Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a construction panel for assembling with other of
such panels, and more particularly to a construction panel for selectively mounting
in lap siding and flush siding on a wall.
[0002] The present invention further relates to a system for building selectively lap siding
and flush siding on a wall.
Background art
[0003] Systems for covering walls and columns are known. Such systems often comprise assembly
of construction panels. Such construction panels typically contain a longitudinal
flat surface and a top and bottom portion which are arranged to interact with identical
or similar panels. In such systems often different construction panels are provided
for lap siding of walls and for flush siding of walls. This has a disadvantage in
production because often small volumes have to be produced. This is also disadvantageous
for the amount of stock because more construction panels will have to be kept in stock.
Thus at the end, this is a costly way of offering products to the market.
[0004] Systems are known which provide an answer to these issues.
US2642968 discloses panel members which may be used to simulate the appearance of lap siding
or may be used to simulate sheeting or other wall structure wherein the panels have
the appearance of uniform thickness throughout. The panel members are made of thin
metal sheets and have saw tooth-like flange portions extending along the top and the
bottom of each panel. These saw tooth-like flange portions allow the panels to snap
into position in two different arrangements to a channel-shaped studding. A similar
system is disclosed in
US4231206. This document discloses a construction panel which comprises both at the top and
bottom parts of the panel a channel and an adjacent tongue which extends outwardly
from the channel. The shape of the channel is such that it can receive the tongue
of an adjacent panel for assembling panels to build up siding. The panels can be combined
in two different arrangements to form selectively flush siding or lap siding. The
panels are made of thin sheet metal.
[0005] All these systems known in the art for selectively assembling in flush siding and
lap siding still have several disadvantages. Sheet metal panels are often damaged
during handling or assembling, and also, even if they are mounted on a wall perfectly,
they are easily damaged afterwards. Another disadvantage of the known systems is that
they add a relative large thickness to the wall. The known systems also provide limited
material and finishing options which make these systems not very attractive.
Disclosure of the invention
[0006] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved construction
panel and corresponding system for selectively building in flush siding or lap siding
on a wall which is more compact, more damage-proof, easier to install and producible
in a wide range of materials and finishes.
[0007] This aim is achieved according to the invention with a construction panel incorporating
a front portion, a top portion, comprising a first arm and a second arm, and a bottom
portion, comprising a third and a fourth arm showing the technical characteristics
of the first independent claim.
[0008] The first arm comprises a first assembly position and the second arm comprises a
second assembly position. The third arm comprises a positioning surface for interacting
selectively on a first or second assembly position of a second similar construction
panel in respectively lap mounting or flush mounting. This provides the user a choice
between two ways of mounting. The fourth arm disposes of a protrusion which facilitates
installation of the construction panels and avoids intrusion of moisture and wind.
By the structure of a fourth arm with an aligned front surface and an extension surface
which makes contact with the front surfaces in both mountings, the structure ensures
overlap between two subsequent panels in both mounting methods and a good contact
on a front surface avoiding intrusion of moisture and wind.
[0009] In one embodiment, the distance between the front surface of the construction panel
and the front surface of the first arm is equal to the distance between the former
front surface and the extension surface on the back side of the protrusion. As an
effect, all visible front surfaces lie in the same plane, which gives a pleasant aesthetic
view.
[0010] In further embodiments, the first or second arm of the construction panel comprises
guiding means for guiding another construction panel towards the first or the second
assembly position for lap or flush mounting respectively. The presence of these guiding
means leaves no possibility for misalignment and facilitates mounting of the panels.
[0011] In still a further embodiment, the third arm of the construction panel is equipped
with guiding means for guiding the positioning surface on the third arm towards the
first or the second assembly position of an underlying construction panel for lap
or flush mounting respectively. This again facilitates mounting of the panels.
[0012] In one embodiment, the guiding means of the third arm comprise a slot for encompassing
a projection of the second arm of an underlying construction panel. This projection
has a width corresponding to that of the slot. The advantage lies in a firmer and
easier installation of the panels.
[0013] In one embodiment, the first assembly position on the first arm and the second assembly
position on the second arm both have an inclined surface for receiving the positioning
surface of the third arm of a second construction panel wherein the inclined surfaces
and the positioning surface are substantially parallel, allowing easier installation
of the panels. The inclined surfaces ensure that during installation a panel moves
towards its end position and thus that the protrusion on the fourth arm is in contact
with the front surfaces.
[0014] In a further embodiment, the construction panel further comprises in the longitudinal
direction on one side a groove and at the opposite side a tongue. This lateral interacting
mechanism provides a stable and easy mounting, excludes any lateral movement of the
panels and shows no gaps between the panels.
[0015] It is another aim of the present invention to provide a method for building selectively
lap siding and flush siding on a wall using construction panels as described above.
This method of building lap siding or flush siding has the advantage that the user
can mount in the two mounting methods without compromising on the case of installation.
[0016] This aim is achieved according to the invention with a method comprising the steps
of the independent method claim.
[0017] It is another aim of the present invention to provide a system.
[0018] This aim is achieved according to the invention with a system comprising the technical
characteristics of the independent system claim. The advantage of the claimed system
is that in an easy installation process, a wall in lap mounting or flush mounting
can be created which always provides a perfect contact on the front surfaces avoiding
intrusion of moisture and wind.
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the construction panel comprises an identical
cross section, comprising a front portion, top portion and bottom portion, over a
relatively long length in a longitudinal direction. The top portion is not aligned
with the front portion. In the longitudinal direction, the construction panel comprises
at one end of a tongue and at the opposite end of the panel of a groove. Both tongue
and groove interact with a subsequent construction panel. The groove comprises a recess
arranged to receive at least a portion of the tongue of the top portion of a subsequent
construction panel, when this subsequent construction panel is positioned at an offset
of the first construction panel. The effect is such that using an offset permits easier
installation of the panels: once laterally in the right position, the panel can be
lowered and mounted on the underlying panel.
Brief description of the drawings
[0020] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made,
by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1a shows a cross section of a construction panel for selectively assembling
in flush siding and lap siding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1b shows a cross section of an assembly of two of the construction panels of
Figure 1a assembled in flush siding.
Figure 1c shows a cross section of an assembly of two of the construction panels of
Figure 1a assembled in lap siding.
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the interaction area of the two construction panels
in Figure 1b (flush siding).
Figure 3a is an enlarged view of the interaction area of the two construction panels
in Figure 1c (lap siding), showing two construction panels sliding into assembled
state.
Figure 3b is an enlarged view of the interaction area of the two construction panels
in Figure 1c (lap siding), showing the two assembled panels.
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the top portion of the construction panel.
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the bottom portion of the construction panel.
Figure 6 is a front view illustrating the lateral interlocking mechanism with the
two construction panels shown apart.
Figure 7 is a front view illustrating the lateral interlocking mechanism with the
two construction panels assembled.
Figure 8 shows a cross section of the two construction panels of Fig. 6, with view
of the lateral interlocking mechanism.
Figure 9 shows a cross section of an assembly of the two laterally assembled construction
panels of Fig.7.
Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the back surface of two neighbouring panels,
illustrating the lateral interacting mechanism.
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the front surface of two neighbouring panels,
illustrating the lateral interacting mechanism.
Modes for carrying out the invention
[0021] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and
with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only
by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In
the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on
scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not
necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.
[0022] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in
the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily
for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable
under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in
other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
[0023] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and
the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative
positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and
the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in other orientations
than described or illustrated herein.
[0024] Furthermore, the various embodiments, although referred to as "preferred" are to
be construed as exemplary manners in which the invention may be implemented rather
than as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0025] The term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted
to the elements or steps listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or
steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features,
integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or
addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof.
Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising A and B" should not be limited
to devices consisting only of components A and B, rather with respect to the present
invention, the only enumerated components of the device are A and B, and further the
claim should be interpreted as including equivalents of those components.
[0026] Referring to Figure 1a, Figure 1b and Figure 1c, cross sections of a construction
panel 1 and an identical construction panel 2 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention are shown. Construction panel 1 is produced by extrusion. Therefore,
the cross section of construction panel 1 is representative for the whole length of
the panel. In alternative embodiments, construction panel 1 may be produced by a different
process known in the art such as for example injection molding. In still another alternative
embodiment, the construction panel may not have an identical cross section over the
whole length of the construction panel 1 as will be discussed in more detail below
in the paragraph where the lateral interacting mechanism is discussed.
[0027] Construction panel 1 comprises a front portion 20 having a front surface 22 and a
back surface 24, and a first predetermined thickness 26 between the front surface
22 and the back surface 24. The construction panel 1 further comprises a top portion
30 and a bottom portion 60. Figure 4 illustrates the top portion 30 in an enlarged
view. Top portion 30 comprises a first arm 7 and a second arm 8. The first arm 7 extends
on the back surface 24 making a corner over about 90 degrees towards the outside of
the construction panel 1 and forming a first arm front surface 32 and a first arm
back surface 33 substantially parallel to front the front surface 22 and the back
surface 24. The first arm 7 further comprises a first arm end surface 6 angled with
respect to the first arm front surface 32 to form an inclined gliding plane. First
arm 7 serves as a first assembly position 36. The angle 38 between the first arm front
surface 32 and the first arm end surface 6 is smaller than 90 degrees. This has the
advantage that an interacting construction panel 1 during assembling will easily position
itself on the first assembly position 36 as will be described in more detail below.
The angle 38 is preferably between 30 and 60 degrees. In the embodiment of Figure
4, the angle 38 is about 45 degrees.
[0028] The second arm 8 extends on the first arm back surface 33 making a corner over about
90 degrees towards the outside of the construction panel 1 and forming a first surface
42 and a second surface 43 substantially parallel to the front surface 22 and the
back surface 24. This portion can be called the first section 52 of the second arm.
The second arm 8 then turns back over about 45 degrees forming a third surface 44
and a fourth surface 5. In alternative embodiments this angle may be different from
45 degrees. The third surface 44 is angled with respect to the first surface 42 and
the fourth surface is angled with respect to the second surface 43. This angled portion
can be called the second section 56 of the second arm 8. The second arm 8 then turns
again to direct a third section 54 of the second arm 8 in the same direction as the
first section 52 but closer towards the front surface 22 forming a fifth surface 46
and a sixth surface 47. The fifth and sixth surfaces 46, 47 are substantially parallel
to the front and back surfaces 22, 24 and forming a second predetermined thickness
55. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the second predetermined thickness 55 of the third
section 54 of the second arm 8 is substantially the same as the first predetermined
thickness 26 of the front portion 20. In alternative embodiments, the second predetermined
thickness 55 may be more or less than the first predetermined thickness 26. The second
arm 8 ends with an end surface 48. The end surface 48 is in the embodiment of Figure
4 slightly rounded. This has the advantage that the third section 54 will easily enter
a slot during assembly as will be discussed in more detail below. It is further noted
that fourth surface 5 of the second arm 8 is parallel to the first arm end surface
6 of the first arm 7. This has the advantage that a portion of an interacting construction
panel 1 which is designed to interact with the first arm end surface 6 will also interact
optimally with the fourth surface 5. This will be illustrated in more detail below
when the interaction of two construction panels is discussed. The second arm 8 and
especially the second section 56 of the second arm 8 serves as a second assembly position
59.
[0029] Figure 5 illustrates the bottom portion 60 in an enlarged view. The bottom portion
60 comprises a third arm 9. The third arm 9 extends on the back surface 24 making
a corner over about 90 degrees towards the outside of the construction panel 1 and
forming a third arm front surface 62 and a third arm back surface 63 substantially
parallel to the front surface 22 and the back surface 24. The third arm 9 further
comprises a slot surface 66 substantially perpendicular to the back surface 24 and
extending from the back surface 24 towards the third arm front surface 62. A third
arm top surface 64 is extending on the back surface 24 and angled over an angle 68
with respect to the back surface 24. The third arm top surface 64 forms the connection
between the back surface 24 and the third arm back surface 63. In the embodiment of
Figure 5 the angle is about 45 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the angle 68 may
be more or less than 45 degrees. The third arm 9 further comprises a positioning surface
4 starting at the end of the third arm front surface 62 and forming an angle 69 with
respect to the third arm front surface 62. The third arm 9 ends with an end surface
67. The end surface 67 is in the embodiment of Figure 5 slightly rounded and connects
the end of positioning surface 4 with the end of the third arm back surface 63 in
a rounded way. This has the advantage that the third arm 9 will be received smoothly
in an interaction portion of a corresponding construction panel 1 during assembly.
[0030] The bottom portion 60 further comprises a fourth arm 10. The fourth arm 10 comprises
a fourth arm front surface 72 which is an extension of the front surface 22 in the
same plane and forming in practice thus a single surface. The fourth arm further comprises
a fourth arm back surface 74 slightly angled with respect to the back surface 24 towards
the front surface 72. The angle 76 is preferably between 0 and 10 degrees. In the
embodiment of Figure 5, the angle is about 2 degrees. In an alternative embodiment
the angle 76 is zero and the fourth arm back surface 74 is parallel to the fourth
angle front surface 72. The fourth arm back surface 74 together with the third arm
front surface 62 and the slot surface 66 form a slot 78. The fourth arm 10 further
comprises at the end a protrusion 3.The protrusion 3 extends on the fourth arm back
surface 74 away from the fourth arm front surface 72 and in a direction perpendicular
to the fourth arm front surface 72 which is the X-direction illustrated on the drawing.
The extension ends in an extension surface 70. The extension surface 70 is substantially
parallel to the front surface 22 and is positioned in substantially the same plane
as the back surface 24. The fourth arm 10 ends with an end surface 71. The end surface
71 is connecting the end of the fourth arm front surface 72 and the outside end of
the extension surface 70. The end surface 71 is angled with respect to the fourth
arm front surface 72 towards the inside of the construction panel 1. The angle 75
is smaller than 90 degrees. This has the advantage that, when the construction panel
is assembled, water will be guided to the front surface of the construction panel
1.
[0031] The construction panels 1 can be mounted according to two different arrangements.
Either the visible front surfaces 22 of all construction panels 1 are mounted substantially
in the same plane (this is called "flush mounting"), or the front surfaces 22 of all
construction panels 1 are arranged cascade-like (this is termed "lap mounting"). According
to the latter arrangement, each construction panel 1 is on the top portion 30 partly
covered by a part of the bottom portion 60 of another construction panel 1, and all
construction panels 1 are slightly tilted. This will be illustrated in more detail
below. Referring now to Figure 1b and Figure 2, assembling a construction panel 1
on an identical construction panel 2 will be described in more detail for flush mounting
and thus for building a flush siding on a wall. Mounting construction panels 1, 2
on a wall is done starting at the bottom of a wall and building up upwards. Thus firstly,
in Figure 1b, the first construction panel 2 is mounted to the wall. This can for
example be done by providing one or more screws through the second section 52 of the
top portion 30 of the construction panel 2. In other embodiments however the connection
of the construction panel to the wall can be done by any other connecting technologies
known in the art. In that way, surface 43 is connected to the wall or to a frame on
the wall. Subsequently, a following construction panel 1 is brought in position above
the first construction panel 2. The following construction panel 1 is then moved downwards
such that the slot 78 of the following construction panel 1 moves over the third section
54 of the first construction panel 2. This relative movement proceeds until the inclined
positioning surface 4 of the following construction panel 1 comes into contact with
the inclined surface 5 of the first construction panel 2. The width of the slot 78
is designed such that it corresponds to the width 55 of the third section 54. During
the downwards movement extension surface 70 of the following construction panel 1
is brought into contact with the first arm front surface 32. This interconnection
of the top portion 30 and the bottom portion 60 has several advantages. First, when
moving downwards, the inclined surface 4 of the following construction panel 2 creates
guidance for guiding the slot 78 towards the third section 54. Secondly, the inclined
surface 74 of the following construction panel 1 avoids that the third section 54
of the following construction panel 1 gets stuck in the slot 78. Thirdly, the extension
3 and especially the extension surface 70 contacting the first arm front surface 32
ensures that the different front surfaces 22 are aligned vertically when assembled.
Fourthly, when the inclined surface 4 contacts the inclined surface 5, both having
substantially the same angle, the inclined surface 4 moves downwardly following the
direction of the inclined surfaces 4, 5 until the fourth arm back surface 74 of the
following construction panel 1 contacts the surface 46 of the first construction panel
2. This ensures that the chamber 102 formed between the top portion 30 of the first
construction panel 2 and the bottom portion 60 of the following construction panel
1 is closed. This is advantageous for mounting on an extern wall to avoid penetration
of water towards the underlying wall, even in situations where there is a lot of wind.
In the end position, the following construction panel 1 is kept in position three-dimensionally.
The X-direction is realised in the direction towards the wall by the contact between
the extension surface 70 and the first arm front surface 32, as well as the contact
between the fourth arm back surface 74 and the surface 46. The X-direction away from
the wall is realised by positioning surface 4 being in contact with surface 5. The
latter also realises the downwards Y-direction. The upwards Y-direction is realised
by fixing the following construction panel 1 to the wall or a construction on the
wall. The latter is also fixing the following construction panel 1 in the Z-direction.
[0032] Referring now to Figure 1c, Figure 3a and Figure 3b, assembling a construction panel
1 on an identical construction panel 2 will be described in more detail for lap mounting
and thus for building a lap siding on a wall. Figure 3a illustrates two construction
panels sliding into assembled state (lap siding), whereas Figure 3b shows the end
of this process where the two panels are finally assembled. Similar as for flush mounting,
mounting construction panels 1, 2 on a wall is done starting at the bottom of a wall
and building up upwards. Thus firstly, in Figure 1c, the first construction panel
2 is mounted to the wall similar as discussed above for flush mounting. Subsequently,
a following construction panel 1 is brought in position above the first construction
panel 2. Then, the third arm back surface 63 is brought into contact with surface
46 and the following construction panel 1 is further moved downwards along this contact
plane. This will continue until the third arm 9 starts to move inwardly when the third
arm top surface 64 moves towards surface 44 and positioning surface 4 contacts first
arm end surface 6 to move towards the end position as illustrated in Figure 1c and
Figure 3a and Figure 3b. This interconnection has again several advantages. Firstly,
surface 46 on the first construction panel 2 provides an easy accessible initialisation
surface for making contact with the following construction panel 1. Secondly, the
inclined surfaces 44, 64, 6 and 4 guide the following construction panel towards his
end position with no risk for misalignment. Thirdly, once the following construction
panel is in his end position the panel will remain in position without the need to
keep it in place while the top portion can be connected to wall. A chamber 103 formed
between the top portion 30 op the first construction panel 2 and the bottom portion
60 of the following construction panel 1 is closed. As discussed above, boundaries
are made by the contact between the extension surface 70 of the following construction
panel 1 and the front surface 22 of the first construction panel 2, and also by the
contact between the inclined positioning surface 4 of the following construction panel
1 and the first arm end surface 6 of the first construction panel 2. Similar as for
flush mounting, this is advantageous for mounting on an underlying wall to avoid penetration
of water, even in situations where there is a lot of wind. Once fixed on top, similar
as for flush mounting, the following construction panel 1 is kept in position three-dimensionally.
The X-direction is realised in the direction towards the wall by the contact between
the extension surface 70 and the front surface 22. The X-direction away from the wall
is realised by positioning surface 4 being in contact with the first arm top surface
6. The latter also realises the end position in the downwards Y-direction. The upwards
Y-direction is realised by fixing the following construction panel 1 to the wall or
a construction on the wall. The latter is also fixing the following construction panel
1 in the Z-direction.
[0033] As discussed above, the construction panel 1 contains several inclined planes, meant
for interlocking construction panels 1, such as the first arm end surface 6 at the
first assembly position 36, the surface 5 at the second assembly position 59, and
the positioning surface 4 at the third arm. These planes form substantially the same
angle with the front and back surfaces 22, 24 of the front portion 20. Preferably,
this angle is between 30° and 60°.
[0034] When arranged in flush mounting as discussed above, two construction panels 1 interlock
via various contact lines creating a first air chamber 102. The third section 54 of
the first construction panel 2 receives the slot 78 of the following construction
panel 1. The second assembly position 59 is used: the positioning surface 4 of the
following construction panel 1 rests on the inclined guiding surface 5 of the second
arm 8. Moreover, the protrusion 3 of the following construction panel 1 seals the
whole system by contacting the first arm front surface 32.
[0035] These multiple contacts in combination with fixation to an underlying surface via
orifices applied in the second section 56 of the second arm 8 preclude further motion
of the construction panel when mounted. An air chamber 102 is formed between the two
construction panels 1, 2. The aim of this air chamber is to prevent moisture from
further creeping up and contacting the underlying surface.
[0036] There are two particular advantages to flush mounting. First, there is a non-negligible
economic advantage: part of the first arm front surface 32 is still visible in flush
mounting. The choice between first and second assembly position 36, 59 is in essence
a choice between two vertical positions. Thus, flush mounting helps reducing the material
needed, i.e. the number of construction panels needed for covering the underlying
surface. The second advantage is an extra aesthetic effect.
[0037] When arranged in lap mounting as discussed above, the two construction panels 1,
2 interlock through different contact lines. The positioning surface 4 of the third
arm 9 of the following construction panel 1 is received by the first assembly position
36 of the first construction panel 2 which has an inclined gliding surface 6, A third
contact is formed by the protrusion 3 of the following construction panel 1 against
the front surface 22 of the first construction panel 2. It should be noted here that
the fourth arm back surface 74 front of the following construction panel 1 does not
make contact with the front surface 22 of the front portion 20 of the first construction
panel 2.
[0038] Protrusion 3 has several functions. Firstly, the protrusion facilitates installing
the construction panels 1 whereas direct contact between the two construction panels
1, 2 at this point would make interlocking more difficult. Secondly, the positioning
of protrusion 3 at the lower end of construction panel 1 at a lower point between
the panels as compared to a direct contact helps to avoid intrusion of moisture and
increases the level of wind resistance.
[0039] It will also be appreciated that changes can be made to the above discussed embodiments
to alter the overall appearance of the construction panel 1. For example, the cross
section of the protrusion can become a semicircle, the gradual decrease of the thickness
of the fourth arm 10 can be replaced by a slight bending or a local thickness decrease,
etc.
[0040] Although the present invention is described as a thick and robust construction panel
wherein the front portion is preferably between 4 and 7mm, one of the main advantages
of the present invention lies in the fact that the resulting overall thickness of
construction panel 1 does not require much space especially when the overall thickness
of the construction panel 1 is compared to the predetermined thickness 26 of the front
portion 20. Indeed, one of the described embodiments of the present invention has
an overall thickness which is maximum four times the predetermined thickness 26 of
the front portion, which is an advantage when construction panels need to be installed
in a confined space where loss of space needs to be reduced.
[0041] One of the advantages of the present invention is that it can be manufactured in
a wide range of materials. In present embodiments, the present invention is manufactured
in, but not limited to, metal (aluminium, stainless steel, etc.) or polymers.
[0042] Although only a limited amount of the embodiments are described, it will be understood
that regarding this mechanism, various changes may be made in form, shape, angle and
size, which result in the same effect as described above. Referring now to Figures
6 to 11, a lateral assembly of construction panels will be described in more detail.
Construction panels typically can have a length of several meters. However, a wall
can be longer requiring a combination of more than one panel next to each other. Typically,
neighbouring panels contact each other at their ends but no mechanism is applied for
further interlocking. In the embodiment of figures 6 to 11 the construction panels
include a laterally interlocking mechanism Construction panels 80 and 81 are construction
panels with over the largest part of their length the same cross section 90 as the
one discussed in the embodiments of construction panel 1 but with on the one end equipped
with a tongue 84 as shown on the figures for construction panel 80 and on the other
end equipped with a groove 85 as shown on the figures for construction panel 81. For
clarity on the drawings however, only the end with the tongue 84 is shown for construction
panel 80 and the end with the groove 85 is shown for construction panel 81.
[0043] The tongue 84 on one end of the construction panels 80, 81 is an extension extending
on the overall cross section 90 of the construction panel with a thickness 86 which
is thinner than the thickness 26 of the front portion 20 of the construction panel.
In a preferred embodiment the thinner tongue is centered on the thicker part of the
construction panel. A first part of the tongue 84 is extending on the front portion
20 and the fourth arm 10 forming a first part of the tongue parallel with the front
surface 22 of the construction panel. A second part of the tongue 84 is formed in
the top portion of the construction panel. The second part extends on the first arm
of the top portion of the construction panel. This second part of the tongue 84 ensures
that also in flush mounting there is no gap between two construction panels. The resulting
tongue 84 has thus a first part 92 parallel with the front surface, subsequently an
inclined part 89 following the first part of the first arm and ending with a part
94 parallel with the first arm front surface. In this embodiment the groove is not
formed on the second arm, nor on the third arm.
[0044] The groove 85 on the opposite end of the construction panels 80, 81 also has a first
part formed in the front portion 20 and the fourth arm 10 of the construction panel.
In this first part of the groove 85 the cross section of the groove is parallel to
the front surface 22 as can be best seen in figure 8. The width 96 of the groove corresponds
to the width 86 of the tongue 84 on the opposite side of the construction panel. The
depth 96 of the groove corresponds to the length 97 of the tongue 84 on the opposite
side of the construction panel. The groove 85 has a second part formed similar as
the groove on the first arm. This second part first has an inclined part 88 following
the first arm and ends with a part 93. Over the depth 96 where the end of the construction
panel has a groove 85, the preferred embodiment has no second arm. Further, at the
panel end containing the groove, part of the material of the back surface 24 is removed
or alternatively not formed creating a recess 87. As will be explained in more detail
below this feature allows an easier installation of the construction panels.
[0045] As described above, the construction panel 80, 81 can be produced, among other techniques,
by extrusion. Typically, groove 85 , tongue 84 and recess 87 are made using techniques
such as, but not limited to, milling in a step after extrusion of the construction
panel.
[0046] Referring to figures 6 and 7, mounting construction panels 80 and 81 on a wall is
done starting from the right to the left, mounting the panels vertically on lower
panels is described above. Construction panel 80 is first mounted to the wall. Subsequently,
the second panel 81 is brought in position for installation. Here, the presence of
recess 87 turns out to be useful as it allows panel 81 to be lifted above a top portion
of an already installed construction panel in a previous row when sliding to the right
into position as shown in figure 6. By the positioning and dimensioning of the recess
the inclined part 89 and offset part 94 are moving in the recess when the construction
panel 81 is laterally moved towards construction panel 80. Once laterally in the right
position, the panel 81 is then lowered as illustrated in figure 7 and mounted on a
lower panel or other connection technologies known in the art.
[0047] The above described construction panels with the cross section of one of the described
embodiments and the lateral tongue-groove mechanism as described above provides several
advantages. The specific shape of the construction panel is designed to provide a
stable and easy mounting. Through the use of multiple contact lines, air chambers
and gliding planes, degrees of freedom are severely reduced, resulting in wind- and
waterproof construction panels. A lateral interacting mechanism further excludes any
eventual possibility of lateral movement of the panels. Furthermore, an assembled
wall will have no gaps. This is not only advantageous from a technical point of view
but provides also a positive effect on the overall aesthetic of a resulting wall.
1. A construction panel (1) for assembling with other of such panels for selectively
mounting in lap siding and flush siding on a wall, comprising a front portion (20)
comprising a front surface (22) and a back surface (24),
a top portion (30) on one side of said front portion (20), said top portion comprising
a first arm (7) and a second arm (8), and
a bottom portion (60) on the other side of said front portion (20), said bottom portion
comprising a third arm (9) and a fourth arm (10);
wherein
said first arm (7) extending on said back surface (24) and comprising a first assembly
position (36) and a first arm front surface (32) substantially parallel to said front
surface (22);
said second arm (8) extending on said first arm (7) and comprising a second assembly
position (59);
said third arm (9) extending on said back surface and comprising a positioning surface
(4) for interacting selectively on said first assembly position (36) or said second
assembly position (59) in respectively lap mounting and flush mounting;
said fourth arm (10) comprising a fourth arm front surface (72) aligned with said
front surface (22) and an extension surface (70) opposite to said fourth arm front
surface (72) for making contact with said front surface (22) in lap mounting or with
said first arm front surface (32) in flush mounting.
2. A construction panel (1) according to claim 1, wherein the distance between said front
surface (22) and said first arm front surface (32) is equal to the distance between
said front surface (22) and said extension surface (70).
3. A construction panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second
arm comprises guiding means for guiding another construction panel towards said second
assembly position (59) for flush mounting.
4. A construction panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second
arm comprises further guiding means for guiding another construction panel towards
said first assembly position (36) for lap mounting.
5. A construction panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said third
arm comprises guiding means for guiding said positioning surface (4) towards said
second assembly position (59) for flush mounting, or towards said first assembly position
(36) for lap mounting.
6. A construction panel according to claim 5 wherein said guiding means of the third
arm comprises a slot (78).
7. A construction panel according to claim 6, wherein said guiding means of said second
arm comprises a projection (54) wherein the width of the projection (54) corresponds
to the width of the slot (78).
8. A construction panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second
assembly position (59) comprises an inclined surface (5) for receiving said positioning
surface (4) of another construction panel, wherein said inclined surface (5) of said
second assembly position is substantially parallel to said positioning surface (4).
9. A construction panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first
assembly position (36) comprises an inclined surface (6) for receiving said positioning
surface (4) of another construction panel, wherein said inclined surface (6) of said
first assembly position is substantially parallel to said positioning surface (4).
10. A construction panel (1, 80, 81) according to any one of the preceding claims, said
construction panel (1, 80, 81) further comprises in the longitudinal direction on
one side a groove and at the opposite side of said one side a tongue wherein said
groove comprises a recess arranged to receive at least that portion of said tongue
which is formed on said top portion (30) of said construction panel (1, 80, 81).
11. A construction panel (1) for assembling with other of such panels for selectively
mounting in lap siding and flush siding on a wall, comprising a front portion (20)
comprising a front surface (22) and a back surface (24),
a top portion (30) on one side of said front portion (20), said top portion comprising
a second front surface (32) spaced from said first front surface (22), first positioning
means for receiving another construction panel in lap mounting and second positioning
means for receiving another construction panel in flush mounting, and
a bottom portion (60) on the other side of said front portion (20), said bottom portion
comprising third positioning means for selectively positioning said construction panel
(1) on another construction panel, and closing means for contacting said first front
surface (22) or said second front surface (32) of another construction panel in respectively
lap mounting and flush mounting.
12. A method for building selectively lap siding and flush siding on a wall using construction
panels according to any one of the claim 1 to 11 comprising the steps of
mounting a first construction panel (2) on a lower side of the wall; positioning said
positioning surface (4) selectively on said first assembly position (36) or on said
second assembly position (59) for selecting between respectively lap mounting and
flush mounting.
13. A system for building selectively lap siding and flush siding on a wall comprising
at least a first construction panel (1) and a second construction panel (2, 80),
said first construction panel (1) comprising a front portion (20) and a top portion
(30), said front portion (20) comprising a front surface (22) and a back surface (24),
said top portion comprising a first arm (7) and a second arm (8), wherein said first
arm (7) extending on said back surface (24) and comprising a first assembly position
(36) and a first arm front surface (32) substantially parallel to said front surface
(22), and said second arm (8) extending on said first arm (7) and comprising a second
assembly position (59);
and
said second construction panel (2, 80) comprising a front portion (20') and a bottom
portion (60'), said front portion (20') comprising a front surface (22') and a back
surface (24'), said bottom portion (60') comprising a third arm (9') and a fourth
arm (10'), wherein
said third arm (9') extending on said back surface (24') and comprising a positioning
surface (4') for interacting selectively on said first assembly position (36) or said
second assembly position (59) of said first construction panel (1) in respectively
lap mounting and flush mounting, and
said fourth arm (10') comprising a fourth arm front surface (72') aligned with said
front surface (22') and an extension surface (70') opposite to said fourth arm front
surface (72') for making contact with said front surface (22) of said first construction
panel (1) in lap mounting or with said first arm front surface (32) of said first
construction panel (1) in flush mounting.
14. A system according to claim 13, said system comprising at least a third construction
panel (81) for assembling to said second construction panel (80),
said second construction panel (80) further comprising in the longitudinal direction
on one side a tongue (84), and
said third construction panel (81) comprising at an end opposite to said one side
of said second construction panel a groove (85),
wherein said groove (85) comprises a recess (87) arranged to receive at least that
portion of said tongue (84) which is formed on a top portion (95) of said second construction
panel (80).
15. A construction panel (80, 81) for assembling with other of such construction panels
for building a wall, comprising a body portion comprising an identical cross section
over a relatively long length with respect to dimensions of said cross section in
a longitudinal direction, said cross section comprising a top portion, a front portion
and a bottom portion, wherein said top portion is not aligned with said front portion
and wherein said top portion of a first construction panel and said body portion of
a following construction panel interact over an interacting distance when assembled,
a groove on one end of said body portion for interacting with a subsequent construction
panel in the longitudinal direction, and
a tongue at the opposite of said one end of said body portion, said tongue comprising
at least one portion on said top portion of said cross section, wherein said groove
comprises a recess arranged to receive said at least one portion of said tongue on
said top portion of a subsequent construction panel in the longitudinal direction
when said subsequent construction panel is positioned at an offset of said first construction
panel equal to said interacting distance.