A veneer assembly and method for securing veneer panels

Abstract

A veneer assembly for covering a structure, comprising a plurality of veneer panels having a rear face comprising grooves, each groove extending vertically along the rear face and comprising a first and second inner sidewalls, wherein in use, a front face of the veneer panel is exposed, and the rear face faces the structure; and a plurality of connectors, each having an attachment portion attachable with a fastener to the structure; and a retaining portion having an elongated body with two sidewalls shaped and configured to snugly fit in one of the grooves of the veneer panel. When inserted in the groove, the two sidewalls of the retaining portion are frictionally engaged with the two inner sidewalls of the groove. When two rows of veneer panels are stacked and secured with the connectors, the retaining portion of the connector securing the lower row does not interfere with the upper row.

Description

A VENEER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR SECURING VENEER PANELSPRIORITYThis application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 553,791 , filed Feb. 15, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field generally relates to veneer panel assembly and methods of securing veneer panels on a structure, and more particularly to connectors for securing veneer panels on a structure.BACKGROUND

[0002] Veneer panel assembly is commonly utilized in construction, whether for renovating existing structures or in new construction projects. Traditionally, veneer panels are affixed to structures using mortar; however, this method is best suited for flat surfaces and is not ideal for a variety of structures, including wooden frames.

[0003] In some instances, veneer panel assembly involve stacking multiple veneer panels and ensuring each panel is securely anchored with connectors to the existing or new structure, without resorting to traditional masonry work.

[0004] Several veneer panel assemblies require an additional metallic structure or trellis panel to anchor the connectors. This approach increases both cost and construction time while introducing unnecessary complexity into the veneer panel assembly.

[0005] Alternatively, some connectors can be anchored directly in the structure, but the friction of the connector inserted in the veneer panel may not be sufficient to support the weight of the veneer panel.

[0006] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved veneer assembly, including connectors to anchor the veneer panels to the structure so as to address at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art.SUMMARY

[0007] According to one aspect, there is provided a veneer assembly for covering a structure. The veneer assembly comprises a plurality of veneer panels, each of the veneer panels having a front face, a rear face, a top face and a bottom face, the rear face comprising grooves, each groove being defined at least in part by a first inner sidewall and a second inner sidewall opposed to the first inner sidewall, wherein in use, the front face of the veneer panel is exposed, and the rear face faces the structure, the grooves extend vertically along the rear face; and a plurality of connectors. Each connector has an attachment portion attachable with a fastener to the structure, to anchor the connector; and a retaining portion having an elongated body with two sidewalls, the retaining portion being shaped and configured to snugly fit in one of the grooves of the veneer panel, wherein when inserted in one of the grooves, the two sidewalls of the retaining portion are frictional ly engaged with the first and second sidewalls of said one of the grooves. At least one row of the veneer panels having their bottom faces resting on the top faces of an underneath row of veneer panels, without the retaining portions of the connectors securing the underneath row of veneer panels interfering with the bottom faces of the row of veneer panels above. The engagement of the retaining portion of the connector in the groove of the veneer panel prevents the veneer panel from being pushed in or pulled out from the structure.

[0008] In one embodiment, the veneer panel is a brick or a rectangular panel, made of concrete-based material.

[0009] In one embodiment, each groove of the veneer panel is substantially dovetail-shaped and comprises a backwall, the two inner sidewalls of the groove joining the backwall at respective groove comers. Each retaining portion of the connector comprises side edges. The frictional engagement of the two sidewallsof the retaining portion with the two inner sidewalls of said one of the grooves comprises having the side edges of the retaining portion frictionally engaging with groove comers of the groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the frictional engagement of the two sidewalls of the retaining portion with the two inner sidewalls of said one groove consists in having only the side edges of the retaining portion frictionally engaging with groove comers of the groove.

[0011] In one embodiment, the retaining portion of the connector is made of a material having resilient properties, the retaining portion being slightly deformed to fit into the groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, elongated body of the retaining portion of the connector is substantially rectangular.

[0013] In one embodiment, the two sidewalls of the retaining portion extend along an entire length thereof.

[0014] In one embodiment, only the retaining portion is insertable in the groove, and the attachment portion extends outside of the groove and comprises a flat tab with a hole for the fastener, the tab resting flat on the structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, both the retaining portion and the attachment portion are insertable in the groove, and wherein the attachment portion is substantially angled to insert the fastener substantially angled in the structure.

[0016] In one embodiment, the retaining portion has a wall-facing side facing the structure and a groove-facing side facing the groove of the veneer panel, and wherein the groove-facing side of the retaining portion further comprises groove friction elements protruding therefrom to fill a connector-groove space between the connector and the groove, for better friction and retaining of the connector in the groove.

[0017] In one embodiment, the groove friction elements are shaped as resilient wavelets.

[0018] In one embodiment, the groove friction elements are shaped as resilient hooks.

[0019] In one embodiment, the rear face of the veneer panel abuts the structure, and the veneer assembly is devoid of any free space between the rear face of the veneer panel and the structure.

[0020] In one embodiment, the attachment portion comprises a flat tab, slightly deported from the retaining portion, wherein when the retaining portion is inserted in the groove of the veneer panel and the attachment portion is attached to the structure, a wall draining space is created between the rear face of the veneer panel and the structure, for better drainage and ventilation, and to compensate for structure imperfections.

[0021] In one embodiment, the connector comprises a bottom side, the bottom side comprising side bottom wings extending therefrom, for spacing the veneer panel from the structure by a wall draining space.

[0022] In one embodiment, the wall draining space has a distance d between the rear face of the veneer panel and the structure of between about 3mm to about 10mm, and more specifically of between about 4 mm and about 6 mm.

[0023] In one embodiment, the sidewalls of the retaining portion of the connector comprises bulges to compress the connector in the groove and to increase friction between the sidewalls of the retaining portion and the sidewalls of the groove.

[0024] In one embodiment, the retaining portion of the connector comprises reinforcing ribs between the groove-facing side and the wall-facing side of the retaining portion.

[0025] In one embodiment, the fastener is a screw or a concrete anchor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the connector is made of resin or plastic.

[0027] In one embodiment, the connector is made of metal.

[0028] In one embodiment, the connector is made of metal molded with plastic.

[0029] In one embodiment, the veneer assembly further comprises a rail being anchored with a rail fastener to a base of structure, and configured to receive the bottom faces of a lowermost row of veneer panels, to prevent the lowermost row of the veneer panels from being pushed in or pulled out from the structure.

[0030] In one embodiment, the veneer assembly further comprises a coping to protect an uppermost row of veneer panels.

[0031] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for covering a structure with veneer panels. The method comprises providing a veneer panel having a front face, a rear face, a top face and a bottom face, the rear face comprising grooves, each groove being defined at least in part by a first inner sidewall and a second inner sidewall opposed to the first inner sidewall; positioning the veneer panel along the structure, with the front face of the veneer panel being exposed, and the rear face facing the structure; providing a connector having a retaining portion and an attachment portion, the retaining portion having an elongated body with two sidewalls; inserting the retaining portion of the connector in one of the grooves of the veneer panel, wherein the two sidewalls of the retaining portion are frictionally engaged with the first and second inner sidewalls of said one of the grooves; and anchoring the connector to the structure with a fastener insertable in the attachment portion of the connector. The veneer panel is positioned to form at least one row of the veneer panels, with the bottom faces resting on the top faces of an underneath row of veneer panels, without the retaining portions of the connectors securing the underneath row of veneer panels interfering with the bottom faces of the row of veneer panels above.

[0032] In one embodiment, the method further comprises adding a coping to protect an uppermost row of veneer panels.

[0033] In one embodiment, the method further comprises adding a membrane or water barrier between the structure and the veneer panels.

[0034] In one embodiment, the method further comprises anchoring a rail to a base of the structure, and positioning the bottom faces of a lowermost row of veneer panels on the rail.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a veneer assembly in accordance with a first embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 1 B is a front perspective view of a veneer assembly in accordance with a second embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first panel of the veneer assembly of FIG. 1A;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the first panel of FIG. 2. FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of a groove, and FIG. 3B is a top view of FIG. 3A;

[0039] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a second panel of the veneer assembly of FIG. 1 B;

[0040] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the second panel of FIG. 4. FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a groove. FIG. 5B is a top view of FIG. 5A;

[0041] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment; and FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6A;

[0042] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6A, with a fastener mounted on it;

[0043] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 6A to be inserted in grooves of the second panel of FIG. 4;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 6A being installed in grooves of the second panel of FIG. 4;

[0045] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9, FIG. 10A is an enlarged view of the cross-section of the connector of FIG. 6A installed in the second panel, and FIG. 10B is an enlarged top view of the connector of FIG. 6A installed in the second panel;

[0046] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the veneer assembly of FIG. 9;

[0047] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 6A inserted in the first panel of FIG. 2;

[0048] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the veneer assembly of FIG. 12;

[0049] FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6A, provided with groove friction elements; FIG. 14B is a front elevation view of the connector of FIG. 14A; and FIG. 14C is a rear perspective view of the connector of FIG. 14A;

[0050] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 14A inserted in the first panel of FIG. 2;

[0051] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 14A inserted in the second panel of FIG. 4;

[0052] FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of FIG. 16, FIG. 17A is an enlarged view of the cross-section of the connector of FIG. 14A inserted in the second panel, and FIG. 17B is an enlarged top view of the connector of FIG. 14A inserted in the second panel;

[0053] FIG. 18A is a front perspective view of a connector in a second embodiment; FIG. 18B is a front elevation view of the connector of FIG. 18A; and FIG. 180 is a rear perspective view of the connector of FIG. 18A;

[0054] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the connector of FIG. 18A, with fasteners inserted therein;

[0055] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 18A inserted in the second panel of FIG. 4;

[0056] FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of FIG. 20, FIG. 21 A is an enlarged view of the cross-section of the connector of FIG. 18A inserted in the second panel, and FIG. 21 B is an enlarged top view of the connector of FIG. 18A inserted in the second panel;

[0057] FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 18A inserted in the first panel of FIG. 2;

[0058] FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of the veneer assembly of FIG. 22;

[0059] FIG. 24A is a front perspective view of the connector of FIG. 18A provided with groove friction elements, according to a first embodiment; FIG. 24B is a front elevation view of the connector of FIG. 24A; and FIG. 24C is a rear perspective view of the connector of FIG. 24A;

[0060] FIG. 25A is a front perspective view of the connector of FIG. 18A provided with groove friction elements, according to a second embodiment; FIG. 25B is a front elevation view of the connector of FIG. 25A; and FIG. 25C is a rear perspective view of the connector of FIG. 25A;

[0061] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a connector, according to a third embodiment;

[0062] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the connector of FIG. 26, with a fastener;

[0063] FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 27 being inserted in the second panel of FIG. 4;

[0064] FIG. 29 is a cross-section view of FIG. 28, FIG. 29A is an enlarged view of the cross-section of the connector of FIG. 27 installed in the second panel, and FIG. 29B is an enlarged top view of the connector of FIG. 27 installed in the second panel;

[0065] FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 26 inserted in the first panel of FIG. 2;

[0066] FIG. 31 is a side elevation view of the veneer assembly of FIG. 30;

[0067] FIG. 32A is a front perspective view of a connector in a fourth embodiment; FIG. 32B is a top elevation view of the connector of FIG. 32A; and FIG. 32C is a rear perspective view of the connector of FIG. 32A;

[0068] FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the connector of FIG. 32A, with a fastener inserted therein;

[0069] FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 32A being inserted in the second panel of FIG. 4;

[0070] FIG. 35 is a cross-section view of FIG. 34, FIG. 35A is an enlarged view of the cross-section of the connector of FIG. 32A inserted in the second panel, and FIG. 35B is an enlarged top view of the connector of FIG. 32A inserted in the second panel;

[0071] FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 32A inserted in the first panel of FIG. 2;

[0072] FIG. 37 is a side elevation view of the veneer assembly of FIG. 36;

[0073] FIG. 38A is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0074] FIG. 38B is a front perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 38A and FIG. 38C is a cross section view of FIG. 38B;

[0075] FIG. 39A FIG. is a front perspective view of a connector in a fifth embodiment; FIG. 39B is a front elevation view of the connector of FIG. 39A; FIG. 39C is a side elevation view of the connector of FIG. 39A, and FIGs. 39D and 39E are rear perspective views of the connector of FIG. 39A;

[0076] FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the connector of FIG. 39A, with a fastener inserted therein;

[0077] FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 39A being inserted in the first panel of FIG. 2;

[0078] FIG. 42 is a cross-section view of FIG. 41 , FIG. 42A is an enlarged view of the cross-section of the connector of FIG. 39A inserted in the first panel, and FIG. 42B is an enlarged top view of the connector of FIG. 39A inserted in the first panel;

[0079] FIG. 43 is a rear elevation view of one exemplary veneer assembly with the connectors of FIG. 39A being inserted in an assembly of first panel of FIG. 2;

[0080] FIG. 44 is a front perspective view of veneer assemblies with copings mounted thereon;

[0081] FIG. 45 is a rear elevation view of the first panel of FIG. 2, with connectors inserted by the bottom side of the panel of the first row of the veneer assembly;

[0082] FIG. 46 is a front perspective view of FIG. 45, with connectors inserted by the top side of the panel of the first row of the veneer assembly;

[0083] FIG. 47 is a rear elevation view of the first panel of FIG. 46;

[0084] FIG. 48 is a rear elevation view of the second panel of FIG. 4, with connectors inserted by the bottom side of the panel of the first row of the veneer assembly;

[0085] FIG. 49 is a front perspective view of FIG. 48, with connectors inserted by the top side of the panel of the first row of the veneer assembly;

[0086] FIG. 50 is a rear elevation view of the second panel of FIG. 49;

[0087] FIG. 51 is a front perspective view of a rail to be mounted on a structure;

[0088] FIG. 52 is a side elevation view of the rail of FIG. 51 , supporting a row of veneer panels of the veneer assembly;

[0089] FIG. 53 is an exploded view of Fig. 52;

[0090] FIG. 54 is a bottom elevation view of FIG. 52.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Referring to the figures, the present description relates to a veneer assembly 5 for covering a structure 2. The structure 2 can be an existing or a newly-constructed structure, including for example a wall or column. The structure can be made of wood, metal studs, concrete or any other material used in construction. The structure can be indoor or outdoor. The structure can be generally vertical or upright, but it is also possible to have an inclined or angled structure, and the structure may also be horizontal. For example, the structure can be part of an outdoor kitchen, walls, columns, stairs, decks, fireplaces or firepits, fences, sheds, etc. Applications for the proposed veneer assembly may include home skirting, shed skirting, fence walls, freestanding walls, columns, outdoor kitchens, precast stairs, fireplaces or firepits and deck skirting.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1 B, two possible embodiments of a veneer assembly 5, 5’ are illustrated. As per the examples illustrated, a veneer assembly 5, 5’ may comprise a plurality of veneer panels 10, 110 and a plurality of connectors 30, to secure the veneer panels 10, 110 on the structure 2. The veneer assemblies described herein do not necessitate the installation of a specific framework assembly, such as a metallic structure, trellis panel or lattice of intersecting and / or interconnected mounting or support members. The veneer panels 10, 110 are generally positioned side by side in rows and / or stacked together. Once installed, the veneer assembly may cover the structure 2 in itsentirety or partially. In some embodiments, a combination of different veneer panels 10, 110 can be used to cover the same structure 2.

[0093] FIG. 1 A shows a first embodiment of veneer panel 10 and FIG. 1 B shows a second embodiment of veneer panel 110 wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 100 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment.

[0094] In both embodiments, the veneer panel 10, 110 is substantially rectangular, resembling a brick or a rectangular panel, and is composed of concrete-based material or other materials commonly used in construction. The veneer panel 10, 110 comprises a front face 12, 112, a rear face 14, 114, a top face 16, 116 and a bottom face 18, 118. The veneer panels 10, 110 can also vary in size from one another, as shown in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B. When the veneer assembly 5, 5’ is installed or the veneer panel 10, 110 are anchored to the structure and in use, the front face 12, 112 of the veneer panel 10, 110 is exposed to weather, air or other elements, and the rear face 14, 114 faces the structure, i.e. , it is hidden and not exposed.

[0095] The veneer assembly 5, 5’ can comprise a plurality of rows of veneer panels 10, 110 stacked together. The veneer panels have their bottom faces 18, 118 resting on, or facing, the top faces 16, 116 of a row of veneer panels below. The connectors 30 securing the underneath row of veneer panels do not interfere with the bottom faces of 18, 118 the row of veneer panels above. In other words, a row of veneer panels can have their bottom faces resting on, of facing, the top faces of an underneath row of veneer panels, without the retaining portions of the connectors securing the underneath row interfering with the bottom faces of the row of veneer panels above. The fact that no part of the connector protrudes or rests on the top face of the panels means that rows of panels can be stacked as close together as possible, if this is the desired appearance. Installation flexibility is enhanced, since, depending on the desired installation, the rows of panels may or may not rest on top of each other, without interference from the retaining portion of the connectors.

[0096] In some embodiment, mortar can be applied to the veneer assembly 5, 5’ solely for aesthetic purposes, as the mortar will not improve the strength or durability of the veneer assembly 5, 5’.First veneer panel

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a first embodiment of veneer panel 10 is shown.

[0098] The veneer panel 10 includes a plurality of grooves 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d extending substantially vertically along the rear face 14, preferably between the top face 16 and the bottom face 18. In the embodiment shown, the veneer panel 10 comprises 4 grooves but a different number of grooves can be considered.

[0099] In some embodiment, the veneer panel 10 can further comprises protrusions 17 slightly extending upwardly from the top face 16 of the veneer panel 10, and recesses (not shown) slightly extending inwardly in the bottom face 18 of the veneer panel 10. The geometrical shape of the protrusions 17 and the geometrical shape of the recesses of the veneer panel 10 are substantially complementary for engagement and coupling therebetween.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, all of the grooves 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are identical to each other, and are defined by a first inner sidewall 22, a second inner sidewall 24 opposed to the first inner sidewall 22 and a backwall 26 extending between the first and second inner sidewalls 22, 24, as best shown in FIG. 3A. Specifically, each one of the first and second inner sidewalls 22, 24 has a groove corner 28 forming an inner end and connected to the backwall 26 and an outer end 29 located away from the backwall 26.

[0101] Still in the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d have a substantially dovetail shape or trapezoidal cross-section. Specifically, the first and second inner sidewalls 22, 24 converge or taper away from the backwall 26. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the groove comers 28 of the first and second inner sidewalls 22, 24 are spaced from each other by a distance Di , and the outer ends 29 of the first and second inner sidewalls 22, 24 are spaced from each otherby a distance Do. In some embodiment, the distance Di can vary between about 15 mm to about 60 mm, and in a preferred embodiment Di is about 27 mm, and the distance Do can vary between about 10 mm to about 50 mm, and in a preferred embodiment Do is about 19.6 mm. In one embodiment, each groove 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d further has a depth Dd of about 10 mm to about 50 mm, and in a preferred embodiment Dd is about 17 mm. Alternatively, the grooves 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d could have different dimensions and / or configurations.Second veneer panel

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second embodiment of the veneer panel 110 is shown.

[0103] The veneer panel 110 includes a plurality of grooves 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h, 120i, 120j, 120k extending substantially vertically along the rear face 114 between the top face 116 and the bottom face 118. In the embodiment shown, the veneer panel 110 comprises 11 grooves but a different number of grooves can be considered.

[0104] ln the illustrated embodiment, all of the grooves 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h, 120i, 120j, 120k are identical to each other, and are defined by a first inner sidewall 122, a second inner sidewall 124 opposed to the first inner sidewall 122 and a backwall 126 extending between the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124, as best shown in FIG. 5A. Specifically, each one of the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 has a groove corner 128 forming an inner end and connected to the backwall 126 and an outer end 129 located away from the backwall 126.

[0105] Still in the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h, 120i, 120j, 120k have a dovetail-shaped or trapezoidal cross-section. Specifically, the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 converge or taper away from the backwall 126. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the groove comers 128 of the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 are spacedfrom each other by a distance Di and the outer ends 129 of the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 are spaced from each other by a distance Do’. In some embodiment, the distance D-i’ can vary between about 15 mm to about 60 mm, and in a preferred embodiment D-i’ is about 27.16 mm, and the distance Do’ can vary between about 10 mm to about 50 mm, and in a preferred embodiment Do’ is about 19.56 mm. In one embodiment, each groove 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h, 120i, 120j, 120k further has a depth Dd’ of about 10 mm to about 50 mm, and in a preferred embodiment Dd’ is about 22.5 mm. Alternatively, the grooves 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h, 120i, 120j, 120k could have different dimensions and / or configurations.

[0106] As can be appreciated, and as best shown in Figures 3B and 5B, the dovetail shape can vary from one embodiment to another. In the first embodiment of the panels, the back of the dovetail cavity is relatively flat, whereas in the second embodiment, the back of the cavity is rounded, the cavity being deeper than in the first embodiment.Different Embodiments of Veneer Panel Connectors

[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 6 to 38, and more particularly to FIGS. 6A-6B, 7, 14A-14C, 18A-18C, 19, 24A-24C, 25A-25C, 26, 27, 32A-32C, 33, 38A-38C, four (4) different non-limitative embodiments of connectors 30 are depicted, wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 100 series to the 400 series, which correspond respectively to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment.First connector:

[0108] Turning now to FIGS. 6 to 17, a first connector 130 will now be described, in accordance with one embodiment, wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 100 series.

[0109] In one possible embodiment, the connector 130 is made of a resin or a plastic, such as polymer or polypropylene, and is manufactured by molding.Alternatively, the connector may be made of any suitable material with resilient properties using any manufacturing process which a skilled person would consider appropriate.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the connector 130 is generally elongated and includes an attachment portion 160 and a retaining portion 140. The elongated body of the connector refers to the main structural component or part of the connector that is extended or lengthened in shape. The elongated body of the connector correspond to a central or primary section of the connector that provides the core structure for its retaining function. The retaining portion of the connector is shaped and configured to fit into one of the grooves of a veneer panel, so as to retain the veneer panel by friction interference. The attachment portion is designed to be affixed or attached to the structure. In the embodiment shown, both portions are integral parts of the connector, having been integrally molded. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion 140 of the connector 130 further has a dovetailshaped or trapezoidal cross-section which is sized, shaped and configured to snugly fit in the corresponding groove 20, 120 of the veneer panel 10, 110. Specifically, the retaining portion 140 generally includes a substantially rectangular groove-facing side 152, a substantially longitudinal wall-facing side 150 opposite to the groove-facing side 152, and a pair of substantially rectangular sidewalls 142, 144 extending along an entire length thereof, which are angled relative to the groove-facing side 152 and which converge towards the wall-facing side 150, the sidewalls 142, 144 joining the groove-facing side 152 along side edges 145a, 145b. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion 140 further includes a top retaining face 147 which is substantially dovetail-shaped and perpendicular to the groove-facing side 152, and a bottom side 148 that can be slightly angled compared to the groove-facing side 152.

[0111] In some embodiment, the wall-facing side 150 can be substantially smaller than the groove-facing side 152, such that the cross-section of the retaining portion 140 is substantially T-shaped, with a first and second inner side edges 151a, 151b extending perpendicularly from the wall-facing side 150 to an inner side 141, theinner side 141 being parallel to the wall-facing side 150 and connected to the wallfacing side 150 via the sidewalls 142, 144.

[0112] In some embodiment, the sidewalls 142, 144 of the retaining portion 140 of the connector 130 can comprise bulges 158. The bulges 158 are small protrusions, generally located at each extremity of the sidewalls 142, 144. In the embodiment shown, the sidewalls comprise four (4) bulges 158, two of them on each sidewall 142, 144, respectively close to the top retaining face 147 and to the bottom side 148.

[0113] ln some embodiment, the retaining portion 140 can further comprise reinforcing ribs 156 extending between the inner side edges 151a, 151b and the inner side 141. The reinforcing ribs 156 provide reinforcement between the groovefacing side 152 and the wall-facing side 150 of the retaining portion, to avoid deformation of the connector 130 when snugly fitted in the groove 20, 120.

[0114] ln the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 160 of the connector 130 further comprises a flat tab 162 of a substantially rectangular shape and extending upwardly from the retaining portion 140. Specifically, the flat tab 162 of the attachment portion 160 generally includes a front side 161 , a back side 165 opposite to the front side 161 , a pair of lateral sides 166a, 166b and a top side 146, corresponding to the top side of the connector 130. In some embodiment, the front side 161 of the flat tab is substantially aligned with the wall-facing side 150 of the retaining portion 140, while the width of the lateral sides 166a, 166b is significantly smaller than the total width of the connector 130, such that the flat tab 162 is slightly deported from the retaining portion 140. As will be explained in greater detail when we describe Figures 10, 10A and 10B, the depth of the tab forming part of the attachment portion allows to create a gap or spacing between the veneer panel and the structure, during installation, as the back side of the tab is resting on the structure, and as areas of the rear face of the veneer panels along the grooves rest on the front side of the tab.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the flat tab 162 of the attachment portion 160 further comprises a hole 164 substantially located in the middle of the flat tab and configured to receive a fastener 68, as shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, the connector 130 can be anchored to the structure 2 by the fastener 68 through the hole 164 of the attachment portion 160. In some embodiment, the fastener 68 can be a screw or a concrete anchor, or any type of fastener adapted to be fastened in the structure 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the fastener 68 can be inserted substantially perpendicular to the connector 130, as will be further detailed below.

[0116] FIGS. 8 to 11 show one example of a configuration for the veneer assembly 5’. In this configuration, the second embodiment of the veneer panel 110 is positioned adjacent to the structure 2, with the rear face 114 and the grooves 120 of the rear face facing the structure 2, and the front face 112 being exposed. Then a plurality of connectors 130 are inserted into at least some of the grooves 120, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In a preferred embodiment, a limited number of connectors 130 are inserted in the same limited number of grooves 120, the number of connectors 130 being less than the number of grooves available, such that not all the grooves are provided with a connector. In general, the number and the positioning of the connectors can be adapted depending on the structure. For example, if the structure is a wood frame made of framing lumber spaced apart from each other, then a connector can be positioned in front of each framing lumber to ensure proper anchoring of the connector. In the illustrated embodiment, a connector 130 can be installed at least at each extreme groove 120a, 120k of the veneer panel as well as in the middle groove 120f of the panel 110, such that at least two connectors are used per veneer panel.

[0117] As best shown in FIG. 10, 10A and 10B, the connector 130 is inserted in the groove 120 such that the connector 130 is reliably engaged in the groove 120 and is resisting extraction from the groove in a direction perpendicular to the rear face 114 of the veneer panel 110. More particularly, the retaining portion 140 of the connector is inserted and slidably moved into the groove 120 in its entirety (i.e., the retaining portion 140 of the connector 130 is pushed downwardly in the groove120 until the top retaining face 147 of the retaining portion 140 is substantially aligned with the top face 116 of the veneer panel 110). The bottom side 148 of the retaining portion 140 is first presented above the groove 120, with the groovefacing side 152 of the connector 130 facing the backwall 126 of the groove 120, and the wall-facing side 150 of the connector 130 facing the structure 2, and then pushed downwardly. Consequently, the retaining portion 140 of the connector 130 fits in its entirety in the groove 120 and the attachment portion 160 extends outwardly from the top face 116 of the veneer panel 110. The retaining portion 140 of the connector 130 is made of a material having resilient properties, the retaining portion 140 being therefore slightly deformed to fit into the groove 120. The connector is then fastened to the structure with the fastener 68. Because the attachment portion 160 of the connector 130 extends outwardly from the top face 116 of the veneer panel 110, it is easy for a user to secure the fastener 68 horizontally into the structure, as the attachment portion 160 remains accessible even when the connector 130 is inserted in the groove and the veneer panel positioned along the structure 2.

[0118] Retention of the connector 130 into the groove 120 results from a frictional engagement of the pair of sidewalls 142, 144 of the retaining portion 140 of the connector 130 against the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 of the groove 120, and of the frictional engagement of the side edges 145a, 145b of the retaining portion 140 with the groove comers 128 or inner ends of the groove 120. In other words, the pair of sidewalls 142, 144 of connector 130 tightly abuts and frictionally engages with the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 of the groove 120, respectively, and the side edges 145a, 145b of the retaining portion 140 tightly abut and frictionally engage with the groove comers 128 of the groove 120. In some embodiment, retention and friction of the connector and groove are increased by the bulges 158, the bulges being made of material that can be eroded, or worn, or eaten, to ensure proper compression of the bulge 158 once inserted and therefore proper compression of the pair of sidewalls 142, 144 of the connector 130. As a result of the erosion of the bulges 158, once inserted in thegroove 120, the connector will lose friction properties if removed from the actual groove to be inserted in another groove.

[0119] As best shown in FIG. 10B, once the connector 130 is positioned and aligned in the groove 120, a connector-groove space 155 can be created between the groove-facing side 152 of the connector 130 and the backwall 126 of the groove 120

[0120] As shown in FIG. 11 , when the connector 130 is positioned and aligned in the groove 120, the wall-facing side 150 of the connector abuts the structure 2, while the rear face 114 of the veneer panel 110 abuts the flat tab 162 of the attachment portion 160 of the connector 130. Consequently, a wall draining space 163 is created between the rear face 114 of the veneer panel and the structure 2, corresponding to the depth of the tab 162, allowing a better drainage and ventilation of the veneer assembly 5. The wall draining space 163 also compensates for imperfections of the structure 2.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the wall draining space 163 has a width d substantially equal to the width of the flat tab 162 of the attachment portion 160 of the connector 130, which corresponds substantially to the width of the lateral sides 166a, 166b of the flat tab 162. In some embodiment, the distance or width d between the rear face 114 of the veneer panel and the structure 2 can vary between about 3mm to about 10mm, and more specifically of between about 4 mm and about 6 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the width d is about 5 mm.

[0122] FIGS. 12 and 13 show another example of configuration for the veneer assembly 5. In this configuration, the first embodiment of the veneer panel 10 is positioned adjacent to the structure 2, with the rear face 14 and the grooves 20 of the rear face facing the structure 2, and the front face 12 being exposed. Then a plurality of connectors 130 are inserted into at least some of the grooves 20, as shown in FIG. 12. In some embodiment, a limited number of connectors 130 are inserted in the same limited number of grooves 20, the number of connectors 130 being less than the number of grooves available, such that not all the grooves areprovided with a connector. In the illustrated embodiment, a connector 130 can be installed in the two inner grooves 20b, 20c of the veneer panel 10. The connector is then fastened to the structure with the fastener 68.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 13, when the connector 130 is positioned and aligned in the groove 20, the wall-facing side 150 of the connector abuts the structure 2, while the rear face 14 of the veneer panel 10 abuts the flat tab 162 of the attachment portion 160 of the connector 130. Consequently, the same wall draining space 163 that has already be described above is created between the rear face 14 of the veneer panel and the structure 2, allowing a better drainage and ventilation of the veneer assembly 5.

[0124] Referring now to FIG. 14A to 14C, the first connector 130 is shown, but in the case the connector is provided with groove friction elements 154 protruding from the groove-facing side 152 of the retaining portion 140. The groove friction elements 154 are made of substantially resilient material providing a spring effect to retain the connector 130 in the groove 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove friction elements 154 are shaped as resilient wavelets and comprise two arch-shaped portions extending from a middle point of the groove-facing side 152 of the retaining portion 140 to each extremity of the groove-facing side 152, each arch-shaped portion culminating at a friction peak 157a. The groove friction elements 154 could have other shapes, such as resilient hooks (not shown). The groove friction elements 154 are about half the width of the groove-facing side 152, centered on the groove-facing side 152. The groove friction elements 154 are intended to fill the connector-groove space 155 between the connector 130 and the groove 120, for better friction and to increase the retaining of the connector in the groove 120.

[0125] FIGS. 15 and 16 show the first connector 130 comprising the groove friction elements 154 inserted and secured in at least some of the groves 20, 120 of the first embodiment of the veneer panel 10 and the second embodiment of the veneer panel 110, respectively.

[0126] As best shown in FIG. 17, 17A and 17B, once the first connector 130 comprising the groove friction elements 154 is inserted and secured in one of the grove 20, the pair of sidewalls 142, 144 of the connector 130 tightly abuts the groove comers 128 of the groove 120 to ensure proper friction. In addition, the groove friction elements 154 fill the connector-groove space 155 such that the friction peak 157a of each arch-shaped portion of the groove friction elements 154 are compressed onto the backwall 126 of the groove 120, ensuring increased retention of the connector 130 into the groove 120.Second connector:

[0127] Turning now to FIGS. 18 to 25, a second alternative embodiment of the connector 230 will now be described, wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 200 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment.

[0128] Similar to the connector 130, the connector 230 can be constructed from materials like resin or plastic, such as polymer or polypropylene, using a molding process. Alternatively, the connector may be made of any suitable material with resilient properties, produced through a manufacturing process deemed suitable by a skilled person.

[0129] As best shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C, the connector 230 is generally elongated and includes a retaining portion 240 and two attachment portions 260a, 260b, the two attachment portions 260a, 260b extending symmetrically from each side of the retaining portion 240. It is understood that in another embodiment (not shown), the connector 230 can comprise only one attachment portion 260 extending from one side of the retaining portion. However, the symmetrical configuration of the connector 230 with two attachment portions 260a, 260b allows the connector to be used (i.e. , inserted in the corresponding grove) in any direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion 240 of the connector 230 further has a dovetail-shaped or trapezoidal cross-section which is sized, shaped and configured to snugly fit in the corresponding groove 20, 120 of the veneer panel10, 110. Specifically, the retaining portion 240 generally includes a substantially rectangular groove-facing side 252, and a substantially rectangular wall-facing side 250 opposite to the groove-facing side 252, with the wall-facing side 250 having a width slightly smaller than the groove-facing side 252 to ensure the dovetail shape of the connector. The wall-facing side 250 extends between a top side 246 and a bottom side 248 of the connector 230. Because of the symmetry of the connector 230, it is noted that “top” and “bottom” are taken in the context of the figures, but the connector can be inserted upside down in the corresponding groove.

[0130] The volume between the groove-facing side 252 and the wall-facing side 250 can be substantially devoid of material, creating cavities 251a, 251b between the two sides. Two pairs of partial sidewalls 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b are connecting the groove-facing side 252 and the wall-facing side 250 at each extremity, which two pairs of partial sidewalls 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b are angled relative to the groove-facing side 252 and which converge towards the wall-facing side 250, the two pairs of partial sidewalls 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b joining the groove-facing side 252 along side edges 245a, 245b. In some embodiment, the retaining portion 240 can further comprise reinforcing ribs 256 extending between the two cavities 251a, 251b and providing reinforcement between the groovefacing side 252 and the wall-facing side 250 of the retaining portion, to avoid deformation of the connector 230 when snugly fit in the groove 20, 120.

[0131] In some embodiment, the partial sidewalls 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b of the retaining portion 240 of the connector 230 can comprise bulges 258. In the embodiment shown, the sidewalls comprise four (4) bulges 258, one on each partial sidewalls 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b.

[0132] ln the illustrated embodiment, each of the attachment portions 260a, 260b of the connector 230 further comprises an attachment side 262, extending between the groove-facing side 252 and the wall-facing side 250. Because the wall-facing side 250 has a length slightly longer than the groove-facing side 252, theattachment side 262 of a substantially trapezoidal shape is angled of about 45° from the groove-facing side 252.

[0133] In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment side 262 of each of the attachment portions 260a, 260b further comprises a hole 264, 264’ substantially located in the middle of the attachment side 262 and configured to receive a fastener 68, as shown in FIG. 19. Therefore, the connector 230 can be anchored to the structure 2 by the fastener 68 through the hole 264 of the attachment portion 260a, 260b. In some embodiment, the fastener 68 can be a screw or a concrete anchor, or any type of fastener adapted to be fastened in the structure 2.

[0134] Because of the angled shape of the attachment side 262, the fastener 68 can be inserted angled into each of the attachment portions 260a, 260b, and therefore arriving angled into the structure 2. In the illustrated embodiment, two fasteners are inserted, respectively into each of the two attachment portions 260a, 260b. However, it is noted that only one fastener 68 can be inserted, in either the first attachment portion 260a or in the second attachment portion 260b, as will be further detailed below.

[0135] FIG. 20 to 21 show one example of a configuration for the veneer assembly 5’. In this configuration, the second embodiment of the veneer panel 110 is positioned adjacent to the structure 2, with the rear face 114 and the grooves 120 of the rear face facing the structure 2, and the front face 112 being exposed. Then a plurality of connectors 230 are inserted into at least some of the grooves 120, as shown in FIG. 20. In a preferred embodiment, a limited number of connectors 230 are inserted in the same limited number of grooves 120, the number of connectors 230 being less than the number of grooves available, such that not all the grooves are provided with a connector. In general, the number and the positioning of the connectors can be adapted depending on the structure. For example, if the structure is a wood frame made of framing lumber spaced apart from each other, then a connector can be positioned in front of each framing lumber to ensure proper anchoring of the connector. In the illustrated embodiment, a connector 230can be installed at least at each extreme groove 120a, 120k of the veneer panel as well as in the middle groove 120f of the panel 110.

[0136] As best shown in FIG. 21 , 21 A and 21 B, the connector 230 is inserted in the groove 120 such that the connector 230 is reliably engaged in the groove 120 and is resisting extraction from the groove in a direction perpendicular to the rear face 114 of the veneer panel 110. More particularly, the retaining portion 240 and the two attachment portions 260a, 260b of the connector 230 are inserted and slidably moved into the groove 120 in its entirety (i.e., the connector 230 is pushed downwardly in the groove 120 until the top side 246 of the connector 230 is substantially aligned with the top face 116 of the veneer panel 110). The bottom side 248 or the top side 246 of the connector 230 can be indifferently presented first above the groove 120 due to the symmetric shape of the connector, with the groove-facing side 252 of the connector 230 facing the backwall 126 of the groove 120, and the wall-facing side 250 of the connector 230 facing the structure 2, and then pushed downwardly. Consequently, the retaining portion 240 of the connector 230 fits in its entirety in the groove 120 and the attachment portion 260, while also fitted in the groove, remains accessible for securing the fastener 68 angled into the structure, due to the angled shape of the attachment portion 260, even when the connector 230 is inserted in the groove and the veneer panel positioned along the structure 2. When installed, no part of the connector is visible between two rows of veneer panels, the connector not only providing a connection between the veneer panel and the structure, but also enhances the aesthetic effect of the installation. The retaining portion 240 of the connector 230 is made of a material having resilient properties, the retaining portion 240 being therefore slightly deformed to fit into the groove 120.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 21 A, when the connector 230 is inserted in the groove 120, the wall-facing side 250 of the connector 230 substantially abuts the structure 2, and the wall-facing side 250 of the connector 230 is substantially aligned with the rear face 114 of the veneer panel 110. Consequently, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear face 114 of the veneer panel 110 also abuts the structure 2.

[0138] The retention of the connector 230 into the groove 120 is the result of a frictional engagement of the partial sidewalls 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b of the retaining portion 240 of the connector 230 against the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 of the groove 120, and of the frictional engagement of the side edges 245a, 245b of the retaining portion 240 with the groove corners 128 or inner ends of the groove 120. In other words, the partial sidewalls 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b of the connector 230 tightly abut the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 of the groove 120, respectively, and the side edges 245a, 245b of the retaining portion 240 tightly abut the groove comers 128 or groove corners of the groove 120. In some embodiment, the retention and the friction are even increased by the bulges 258, the bulge being made of material that can be eroded to ensure proper compression of the bulge 158 once inserted and therefore proper compression of the partial sidewalls 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b of the connector 230. As a result of the erosion of the bulges 258, once inserted in the groove 120, the connector will lose friction properties if removed from the actual groove to be inserted in another groove, but provides a strong frictional engagement if left in place.

[0139] As best shown in FIG. 21 A, once the connector 230 is positioned and aligned in the groove 120, a connector-groove space 255 can be created between the groove-facing side 252 of the connector 230 and the backwall 126 of the groove 120

[0140] FIGS. 22 and 23 show another example of configuration for the veneer assembly 5. In this configuration, the first embodiment of the veneer panel 10 is positioned adjacent to the structure 2, with the rear face 14 and the grooves 20 of the rear face facing the structure 2, and the front face 12 being exposed. Then a plurality of connectors 230 are inserted into at least some of the grooves 20, as shown in FIG. 22. In some embodiment, a limited number of connectors 230 are inserted in the same limited number of grooves 20, the number of connectors 230 being less than the number of grooves available, such that not all the grooves are provided with a connector. In the illustrated embodiment, a connector 230 can beinstalled in the two inner grooves 20b, 20c of the veneer panel 10. The connector is then fastened to the structure with the fastener 68.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 23, when the connector 230 is inserted in the groove 20, the wall-facing side 250 of the connector 230 substantially abuts the structure 2, and the wall-facing side 250 of the connector 230 is substantially aligned with the rear face 14 of the veneer panel 10. Consequently, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear face 14 of the veneer panel 10 also abuts the structure 2, and the veneer assembly 5 is devoid of any free space between the rear face 14 of the veneer panel 10 and the structure 2.

[0142] Referring now to FIG. 24A to 24C and 25A to 25C, the second connector 230 is shown, further comprising groove friction elements 254 protruding from the groove-facing side 252 of the retaining portion 240. The groove friction elements 254 are made of substantially resilient material providing a spring effect to retain the connector 230 in the groove 120.

[0143] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 24A to 24C, the groove friction elements 254 comprises resilient wavelets in the shape of two arch-shaped portions extending from a middle point of the groove-facing side 252 of the retaining portion 240 to each extremity of the groove-facing side 252, each archshaped portion culminating at a friction peak 257a.The groove friction elements 254 are about half the width of the groove-facing side 252, centered on the groovefacing side 252. The groove friction elements 254 are intended to fill the connectorgroove space 255 between the connector 230 and the groove 120, for better friction and to increase the retaining of the connector in the groove 120.

[0144] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 25A to 25C, the groove friction elements 254’ are shaped as resilient hooks protruding perpendicular from the groove-facing side 252 of the retaining portion 240, with an extremity of the hooks slightly bounding in a direction of the top side 246 of the connector 230. The connector 230 can comprise a plurality of resilient hooks (e.g., 3), uniformly spread along the groove-facing side 252 and substantially centered with the hole 264 ofthe attachment portion 260. Each groove friction element or hook 254’ is culminating at a friction peak 254b. The groove friction elements 254 are intended to fill the connector-groove space 255 between the connector 230 and the groove 20, 120, for better friction and to increase the retaining of the connector in the groove 20, 120. Because of the non-symmetric shape of the groove friction elements or hooks 254’, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 230 has to be inserted in a certain direction, that is by inserting bottom side 248 of the connector 230 first in the groove 20, 120 and having top side 246 of the connector 230 exposed and aligned with the top face 16 of the veneer panel 10, 110.Third connector:

[0145] Turning now to FIGS. 26 to 31 , a third alternative embodiment of the connector 330 will now be described, wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 300 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment.

[0146] In contrast with to the previous connectors 130, 230, in this embodiment, the connector 330 can made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel and can be manufactured by folding a sheet of metal or by forging a piece of metal. Alternatively, the connector may be made of any suitable material using any manufacturing process which a skilled person would consider to be appropriate.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 26, the connector 330 includes an attachment portion 360 and a retaining portion 340. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion 340 of the connector 330 further has a dovetail-shaped or trapezoidal cross-section which is sized, shaped and configured to snugly fit in the corresponding groove 20, 120 of the veneer panel 10, 110. Specifically, the retaining portion 340 generally includes a substantially rectangular groove-facing side 352, and a pair of substantially rectangular sidewalls 342, 344 which are angled relative to the groove-facing side 352 and which converge towards the attachment portion 360, the sidewalls 342, 344 joining the groove-facing side 352 along side edges 345a, 345b. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion 340 is substantiallyhollow and further includes a bottom side 348 which is substantially perpendicular to the groove-facing side 352. Top end of the retaining portion 340 thus remains open. The groove-facing side 352 extends perpendicularly between the bottom side 348 and a top retaining end 347 while the sidewalls 342, 344 extends from each lateral side of the groove-facing side 352 without connecting to the bottom side 348.

[0148] ln some embodiment, the bottom side 348 of the retaining portion 340 can further comprises side bottom wings 349 extending therefrom. The side bottom wings 349 extends laterally from each side of the bottom side 348, on a portion of the bottom side 348 proximal to the attachment portion 360, therefore creating protrusion that can space the veneer panel 10,110 from the structure 2, as will be further detailed below.

[0149] In some embodiment, the sidewalls 342, 344 of the retaining portion 340 of the connector 330 can comprise bulges 358. The bulges 358 are small protrusions, generally located on a top extremity of the sidewalls 342, 344. In the embodiment shown, the sidewalls comprise two (2) bulges 358, one on each sidewall 342, 344. In the illustrated embodiment, the bulges 358 consist of a small portion of the metal that is cut in a substantially rectangular shape on three consecutive side of the rectangular shape, and slightly bent outwardly along the uncut side of the rectangular shape, therefore creating an opening in the sidewalls 342, 344. The bulges 358 can be assimilated to a slanted fin, which can be slightly resilient to increase the friction of the pair of sidewalls 342, 344 of the connector 330 against the groove comers 128 of the groove 120 once inserted therein. In this embodiment where the bulges 358 are made of metal, the bulges can bite into the lateral sidewalls of the panel grooves, increasing the strength of the connection between connector and panel.

[0150] ln the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 360 of the connector 330 further comprises a flat tab 362 of a substantially rectangular shape and extending upwardly from the bottom side 348 of the retaining portion 340 to a topflat tab side 346. In some embodiment, a back side or wall-facing side 350 of the flat tab 362 is configured to abut the structure 2 once positioned in the groove 120. In some embodiment, the side bottom wings 349 extends laterally from each side of the bottom side 348 of the retaining portion 340 to create a space between the retaining portion 340 and the attachment portion 360, such that the flat tab 362 of the attachment portion 360 is slightly deported from the retaining portion 340. In addition, the flat tab 362 is substantially higher than the retaining portion 340, i.e. the top flat tab side 346 is higher than the top retaining end 347, such that when inserted in the groove 20, 120 of the veneer panel 10, 110, a portion of the flat tab 362 remains outside of the groove. This portion of the flat tab 362 that remains outside of the groove further comprises a hole 364 substantially centered on this portion and configured to receive a fastener 68, as shown in FIG. 27. Therefore, the connector 330 can be anchored to the structure 2 by the fastener 68 through the hole 364 of the attachment portion 360. In some embodiment, the fastener 68 can be a screw or a concrete anchor, or any type of fastener adapted to be fastened in the structure 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the fastener 68 can be inserted substantially perpendicular to the connector 330, as will be further detailed below.

[0151] FIGS. 28 and 29 show one example of a configuration for the veneer assembly 5’. In this configuration, the second embodiment of the veneer panel 110 is positioned adjacent to the structure 2, with the rear face 114 and the grooves 120 of the rear face facing the structure 2, and the front face 112 being exposed. Then a plurality of connectors 330 are inserted into at least some of the grooves 120, as shown in FIG. 28. In a preferred embodiment, a limited number of connectors 330 are inserted in the same limited number of grooves 120, the number of connectors 330 being less than the number of grooves available, such that not all the grooves are provided with a connector. In general, the number and the positioning of the connectors can be adapted depending on the structure. For example, if the structure is a wood frame made of framing lumber spaced apart from each other, then a connector can be positioned in front of each framing lumber to ensure proper anchoring of the connector. In the illustrated embodiment, aconnector 330 can be installed at least at each extreme groove 120a, 120k of the veneer panel as well as in the middle groove 120f of the panel 110.

[0152] As best shown in FIG. 29, 29A and 29B, the connector 330 is inserted in the groove 120 such that the connector 330 is reliably engaged in the groove 120 and is resisting extraction from the groove in a direction perpendicular to the rear face 114 of the veneer panel 110. More particularly, the retaining portion 340 of the connector is inserted and slidably moved into the groove 120 in its entirety (i.e., the retaining portion 340 of the connector 330 is pushed downwardly in the groove 120 until the top retaining end 347 of the retaining portion 340 is substantially aligned with the top face 116 of the veneer panel 110). The bottom side 348 of the retaining portion 340 is first presented above the groove 120, with the groovefacing side 352 of the connector 330 facing the backwall 126 of the groove 120, and the wall-facing side 350 of the connector 330 facing the structure 2, and then pushed downwardly. Consequently, the retaining portion 340 of the connector 330 fits in its entirety in the groove 120 and the attachment portion 360 extends outwardly from the top face 116 of the veneer panel 110. The retaining portion 340 of the connector 330 is made of a material having resilient properties, the retaining portion 340 being therefore slightly deformed to fit into the groove 120. The connector is then fastened to the structure with the fastener 68. Because the attachment portion 360 of the connector 330 extends outwardly from the top face 116 of the veneer panel 110, it is easy for a user to secure the fastener 68 horizontally into the structure, as the attachment portion 360 remains accessible even when the connector 330 is inserted in the groove and the veneer panel positioned along the structure 2.

[0153] The retention of the connector 330 into the groove 120 is the result of a frictional engagement of the pair of sidewalls 342, 344 of the retaining portion 340 of the connector 330 against the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 of groove 120, and of the frictional engagement of the side edges 345a, 345b of the retaining portion 340 with the groove comers 128 or inner ends of the groove 120. In other words, the pair of sidewalls 342, 344 of the connector 330 tightly abuts thefirst and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 of the groove 120, respectively, and the side edges 345a, 345b of the retaining portion 340 tightly abut the groove comers 128 or groove corners of the groove 120. In some embodiment, the retention and the friction are even increased by the bulges 358, the bulge being made of resilient metal that can be slightly pushed inside to enter the groove 120, and then recovering their initial shape by resilience of the metal and therefore ensuring proper friction of the pair of sidewalls 142, 144 of the connector 130.

[0154] As best shown in FIG. 29B, once the connector 330 is positioned and aligned in the groove 120, a connector-groove space 355 can be created between the groove-facing side 352 of the connector 330 and the backwall 126 of the groove 120

[0155] As shown in FIG. 29A, when the connector 330 is positioned and aligned in the groove 120, the wall-facing side 350 of the connector abuts the structure 2, while the side bottom wings 349 of the connector 330 prevents the rear face 114 of the veneer panel 110 to abut the structure 2, the rear face 114 of the veneer panel 110 abutting the side bottom wings 349. Consequently, a wall draining space 363 is created between the rear face 114 of the veneer panel and the structure 2, allowing a better drainage and ventilation of the veneer assembly 5. The wall draining space 363 also compensates for imperfections of the structure 2.

[0156] FIGS. 30 and 31 show another example of configuration for the veneer assembly 5. In this configuration, the first embodiment of the veneer panel 10 is positioned adjacent to the structure 2, with the rear face 14 and the grooves 20 of the rear face facing the structure 2, and the front face 12 being exposed. Then a plurality of connectors 330 are inserted into at least some of the grooves 20, as shown in FIG. 30. In some embodiment, a limited number of connectors 330 are inserted in the same limited number of grooves 20, the number of connectors 330 being less than the number of grooves available, such that not all the grooves are provided with a connector. In the illustrated embodiment, a connector 330 can beinstalled in the two inner grooves 20b, 20c of the veneer panel 10. The connector is then fastened to the structure with the fastener 68.

[0157] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 31 , the wall draining space 363 has a width d substantially equal to the width of the side bottom wings 349 of the bottom side 348 of the connector 330, which corresponds substantially to the width of the side bottom wings 349. In some embodiment, the distance or width d between the rear face 114 of the veneer panel and the structure 2 can vary between about 3mm to about 10mm, and more specifically of between about 4 mm and about 6 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the width d is about 5 mm.Fourth connector:

[0158] Turning now to FIGS. 32 to 37, a fourth alternative embodiment of the connector 430 will now be described, wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 400 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment.

[0159] Similarly, to the previous connector 330, in this embodiment, the connector 430 can made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel and can be manufactured by folding a sheet of metal or by forging a piece of metal. Alternatively, the connector may be made of any suitable material using any manufacturing process which a skilled person would consider to be appropriate.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 32A to 32C, the connector 430 includes an attachment portion 460 and a retaining portion 440.

[0161] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 32B, the attachment portion 460 of the connector 430 further comprises a flat tab 462 of a substantially rectangular shape and extending upwardly from a top flat tab side 446 to a bottom flat tab side 448. In some embodiment, a back side or wall-facing side 450 of the flat tab 462 is configured to abut the structure 2 once positioned in the groove 120.

[0162] As best shown in FIG. 32C, the retaining portion 440 further comprises two a pair of sidewalls 442, 444. The pair of sidewalls 442, 444 extends perpendicularly between a bottom retaining end 443 and a top retaining end 447.

[0163] Each sidewall comprises a first sidewall portion 442a, 444a and a second sidewall portion 442b, 444b. The first sidewall portions 442a, 444a extends substantially perpendicular on each lateral side of the flat tab 462, and the second sidewall portion 442b, 444b extends slightly angled and diverging from the first sidewall portions 442a, 444a, until side edges 445a, 445b. In some embodiment, a slight bend is formed on each sidewalls 442, 444 between the first sidewall portion 442a, 444a and the second sidewall portion 442b, 444b. This slight bend gives to the retaining portion 440 a dovetail-shaped or trapezoidal cross-section which is sized, shaped and configured to snugly fit in the corresponding groove 20, 120 of the veneer panel 10, 110. The bend or fold in the sidewalls 442a, 442b also provides resilience to the sides of the connector, which facilitates insertion of the connector into the grooves, and then exert pressure against the sidewalls of the grooves once inserted, thus increasing friction between the connector and the sidewalls of the grooves.

[0164] In some embodiment, the sidewalls 442, 444 of the retaining portion 440 of the connector 430 can further comprise bulges 458. The bulges 458 are small protrusions, generally located on a top extremity of the sidewalls 442, 444. In the embodiment shown, the sidewalls comprise two (2) bulges 458, one on each second sidewall portion 442b, 444b. In the illustrated embodiment, the bulges 358 consist of a small portion of the metal that is cut in a substantially rectangular shape on three consecutive side of the rectangular shape, and slightly bent outwardly along the uncut side of the rectangular shape, therefore creating an opening in the sidewalls 442, 444. The bulges 458 can be assimilated to a slanted fin, which can be slightly resilient to increase the friction of the pair of sidewalls 442, 444 of the connector 430 against the groove comers 128 of the groove 120 once inserted therein.

[0165] In the illustrated embodiment, the flat tab 462 is substantially higher than the retaining portion 440, i.e. the top flat tab side 446 is higher than the pair of sidewalls 442, 444 of the retaining portion 440, such that when inserted in the groove 20, 120 of the veneer panel 10, 110, a portion of the flat tab 462 remains outside of the groove. This portion of the flat tab 462 that remains outside of the groove further comprises a hole 464 substantially centered on this portion and configured to receive a fastener 68, as shown in FIG. 33. Therefore, the connector 430 can be anchored to the structure 2 by the fastener 68 through the hole 464 of the attachment portion 460. In some embodiment, the fastener 68 can be a screw or a concrete anchor, or any type of fastener adapted to be fastened in the structure 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the fastener 68 can be inserted substantially perpendicular to the connector 430, as will be further detailed below.

[0166] FIGS. 34 and 35 show one example of a configuration for the veneer assembly 5’. In this configuration, the second embodiment of the veneer panel 110 is positioned adjacent to the structure 2, with the rear face 114 and the grooves 120 of the rear face facing the structure 2, and the front face 112 being exposed. Then a plurality of connectors 430 are inserted into at least some of the grooves 120, as shown in FIG. 28. In a preferred embodiment, a limited number of connectors 430 are inserted in the same limited number of grooves 120, the number of connectors 430 being less than the number of grooves available, such that not all the grooves are provided with a connector. In general, the number and the positioning of the connectors can be adapted depending on the structure. For example, if the structure is a wood frame made of framing lumber spaced apart from each other, then a connector can be positioned in front of each framing lumber to ensure proper anchoring of the connector. In the illustrated embodiment, a connector 430 can be installed at least at each extreme groove 120a, 120k of the veneer panel as well as in the middle groove 120f of the panel 110.

[0167] As best shown in FIG. 35, 35A and 35B, the connector 430 is inserted in the groove 120 such that the connector 430 is reliably engaged in the groove 120 and is resisting extraction from the groove in a direction perpendicular to the rear face114 of the veneer panel 110. More particularly, the retaining portion 440 of the connector is inserted and slidably moved into the groove 120 in its entirety (i.e., the retaining portion 440 of the connector 430 is pushed downwardly in the groove 120 until the top retaining end 447 of the retaining portion 440 is substantially aligned with the top face 116 of the veneer panel 110). The bottom flat tab side 448 of the connector 430 is first presented above the groove 120, with the wallfacing side 450 of the connector 430 facing the structure 2, and then pushed downwardly. Consequently, the retaining portion 440 of the connector 430 fits in its entirety in the groove 120 and the attachment portion 460 extends outwardly from the top face 116 of the veneer panel 110. The retaining portion 440 of the connector 430 is made of a material having resilient properties, the retaining portion 440 being therefore slightly deformed to fit into the groove 120. The connector is then fastened to the structure with the fastener 68. Because the attachment portion 460 of the connector 330 extends outwardly from the top face 116 of the veneer panel 110, it is easy for a user to secure the fastener 68 horizontally into the structure, as the attachment portion 460 remains accessible even when the connector 430 is inserted in the groove and the veneer panel positioned along the structure 2.

[0168] The retention of the connector 430 into the groove 120 is the result of a frictional engagement of the pair of sidewalls 442, 444 of the retaining portion 440 of the connector 430 against the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 of the groove 120, and of the frictional engagement of the side edges 445a, 445b of the retaining portion 440 with the groove comers 128 or inner ends of the groove 120. In other words, the pair of sidewalls 442, 444 of the connector 330 tightly abuts the first and second inner sidewalls 122, 124 of the groove 120, respectively, and the side edges 445a, 445b of the retaining portion 440 tightly abut the groove comers 128 or groove comers of the groove 120. In some embodiment, the retention and the friction are even increased by the bulges 458, the bulge being made of resilient metal that can be slightly pushed inside to enter the groove 120, and then recovering their initial shape by resilience of the metal and therefore ensuring proper friction of the pair of sidewalls 142, 144 of the connector 130.

[0169] As best shown in FIG. 35B, once the connector 430 is positioned and aligned in the groove 120, a free space is created between the flat tab 462, internal surfaces of the sidewalls 442, 444 and the backwall 126 of the groove 120.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 35A, when the connector 430 is positioned and aligned in the groove 120, the wall-facing side 450 of the connector abuts the structure 2. A width of the sidewalls 442, 444 being greater than the depth Dd’ of the groove 120, the rear face 114 of the veneer panel 110 do not abut the structure 2, and a wall draining space 463 is created between the rear face 114 of the veneer panel and the structure 2, allowing a better drainage and ventilation of the veneer assembly 5’. The wall draining space 463 also compensates for imperfections of the structure2.

[0171] FIGS. 36 and 37 show another example of configuration for the veneer assembly 5. In this configuration, the first embodiment of the veneer panel 10 is positioned adjacent to the structure 2, with the rear face 14 and the grooves 20 of the rear face facing the structure 2, and the front face 12 being exposed. Then a plurality of connectors 430 are inserted into at least some of the grooves 20, as shown in FIG. 30. In some embodiment, a limited number of connectors 430 are inserted in the same limited number of grooves 20, the number of connectors 430 being less than the number of grooves available, such that not all the grooves are provided with a connector. In the illustrated embodiment, a connector 430 can be installed in the two inner grooves 20b, 20c of the veneer panel 10. The connector is then fastened to the structure with the fastener 68.

[0172] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 37, the wall draining space 463 has a width d substantially equal to the difference between the width of the sidewalls 442, 444 minus the depth Dd’ of the groove 120. In some embodiment, the distance or width d between the rear face 114 of the veneer panel and the structure 2 can vary between about 3mm to about 10mm, and more specifically of between about 4 mm and about 6 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the width d is about 5 mm.

[0173] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 38A to 38C, a connector assembly 430’ can be made of an assembly of the connector 430 as described above in the fourth alternative and an additional connector cover 530. The features of the additional connector cover 530 are numbered with reference numerals in the 500 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment.

[0174] While the connector 430 can be made of a metal as described above, the additional connector cover 530 can be made of made of a resin or a plastic such as polymer or polypropylene and is manufactured by molding. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 430 and the additional connector cover 530 are complementary and configured to fit together, as will be further detailed below. In some embodiment, the metallic connector 430 can be molded with a plastic additional connector cover 530, the plastic additional connector cover 530 covering the metallic connector 430 in its entirety. In this particular embodiment, the hybrid composition of the connector, part metal and part plastic, combines the strength and resistance of metal with the flexibility and resilience of plastic. In some embodiment, the two parts can be manufactured separately and assembled by a simple snap-fit connection, rendering the connector construction both simple and efficient.

[0175] As shown in FIGS. 38A to 38C, the additional connector cover 530 comprises an attachment portion 560 and a retaining portion 540, corresponding to the attachment portion 460 and to the retaining portion 440 of the connector 430.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 38B and 38C, the attachment portion 560 of the additional connector cover 530 further comprises a front covering flat tab 562 and a back covering flat tab 532. When the metallic connector 430 is molded with the plastic additional connector cover 530, the flat tab 462 of the metallic connector 430 is sandwiched between the front covering flat tab 562 and the back covering flat tab 532, as best shown in FIG. 38C. The flat recessed portion 562 of the additional connector portion 530 further comprises a hole 564 substantially aligned with the hole 464 of the connector 430.

[0177] In an alternate embodiment, the attachment portion 560 of the additional connector cover 530 can further comprise a flat recessed portion on a back side of the additional connector cover 530, the flat recessed portion being substantially rectangular shaped and extending from a top flat tab side 546 to a bottom flat tab side 548. In some embodiment, the flat recessed portion is substantially geometrically identical to the flat tab 462 of the connector 430, the flat tab 462 of the connector 430 being complementary insertable and clipped in the flat recessed portion.

[0178] The retaining portion 540 of the additional connector cover 530 further comprises a pair of sidewalls sleeves 542, 544. The pair of sidewalls sleeves 542, 544 extends perpendicularly between a bottom retaining end 545 and a top retaining end 547.

[0179] Each sidewall sleeve comprises a first sidewall sleeve portion 542a, 544a and a second sidewall sleeve portion 542b, 544b. The first sidewall sleeve portions 542a, 544a extend substantially perpendicular on each lateral side of the top covering flat tab 562, and the second sidewall sleeve portions 542b, 544b extend slightly angled and diverging from the first sidewall sleeve portions 542a, 544a, such that a slight bend is formed on each sidewall sleeves 542, 544 between the first sidewall sleeve portion 542a, 544a and the second sidewall sleeve portion 542b, 544b. This slight bend gives to the retaining portion 540 a dovetail-shaped or trapezoidal cross-section which is sized, shaped and configured to snugly fit in the corresponding groove 20, 120 of the veneer panel 10, 110. The sidewall sleeves 542, 544 are substantially hollow and configured to receive the sidewalls 442, 444 in their entirety when the connector 430 is inserted in the additional connector cover 530, i.e. , the sidewalls 442, 444 snugly fit in the sidewall sleeves 542, 544.

[0180] In some embodiment, the sidewall sleeves 542, 544 of the retaining portion 540 of the additional connector cover 530 can further comprise bulges 558. The bulges 558 are small protrusions, generally located on a portion of the sidewallsleeves 542, 544. In the embodiment shown, the sidewalls sleeves comprise four (4) bulges 558, two on each second sidewall portion 542b, 544b. In the illustrated embodiment, the bulges 558 can be made of material that can be eroded to ensure proper compression of the bulge 558 once inserted and therefore proper compression of the sidewall sleeves 542, 544 of the additional connector cover 530. In some embodiment, at least two of the bulges 558 of the additional connector cover 530 are substantially aligned with the bulges 458 of the connector 430 once the sidewalls 442, 444 of the connector 430 are inserted in the sidewall sleeves 542, 544 of the additional connector cover 530.

[0181] In some embodiment, the flat recessed portion 562 of the additional connector cover 530 can further extends laterally above the pair of sidewalls sleeves 542, 544 to form side lateral wings 549, therefore creating protrusion that can secure the space between the veneer panel 10,110 and the structure 2 when the connector assembly 430’ is inserted in the groove of the veneer panel.

[0182] As best shown in FIG. 38C, the insertion of the connector 430 in the additional connector cover 530 forms the connector assembly 430’ that can be used similarly to the connector 430 as previously described. Adding an additional connector cover 530 made of plastic on top of the connector 430 made of metal allows the connector assembly 430’ to benefit from the rigidity of the metal and from the friction properties of the plastic.Fifth connector:

[0183] Turning now to FIGS. 39 to 43, a fifth connector 630 will now be described, in accordance with one embodiment, wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 600 series.

[0184] In one possible embodiment, the connector 630 is made of a resin or a plastic, such as polymer or polypropylene, and is manufactured by molding. Alternatively, the connector may be made of any suitable material with resilientproperties using any manufacturing process which a skilled person would consider appropriate.

[0185] As shown in FIGS. 39A to 39E, the connector 630 is generally elongated and includes an attachment portion 660 and a retaining portion 640. The elongated body of the connector refers to the main structural component or part of the connector that is extended or lengthened in shape. The elongated body of the connector correspond to a central or primary section of the connector that provides the core structure for its retaining function. The attachment portion 660 is substantially protruding from the middle of the retaining portion 640, and the connector 630 has a substantially symmetrical shape. In the illustrated embodiment, “top”, “bottom”, “upper” and “lower” should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures, but it is understood that, by virtue of the symmetrical shape of the connector 630, positional descriptions should not be considered limiting. The retaining portion of the connector is shaped and configured to fit into at least one of the grooves of at least one veneer panel, so as to retain the at least one veneer panel by friction interference. The attachment portion is designed to be affixed or attached to the structure. In the embodiment shown, both portions are integral parts of the connector, having been integrally molded. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion 640 of the connector 630 further has a dovetail-shaped or trapezoidal cross-section which is sized, shaped and configured to snugly fit in at least one of the corresponding grooves 20, 120 of the veneer panel 10, 110. Specifically, the retaining portion 640 generally includes a substantially rectangular groove-facing side 652, a substantially longitudinal wall-facing side 650a, 650b opposite to the groove-facing side 652, and a pair of substantially rectangular sidewalls 642, 644 extending along an entire length thereof, which are angled relative to the groove-facing side 652 and which converge towards the wall-facing side 650, the sidewalls 642, 644 joining the groove-facing side 652 along side edges 645a, 645b. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion 640 further includes a top side 646, and a bottom side 648 which can be slightly angled compared to the groove-facing side 652.

[0186] In some embodiment, the wall-facing side 650 can be substantially smaller than the groove-facing side 652, such that the cross-section of the retaining portion 640 is substantially T-shaped, with first inner side edges 651a, 651c and second inner side edges 651b, 651 d extending perpendicularly from the wall-facing side 650 to an inner side 641, the inner side 641 being parallel to the wall-facing side 650 and connected to the wall-facing side 650 via the sidewalls 642, 644.

[0187] In some embodiment, the sidewalls 642, 644 of the retaining portion 640 of the connector 630 can comprise bulges 658. The bulges 658 are small protrusions, generally distributed along the sidewalls 642, 644. In the embodiment shown, the sidewalls comprise eight (8) bulges 158, four of them on each sidewall 642, 644, respectively one close to the top side 646, one close to the bottom side 648, and two in a central zone of each sidewall 642, 644.

[0188] In some embodiment, the retaining portion 640 can further comprise reinforcing ribs 656a, 656b extending between the inner side edges 651a, 651b, 651c, 651 d and the inner side 641. The reinforcing ribs 656a, 656b provide reinforcement between the groove-facing side 652 and the wall-facing side 650 of the retaining portion, to avoid deformation of the connector 630 when snugly fitted in the groove 20, 120.

[0189] ln the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 660 of the connector 630 further comprises a first flat tab 660a and a second flat tab 660b of a substantially trapezoidal shape, each of the first flat tab 660a and a second flat tab 660b extending laterally on each side of the retaining portion 640. Specifically, each of the first and second flat tab 660a, 660b of the attachment portion 660 generally includes a front side 661a, 661b, a back side 665a, 665b opposite to the front side 661a, 661b, and a lateral side 666a, 666b. In some embodiment, the back sides 665a, 665b of the attachment portion 660 are substantially aligned with the wall-facing sides 650a, 650b of the retaining portion 640, while the width of the lateral sides 666a, 666b is significantly smaller than the total width of the connector 630, such that the first flat tab 660a and the second flat tab 660b are slightlydeported from the retaining portion 640. As will be explained in greater detail when we describe Figures 42, 42A and 42B, the depth of the tabs forming part of the attachment portion allows to create a gap or spacing between the veneer panel and the structure, during installation, as the back side of the tab is resting on the structure, and as areas of the rear face of the veneer panels along the grooves rest on the front side of the tab.

[0190] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 630 further comprises a hole 664 substantially located in the middle of the connector 630 and configured to receive a fastener 68, as shown in FIG. 40. Therefore, the connector 630 can be anchored to the structure 2 by the fastener 68 through the hole 664 of the connector 630. In some embodiment, the fastener 68 can be a screw or a concrete anchor, or any type of fastener adapted to be fastened in the structure 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 40, the fastener 68 can be inserted substantially perpendicular to the connector 630, as will be further detailed below.

[0191] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 630 can further comprise groove friction elements 654a, 654b protruding from the groove-facing side 652 of the retaining portion 640. The groove friction elements 654a, 654b are made of substantially resilient material providing a spring effect to retain the connector 630 in the groove 20, 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove friction elements 654a, 654b are shaped as resilient wavelets and comprise two arch-shaped portions extending along the groove-facing side 652 of an upper portion 640b of the retaining portion 640, and two arch-shaped portions extending along the groove-facing side 652 of an lower portion 640a of the retaining portion 640, each arch-shaped portion culminating at a friction peak 657a, 657b. The groove friction elements 654a, 654b could have other shapes, such as resilient hooks (not shown). The groove friction elements 654a, 654b are about half the width of the groove-facing side 652, centered on the groove-facing side 652. The groove friction elements 654a, 654b are intended to fill the connector-groove space 655 between the connector 630 and the groove 20, 120, for better friction and to increase the retaining of the connector in the groove 20, 120. It will be understoodthat this configuration is provided as an example and that the connector 630 could instead be provided without groove friction elements 654a, 654b.

[0192] FIGS. 41 to 43 show one example of a configuration for the veneer assembly 5. In this configuration, the first embodiment of the veneer panel 10 is positioned adjacent to the structure 2, with the rear face 14 and the grooves 20 of the rear face facing the structure 2, and the front face 12 being exposed. Then a plurality of connectors 630 are partially inserted into at least some of the grooves 20, as shown in FIG. 41. In a preferred embodiment, a limited number of connectors 630 are inserted in the same limited number of grooves 20, the number of connectors 630 being less than the number of grooves available, such that not all the grooves are provided with a connector. In general, the number and the positioning of the connectors can be adapted depending on the structure. For example, if the structure is a wood frame made of framing lumber spaced apart from each other, then a connector can be positioned in front of each framing lumber to ensure proper anchoring of the connector. In the illustrated embodiment, a connector 630 can be installed in at least two of the grooves of the veneer panel 10. The connector is then fastened to the structure with the fastener 68.

[0193] As best shown in FIG. 42, 42A and 42B, the connector 630 is partially inserted in the groove 20 by the top face 16 of a first veneer panel 10 such that the lower portion 640a of the retaining portion 640 of the connector 630 is reliably engaged in the groove 20 of the first veneer panel 10 and is resisting extraction from the groove in a direction perpendicular to the rear face 14 of the veneer panel 10

[0194] More particularly, the retaining portion 640 of the connector is partially inserted and slidably moved into the groove 20 (i.e., the retaining portion 640 of the connector 630 is pushed downwardly in the groove 20 until only the lower portion 640a of the retaining portion 640 is inserted in the groove 20 of the first veneer panel 10). In other words, the bottom side 648 of the lower portion 640a of the retaining portion 640 is first presented above the groove 20 of a first veneerpanel 10, with the groove-facing side 652 of the connector 630 facing the backwall 26 of the groove 20, and the wall-facing side 650a of the connector 630 facing the structure 2, and then pushed downwardly. The hole 664 of the connector 630 remains accessible, i.e. , the connector 630 is partially inserted into the groove 20 until the hole 664 abuts the top face 16 of a first veneer panel 10, to allow the user to secure the fastener 68 horizontally into the structure, as the hole 664 remains accessible even when the connector 630 is inserted in the groove of the first veneer panel and that the veneer panel is positioned along the structure 2.

[0195] The upper portion 640b of the retaining portion 640 extends upwardly from the top face 16 of the veneer panel 10 along the structure 2. As best shown in FIG. 43, while the lower portion 640a of the retaining portion 640 is inserted in the groove 20 by the top face 16 of a first veneer panel 10a, the upper portion 640b of the retaining portion 640 can be inserted in the groove 20 by the bottom face 18 of a second veneer panel 10b, with the bottom face 18 of the second veneer panel 10b being nested on the top face 16 of the first veneer panel 10a, such that the connector 630 is straddling two stacked veneer panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the first veneer panel 10a and the second veneer panel 10b are not aligned, and only the grooves of the first and second veneer panels 10a, 10b are aligned. In other embodiments, the first veneer panel 10a and the second veneer panel 10b can be aligned.

[0196] The retaining portion 640 of the connector 630 is made of a material having resilient properties, the retaining portion 640 being therefore slightly deformed to fit into the groove 20. The connector is then fastened to the structure with the fastener 68. Retention of the connector 630 into the groove 20 results from a frictional engagement of the pair of sidewalls 642, 644 of the retaining portion 640 of the connector 630 against the first and second inner sidewalls 22, 24 of the groove 20, and of the frictional engagement of the side edges 645a, 645b of the retaining portion 640 with the groove comers 28 or inner ends of the groove 20. In other words, the pair of sidewalls 642, 644 of connector 630 tightly abuts and frictionally engages with the first and second inner sidewalls 22, 24 of the groove20, respectively, and the side edges 645a, 645b of the retaining portion 640 tightly abut and frictional ly engage with the groove corners 28 of the groove 20. In some embodiment, retention and friction of the connector and groove are increased by the bulges 658, the bulges being made of material that can be eroded, or worn, or eaten, to ensure proper compression of the bulge 658 once inserted and therefore proper compression of the pair of sidewalls 642, 644 of the connector 630. As a result of the erosion of the bulges 658, once inserted in the groove 20, the connector will lose friction properties if removed from the actual groove to be inserted in another groove.

[0197] As best shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B, once the connector 630 is positioned and aligned in the groove 20, a connector-groove space 655 can be created between the groove-facing side 652 of the connector 630 and the backwall 26 of the groove 20. In the embodiment shown, once the connector 630 comprising the groove friction elements 654a, 654b is inserted and secured in one of the grove 20, the pair of sidewalls 642, 644 of the connector 630 tightly abuts the groove comers 28 of the groove 20 to ensure proper friction. In addition, the groove friction elements 654a, 654b fill the connector-groove space 655 such that the friction peak 657a, 657b of each arch-shaped portion of the groove friction elements 654a, 654b are compressed onto the backwall 26 of the groove 20 of the respective veneer panels 10a, 10b, ensuring increased retention of the connector 630 into the groove 20.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 42, when the connector 630 is positioned and aligned in the groove 20, the wall-facing side 650 of the connector abuts the structure 2, while the rear face 14 of the veneer panel 10 abuts the first and second flat tab 660a, 660b of the attachment portion 660 of the connector 630. Consequently, a wall draining space 663 is created between the rear face 14 of the veneer panel and the structure 2, corresponding to the depth of the first and second flat tab 660a, 660b, allowing a better drainage and ventilation of the veneer assembly 5. The wall draining space 663 also compensates for imperfections of the structure 2.

[0199] In the illustrated embodiment, the wall draining space 663 has a width d substantially equal to the width of the first and second flat tab 660a, 660b of the attachment portion 660 of the connector 630, which corresponds substantially to the width of the lateral sides 666a, 666b of the first and second flat tab 660a, 660b. In some embodiment, the distance or width d between the rear face 14 of the veneer panel and the structure 2 can vary between about 3mm to about 10mm, and more specifically of between about 4 mm and about 6 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the width d is about 5 mm.Additional features:

[0200] Referring to FIG. 44, the veneer assembly 5, 5’ can further include a top wall covering or coping 80 adapted to be placed over a top of the structure or wall section comprising an uppermost row of veneer panel 10, 110, the coping 80 covering both the upper row of veneer panel and the top of the structure 2. For example, FIG. 39 shows a coping 80 which is substantially aligned with the front face 12, 112 of the veneer panel 10, 110 and protrudes from the top of the structure 2. It will be understood that this configuration is provided as an example and that the coping 80 could instead be substantially aligned with the top of the structure 2, or protruding from the front face 12, 112 of the veneer panel 10, 110, or protruding from both the top of the structure 2 and the front face 12, 112 of the veneer panel 10, 110.

[0201] In some embodiment, a membrane or water barrier (not shown) can be installed between the structure 2 and the veneer panels 10, 110, to avoid water infiltration in the structure 2. The membrane can be self-adhesive or not, and can be installed on the structure 2.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 45, a spare connector 30’ can be initially inserted in its entirety in at least one of the grooves 120 by the bottom face 118 of the veneer panel 110 to be positioned as the first row of veneer panels. The spare connector 30’ is not secured to the structure 2, i.e., no fastener is inserted in the spare connector 30’. As show in FIG. 46, the veneer panel 110 is therefore installed asthe first row of veneer panel 110 along the structure 2, and a connector 30 can further be inserted by the top face 116 of the veneer panels 110 and secured with a fastener. As shown in FIG. 47, the spare connectors 30’ are inserted entirely in the groove 120 (i.e., no parts of the spare connector 30’ is protruding from the veneer panel 110), while the connector 30 is partially inserted, as described above, with the attachment portion 60 of the connector protruding upwardly from the top side 116 of the veneer panel 110.

[0203] Similarly, the same configuration with the spare connector 30’ can be considered for the first embodiment of the panel 10. In other words, and in reference to FIG. 48, a spare connector 30’ can be initially inserted in its entirety in at least one of the grooves 20 by the bottom face 18 of the veneer panel 10 to be positioned as the first row of veneer panels. The spare connector 30’ is not secured to the structure 2, i.e., no fastener is inserted in the spare connector 30’. As show in FIG. 49, the veneer panel 10 is therefore installed as the first row of veneer panel 10 along the structure 2, and a connector 30 can further be inserted by the top face 16 of the veneer panels 10 and secured with a fastener 68. As shown in FIG. 50, the spare connectors 30’ are inserted entirely in the groove 20 (i.e., no parts of the spare connector 30’ is protruding from the veneer panel 10), while the connector 30 is partially inserted, as described above, with the attachment portion 60 of the connector protruding upwardly from the top side 16 of the veneer panel 10.

[0204] In the embodiments shown, the spare connectors 30’ are positioned upside down compared to the connectors 30, but same orientation of the spare connector 30’ and of the connector 30 could be considered.

[0205] Having spare connectors 30’ inserted by the bottom 18, 118 of the first row of veneer panels 10, 110 prevents the first row of being pushed out. Furthermore, the spare connectors 30’ ensure that the wall draining space 63 of a width d is created between the rear face 14, 114 of the veneer panel 10, 110 and the structure 2, even on the first row of veneer panels 10, 110, allowing a better drainage and ventilation of the veneer assembly.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 51 to 54, the veneer assembly 5, 5’ can further include a rail 70. In particular, when installing a first row of veneer panel 10, 110 along the structure 2, a lower section of the veneer panel of the first row is not secured to a base of the structure 2. Therefore, the first row of veneer panel, while secured by any one of the connectors 30 as described above on its top section, has its lower section free and can be pushed in or pulled out from the structure either by wind, bad weather or human action. To prevent such lower section of the first row of veneer panel to be movable, the rail 70 can be anchored with a rail fastener 67 to the base of the structure 2. The rail 70 is therefore configured to receive the bottom faces 18 of a lowermost row of veneer panels 10, to prevent the lowermost row of the veneer panels from being pushed in or pulled out from the structure.

[0207] As best shown in FIG. 51 , the rail 70 can be substantially elongated horizontally and can comprise a rail wall 72 extending substantially vertically and a flat surface 76 extending substantially horizontally. The rail 70 can further comprises a rail recess 74 between the rail wall 72 and the flat surface 76. In some embodiment, the rail 70 can be made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel and can be manufactured by folding a sheet of metal or by forging a piece of metal. Alternatively, the rail may be made of any suitable material using any manufacturing process which a skilled person would consider to be appropriate. Although the rail is shown as a single elongated section, in other configurations, it is possible to supply the rail in several smaller sections. The rail can also be cut to length.

[0208] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 51 , the rail recess 74, or gutter I evacuating channel, and the flat surface 76 can further comprise a plurality of holes or apertures 75, 77 to allow a better evacuation of water when the veneer assembly 5 is exposed to weather. The rail wall 72 can also comprise fastening hole 73 configured to receive the rail fastener 67 to anchor the rail 70 to the base of the structure 2.

[0209] As shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, on the first row of veneer panel 10, a spare connector 30’ can be inserted in the same groove than the connector 30, the spare connector 30’ being inserted upside down and by a lower end of the groove, while the connector 30 is inserted by an upper end of the groove. More particularly, the retaining portion 40 of the spare connector 30’ is inserted and slidably moved into the groove 20 in its entirety (i.e. , the retaining portion 40 of the spare connector 30’ is pushed upwardly in the groove 20 until the top retaining face 47 of the retaining portion 40 is substantially aligned with the bottom face 18 of the veneer panel 10). Consequently, the retaining portion 40 of the spare connector 30’ fits in its entirety in the groove 20 and the attachment portion 60 extends outwardly from the bottom face 18 of the veneer panel 10.

[0210] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 52, the attachment portion 60 of the spare connector 30’ fits in the rail recess 74 of the rail, the bottom face 18 rests on the flat surface 76 of the rail and the rail is anchored in the structure 2. Therefore, the first row of veneer panel 10 is secured to the structure and prevents the first row of being pulled in or pushed out. Furthermore, the rail 70 ensure that the wall draining space 63 of a width d is created between the rear face 14 of the veneer panel 10 and the structure 2, allowing a better drainage and ventilation of the veneer assembly.

[0211] In some embodiment (not shown), the attachment portion 60 of the spare connector 30’ could be directly secured in the structure 2 with a fastener.Method:

[0212] A method for cladding the structure 2 with veneer panels 10, 110 will now be described, in accordance with one embodiment. The method comprises the following steps.

[0213] A first step can includes providing a veneer panel of the first embodiment of veneer panel 10 or of the second embodiment of veneer panel 110, or of any embodiment of the veneer panel with similar features. The veneer panel 10, 110has a front face 12, 112, a rear face 14, 114, a top face 16, 116 and a bottom face 18, 118, the rear face 14, 114 comprising dovetail grooves 20, 120, each groove being defined at least in part by a first inner sidewall 22, 122 and a second inner sidewall 24, 124 opposed to the first inner sidewall.

[0214] In some embodiment, a spare connector 30’ can be provided. The spare connector can be the first connector 130, the second connector 230, the third connector 330, or the fifth connector 630 as described above, or any embodiment of the connector with similar features. The spare connector 30’ can be initially inserted entirely in at least one of the grooves 20, 120 by the bottom face 18, 118 of the veneer panels 10, 110 to be positioned as the first row of veneer panels.

[0215] Then the veneer panel 10, 110 can be positioned along the structure 2, with the front face 12, 112 of the veneer panel 10, 110 being exposed, and the rear face 14, 114 facing the structure.

[0216] A connector 30 can further be provided. The connector can be any of the connectors described above (i.e., the first connector 130, the second connector 230, the third connector 330, the fourth connector 430, the fifth connector 630 or the connector assembly 430’) or any embodiment of the connector with similar features.

[0217] In all embodiments, the connector 30 can comprise a retaining portion 40 and an attachment portion 60, the retaining portion 40 having an elongated body with two sidewalls 42, 44.

[0218] Then the retaining portion 40 of the connector 30 can be inserted in one of the grooves 20, 120 of the veneer panel 10, 110. By inserting the connector 30, the two sidewalls 42, 44 of the retaining portion 40 are frictional ly engaged with the first inner sidewall 22, 122 and the second inner sidewall 24, 124 of said one of the grooves, respectively.

[0219] The connector 30 can be further anchored to the structure 2 with a fastener 68 insertable in the attachment portion 60 of the connector.

[0220] The veneer panels 10, 110 are then positioned to form at least one row of the veneer panels, with the bottom faces 18, 118 resting on the top faces 16, 116 of an underneath row of veneer panels, without the retaining portions 40 of the connectors 30 securing the underneath row of veneer panels interfering with the bottom faces 18, 118 of the row of veneer panels above.

[0221] In some embodiment, the method can further comprise adding a coping 80 to protect an uppermost row of veneer panels.

[0222] In some embodiment, the method can also comprise adding a membrane or water barrier between the structure and the veneer panel.

[0223] In some embodiment, the method can further comprise anchoring a rail 70 to a base of the structure 2, and positioning the bottom faces 18, 118 of a lowermost row of veneer panels 10, 110 on the rail 70.

[0224] It will be appreciated that various other configurations are possible for the connector 30, with at least the retaining portion 40 being frictionally engageable into the groove 20, 120 of the veneer panel 10, 110. The engagement of the retaining portion of the connector 30 in the groove of the veneer panel secures the connector in the groove thereby ensuring proper anchoring of the veneer panel 10, 110 on the structure 2, and prevents the veneer panel from being pushed in or pulled out from the structure 2.

[0225] For example, in some embodiment (not shown), the frictional engagement of the two sidewalls of the retaining portion 40 with the two inner sidewalls of said one groove consists in having only the side edges 45 of the retaining portion 40 frictionally engaging with groove corners 48 of the groove.

[0226] It is understood that a combination of different connectors (such that the first connector 130, the second connector 230, the third connector 330, the fourth connector 430, the fifth connector 630 or the connector assembly 430’) could be used in the same veneer assembly 5, 5’.

[0227] The various embodiments of the veneer panel assembly explained and described in the present disclosure are an improvement on existing systems, atleast in that the connectors are insertable into the grooves at the back of the veneer panels, and allow the panels to be held to an existing or new structure, while not interfering, when inserted into the grooves, with the top or bottom faces of the panels, allowing uniform, aesthetic and sleek installation. In possible embodiments, a gap between the veneer panels and the structure is created by the connector's attachment portion, thus simply and effectively combining two distinct functions (attachment to the structure and aeration / drainage gap between the veneer panels and the structure). The number of connectors to be inserted can easily be adapted according to panel width and / or weight. The system's simplicity includes a reduced number of parts during installation and makes it easy to readjust the connectors during installation if required. For vertical applications such as wall cladding where high wind can get behind the first rows of panels, a rail is provided to prevent the bottom row of panels from tipping forward in the wind.

[0228] It should be noted that the embodiments and examples described herein are provided for illustrative purposes and do not limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments may be made without departing from the present disclosure. The invention is intended to encompass all such variations and equivalents. Therefore, the invention is not restricted to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather embraces all variations and modifications that may come within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A veneer assembly for covering a structure, the veneer assembly comprising: a plurality of veneer panels, each of the veneer panels having a front face, a rear face, a top face and a bottom face, the rear face comprising grooves, each groove being defined at least in part by a first inner sidewall and a second inner sidewall opposed to the first inner sidewall, wherein in use, the front face of the veneer panel is exposed, and the rear face faces the structure, the grooves extend vertically along the rear face; and a plurality of connectors, each having: an attachment portion attachable with a fastener to the structure, to anchor the connector; and a retaining portion having an elongated body with two sidewalls, the retaining portion being shaped and configured to snugly fit in one of the grooves of the veneer panel, wherein when inserted in one of the grooves, the two sidewalls of the retaining portion are frictionally engaged with the first and second sidewalls of said one of the grooves, at least one row of the veneer panels having their bottom faces resting on the top faces of an underneath row of veneer panels, without the retaining portions of the connectors securing the underneath row of veneer panels interfering with the bottom faces of the row of veneer panels above; the engagement of the retaining portion of the connector in the groove of the veneer panel preventing the veneer panel from being pushed in or pulled out from the structure.

2. The veneer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the veneer panel is a brick or a rectangular panel, made of concrete-based material.

3. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein:each groove of the veneer panel is substantially dovetail-shaped and comprises a backwall, the two inner sidewalls of the groove joining the backwall at respective groove comers, each retaining portion of the connector comprises side edges; and wherein the frictional engagement of the two sidewalls of the retaining portion with the two inner sidewalls of said one of the grooves comprises having the side edges of the retaining portion frictional ly engaging with groove comers of the groove.

4. The veneer assembly of claim 3, wherein: wherein the frictional engagement of the two sidewalls of the retaining portion with the two inner sidewalls of said one groove consists in having only the side edges of the retaining portion frictional ly engaging with groove comers of the groove.

5. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retaining portion of the connector is made of a material having resilient properties, the retaining portion being slightly deformed to fit into the groove.

6. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein elongated body of the retaining portion of the connector is substantially rectangular.

7. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two sidewalls of the retaining portion extend along an entire length thereof.

8. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein only the retaining portion is insertable in the groove, and the attachment portion extends outside of the groove and comprises a flat tab with a hole for the fastener, the tab resting flat on the structure.

9. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein both the retaining portion and the attachment portion are insertable in the groove, and wherein the attachment portion is substantially angled to insert the fastener substantially angled in the structure.

10. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the retaining portion has a wall-facing side facing the structure and a groove-facing side facing the groove of the veneer panel, and wherein the groove-facing side of the retaining portion further comprises groove friction elements protruding therefrom to fill a connector-groove space between the connector and the groove, for better friction and retaining of the connector in the groove.

11. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the groove friction elements are shaped as resilient wavelets.

12. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the groove friction elements are shaped as resilient hooks.

13. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rear face of the veneer panel abuts the structure, and the veneer assembly is devoid of any free space between the rear face of the veneer panel and the structure.

14. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the attachment portion comprises a flat tab, slightly deported from the retaining portion, wherein when the retaining portion is inserted in the groove of the veneer panel and the attachment portion is attached to the structure, a wall draining space is created between the rear face of the veneer panel and the structure, for better drainage and ventilation, and to compensate for structure imperfections.

15. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the connector comprises a bottom side, the bottom side comprising side bottom wings extending therefrom, for spacing the veneer panel from the structure by a wall draining space.

16. The veneer assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein the wall draining space has a distance d between the rear face of the veneer panel and the structure of between about 3mm to about 10mm, and more specifically of between about 4 mm and about 6 mm.

17. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the sidewalls of the retaining portion of the connector comprises bulges to compress the connector in the groove and to increase friction between the sidewalls of the retaining portion and the sidewalls of the groove.

18. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the retaining portion of the connector comprises reinforcing ribs between the groovefacing side and the wall-facing side of the retaining portion.

19. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the fastener is a screw or a concrete anchor.

20. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the connector is made of resin or plastic.

21. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the connector is made of metal.

22. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the connector is made of metal molded with plastic.

23. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising a rail being anchored with a rail fastener to a base of structure, and configured to receive the bottom faces of a lowermost row of veneer panels, to prevent the lowermost row of the veneer panels from being pushed in or pulled out from the structure.

24. The veneer assembly of any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a coping to protect an uppermost row of veneer panels.

25. A method for covering a structure with veneer panels, the method comprising: providing a veneer panel having a front face, a rear face, a top face and a bottom face, the rear face comprising grooves, each groove being defined at least in part by a first inner sidewall and a second inner sidewall opposed to the first inner sidewall; positioning the veneer panel along the structure, with the front face of the veneer panel being exposed, and the rear face facing the structure; providing a connector having a retaining portion and an attachment portion, the retaining portion having an elongated body with two sidewalls; inserting the retaining portion of the connector in one of the grooves of the veneer panel, wherein the two sidewalls of the retaining portion are frictionally engaged with the first and second inner sidewalls of said one of the grooves; and anchoring the connector to the structure with a fastener insertable in the attachment portion of the connector; wherein the veneer panel is positioned to form at least one row of the veneer panels, with the bottom faces resting on the top faces of an underneath row of veneer panels, without the retaining portions of the connectors securing the underneath row of veneer panels interfering with the bottom faces of the row of veneer panels above.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: adding a coping to protect an uppermost row of veneer panels.

27. The method of claim 25 or 26, further comprising:adding a membrane or water barrier between the structure and the veneer panels.

28. The method of any one of claim 25 to 27, further comprising: anchoring a rail to a base of the structure, and positioning the bottom faces of a lowermost row of veneer panels on the rail.