Cladding covering for roofs and / or walls of buildings

Abstract

Cladding covering (1) for roofs and / or walls of buildings comprising a plurality of plates (2) longitudinally side by side in partial overlapping with each other, and fixing brackets (10) to secure the fixing of said plates (2) to an underlying structure of a building, wherein advantageously, said fixing brackets support opposite overlapping longitudinal sides of adjacent plates by means of a base element (11) from which a longitudinally extended support wing (16) projects vertically (X-X).

Description

[0001] Cladding covering for roofs and / or walls of buildings

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The present invention refers to a cladding covering for roofs and / or walls of buildings, particularly but not exclusively a metal covering, formed by a plurality of side-by-side plates, in partial overlapping with each other, made integral with an underlying structure of a building. Background of the invention

[0005] Nowadays, the use of such coverings, jargonically referred to as “Standing-Seam”, has become widespread, particularly when it comes to secure the covering of industrial buildings, but not only, instead of a more traditional tiled covering.

[0006] The plates used, preferably of a metal type, are generally identified by profiles having the most diverse cross-sections in order to ensure the necessary rigidity of each plate, to allow for proper water drainage and to allow a correct discharge of precipitation along the slope lines of the building’s covering.

[0007] Furthermore, the profile of the longitudinal sides of each covering plate, i.e. those sides intended to be positioned in the direction of the slope lines of the building’s roof, is of particular importance. In fact, the profile of the aforesaid sides is relevant to ensure a correct lateral overlap between adjacent plates and prevent water infiltration.

[0008] Generally, the fixing of the covering plates to the structure of the building is secured by means of support and fixing brackets, the latter presenting a base anchored to the underlying structure of the building and a body extended from said base.

[0009] The covering plates have predetermined conformations along the aforesaid longitudinal sides in order to:

[0010] - allow a correct longitudinal coupling between the longitudinal sides of laterally adjacent plates and

[0011] - be able to engage directly or indirectly with the aforesaid support and fixing brackets and be anchored to the structure of the building in a firm and effective manner.

[0012] The needs to be met for the aforesaid coverings and for the anchoring / fixing system of the covering plates to the structure of the building are many, among these, by way of example and not exhaustively, the following needs are recalled or desired:

[0013] - economy in the use of raw materials;

[0014] - to be able to use aluminium alloys, steel and other metals;

[0015] - not to have fixings visible from the outside;

[0016] - to have a seam / coupling between covering plates even outside the bracket constraint;

[0017] - to have reduced interference between brackets and covering plates to allow free thermal expansion;

[0018] - to have a high value of resistance to the extraction / lifting of the covering due to the effect of the wind;

[0019] - to have a reduced number of folds present in the plates and fold radii > 1 mm;

[0020] - minimization of the so-called “undercuts” that in profiling require many forming stations and intermediate stations;

[0021] - to have the possibility of using metal fixing brackets;

[0022] - to have the presence of a drainage channel to allow installation on coverings with a very low slope, i.e. on almost flat coverings;

[0023] - to have coplanarity between the flat part of the plate and that of the drainage joint to facilitate the closures at the end of the plate;

[0024] - to be able to install structural extrados brackets at the fixing brackets or not, for example for lifelines and above-covering installations;

[0025] - to have walkability of the covering;

[0026] - to have ease of laying;

[0027] - to have the possibility of being able to dismantle the covering without excessive deformation or breakage;

[0028] - good stackability of the plates for transport;

[0029] - centring of the concave and convex plates and, not least

[0030] - to have an aesthetic value.

[0031] As can be seen from the above list, the needs to be met are manifold and cover multiple areas, ranging from purely technical needs, think of the need for the plates to be surmounted or to identify a drainage channel, to economic or aesthetic needs.

[0032] Moreover, some technical needs are in contrast with each other, such as, for example, the need to have a reduced interference between brackets and covering plates, so as to allow a free thermal expansion of the covering plates, and, at the same time, ensure a high extraction / lifting value of the covering due to the effect of the wind.

[0033] Therefore, the needs to be met are manifold, not excluding those related to the cost of production and of the plants to produce the covering plates, and, to date, the existing solutions are not able to meet all the aforesaid needs, resulting in a compromise aimed at favouring some needs to the detriment of others.

[0034] Summary of the invention

[0035] The problem underlying the present invention is therefore to devise a cladding covering for roofs and / or walls of buildings, particularly but not exclusively a metal covering, formed by a plurality of plates arranged side by side in partial overlapping with each other, such plates being integral with an underlying structure of a building and such covering presenting structural and functional characteristics such as to meet the aforesaid needs, while obviating the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art.

[0036] This problem is solved by a cladding covering for roofs and / or walls of buildings, particularly but not exclusively a metal covering, formed by a plurality of plates arranged side by side in partial overlapping with each other integral with an underlying structure of the building in accordance with claim 1.

[0037] Brief Description of the figures

[0038] Further features and advantages of the present invention will result from the description below of some preferred examples of embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0039] - figure 1 represents a perspective view of a covering portion according to the present invention having opposite shaped longitudinal ends, specifically it shows fixing brackets and three plates joined together with shaped longitudinal end portions in overlapping with each other;

[0040] - figure 2 is a flat front view of a portion of a plate of the covering of figure 1 ;

[0041] - figure 3 represents a perspective view of a plate of the covering according to the invention from which the opposite shaped longitudinal ends result;

[0042] - figure 4 represents a flat front view of the plate of figure 3; - figure 5 represents an enlargement of the plate of figure 4 with reproduction of only a portion of the central flat part of the plate;

[0043] - figure 6 represents a front plan view of a first shaped longitudinal end of the plate of figure 3;

[0044] - figure 7 represents a front plan view of the remaining shaped second longitudinal end of the plate of figure 3;

[0045] - figure 8 represents a front perspective view of the first shaped longitudinal end of figure 6;

[0046] - figure 9 represents a front perspective view of the shaped second longitudinal end of figure 7;

[0047] - figure 10 represents a front plan view of a first shaped longitudinal end of a first plate and of a second shaped longitudinal end of a second plate in overlapping with each other and applied to an underlying fixing bracket;

[0048] - figures 11 and 12 represent a front plan view and, respectively, a front perspective view of figure 10 with the representation of the fixing bracket omitted;

[0049] - figure 13 represents a front plan view of only the fixing bracket of figure 10;

[0050] - figure 14 represents the same front plane view of the fixing bracket of figure 13 with some retaining housings highlighted with a dashed and dotted line;

[0051] - figure 15 represents a front perspective view of only the fixing bracket of figure 10;

[0052] - figures 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e represent a mounting sequence of a first shaped longitudinal end of a first plate to a fixing bracket according to the invention and of a second shaped longitudinal end of a second plate overlapped thereon;

[0053] - figure 17 represents a perspective view only of a fixing bracket of a covering according to the invention in accordance with a possible embodiment variant that provides for the use of fixing brackets obtained by sheet metal moulding;

[0054] - figure 18 represents a front plan view of the bracket of figure 17 with a first shaped longitudinal end of a first plate and a second shaped longitudinal end of a second plate applied in overlapping;

[0055] - figure 19 represents, in accordance with an embodiment variant, a flat front view of a first shaped longitudinal end of a first plate and of a second shaped longitudinal end of a second plate in overlapping with each other as when they are associated with a fixing bracket (omitted in the figure).

[0056] Detailed description of the invention

[0057] With reference to the attached figures, 1 globally denotes a cladding covering for roofs and / or walls of buildings, particularly but not exclusively a metal covering, according to the invention.

[0058] The cladding covering 1 comprises a plurality of plates 2 arranged longitudinally side by side in partial overlapping with each other, and fixing brackets 10 to secure the fixing of said plates 2 to an underlying structure of a building.

[0059] As illustrated, each plate 2 extends in a prevailing longitudinal direction X-X and comprises a substantially flat central portion (possibly this central portion can also be undulated and / or have a predetermined non-planar profile) delimited by opposite shaped longitudinal edges 3, 4 extended in the aforesaid longitudinal direction X-X between opposite head ends 5 of the plate 2.

[0060] In the covering 1, the plates 2 are arranged longitudinally side by side with overlap of the aforesaid shaped longitudinal edges 3,4 over a predetermined overlapping section L.

[0061] More specifically, each plate 2 comprises a first shaped longitudinal edge 3 and a second shaped longitudinal edge 4 which are complementary to each other so that, for two adjacent plates 2 arranged side by side in longitudinal overlapping with each other, the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of a first plate 2 is longitudinally engaged and covered by the second longitudinal edge 4 of the second plate 2. So, in other words, the second longitudinal edge 4 of the second adjacent plate 2 is overlapped longitudinally on the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of the first plate 2.

[0062] The aforesaid fixing brackets 10 are positioned at the longitudinal portions in partial overlapping of said plates 2 so as to engage the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of a first plate 2 longitudinally covered by the second longitudinal edge 4 of a second plate.

[0063] Each fixing bracket 10 comprises a base element 11 having a lower side Ila intended to face an underlying structure of a building and an opposite upper side facing towards the plates 2.

[0064] On the upper side of each fixing bracket 2 there is identified a longitudinal channel between two opposite longitudinal lateral sidewalls 12,13.

[0065] The aforesaid opposite lateral sidewalls 12,13 are inclined towards the longitudinal centreline of the fixing bracket 10 to identify with their inner side respective undercut lateral portions 14,15 of said channel.

[0066] Advantageously, each fixing bracket 10 comprises a support wing 16 which: is extended in said longitudinal direction X-X and is projecting from the base element 11 of the fixing bracket 10 away from the upper side of said base element 11 to identify a support and hooking element of the aforesaid shaped longitudinal edges 3,4 of the plates 2 of the covering 1.

[0067] The aforesaid support wing 16 projects upwards from the bottom of said longitudinal channel, preferably at a median position of said channel, to subdivide it longitudinally into:

[0068] • a first channel 18 identified between said support wing 16 and said first lateral sidewall

[0069] 12 and comprising a first undercut lateral portion 14 and

[0070] • a second channel 19 identified between said support wing 16 and said second lateral sidewall 13 and comprising a second undercut lateral portion 15.

[0071] Advantageously, the free upper end 20 of the support wing 16 is curved in approach towards the aforesaid first lateral sidewall 12 of the base element 11, so that an intrados portion of said curved free upper end 20 of said support wing 16 identifies with said first sidewall 12 a first substantially “C”-shaped retaining housing 21 (highlighted with a dashed and dotted line in figure 14).

[0072] Advantageously, at a side turned towards the aforesaid second lateral sidewall 13 of said base element 11, the support wing 16 of each fixing bracket 10 comprises a curved longitudinal projection 22 in approach towards said second lateral sidewall 13, so that an intrados portion of said curved longitudinal projection identifies with said second sidewall 13 a second substantially “C”-shaped retaining housing 23 (highlighted with a dashed and dotted line in figure 14).

[0073] With reference to the aforesaid first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of the plates 2, it comprises (moving from the inside towards the longitudinal edge):

[0074] • a first fold 51 to match and contact / adhere to the profile of the outer side of said first lateral sidewall 12 and

[0075] • subsequent second folds 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 to identify a first portion 50 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figures 4 and 5) inserted by snapping into said first retaining housing 21 (highlighted with a dashed and dotted line in figure 14) inside said first channel 18 and in the intrados of said curved free upper end 20 of said support wing 16.

[0076] With reference to the aforesaid second shaped longitudinal edge 4 of the plates 2, it comprises (moving from the inside towards the longitudinal edge of the plate):

[0077] • a first fold 61 to match and contact / adhere to the profile of the outer side of said second lateral sidewall 13;

[0078] • subsequent second folds 62, 63, 64 to identify a first portion 74 (see figure 5) inserted by snapping into said second retaining housing 23 (highlighted with a dashed and dotted line in figure 14) inside said second channel 19 and in the intrados identified by said curved longitudinal projection 22 and

[0079] • subsequent third folds 65,66 to identify a second portion 75 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figures 5 and 7) surmounting said free upper end 20 of the wing 16 of the fixing bracket 10 at the extrados and overhanging said free upper end 20 with a third portion 73 extended towards said base element 11 of said fixing bracket 10.

[0080] Each fixing bracket 10 being engaged:

[0081] - first by the first portion 50 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figures 4 and 5) of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of a first plate 2 inserted by snapping into the respective first retaining housing 21 (highlighted with dashed and dotted line in figure 14) and subsequently

[0082] - by the first portion 74 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figure 5) of the second shaped longitudinal edge 4 of a second adjacent plate 2 inserted by snapping into the respective second retaining housing 23 (highlighted with dashed and dotted line in figure 14) and to have:

[0083] • said second portion 75 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figures 5 and 7) of said second shaped longitudinal edge 4 surmounting said free upper end 20 of the fixing bracket 10 and

[0084] • said third portion 73 extended towards said base element 11 to cover at least a higher part of said support wing 16 and a part of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of said first plate 2. Preferably, said first portion 50 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figures 4 and 5) of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3 comprises a lower section 90, substantially straight, parallel to the bottom of said first channel 18.

[0085] Preferably, said first portion 50 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figures 4 and 5) of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3, which is inserted by snapping into said first retaining housing 21, comprises a rounded portion 85 (see figure 19) wedged / inserted, at least partially, in the undercut first lateral portion 14 of the first channel 18. This allows to increase the lifting resistance of the plate 2, for example due to the effect of the wind. In fact, in the event of lifting of the covering due to the effect of the wind, this rounded portion 85 comes to interfere more with the inner side of the sidewall 12, significantly increasing the anchoring of the shaped edge 3 to the fixing bracket 10.

[0086] Preferably, the aforesaid first portion 50 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figures 4 and 5) of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of the plates 2 is inserted by snapping into said first retaining housing 21 (see figures 16b and 16c) to be compressed with slight elastic forcing between the bottom of said first channel 18 and the intrados of said curved free upper end 20 of the support wing 16, said compression and said successive second folds 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3 allowing said first portion 50 of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3 to work as a flexural spring to increase the fixing and retention of said first portion 50 of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3 from said first retaining housing 21 (highlighted with dashed and dotted line in figure 14).

[0087] Preferably, the aforesaid first portion 50 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figures 4 and 5) of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of the plates 2, which is inserted by snapping into the aforesaid first retaining housing 21 of the fixing bracket 10, comprises an inverted “U”-folded upper part 91 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figure 6) with the opening of said inverted “U” faced towards the base element 11 of the respective fixing bracket 10.

[0088] Preferably, in accordance with the illustrated embodiments (see figures 10 and 13 to 18), the support wing 16 of the fixing bracket 10 ends with the aforesaid free upper end 20 consisting of a portion of said curved support wing 16 in approach towards the aforesaid first lateral sidewall 12 of the base element 11, so that said upper end 20 identifies a curved profile having: - a convex curved profile turned upwards to face the second shaped longitudinal edge 4 of the respective plate 2 surmounting this upper end 20 at the extrados and

[0089] - a concave curved profile turned towards the aforesaid first lateral sidewall 12 of the base element 11 to identify a curvilinear seat in which said inverted “U”-folded upper part 91 (see the area circumscribed by a dashed line in figure 6) of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 is housed to rest.

[0090] In accordance with the embodiment of figure 19, a stiffening rib 81 is provided at the top of said inverted “U” identified by the aforesaid upper part 91 of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of the plates 2.

[0091] Preferably, the aforesaid first portion 74 (see area circumscribed by a dashed line in figure 5) of said second shaped longitudinal edge 4 of the plates 2 is inserted by snapping into said second retaining housing 23 (highlighted with a dashed and dotted line in figure 14) to be compressed with slight elastic forcing between the bottom of said second channel 19 and the intrados of said curved longitudinal projection 22 in approach towards said second lateral sidewall 13, said compression and said successive second folds 62, 63, 64 of said second shaped longitudinal edge 4 allowing said first portion 74 of said second shaped longitudinal edge 4 to work as a flexural spring to increase the retention of said first portion 74 of said second shaped longitudinal edge 4 from said second retaining housing 23.

[0092] Preferably, said curved longitudinal projection 22 in approach towards said second lateral sidewall 13 comprises a profile that identifies a hook projecting from said support wing 16 and oriented downwards.

[0093] Preferably, said curved longitudinal projection 22 acts as a pawl to prevent the escape of said first portion 74 (see area circumscribed by a dashed line in figure 5) of said second shaped longitudinal edge 4 of the plates 2 from said second retaining housing 23 (highlighted with a dashed and dotted line in figure 14).

[0094] Preferably, the aforesaid second portion 75 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figure 5) of said second shaped longitudinal edge 4 of the plates 2, surmounting the free upper end 20 of the wing 16 of the fixing bracket 10, has an inverted “U” conformation with the opening of said inverted “U” faced towards said base element 11 of the respective fixing bracket 10, so as to provide optimal protection from the weather of the underlying overlapping zone between the shaped edges 3,4 of adjacent plates 2.

[0095] In accordance with the embodiment of figure 19, a stiffening rib 82 is provided at the top of said inverted “U” of the aforesaid second portion 75 of the second shaped longitudinal edge 4 of the plates 2.

[0096] Preferably, said first portion 74 (see circumscribed area with dashed line in figure 5) of said second shaped longitudinal edge 4 of the plates 2, which is inserted by snapping into said second retaining housing 23 (highlighted with a dashed and dotted line in figure 14), comprises a rounded portion 86 (see figure 19) wedged / inserted, at least partially, in the second undercut lateral portion 15 of the second channel 19. This allows to increase the lifting resistance of the plate 2, for example due to the effect of the wind. In fact, in the event of lifting of the covering due to the effect of the wind, this rounded portion 86 comes to interfere more with the inner side of the sidewall 13, significantly increasing the anchoring of the shaped edge 4 to the fixing bracket 10.

[0097] Preferably:

[0098] - said first portion 50 of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3, which is inserted by snapping into said first retaining housing 21 (highlighted with a dashed and dotted line in figure 14), ends with an end section 58 extended in approach to said base element 11 and

[0099] - subsequently to said third portion 73 extended towards said base element 11, said second shaped edge 4 comprises at least a folded fourth portion 76 to be retained in engagement by said end section 58 of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3, so as to counteract in use the lifting of said second longitudinal edge 4 from the curved free upper end 20 of the support wing 16.

[0100] Preferably, as shown from the figures (see fig. 4 to 6), said first portion 50 of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of the plates 2 is an end section of free end of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3 and said end section 58 extended in approach to said base element 11 identifies the free longitudinal edge of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 of the plates 2.

[0101] Preferably, in said first shaped longitudinal edge 3, said end section 58 extended in approach to said base element 11 comprises a free end 59 at which a stiffening rib 80 (see figure 19) is identified to increase the resistance to tip loading and bending of said free end 59.

[0102] Preferably, the aforesaid fourth folded portion 76 of the second shaped edge 4 is identified by a folding of said plate 2 towards said support wing 16, so as to identify a step suitable to be engaged by said end section 58 of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3.

[0103] More preferably, said fourth portion 76 of said second shaped edge 4 is identified by successive fourth folds 67, 68, 69, 70 that identify a fifth portion 77 (see portion enclosed by dashed line in fig. 5), substantially “C”-conformed, inserted with elastic forcing in said third retaining housing 24 (see portion identified by dashed and dotted line in fig. 5), substantially “C”-conformed, identified between said end section 58, extended in approach to said base element 11, of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3 and the portion of said first shaped longitudinal edge 3 housed inside said first channel 18.

[0104] The insertion with elastic forcing of said fifth portion 77 (see portion enclosed by dashed line in fig. 5) of said second shaped longitudinal edge 4 in said third retaining housing 24 of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 (see portion identified by dashed and dotted line in fig. 5), allows, in use, to ensure a perfect covering by the second shaped longitudinal edge 4 of a prevailing portion of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3, in particular of a vertical portion of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 extended along the support wing 16 of the fixing brackets 10. This ensures, even in the event of wind and forces aimed at lifting the plates 2 from the underlying cover, a substantial impenetrability of the water below the second shaped longitudinal edge 4.

[0105] Preferably, as can be seen from the figures, said fifth portion 77 of the second shaped longitudinal edge 4 (see portion enclosed by dashed line in fig. 5), substantially “C”-conformed is inserted with elastic forcing in said third retaining housing 24 identified by said first shaped longitudinal edge 3 (see portion identified by dashed and dotted line in fig. 5) so that the concavity of said fifth portion 77 is turned towards the respective fixing bracket 10, the concavity of said “C” identifying a valid and effective drainage channel suitable for carrying away water, for example rainwater, along the longitudinal direction, without such water getting in between the plates 2. Moreover, as specified above, even if water were to infiltrate below the second shaped longitudinal edge 4, there would still be the continuous portion of the first shaped longitudinal edge 3 comprised between the curves 52, 53, 54 and 55 (see fig. 6) to prevent water from coming into contact with the underlying structure.

[0106] Preferably, subsequently to said fourth portion 76 said second shaped edge 4 comprises an end portion 71 that comes to cover longitudinally with contact, said first shaped edge 3 until overhanging said second folds 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 towards said first fold 51 of said first shaped edge 3.

[0107] It should be noted that, as can be seen from figure 10, the lower part of the first portion 50 of the first shaped edge 3 of the plates 2, which is inserted into the first channel 18 identified in the fixing bracket 10, identifies an effective drainage channel to drive any infiltrated water towards the gutter line, or in any case towards the lower end of the plate 2.

[0108] As can be appreciated from what has been described, the cladding covering for roofs and / or walls of buildings according to the present invention, as well as the fixing bracket according to the present invention, allows to meet the aforesaid needs and at the same time overcome the drawbacks referred to in the introductory part of the present description with reference to the known art.

[0109] In fact, the covering 1 according to the invention allows to achieve all the requirements specified in the introductory part of the present description, while allowing to achieve an excellent fixing of the plates thanks to the resistance offered by the fixing brackets and to the support that the support wings 16 of these fixing brackets allow to confer to the shaped longitudinal edges of the plates engaged with these fixing brackets.

[0110] With regard to the fixing brackets, it should be highlighted that:

[0111] - the size and length thereof is established according to the project needs, generally the brackets extend over a longitudinal section of about 5 cm.

[0112] - the material of which they are made is chosen according to the project needs, being able, for example, to use metal material, such as an aluminium alloy or a metal sheet of steel, plastic or other material.

[0113] Furthermore, the longitudinal overlap between the shaped edges of continuous plates is in terms of conformation and extension such as to prevent any infiltration even in the event of very heavy rainfall. Moreover, the conformation described above of the aforesaid shaped edges of the plates and of the fixing brackets is such as to ensure very important longitudinal drainage channels in the covering, ensuring the necessary longitudinal conveyance of water coming from atmospheric precipitation.

[0114] Obviously, an expert skilled in the art, for the purpose of satisfying specific, contingent needs, can make numerous modifications to the variants described above, all contained within the scope of protection, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Cladding covering for roofs and / or walls of buildings, particularly but not exclusively a metal covering, comprising a plurality of plates (2) arranged longitudinally side by side in partial overlapping with each other, and fixing brackets (10) to secure the fixing of said plates (2) to an underlying structure of a building, wherein:- each plate (2) comprises opposite shaped longitudinal edges (3, 4) extended in a predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) between opposite head ends (5) of said plate (2);- said plates (2) being arranged longitudinally side by side with overlapping of said shaped longitudinal edges (3,4) over a predetermined section (L);- said opposite shaped longitudinal edges (3,4) of said plates (2) comprise a first shaped longitudinal edge (3) and a second shaped longitudinal edge (4) complementary to each other so that, for two adjacent plates (2) arranged side by side in longitudinal overlap with each other, the first shaped longitudinal edge (3) of a first plate (2) is longitudinally engaged and covered by the second longitudinal edge (4) of the second adjacent plate;- said fixing brackets (10) are positioned at said longitudinal portions in partial overlapping of said plates (2) to engage the first shaped longitudinal edge (3) of a first plate (2) longitudinally covered by the second longitudinal edge (4) of a second plate;- each fixing bracket (10) comprises a base element (11) having a lower side (I la) intended to face an underlying structure of a building and an opposite upper side facing towards said plates (2) and- on said upper side of each fixing bracket (10) there is identified a longitudinal channel between two opposite lateral sidewalls (12,13), said opposite lateral sidewalls (12,13) being inclined towards the longitudinal centreline of said fixing bracket (10) to identify with their inner side respective undercut lateral portions (14,15) of said channel; characterized in that:- each fixing bracket (10) comprises a support wing (16) extended in said longitudinal direction (X-X) and projecting from said base element (11) away from said upper side of said base element (11) to identify a support and hooking element of said shaped longitudinal edges(3,4) of said plates (2);- said support wing (16) projects upwards from the bottom of said longitudinal channel,subdividing it longitudinally into:• a first channel (18) identified between said support wing (16) and said first lateral sidewall (12) and comprising a first undercut lateral portion (14) and• a second channel (19) identified between said support wing (16) and said second lateral sidewall (13) and comprising a second undercut lateral portion (15);- the free upper end (20) of said support wing (16) is curved in approach towards said first lateral sidewall (12) of said base element (11), so that an intrados portion of said curved free upper end (20) of said support wing (16) identifies with said first sidewall (12) a first substantially “C”-shaped retaining housing (21);- at a side turned towards said second lateral sidewall (13) of said base element (11), said support wing (16) comprises a curved longitudinal projection (22) in approach towards said second lateral sidewall (13), so that an intrados portion of said curved longitudinal projection identifies with said second sidewall (13) a second substantially “C”-shaped retaining housing (23); wherein:- said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) of said plates comprises moving from the inside towards the longitudinal edge:• a first fold (51) to contact / adhere to the profile of the outer side of said first lateral side wall (12) and• successive second folds (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57) to identify a first portion (50) inserted by snapping into said first retaining housing (21) inside said first channel (18) and in the intrados of said curved free upper end (20) of said support wing (16) and- said second shaped longitudinal edge (4) of said plates comprises moving from the inside towards the longitudinal edge:• a first fold (61) to contact / adhere to the profile of the outer side of said second lateral side wall (13) and• successive second folds (62, 63, 64) to identify a first portion (74) inserted by snapping into said second retaining housing (23) inside said second channel (19) and in the intrados identified by said curved longitudinal projection (22) and• successive third folds (65, 66) to identify a second portion (75) surmounting said freeupper end (20) at the extrados and overhanging said free upper end (20) of the support wing (16) of the bracket (10) with a third portion (73) extended towards said base element (11) of said fixing bracket (10); each fixing bracket (10) being engaged:- first by the first portion (50) of the first shaped longitudinal edge (3) of a first plate (2) inserted by snapping into the respective first retaining housing (21) and, subsequently,- by the first portion (74) of the second shaped longitudinal edge (4) of a second adjacent plate (2) inserted by snapping into the respective second retaining housing (23) and having:• said second portion (75) of said second shaped longitudinal edge (4) surmounting said free upper end (20) and• said third portion (73) extended towards said base element (11) to cover at least a higher part of said support wing (16) and a part of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) of said first plate (2).

2. Cladding covering according to claim 1, wherein:- said first portion (50) of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) inserted by snapping into said first retaining housing (21) of the fixing bracket (10) ends with an end section (58) extended in approach to said base element (11) and- subsequently to said third portion (73) extended towards said base element (11), said second shaped edge (4) comprises at least a folded fourth portion (76) to be retained in engagement by said end section (58) of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) so as to counteract in use the lifting of said second longitudinal edge (4) from said curved free upper end (20) of said support wing (16).

3. Cladding covering according to claim 2, wherein:- said first portion (50) of the first shaped longitudinal edge (3) of the plates (2) identifies an end section of free end of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) and- said end section (58) extended in approach to said base element (11) identifies the free longitudinal edge of the first shaped longitudinal edge (3) of the plates (2).

4. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) said end section (58) extended in approach to said base element (11) comprises a free end (59) at which a stiffening rib (80) is formed to increase the resistance totip loading and bending of said free end (59).

5. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said fourth portion (76) of said second shaped edge (4) is identified by a folding of said plate (2) towards said support wing (16), so as to identify a step suitable to be engaged by said end section (58) of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3).

6. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said fourth portion (76) of said second shaped edge (4) is identified by successive fourth folds (67, 68, 69, 70) that identify a fifth portion (77), substantially “C”-conformed, inserted with elastic forcing in a third retaining housing (24), substantially “C”-shaped, identified between said end section (58), extended in approach to said base element (11), of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) and the portion of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) housed inside said first channel (18).

7. Cladding covering according to claim 6, wherein subsequently to said fifth portion (77) said second shaped edge (4) comprises an end portion (71) that comes to cover longitudinally with contact said first shaped edge (3) until overhanging said second folds (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57) towards said first fold (51) of said first shaped edge (3).

8. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said first portion (50) of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) is inserted by snapping into said first retaining housing (21) of the fixing bracket (10) to be compressed with slight elastic forcing between the bottom of said first channel (18) and the intrados of said curved free upper end (20) of said support wing (16) of the fixing bracket (10), said compression and said successive second folds (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57) of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) allowing said first portion (50) of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) to work as a flexural spring to increase the retention of said first portion (50) of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) from said first retaining housing (21).

9. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said first portion (50) of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) inserted by snapping into said first retaining housing (21) of the fixing bracket (10) comprises an inverted “U”-folded upper part (91) with the opening faced towards said base element (11) of the respective fixing bracket (10).

10. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first portion (74) of said second shaped longitudinal edge (4) is inserted by snapping into said second retaining housing (23) of the fixing bracket (10) to be compressed with slight elastic forcing between thebottom of said second channel (19) and the intrados of said curved longitudinal projection (22) in approach towards said second lateral sidewall (13), said compression and said successive second folds (62, 63, 64) of said second shaped longitudinal edge (4) allowing said first portion(74) of said second shaped longitudinal edge (4) to be loaded as a flexural spring to increase the retention of said first portion (74) of said second shaped longitudinal edge (4) from said second retaining housing (23).

11. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said curved longitudinal projection (22) in approach towards said second lateral sidewall (13) comprises a profile that identifies a hook projecting from said support wing (16) and oriented downwards.

12. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said second portion(75) identified by said successive third folds (65,66) of said second shaped longitudinal edge (4) and surmounting said free upper end (20) of the fixing bracket (10) has an inverted “U” conformation with the opening of said inverted “U” faced towards said base element (11) of the respective fixing bracket (10), so as to provide optimal protection from the weather of the underlying overlapping zone between the shaped edges (3,4) of adjacent plates (2).

13. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said first portion (50) of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) inserted by snapping into said first retaining housing (21) of the fixing bracket (10) comprises a lower section (90) parallel to the bottom of said first channel (18).

14. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said first portion (50) of said first shaped longitudinal edge (3) inserted by snapping into said first retaining housing (21) comprises a portion (85) at least partially wedged / inserted into said first undercut lateral portion (14) of said first channel (18) identified between said support wing (16) and said first lateral sidewall (12).

15. Cladding covering according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said first portion (74) of said second shaped longitudinal edge (4) inserted by snapping into said second retaining housing (23) comprises a rounded portion (86) wedged / inserted, at least partially, into said second undercut lateral portion (15) of the second channel (19) identified between said support wing (16) and said second lateral sidewall (13).

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