Article for surface cladding, in particular for the provision of ventilated faces

Abstract

An article (1) for surface cladding, in particular for the provision of ventilated faces, comprising: a substantially laminar cladding element (2) provided with a first and a second main surface (2a, 2b) which are mutually opposite, in the configuration for use the first main surface (2a) being adapted to remain in view and the cladding element (2) being adapted to assume a non-horizontal arrangement; anchoring means (3) associated with the second main surface (2b) for coupling to a supporting frame; the anchoring means (3) comprise at least one connecting element (4) provided with a first and second main face (4a, 4b) which are mutually opposite, of which the first main face (4a) is integral with the second main surface (2b) of the cladding element (2), at least one element (5) for supporting in a suspended manner the cladding element (2), which is associated in a cantilever manner with the first main face (4a) of the at least one connecting element (4), and at least one coupling element (6), which is associable with the supporting frame and is associated with the second main face (4b) of the at least one connecting element (4); the cladding element (2) is provided with at least one seat (7) for accommodating the at least one supporting element (5) facing at the second main surface (2b).

Description

[0001] ARTICLE FOR SURFACE CLADDING, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE PROVISION OF VENTILATED FACES

[0002] The present invention relates to an article for surface cladding, in particular for the provision of ventilated faces.

[0003] In the construction industry, the provision of ventilated faces for the external cladding of the perimetric walls of a building is now widespread.

[0004] The construction of these ventilated walls essentially involves the application of a supporting frame to the external walls of the building and the anchoring of cladding panels to this supporting frame so as to form an interspace for the natural circulation of air between the walls themselves and the external cladding, which makes it possible to improve the thermal insulation of the building and reduces the formation of damp. These cladding panels can be made, for example, of ceramic material.

[0005] Several techniques are known for anchoring the cladding panels to the supporting frame.

[0006] For example, an anchoring technique is known which provides for milling the rear face of the cladding panels to form engagement seats for special screw anchors with an undercut for anchoring to the supporting frame. In addition, the cladding panels can also be bonded to the supporting frame with adhesive.

[0007] This anchoring technique can be used with cladding panels whose thickness allows the removal of an amount of material that is sufficient to obtain seats having a depth suitable for the engagement of the undercut screw anchors without compromising the integrity and strength of the panels themselves.

[0008] However, it should be noted that in the construction industry there is a widespread tendency to use thin cladding panels, such as thin ceramic slabs less than 9 mm thick, in order to reduce both the weight of the structures obtained and the environmental impact of the materials used.

[0009] For this type of thin cladding panel it is currently known to providefor chemical anchoring by means of adhesive bonding to the supporting frame, as it is not possible to carry out the above-described processes to also obtain mechanical anchoring.

[0010] However, anchoring the cladding panels by simple adhesive bonding entails the risk of their accidental detachment, with the consequent danger of causing damage to property or people, especially in the event of a fall from considerable height.

[0011] This aspect considerably limits the possibility of using thin cladding panels, such as ceramic slabs less than 9 mm thick, to provide ventilated walls on tall buildings, where it would be even more important to reduce the weight of the materials used.

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to provide an article for cladding surfaces, in particular for the construction of ventilated faces, which is capable of improving the background art in one or more of the above aspects.

[0013] Within the scope of this aim, an object of the invention is to allow effective, safe, and durable anchoring of the cladding panels regardless of their thickness and size.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to allow the use of thin panels (less than 9 mm thick), even large ones, for the external cladding of multi-story buildings.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to avoid compromising the integrity and strength of the materials used, so as to prevent the formation of waste during processing and obtain optimal performance characteristics of the finished product.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to avoid altering the aesthetic result of the cladding surface obtained.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to be easy to install for the operators involved.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacksof the background art in a manner that is alternative to any existing solutions.

[0019] Not the least object of the invention is to provide an article for cladding surfaces, in particular for providing ventilated faces, which is highly reliable, relatively easy to provide, and at competitive costs.

[0020] This aim, as well as these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an article for cladding surfaces, in particular for the provision of ventilated faces, according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0021] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of an article for cladding surfaces, in particular for the provision of ventilated faces, according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an article for cladding surfaces, in particular for the provision of ventilated faces, according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a connecting element of the article according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the connecting element of Figure 2;

[0025] Figures 4 and 5 are respective sectional views, taken along the planes IV-IV and V-V of Figure 3;

[0026] Figures 6 and 7 are respective front and rear perspective views of the article according to the invention;

[0027] Figures 8 and 9 are respective sectional views, taken along the planes VIII- VIII and IX-IX of Figure 6;

[0028] Figure 10 is an exploded and partially sectional perspective view of a portion of the article according to the invention, taken at a supportingelement and at the respective seat;

[0029] Figure 11 is a view, similar to the preceding one, of the portion of the article in the assembled condition;

[0030] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a ventilated wall obtained with the articles according to the invention.

[0031] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an article for cladding surfaces, in particular for the provision of ventilated faces, according to the invention.

[0032] The article 1 comprises a substantially laminar cladding element 2 provided with a first main surface 2a and a second main surface 2b, which are mutually opposite. In the configuration for use of the article 1, the cladding element 2 is adapted to assume a non-horizontal arrangement, with the first main surface 2a exposed and in view. In the configuration for use of the article 1, the cladding element 2 is generally positioned with a substantially vertical arrangement.

[0033] In the present description, the term “substantially” is understood to mean minus the usual manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the components.

[0034] Moreover, the term “laminar” or “plate-like” is understood to mean a three-dimensional body with an extension along two mutually perpendicular dimensions that is much greater than the extension along a third dimension, perpendicular to the previous ones, so as to form a pair of main surfaces with a greater extension, which are mutually opposite and connected by a perimetric band that defines the thickness of the body itself.

[0035] The cladding element 2 can be made, for example, of ceramic material. The cladding element 2 preferably has a thickness of less than 9 mm. Preferably, the cladding element 2 has a thickness on the order of 6 mm. The cladding element 2 can be constituted by a ceramic slate, for example, measuring 120 cm x 270 cm.

[0036] Moreover, the article 1 comprises anchoring means 3 associated withthe second main surface 2a for coupling to a supporting frame S, which is not detailed since it is of a conventional type.

[0037] For example, the supporting frame S may be of the type conventionally used for the provision of ventilated faces.

[0038] Said supporting frame S is generally constituted by a plurality of posts and cross-members to which blocks B for fixing the articles 1 are fixed which may provide, for example, threaded elements for connection to the articles 1, which are not detailed since they are of a conventional type.

[0039] These anchoring means 3 comprise at least one connecting element 4 which, in use, allows the cladding element 2 to be connected to the supporting frame S. The connecting element 4 is provided with a first main face 4a and a second main face 4b, which are mutually opposite; the first main face 4a is associated integrally with the second main surface 2b of the cladding element 2 and the second main face 4b faces the opposite side of said cladding element.

[0040] For example, the connecting element 4 can be bonded with adhesive to the cladding element 2.

[0041] Preferably, the connecting element 4 has a substantially plate-like shape, its first main face 4a being arranged so as to substantially adhere to the second main surface 2b of the cladding element 2.

[0042] For example, the connecting element 4 may be constituted by a plate made of metallic material.

[0043] Moreover, the anchoring means 3 comprise at least one element 5 for supporting in a suspended manner the cladding element 2, which is associated in a cantilever manner with the first main face 4a of the at least one connecting element 4, and at least one coupling element 6, which is associable with the supporting frame S and is associated with the second main face 4b of the at least one connecting element 4.

[0044] The cladding element 2 is provided with at least one seat 7 for accommodating the at least one supporting element 5, which faces at thesecond main surface 2b.

[0045] Preferably, the anchoring means 3 comprise a plurality of supporting elements 5 and a plurality of coupling elements 6 associated with at least one connecting element 4.

[0046] Preferably, the anchoring means 3 comprise a plurality of connecting elements 4 associated with respective supporting elements 5 and coupling elements 6.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment shown, the anchoring means 3 comprise three connecting elements 4 distributed over the second main surface 2b of the cladding element 2, each of which is constituted by an elongated rectangular plate arranged so as to adhere to the second main surface 2b of the cladding layer 2 and arranged substantially parallel to one of the edges of said surface. Moreover, each connecting element 4 is associated with three supporting elements 5 and four coupling elements 6 arranged alternately along its longitudinal extension.

[0048] The number of connecting elements 4 provided and their shapes and dimensions, as well as the number and arrangement of the supporting elements 5 and / or coupling elements 6 provided for each connecting element 4, may vary as a function of the requirements of the specific application and, in particular, of the geometry and dimensions of the cladding element 2 used.

[0049] For example, it is not excluded that a plurality of connecting elements 2 may be provided, distributed at the second main surface 2b of the cladding element 2, each associated with a supporting element 5 and a coupling element 6.

[0050] The distribution of the seats 7 on the second main surface 2b of the cladding element 2 must match that of the supporting elements 5.

[0051] The description that follows should be considered as referring to each of the connecting elements 4, supporting elements 5, or coupling elements 6 included in the anchoring means 3.Preferably, the supporting element 5 is constituted by a flap which protrudes with an inclined arrangement from the first main face 4a of the connecting element 4 and is blended with it. In the configuration of use, the flap 5 has the free edge 5a arranged above the edge 5b associated with the connecting element 4.

[0052] The flap 5 is inclined with respect to the first main face 4a of the connecting element 4 at an acute angle, for example having a breadth on the order of 45°.

[0053] The flap 5 can be formed integrally with the connecting element 4, being obtained from a cut and folded portion of the element itself.

[0054] Moreover, the seat 7 is constituted by an incision for accommodating the flap 5, which extends into the thickness of the cladding element 2, with an inclined arrangement between an insertion slot 7a, which faces at the second main surface 2b, and a back wall 7b enclosed within the cladding element 2. In the configuration for use, the back wall 7b of the incision 7 is arranged in an upper region relative to the corresponding insertion slot 7a. The incision 7 can be provided, for example, by milling.

[0055] The incision 7 lies on a plane that is inclined at an acute angle, for example, having a breadth of the order of 45°, with respect to the second main surface 2b of the cladding element 2.

[0056] The dimensions and inclination of the seat 7 substantially match those of the corresponding flap 5.

[0057] The incision 7 has an extension comparable to that of the corresponding flap 5 in the longitudinal direction as well.

[0058] The incision 7 forms a sort of pocket for containing the corresponding flap 5.

[0059] The provision of seats 7 in the form of notches or the like is minimally invasive for the structure of the cladding element 2, allowing its provision even if the element itself is thin.

[0060] In the configuration for use, the mechanical connection providedbetween the cladding element 2 and the anchoring element 4 by means of the coupling of each flap 5 in the corresponding incision 7 is made stable and irreversible by the effect of gravity.

[0061] It should be noted that when using the article 1 , the anchoring means 3 remain hidden behind the cladding element 2, so as not to alter the aesthetics of the first surface 2a, which is visible, and so as to allow the articles 1 to be positioned adjacent to each other with continuity.

[0062] The coupling element 6 may be constituted for example by a threaded member, male or female, or any other member adapted for connection to the supporting frame S in ways known to the person skilled in the art.

[0063] In the embodiment shown, for example, the coupling element 6 is constituted by a nut which bears a female thread and is attached, for example by welding, to the second main face 4b of the anchoring element 4.

[0064] The coupling element 6 protrudes from the second main face 4b of the anchoring element 4. The coupling element 6 is accessible from the rear of the article 1.

[0065] However, it is not excluded that the coupling element 6 may be differently shaped depending on the system for connection to the supporting frame S that is used.

[0066] In use, the coupling element 6 makes it possible to obtain a stable and durable mechanical connection of the article 1 to the supporting frame.

[0067] Moreover, it is not excluded that an adhesive material may also be applied between the article 1 and the supporting frame S.

[0068] The shape of the anchoring means 3 makes it possible to obtain a mechanical or mechanical-chemical connection of the article 1 to the supporting frame S regardless of the format and thickness of the cladding element 2, allowing the use of thin and / or large cladding elements 2 to clad elevated surfaces and in particular for the provision of ventilated walls on buildings of any height.

[0069] Furthermore, the article 1 may comprise a substantially laminarreinforcing element 8 associated with the second main face 4b of the cladding element 4 so as to adhere thereto, provided with a discontinuity slot 9 at each coupling element 6 so as to keep it accessible for connection to the supporting frame.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing element 8 is constituted by at least one layer made of composite material that comprises reinforcement fibers dispersed in a matrix made of thermoplastic material.

[0071] For example, the composite material may be selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polycarbonate or polyethylene. The reinforcement fibers may be selected from the group comprising glass fibers or basalt fibers.

[0072] The reinforcing element 8 may be composed of one or more unidirectional tapes, so-called UD-tapes, containing fibers oriented in a main direction, superimposed on each other.

[0073] Alternatively, the reinforcing element 8 may comprise a reinforcement mesh or mat, for example made of glass fiber, possibly with the addition of thermoplastic resin.

[0074] The manufacturing cycle of the article 1 provides for the following steps:

[0075] - preparing a cladding element 2 by providing the incisions 7 on its second main face 2b,

[0076] - applying, after adhesive bonding, one or more connecting elements 4 at the second main surface 2b of the cladding element 2, inserting the corresponding supporting elements 5 in the corresponding seats 7,

[0077] - optionally applying, for example by adhesive bonding, the reinforcing element 8 so as to cover the second main surface 2a of the cladding element and the second main face 4b of the connecting elements 4, keeping the coupling elements 6 accessible through the slots 9.

[0078] The reinforcing element 8, if any, may already be pre-cut and provided with slots 9.In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, providing an article for cladding surfaces, in particular for the provision of ventilated faces, which makes it possible to obtain a reliable and durable connection regardless of the materials used and their dimensions.

[0079] Moreover, the article according to the invention allows the provision of wall claddings, guaranteeing optimal safety standards, even at elevated heights.

[0080] Furthermore, the article according to the invention makes it possible to provide aesthetically pleasing claddings.

[0081] Not least, the article according to the invention is easy to install for assigned operators.

[0082] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the accompanying claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0083] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0084] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application no. 102025000000528, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An article (1) for surface cladding, in particular for the provision of ventilated faces, comprising a substantially laminar cladding element (2) provided with a first and a second main surface (2a, 2b) which are mutually opposite, in the configuration for use the first main surface (2a) being adapted to remain in view and the cladding element (2) being adapted to assume a non-horizontal arrangement, and anchoring means (3) associated with said second main surface (2b) for coupling to a supporting frame, characterized in that said anchoring means (3) comprise:at least one connecting element (4) provided with a first and a second main face (4a, 4b) which are mutually opposite, of which the first main face (4a) is integral with the second main surface (2b) of said cladding element (2),at least one element (5) for supporting in a suspended manner said cladding element (2), which is associated in a cantilever manner with the first main face (4a) of said at least one connecting element (4), andat least one coupling element (6), which is associable with said supporting frame and is associated with the second main face (4b) of said at least one connecting element (4),the cladding element (2) being provided with at least one seat (7) for accommodating said at least one supporting element (5) facing at the second main surface (2b).

2. The article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one connecting element (4) is substantially plate-like, its first main face (4a) being arranged so as to substantially adhere to the second main surface (2b) of the cladding element (2).

3. The article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one supporting element (5) comprises a flap which protrudes with an inclined arrangement from the first main face (4a) of said connecting element (4) and is blended therewith, in the configuration for use the flap (5)having the free edge (5b) arranged in an upper region with respect to the edge (5a) associated with the connecting element (4).

4. The article (1) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said at least one seat (7) comprises an incision for accommodating said at least one flap (5) which extends within the thickness of said cladding element (2) with an inclined orientation between an insertion slot (7 a) which faces the second main surface (2a) and a back wall (7b) embedded in the thickness of said element, in the configuration for use the back wall (7b) being arranged in an upward region with respect to the insertion slot (7a).

5. The article (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one coupling element (6) comprises a threaded member.

6. The article (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one connecting element (4) is associated with said cladding element (2) by adhesive bonding.

7. The article (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said anchoring means (3) comprise a plurality of said supporting elements (5) and a plurality of said coupling elements (6) associated with said at least one connecting element (4).

8. The article (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said anchoring means (3) comprise a plurality of said connecting elements (4).

9. The article (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cladding element (2) is made of ceramic material.

10. The article (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cladding element (2) has a thickness of less than 9 mm.

11. The article (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a substantially laminar reinforcing element (8) which is associated so as to adhere to the second main surface (2b) ofsaid cladding element 2 and is provided with at least one discontinuity slot (9) at said at least one coupling element (6).

12. The article (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said reinforcing element (8) comprises at least one layer made of composite material comprising reinforcement fibers dispersed in a matrix of thermoplastic material.

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