Furring strip with interlocking feature for securing cladding material

Abstract

Disclosed is a furring strip and assembly made of metal or other material. The furring strip may be based on a "hat channel" design and incorporates an interlocking feature that helps installers use these strips on vertical (cladding) applications by allowing various sizes of the furring strips to be assembled.

Description

SBORN-002 TITLE: FURRING STRIP WITH INTERLOCKING FEATURE FOR SECURING CLADDING MATERIAL

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United States Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 541,115 filed September 28, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus used to secure panels generally called cladding applied to the facade of building. Specifically, the disclosure related to a furring system and method for affixing cladding to building facades more efficiently. BACKGROUND

[0003] The emergence of modern design on the facades of buildings has brought builders and installers new technological hurdles in installation of such designs. Cladding or cladding panels is known as the application of one material over another to provide a skin or layer. In construction, cladding may be used to provide a certain degree of thermal insulation and weather resistance, and to improve the appearance of buildings. Cladding can be made of any of a wide range of materials including wood, metal, brick, vinyl, and composite materials that can include aluminum, wood, blends of cement and even recycled polystyrene, or wheat / rice straw fibers.

[0004] Rainscreen cladding is a form of weather cladding designed to protect against the elements, but also offers thermal insulation. The cladding does not itself need to be waterproof, but merely a control element. In this case cladding may serve only to direct water or wind safely away in order to control run-off and prevent its infiltration into the building structure. Cladding may also be for interior walls or ceilings either as an aesthetic choice or to hide sound attenuation devices such as acoustic panels.

[0005] Affixing cladding on the facade of buildings can be challenging as the cladding itself may have no structural stability. In addition, depending on the material used for cladding, additional difficulties may be experienced by the installers. In the past or over the last ten years there has been an increase in the use of open joint rain screens for cladding both commercial and residential buildings. As an example, this style of cladding has made itSBORN-002 possible to use square edged deck boards for cladding, which has become an emergent trend in new building design.

[0006] Installers putting up rainscreens most commonly use wood or metal furring strips where the metal furring strip is most commonly a hat channel or z-girt. Mounting these furring strips on the building facade typically requires multiple installers on scaffolding, where at least one installer holds the furring strip in place, while the other installer fastens the furring.

[0007] While galvanized hat channels and z-girts are commonly used as furring strips, they do not always provide the necessary protection for harsh environments such as the seashore. In addition, most installations with these metal furring strips do not consider thermal bridging, where the metal furring conducts heat from the outside environment and adds to the overall heat load on the building. In the case of open-joint rainscreen construction, these hat channels and z-girts are often painted black to hide the reflective surface of the furring strip which can be visible between the open joints of the siding or cladding material.

[0008] The current and relatively new practice of using deck boards in rainscreen applications has presented a unique problem. When boards are to be installed in the vertical position, a furring strip must be placed horizontally to provide an ample amount of connection points for each board, however the rainscreen construction must still allow for proper drainage and ventilation. As such, the current construction practice is to install two sets of furring strips. The first set of furring strips are installed vertically against the building facade for the purpose of drainage and ventilation. The subsequent second set of furring strips are installed horizontally over top of the initial vertical furring strips to create a grid pattern. This grid pattern allows for cladding boards to be installed vertically while still maintaining the proper drainage required for a rainscreen. This practice is both expensive and time-consuming but is the only effective method on the market so far.

[0009] The problem faced by the market is that there is a lack of information on how to adapt decking as cladding. In particular, there is market confusion about what hardware components are needed to do this installation.

[0010] Therefore, an alternative securing device has great importance. There is a need for an improved device that may mount decking material and other material on the facade of a building and void the above disadvantages. SUMMARYSBORN-002

[0011] Compared to the above prior attempts, the present disclosure fulfills the above criteria and provides additional benefits that state of the art systems cannot provide. Disclosed and described is a fixture device that secures cladding even if it is decking material.

[0012] One objective is to provide an interlocking furring strip which serve as the spacer between the building envelope and the composite cladding. In normal practice, installers typically use long runs of furring strips, the interlocking feature allows for a temporary connection of the next furring strip prior to being fastened to the building, thereby eliminating a second worker to hold the next furring strip in place, as is common practice today. The furring strip may be made adjustable by providing various lengths other than the standard longer length.

[0013] Another objective is to have predrilled hole in the lip of the furring strip to assist placing screws or other fasteners therethrough. A broad selection of fasteners may be used to accommodate almost all deck to cladding situations.

[0014] Another objective is to have a black coating on the hat channel which will be equally functional and aesthetic, where the coating can provide additional corrosion protection, can prevent thermal bridging and conceals the furring strip from view.

[0015] Still another objective is to place insulation material ether on the back of the hat channel where the lip is located completely covering the channel made by the furring strip or just on the lip. Such insulation material includes but is not limited to thermoplastic elastomers, rubber and the like.

[0016] Yet another objective is to have instead of one continuous lip on either side of the furring strip but one continuous lip just on one side of the furring strip and / or a non- continuous lip where the lip is segmented on both, and / or either sides of the furring strip.

[0017] Furthermore the furring strip may be made of any material including but not limited to metal, plastic, wood, concrete, composite materials, carbon fibers, fiberglass, and any combination thereof.

[0018] These objectives and many more objectives are further described, shown, and discussed in the attached drawings and following detailed descriptions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed composition and method, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein:SBORN-002

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention that utilizes an interlocking furring strip;

[0021] Figure 2 shows an illustrative design of one embodiment of the present invention that utilizes an interlocking furring strip mechanism as shown disassembled;

[0022] Figure 3 shows an illustrative design of one embodiment of the present invention that utilizes an interlocking furring strip mechanism as shown assembled;

[0023] Figure 4 shows an illustrative design of one embodiment of the present invention that utilizes an interlocking furring strip having a lip with predrilled holes;

[0024] Figures 5 shows an illustrative design of one embodiment of the present invention that utilizes an interlocking furring strip having a lip with intermittent lips instead of one continuous lip along the side of the furring strip;

[0025] Figure 6 depicts an interlocking furring strip with an insulative material on at least one of its lips; and

[0026] Figure 7 depicts an interlocking furring strip with an insulative material overing the bottom of the furring strip and a channel made therefrom. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The invention includes, according to certain embodiments, systems and processes relates to a fixation device used in applying decking material and / or other material to the face of a building.

[0028] As known in the art, rainscreens are an existing form of siding construction where the siding, also referred to as cladding, is spaced off of the building envelope using furring for increased ventilation and drainage. The additional ventilation and drainage come with a host of benefits, such as allowing the building to breathe, reducing moisture build-up, and minimizing the formation of mold.

[0029] Rainscreens can be either open-joint or closed-joint. While both of these methods are open at the top and bottom of the wall for increased ventilation and drainage, open-joint rainscreens have gaps between the cladding which allows for further ventilation. Closed joint rainscreens have no gaps between boards and in some cases the boards may overlap.

[0030] The typical method for spacing the cladding off of the building envelope is with “furring strips.” These are usually wooden strips, metal z-girts, or metal hat channels, however other, less-common types exist made from plastics or fiberglass. These furring strips are fastened back to the building stud and, in some cases, are responsible for holding theSBORN-002 weight of whatever cladding is going on the building. Given the variety of options available for rainscreen construction, it is paramount that the correct fastening methods are used when both designing and installing a rainscreen.

[0031] Deck board manufacturers have already taken notice of this growing trend, with some companies even offering new boards specifically for cladding applications. However, the market is still lacking proper education to the consumer on the best installation practices for using these PVC and composite boards as a form of siding. Based on factors such as the predesigned building construction, the desired cladding board, the desired of type furring strip, and the amount of exterior insulation required, there can be a plethora of combinations and configurations for the rainscreen assembly. However not all rainscreen configurations are practical or structurally sound. While the market for using PVC and composite boards as cladding is still in its early stages, it is imperative that architects and contractors are informed on the best installation practices with these materials.

[0032] In addition, grooved deck boards are generally used with clips. The current inventors do not believe current clips are strong enough for exterior use. However, they can be incorporated into our cladding system for using deck boards to clad both interior walls and ceilings. Furthermore, the present furring strip design may be modified to incorporate sound attenuation features so that interior deck cladding can be not only for aesthetics. The furring strip depending on the implementation may be made of various materials including but not limited to metal, plastic, fiberglass, fiber, composite, wood, concrete, and the like. The various materials and flexibility of design of the current invention is useful where metal furring strips are not usable due to exposure to salt water, for example.

[0033] Adverting to the Figures, Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of an interlocking furring strip 100. Strip 100 has a base section 101 and at least one lip 102 extending from a side of the base 101. The base 101 has two ends. On one end there is a plurality of legs 104 having tabs 103 attached thereto. The other end of the base 101 is a plurality of members 106 forming an opening 107. The furring strip 101 has a channel 108 therein defined by the furring strips both sides 109 and top 110. This channel may also be referred to herein as the “hat channel” design based on the cross section of the furring strip having the lips on both sides of the furring strip.

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates a view of two furring strips before assembly. The sides 109 defines a vertical slot 105 here resilient legs 104 are compressed through opening 107 and tabs 103 are inserted through 105. Members 106 also provide further security by mating with opening 111defined by legs 104 and side 109 of the furring strip.SBORN-002

[0035] Figure 3 illustrates two furring strips assembled. Tabs 103 are inserted through slot 105. Depending on the implementation members 106 are also inserted into opening 111.

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the furring strip, as shown is furring strip 400 having a base 401 and legs 404 with tabs 403. Similar names have similar functions as described herein. Lip 402 however has defined pre-drilled holes 410 therein. The lips 402 as other lips may be on one side of the furring strip or both sides of the furring strip. In addition the lip may be continuous alongside the furring strip or intermittent along the furring strip side.as shown herein in Figure 5. Any design of the furring strip may also include pre-drilled holes 410. The predrilled holes are for fasters to attach the furring strip to a building wall.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates furring strip 500 having a base 501 and lips 502. Lips 502 may be on or along one side or both sides of furring strip 500. As shown the lips 502 are intermittent along the furring strip and the side of the furring strip 500 may further define an indent 503 defined by a side wall 509. The purpose of indent 503 is to permit airflow in and through the channel 108 of the furring strip.

[0038] Figure 6 illustrates insulation material 603 on the bottom of lip 602 of furring strip 600 having a base 601. The insulative material may be on both or only one lip 602. Depending on the embodiment the insulative material may include but is not limited to rubber, plastic, Styrofoam, neoprene, fiberglass, paper, thermoplastic elastomer, and any combination thereof. In this embodiment the channel 108 is open and exposed to the building facade or other side wall construct.

[0039] Figure 7 insulation material 703 across the bottom of furring strip 700 having a base 701. In this embodiment the insulative material covers channel 108 and the lips 702. The channel 108 is not exposed to the face of the building or other side wall construct as done in Figure 6.

[0040] Any headings and sub-headings utilized in this description are not meant to limit the embodiments described thereunder. Features of various embodiments described herein may be utilized with other embodiments even if not described under a specific heading for that embodiment.

[0041] Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherSBORN-002 arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0042] While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

SBORN-002 CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An interlocking furring strip comprising a supporting base section and at least one lip attached on at least one side of the supporting base, a pair of resilient legs extending from one end of the base, each one of the legs having a tab oriented at an angle from a plane defined by the legs, the tab for positively securing and supporting one or more furring strips inserted therebetween by a movement toward the base section.

2. The interlocking furring strip of clam 1, further including a receiving end opposite the end having the resilient legs, the receiving end having two flaps that define an opening and the side of the base defining a vertical slot for receiving the tab.

3. The interlocking furring strip of claim 1 wherein the furring strip is covered in a coating to provide visual concealment and / or increased weather protection and / or prevent thermal bridging.

4. The interlocking furring strip of claim 1 wherein the furring strip is made of a material selected from a group consisting of metal, plastic, composite, concrete, wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and any combination thereof.

5. The interlocking furring strip of claim 1 wherein at least one lip has a pre-dilled hole.

6. The interlocking furring strip of claim 1 wherein the lip has a bottom further containing an insulative material.

7. The interlocking furring strip of claim 6 wherein the insulative material is selected from a group consisting of rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoset, fiberglass, and any combination thereof.

8. The interlocking furring strip of claim 1 wherein the lip is either continuous or intermittent along the side of the base.

9. The interlocking furring strip of claim 1, wherein the tab is oriented at about a 90 degree from the legs.SBORN-002 10. The interlocking furring strip of claim 1, wherein the furring strip is configured in a hat channel design to provide a channel therein.

11. The interlocking furring strip of claim 10, wherein the channel is tapered.

12. An interlocking furring strip comprising: a plurality of furring strips, wherein each of the plurality of strip has a supporting base section and at least one lip attached on at least one side of the supporting base; and wherein each supporting base has at least: a pair of resilient legs extending from one end of the supporting base, each one of the resilient legs having a tab oriented at an angle from a plane defined by the resilient legs, the tab for positively securing and supporting one or more furring strips inserted therebetween by a movement toward the base section; or a receiving end opposite the end having the resilient legs, the receiving end having two flaps that define an opening and the side of the base defining a vertical slot for receiving the tab.

13. The interlocking furring strip of claim 12, wherein the plurality of furring strips are different lengths.

14. The interlocking furring strip of claim 12, wherein at least one of the furring strips have the pair of resilient legs on one end of the furring strip and a cap on an end opposite the end having the resilient legs.

15. The interlocking furring strip of claim 12, wherein at least one of the furring strips have the receiving end having two flaps that define the opening and the side of the base defining the vertical slot for receiving the tab, and a cap on an end opposite the receiving end.

16. The interlocking furring strip of claim 12, wherein the plurality of furring strips are the same lengths.

17. The interlocking furring strip of claim 12, wherein the at least one lip defines a plurality of pre-drilled holes used for affixing the furring strip with a fastener.SBORN-002 18. An interlocking furring strip comprising: a plurality of furring strips, wherein each of the plurality of strip has a supporting base section and at least one lip attached on at least one side of the supporting base; the supporting base further has at least: a pair of resilient legs extending from one end of the supporting base, each one of the resilient legs having a tab oriented at an angle from a plane defined by the resilient legs, the tab for positively securing and supporting one or more furring strips inserted therebetween by a movement toward the base section; or a receiving end opposite the end having the resilient legs, the receiving end having two flaps that define an opening and the side of the base defining a vertical slot for receiving the tab; or a cap in place of the resilient legs or the receiving end; and a plurality of pre-drilled holes on the at least one lip for affixing the furring strip with a fastener.

19. The interlocking furring strip of claim 18, wherein at least one of the plurality of furring strips has both the pair of resilient legs and the receiving end opposite the end having the resilient legs.

20. The interlocking furring strip of claim 19, wherein the lip is intermittent along the side of the furring strip and the lip further includes an insulative material.

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