 10.

[0093] Figures 12 shows a close-up cutaway front elevation view of a lower corner of a structural cladding system.

[0094] Figure 13 shows a front left perspective view of the lower corner of figure 12 that illustrates how cladding can be formed flat on the ground and then pivoted up to 90° to form a wall section.

[0095] Figure 14 shows a top front right perspective view of a cladding sheet with end caps.

[0096] Figure 15 shows a top front right perspective view of a cladding sheet with end caps and a second wall.

[0097] Figure 16 shows a cutaway plan view of a structural cladding system include outer cladding elements to form a wall.

[0098] Figure 17 shows a side elevation view of a second embodiment of a corner section 121 .

[0099] Figure 18 shows a building construction created using the structural cladding system.Description of Embodiments

[0100] Figures 1 and 2 show a profiled metal cladding sheet 101 of a structural cladding system 100. The cladding sheet 101 is preferably elongate, although this need not necessarily be the case. The sheet comprises a thin, preferably metal, wall 101 a that is formed or bent into a profile. The metal may be steel, galvanised steel, aluminium, or any other suitable metal. In alternative examples the sheet may be composed of plastic and may be extruded or moulded. In other alternative examples the sheet may be composed of a fibrous textile and a resin such as carbon fibre, Kevlar, basalt fibre, glass fibre, or the like.

[0101] The sheet 101 preferably has a generally convex cross-sectional profile defined by angled sides 102 which define a central pan 103 and outer side edges 104. The cross-sectional profile is generally in the form of a V shape. Angled planar sides 102 form the sides of the V shaped profile.

[0102] In alternative examples (not shown) it is envisaged that a large variety of other cross sectional profiles are possible. Preferably the cross sectional profile includes at least one strengthening ridge that runs along the length of the cladding sheet 101 , and preferably parallel to the opposed outer side edges.

[0103] The opposed outer side edges are shown in the embodiments as being parallel, however it is envisaged that they need not necessarily be parallel, and in alternative embodiments (not shown) could be angled to each other, thereby allowing for the formation of tapered shapes when assembled as a structural cladding system.

[0104] It is also envisaged that the cross-sectional profile could be V shaped, W shaped, U-shaped, or any other suitable shape, and may extend in a generally convex or concave shape.

[0105] The convex cross-sectional profile confers longitudinal structural rigidity allowing for cladding of long spans of these profiled metal sheets 101 without purlins or girts or other support.

[0106] The outer side edges 104 form joint rails 105 defining respective open crosssections that are configured to interlock as is shown in Figures 3 and 4 in a rotatable manner.

[0107] Figures 3 and 4 show a pair of adjacent similar cladding sheets 101 that are interconnected with each other.

[0108] The joint rails 105 include a female joint drill 105A and a male joint rail 105 B. The female joint rail 105A is adapted for receiving the male joint rail 105B of the adjacent similar cladding sheet 101 . The female joint rail 105A defines an at least partly cylindrically curved inner surface 130 extending around a mouth 106. The male joint rail 105B defines a curved outer surface 131 that is at least partially cylindrical. The curved outer surface 131 of the male joint rail 105B is configured for engaging snugly with the cylindrically curved inner surface 130 of the female joint rail 105A.

[0109] The joint rails 105 may extend out of the planes of the pair of angled planar sides 102 to allow for nesting of the cladding sheet 101 with other similar claddingsheets 101. Further, by having joint rails 105 extend out of the plane of the pair of planar angled sides or faces 102, this allows for the cladding sheets 101 to be supported by structural trusses 1 18 as will be described in more detail below.

[0110] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the female joint rail 105A and the male joint rail 105B are both hollow. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the male joint rail need not necessarily be hollow. In the embodiments shown, the male joint rail 105B and the female joint rail 105A each define an opening 106 that opens to a similar side when viewed in cross-section. Figures 5a-d illustrate different ways adjacent sheets 101 can be lapped or interconnected using the interlocking or interconnecting joint rails 105 of adjacent similar cladding sheets therebetween from approximately -15° to +90°.

[0111] Specifically, Figure 5d shows adjacently interconnected sheets 101 connected at 90° with respect to each other (shown by the dotted lines), wherein sides 102 of adjacent cladding sheets 101 are parallel to each other.

[0112] Figure 5b shows adjacently interconnected sheets 101 connected at 0° with respect to each other (i.e., in straight alignment) wherein adjacent sides 102 thereof are at approximately 90° with respect to each other.

[0113] Figure 5C shows adjacent sheets 101 connected at approximately -15° with respect to each other.

[0114] These various configurations may be used to design straight, right-angled or curved cladding sections. Specifically, Figure 6 shows a cladding system 100 comprising right-angled sections forming wall and roof portions.

[0115] It is envisaged that play provided by the open semicylindrical cross-sections of the joint rails 105 may allow for longitudinal interconnection variation between adjacent sheets 101 to even allow for splayed or dovetail profile cladding sections.

[0116] The joint rails 105 further allow sheets 101 to be interconnected together without using penetrating fasteners which could compromise the waterproofing integrity of cladding.

[0117] The profile of the sheet 101 allows for stacking of sheets 101 in the manner shown in Figure 7. Each sheet 101 may be sized so that two stacks of up to 20sheets 101 may be stacked side-by-side within the confines of standard shipping container.

[0118] With reference to Figure 2, the joint rails 105 may define openings 106 on opposite sides of the sheet 101 . Specifically, Figure 2 shows a female rail joint 105A which may define an opening towards an underside of the sheet 101 (given the orientation of Figure 2). However, the opposing male rail joint 105B may define an opening 106 above the sheet 101. This oppositely sided opening configuration allows the male and female rail joints 105 to interlock together in the manner shown in Figure 5.

[0119] With reference to Figure 3, each joint rail 105 may define a at least partly cylindrical section 107 interfacing an inner planar section 108. The inner planar section 108 may further interface a further inner planar section 109 provided at an angle to the inner planar section 108. This further inner planar section 109 may interface a side section 110. Side section 110 allows the joint rail to be provided out of plan of the angled sides 102.

[0120] As is shown in Figure 4, at an end of rotation position between the rails 105, the respective planar sections 108 and further inner planar sections 109 may lie flat against each other.

[0121] With reference to Figure 2, the central pan 103 may define a dovetail interlock profile 111. The dovetail interlock profile 1 11 is characterised by defining a channel 111 a having a cross-section which constricts towards its opening 11 1 b. As such, connectors, strengthening ribs and the like can be wedged within this constricted channel. The channel 111 a preferably extends parallel to the joint rails and across the length of the cladding sheet 101.

[0122] The dovetail interlock 111 may allow for suspension of accessories such as lighting or the like without fasteners which could otherwise compromise the waterproofing of the sheet 102. Furthermore, edge stiffening ribs may be inserted partway along the channels to stiffen and / or hold edges of the sheet 101.

[0123] With reference to Figure 8, the system 100 may further comprise a locking clamp 1 12 configured for securing interlocked joint rails 105 to lock a pair ofadjacent cladding sheets 101 together. The locking clamp 112 may comprise an male clamping member or inner jaw 113A and an oppositely orientated opposing female clamping member or outer jaw 113EB configured for entrapping the interlocked rails 105 therebetween.

[0124] Each jaw 113 may comprise an at least partly cylindrical portion 114 interfacing a planar portion 115. In particular, the male clamping member or inner jaw 113A is a curved wall defining a cylindrically outer face 135, and the female clamping member or outer jaw is a curved wall defining an inner cylindrically curved face 136. The outer cylindrically curved face 135 and the inner cylindrically curved face 136 are preferably configured for engaging with the outer cylindrically shaped surfaces of the female rail joint 105A and the male rail joint 105B respectively.

[0125] As may be seen from figure 8, the curved wall of the female clamping member 113B extends to curve in an opposed direction to the curved wall of the male clamping member 113A.

[0126] The planar portions 115 may converge towards each other at a proximal end, where they can be secured with a securing arrangement or connector 1 16. The connector 116 may comprise two portions 117 which are connected together, such as with a screw fastener 132 or the like. One portion 117A may be planar whereas the other portion 117B be a monobloc. A screw fastener 132 may penetrate the planar portion 117 to engage within the monobloc portions 117B. In alternative embodiments (not shown) it is envisaged that the connector or securing arrangement could use a camming arrangement to secure the inner jaw 113A and the outer jaw 113B together.

[0127] The monobloc portions 117B may further define an outer profile matching the angled profile defined between the aforedescribed inner planar portion 108 and the further inner planar portion 109 of the sheet 101.

[0128] The locking clamp 112 may further include one or more mounting formations 150 along its length on which batons and / or outside cladding can be mounted. Allowing batons and / or outer cladding to be mounted to the structural claddingsystem allows for the use of the structural cladding system in the walls and / or roof of a construction such as residential housing, warehousing, or the like.

[0129] It is further envisaged that the outer cladding could be timber boards, and would allow the structural cladding system to be used to create formwork for concrete pouring.

[0130] An example of this is shown in figure 16, in a wooden baton 170 including a dovetail shape is inserted into the dovetail interlock profile 1 11 , thereby allowing an external cladding element 171 to be mounted to the wooden baton on one side, while on an opposed side, the external cladding elements 171 can be mounted directly to the mounting formations 150. The spaces between the external cladding elements 171 may be filled with installation 180.

[0131] In this way, the structural cladding system 100 can be used to create strong wall sections. Such wall sections can be used in the creation of building constructions 200 (shown in figure 18) such as residential housing, warehousing, or the like.

[0132] Figure 10 shows an embodiment wherein the system 100 comprises a structural truss 118 or truss assembly for engaging interconnected or lapped cladding sheets 101 to hold them in position. The truss 118 comprises cross bars119 and angled engaging members or cords 120 partway therebetween. The cords120 may be angled at 45° with respect to the crossbars 119. In alternative embodiments (not shown) the cords may be angled at any angle with respect to the crossbars.

[0133] The truss 118 includes a first truss member or crossbar 119a and at least one or more engaging members or cords 120a extending from the crossbar, the cords being configured for engaging with a face of a profiled cladding sheet.

[0134] The truss 1 18 further includes a second truss member or crossbar 119b and preferably a plurality of engaging members or cords 120b extending from the crossbar 119b, the engaging members being configured for engaging with an opposed face of the profiled cladding sheet 101 .Preferably the cords 120 extenddiagonally from the crossbars 119, and preferably extend an opposed directions from each other to generally form a V shape between adjacent cords 120.

[0135] Each truss 118 includes a preferably separable pair of crossbars 119 a & b and respective cords 120 a&b extending therefrom which are closed together on opposite sides of lapped sheets 101 to thereby hold the cladding sheet 101 therebetween. In this way, adjacent cords 120 entrap opposite sides of preferably angled sides 102 of the cladding sheet 101 therebetween. According to the specific embodiment shown, adjacent cords 120 are preferably parallel and overlap. One or more screw fasteners through overlapping ends of these adjacent cords 120 may be used to affix the angled side 102 of the sheet 101 .

[0136] Figure 10 illustrates how the system 100 comprises a truss corner assembly or corner section 121 defined between two trusses 118 at 90° with respect to each other. Figure 6 illustrates how cladding can be formed with these corner section 121.

[0137] The corner section 121 may comprise an outer corner member 160 and one or more inner corner members 161 . The outer corner member 160 may include a pair of outer support members 162. The support members 162 may be disposed at an angle of between 0° and hundred and 79° to each other. In the embodiment shown in figure 10, the outer support members 162 disposed at 90° to each other. The inner corner members 162 include at least one more inner support members 164.

[0138] Outer cord 120B extend inwardly from outer support members 162. Inner cords 120A extend in an opposed direction to the outer cords 120B outwardly from inner support members 164.

[0139] In the embodiment shown in figure 10, inner cord 120A interfaces between a respective pair of outer cords 120B. The outer cords 120B interface outer surfaces of adjacent angled sides 102 of adjacent sheets 101 connected at 90° with respect to each other and the inner cord 120A interfaces inner surfaces of these adjacent angled sides 102. Interlocking joint rails 105 of adjacently lapped sheets 102 interlock between the outer cords 120B by virtue of the interlocking joint rails beingout of plane of angled sides 102. The inner cord 120A may be bifurcated into halfwidth bifurcated portions 122.

[0140] In a further example of a corner section 121 shown in figure 17, the outer support members 161 of the outer corner member 160 are pivotably connected to each other to pivot about a pivot axis A. The outer support members 161 are preferably pivotably movable relative to each other between a range of 0° (in which they are aligned) and 90° to each other, as shown by angle a in figure 17, but could be movable within smaller ranges.

[0141] In the example shown in figure 17, a pair of separate inner corner members 162 are provided, with each corner member including an inner support member 164 and an inner cord 120A extending outwardly from the inner support member.

[0142] In this way, and as shown in the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the system 100 allows cladding to be formed flat on the ground (as shown in Figure 9) allowing for the ease of installation of any insulation or ancillary componentry such as lighting and the like whereafter it can then be pivoted up to 90° to form a wall section. The cladding system can further be pivoted to form sloping surfaces such as roofing, as shown in figure 18.

[0143] When the trusses 118 are straight, these bifurcated portions 122 split apart with each respective truss 118. However, when the trusses 118 are at 90° with respect to each other as is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, these bifurcated portions 122 come together to cooperate to form the inner cord 120A between the outer cords 120B. Screw fasteners may be used to secure the bifurcated portions 122 together. The bifurcated portions 122 preferably engage with the inner faces of both cladding sheets.

[0144] Corners of the trusses 1 18 may define planar interfacing faces 123 which are at 90° with respect to each other when the trusses 118 are also at 90° with respect to each other as is shown in Figure 12 but which are parallel with respect to each other and which may press flat against each other when the trusses 118 are straight.

[0145] The trusses may be securely connected to each other and / or to the truss corner assembly by securing arrangement (not shown). Such securing arrangements could include a wide variety of securing arrangements including, but not limited to: a. spigot and socket arrangements; b. end flanges securable by nut and bolt arrangements; c. and the like.

[0146] In a further example is shown in figure 14, it is envisaged that the cladding sheet 101 can include end caps 140 that enclose the convex open ends of the cladding sheet 101. In this way, the cladding sheet can be used as a flotation device on which items such as solar panels may be supported and / or can be used to such as food, liquid, or the like. The end caps 140 may be welded, bonded or otherwise secured onto the wall 101 a.

[0147] In a further example as shown in figure 15, it is envisaged that the cladding sheet can include a second wall 142 connected to the first wall 101 a, to thereby create a double wall arrangement that may be useful for its thermal properties, strength, or the like. It is further envisaged that the first wall 101 a and the second wall 101 b, together with end caps 140, may form a chamber between them. The chamber may include an aperture with a closure 141 for use as an inlet and / or outlet. The chamber may be a sealed chamber.

[0148] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionand various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.Interpretation

[0149] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. For the purposes of the present invention, additional terms are defined below. Furthermore, all definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms unless there is doubt as to the meaning of a particular term, in which case the common dictionary definition and / or common usage of the term will prevail.

[0150] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise and thus are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to “at least one”) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, the phrase “an element” refers to one element or more than one element.

[0151] The term “about” is used herein to refer to quantities that vary by as much as 30%, preferably by as much as 20%, and more preferably by as much as 10% to a reference quantity. The use of the word ‘about’ to qualify a number is merely an express indication that the number is not to be construed as a precise value.

[0152] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[0153] The term “real-time” for example “displaying real-time data,” refers to the display of the data without intentional delay, given the processing limitations of the system and the time required to accurately measure the data.

[0154] As used herein, the term “exemplary” is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an “exemplary embodiment” is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality for example serving as a desirable model or representing the best of its kind.

[0155] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0156] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only beinterpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0157] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.Embodiments:

[0158] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner,as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0159] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0160] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.Specific Details

[0161] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0162] It will be appreciated that the methods / apparatus / devices / systems described / illustrated above at least substantially provide a structural cladding and system therefor.

[0163] The structural cladding and system therefor described herein, and / or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specifically stated, individual aspects and components of the structural cladding and system therefor may be modified, or may have been substituted therefore known equivalents, or as yet unknown substitutes such as may be developed in the future or such as may be found to be acceptable substitutes in the future. The structural cladding and system therefor may also be modified for a variety of applications while remaining within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention, since the range of potential applications is great, and since it is intended that the present invention be adaptable to many such variations.Terminology

[0164] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.Different Instances of Objects

[0165] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.Combinations of features in embodiments

[0166] Different features are described in different embodiments in this specification, however it is envisaged that any features shown in any embodiment described may be used with any other features in any other embodiment in any combination, unless this is not logically possible.Comprising and Including

[0167] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0168] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements / features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.Scope of Invention

[0169] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0170] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.Chronological order

[0171] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.Markush groups

[0172] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.Industrial Applicability

[0173] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the construction industries, among others.

Claims

Claims1. A cladding sheet comprising a. a sheet wall including a pair of opposed outer side edges, the sheet wall defining a cross-sectional profile, b. wherein one of the outer side edges includes a male joint rail and one of the outer side edges includes a female joint rail adapted for receiving a male joint rail of an adjacent similar cladding sheet, c. wherein the female joint rail defines an at least partly cylindrically curved inner surface extending around a mouth; and d. wherein the male joint rail defines an outer at least partly cylindrically curved outer surface configured for engaging with the cylindrically curved inner surface of the female joint rail in a pivoting fashion.

2. The cladding sheet as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the cladding sheet generally defines a V-shaped profile in cross-section, and the cladding sheet defines a pair of angled planar faces forming the sides of the V shaped profile.

3. The cladding sheet as claimed in claim 2, wherein the joint rails are configured to extend out of the planes of the pair of angled planar faces.

4. The cladding sheet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cladding sheet defines an interlocking profile that includes a channel, and the channel includes a restricted mouth.

5. A locking clamp for clamping a pair of adjacent cladding sheets together, the locking clamp including: a. a female clamping member and email clamping member configured to be secured to each other at a proximal end, the female clamping member including a curved wall defining an inner cylindrical face; and b. a male clamping member including a curved wall defining an outer cylindrical face; and c. a securing arrangement for securing the male clamping member and the female clamping member together to thereby clamp a plurality of cladding sheets together in use.

6. The locking clamp as claimed in claim 5, wherein the curved wall of the female clamping member extends in an opposed direction to the curved wall of the male clamping member.

7. The locking clamp as claimed in either of claims 5 or 6, wherein the securing arrangement is one or more selected from a. a camming arrangement; b. a fastener arrangement; and c. a nut and bolt arrangement.

8. A structural truss for holding at least one or more cladding sheets in position, the structural truss including: a. a first trust member comprising at least one supporting crossbar and at least one or more engaging members extending from the crossbar, the engaging members being configured for engaging with a face of a at least one or more profiled cladding sheets; b. a second truss member comprising at least one supporting crossbar and at least one or more engaging members extending from the crossbar, the engaging members being configured for engaging with an opposed face of the at least one or more profiled cladding sheets.

9. The structural truss as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one or more engaging members extend diagonally outwardly from the crossbar.

10. The structural truss as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one or more engaging members extend diagonally outwardly from the crossbar in opposed directions to form a V shape.

11. The structural truss as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the at least one or more engaging members of the first trust member and the at least one or more engaging members of the second truss member are configured for overlapping each other at their distal ends.

12. A truss corner assembly, the truss corner member including: a. an outer corner member and at least one or more engaging members extending from the outer corner member, the at least one or moreengaging members being configured for engagement with the outer faces of a plurality of profiled cladding sheets; and b. an inner corner member and at least one or more engaging members extending from the inner corner member, the at least one or more engaging members being configured for engagement with the inner faces of a plurality of profiled cladding sheets.

13. A structural cladding system, the structural cladding system comprising a. a cladding sheet as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 4; and b. at least one or more selected from: i. a locking clamp as claimed in any one of claims 5 - 7; ii. a truss corner assembly as claimed in claim 12; andHi. a structural truss as claimed in any one of claims 8 - 11.

14. A structural cladding system comprising a. a cladding sheet including a generally convex cross-sectional profile defining angled sides, a central pan and outer side edges, b. wherein the outer side edges include joint rails defining respective open at least partly cylindrical cross-sections that are configured to interlock in a pivoting manner.

15. The structural cladding system of claim 14, comprising a plurality of interlocked cladding sheets.

16. The structural cladding system of either of claims 14 or 15, wherein the central pan defines a channel having a profile constricted towards its opening.

17. The structural cladding system of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the system further comprises a locking clamp configured for securing interlocked joint rails.

18. The structural cladding system of claim 17, wherein the locking clamp comprises inner and outer jaws defining opposing open semicylindrical crosssections entrapping interlocked joint rails therebetween.

19. The structural cladding system of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the system further comprises a truss including separable crossbars having respective angled cords protruding therefrom which close against opposite sides of the interconnected sheets.

20. The structural cladding system of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the system comprises trusses defining a corner section engaging connected adjacent sheets at 90° with respect to each other.

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