A CLADDING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cladding assembly for cladding a structure, including a frame member, a frame formed by frame members and a preformed panel including a panel member. The preformed panel is formed by a frame member fastened at least partially around an outer edge of the panel member or the panel member being operatively associated with the frame. The frame member of the present invention includes at least two ends and at least five walls including a structure facing wall, an opposed panel member abutting wall, an intermediate wall positioned between and extending substantially parallel to the structure facing wall and the panel member abutting wall, a connecting wall and either an outer frame wall or an inner frame wall. In some embodiments, the panel member is a fire retardant panel member.

Claims

1-23. (canceled)

24. A frame of a preformed panel for use in a cladding assembly for cladding a structure, said frame comprising: at least two frame members adapted to be fastened to at least one panel member for forming the preformed panel, each frame member comprising: at least two ends; and at least five walls comprising: a structure facing wall; an opposed panel member abutting wall having an outer surface and an opposed inner surface; an intermediate wall positioned between and extending substantially parallel to the structure facing wall and the panel member abutting wall; one of: an outer frame wall extending between the panel member abutting wall and the intermediate wall; and an inner frame wall extending between the structure facing wall and the intermediate wall; and at least one connecting wall extending between one of: an outer edge of the intermediate wall and an inner edge of the structure facing wall; and an inner edge of the intermediate wall and an outer edge of the panel member abutting wall, wherein: when said frame member comprises the outer frame wall, the inner surface of the panel member abutting wall at least partially abuts against the at least one panel member; and when said frame member comprises the inner frame wall, the outer surface of the panel member abutting wall at least partially abuts against the at least one panel member; and at least two joining components, each joining component operatively associated with each said frame member to join the at least two frame members together.

25. The frame of claim 24, wherein each said frame member comprises the outer frame wall which extends between the panel member abutting wall and the intermediate wall and wherein the inner surface of the panel member abutting wall at least partially abuts against the at least one panel member.

26. The frame of claim 24, wherein each said frame member comprises the inner frame wall, which extends between the structure facing wall and the intermediate wall and wherein the outer surface of the panel member abutting wall at least partially abuts against the at least one panel member.

27. The frame of claim 24, wherein the at least one panel member is a fire retardant panel member.

28. The frame of claim 24, wherein each of said at least two joining components comprises two component pieces each attachable to one of the at least two frame members to be joined and wherein the two component pieces are hinged together.

29. The frame of claim 28, wherein each of said two component pieces has a substantially T-shaped cross section and comprises an elongate frame coupling member and a hinge member for rotatably coupling the hinge member of a like joining component piece.

30. A preformed panel for use in a cladding assembly for cladding a structure, said preformed panel comprising: the frame as defined in claim 24; and at least one fire retardant panel member operatively associated with the frame to form the preformed panel.

31. The preformed panel of claim 30, wherein the at least one fire retardant panel member is formed from a mixture comprising at least 30 wt % magnesium oxide and at least one binding or filling agent.

32. The preformed panel of claim 30, wherein the at least one fire retardant panel member comprises an interior portion positioned in between two opposed surfaces of the panel member, the interior portion including at least a first reinforcing mesh positioned in the middle of the interior portion, the panel member comprising at least a second reinforcing mesh at or near one of the two opposed surfaces of the panel member.

33. The preformed panel of claim 32, wherein the at least one fire retardant panel member comprises at least a third reinforcing mesh positioned at or near the other of the two opposed surfaces of the panel member.

34. The preformed panel of claim 33, wherein the at least one fire retardant panel member comprises no more than 60 wt % magnesium oxide.

35. The preformed panel of claim 30, wherein the at least one fire retardant panel member is fastened to the frame such that the inner surface of the panel member abutting wall of each of the at least two frame members forming the frame at least partially abuts against the least one fire retardant panel member.

36. The preformed panel of claim 30, wherein the at least one fire retardant panel member is fastened to the frame such that the outer surface of the panel member abutting wall of each of the at least two frame members forming the frame at least partially abuts against the least one fire retardant panel member.

37. The preformed panel of claim 30, wherein each of the at least two frame members forming the frame defines a channel or groove for at least partially receiving an outer edge of the least one fire retardant panel member, wherein the channel or groove is defined between the panel member abutting wall, the outer frame wall and the intermediate wall of each frame member.

38. The preformed panel of claim 30, wherein the at least one fire retardant panel member is fastened to the frame by one or more couplers associated with each of the at least two frame members forming the frame, wherein each coupler has a substantially L-shaped cross section including a frame coupling member configured to clamp over at least two shoulders of each frame member, including a first shoulder defined on the outer surface of the panel member abutting wall of the frame member and a second shoulder defined on an outer surface of the structure facing wall of the frame member, and a panel member fastening member configured to be fastened to the at least one fire retardant panel member.

39. The preformed panel of claim 30, further comprising a cover panel adapted to be fitted over the frame and the at least one fire retardant panel member.

40. A cladding assembly for cladding a structure, said assembly comprising: a plurality of the preformed panel as defined in claim 30; and one or more fasteners for fastening each of the plurality of the preformed panel to the structure.

41. The cladding assembly of claim 40, where each frame member forming the frame of each said preformed panel comprises a receiving opening for receiving the one or more fasteners for fastening the frame of each said preformed panel to the structure.

42. The cladding assembly of claim 41, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more tags each adapted to be associated with at least one of said at least two frame members of the frame of each said preformed panel via the receiving opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0217] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0218] FIG. 1 is an end view of a frame member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0219] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a preformed panel according to an embodiment of the present invention including four frame members each as shown in FIG. 1 fastened to a panel member;

[0220] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the preformed panel shown in FIG. 2 in an assembled state;

[0221] FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the preformed panel shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;

[0222] FIG. 5 is a sectional side view showing part of a cladding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, including portions of two preformed panels as each shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 fastened to a structure;

[0223] FIG. 6 is a sectional side view showing another part of the cladding assembly, including a portion of a preformed panel as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 fastened to a structure;

[0224] FIG. 7 is an end view of a frame member according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0225] FIG. 8 is a partial exploded view of an underside of a preformed panel according to another embodiment of the present invention including four frame members each as shown in FIG. 7 fastened to a panel member;

[0226] FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of the preformed panel as shown in FIG. 8 in an assembled state;

[0227] FIG. 10 is a lower perspective view of the preformed panel as shown in FIG. 9;

[0228] FIG. 11 is a sectional side view showing part of a cladding assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, including portions of two preformed panels as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 fastened to a structure; and

[0229] FIG. 12 is a sectional side view showing part of a cladding assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention including preformed panels each having two panel members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0230] FIGS. 1 to 6; FIGS. 7 to 11; and FIG. 12 respectively show different embodiments of a cladding assembly (100) of the present invention for cladding a structure (10).

[0231] FIGS. 1 to 6 show a cladding assembly (100) or parts thereof, including four frame members (110) that are each fastened around an edge portion of a fire retardant panel member (120). A cover panel (130) is fitted over the fire retardant panel member (120) and the frame members (110) to form a preformed panel (140). The preformed panel (140) can be fastened to the structure (10) with other preformed panels to clad the structure (10) as part of the cladding assembly (100).

[0232] FIGS. 7 to 11 show a cladding assembly (100) or parts thereof, including four frame members (710) joined together to form a frame (720). Each frame member (710) is additionally fastened to an edge portion of a fire retardant panel member (120) to form a preformed panel (740). The preformed panel (740) can be fastened to the structure (10) with other preformed panels to clad the structure (10) as part of the cladding assembly (100).

[0233] FIG. 12 shows a cladding assembly (100) similar to as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 except each preformed panel (740) of the cladding assembly (100) includes two panel members (120, 1220).

[0234] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that frame member (710) shown in FIG. 7 is substantially the same as frame member (110) shown in FIG. 1 save that it is used in a different orientation (i.e., rotated 180° about its longitudinal axis). For the sake of clarity, however, the frame members (110, 710) will be described as two different embodiments.

[0235] Referring to FIG. 1, the frame member (110) is an extrusion formed from aluminium, titanium or a composite thereof.

[0236] The frame member (110) has an elongate and linear shape with two opposed ends (112). The frame member (110) has a substantially Z-shaped profile shape formed from five walls, including: a structure facing wall (150); an opposed panel member abutting wall (160); an intermediate wall (170) positioned between and extending substantially parallel to the structure facing wall (150) and the panel member abutting wall (160); an outer frame wall (180) extending between the panel member abutting wall (160) and the intermediate wall (170) and an angled wall (i.e., the at least one connecting wall; 190) extending between the intermediate wall (170) and the structure facing wall (150).

[0237] The panel member abutting wall (160) has a free inner edge (162) and an opposed outer edge (164). The free inner edge (162) further includes an inner edge protrusion (166).

[0238] The intermediate wall (170) has a free inner edge (172) and an opposed outer edge (174). Like with the panel member abutting wall (160), the free inner edge (172) also further includes an inner edge protrusion (176).

[0239] The outer frame wall (180) extends orthogonally from the outer edge (164) of the panel member abutting wall (160) to the outer edge (174) of the intermediate wall (170).

[0240] The structure facing wall (150) has a free outer edge (152) and an opposed inner edge (164). The free outer edge (152), like with free inner edges (162, 172), further includes an outer edge protrusion (156).

[0241] The angled wall (190) extends from the inner edge (154) of the structure facing wall (150) to the outer edge (174) of the intermediate wall (170). The angled wall (190) includes three angled wall segments having different orientations relative to each other.

[0242] A first angled wall segment (192) extends orthogonally from the outer edge (174) of the intermediate wall (170). A second angled wall segment (194) extends from the first angled wall segment (192) to a third angled wall segment (196), which extends orthogonally from the inner edge (154) of the structure facing wall (150).

[0243] The first angled wall segment (192) further defines an elongate channel or groove (193). The elongate channel or groove (193) extends a length of the frame member (110).

[0244] The frame member (110) defines a channel (114) for at least partially receiving an outer edge (124; shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the fire retardant panel member (120; shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). The channel (114) extends a length of the frame member (110).

[0245] The channel (114) is defined between the panel member abutting wall (160), the outer frame wall (180) and the intermediate wall (170). The panel member abutting wall (160) and the intermediate wall (170) form opposed side walls of the channel (114) and the outer frame wall (180) forms a bottom wall of the channel (114).

[0246] The inner surface of the panel member abutting wall (160) includes two guiding members (115) for, in use, guiding a portion of the outer edge (124; shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the fire retardant panel member (120; shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) received in the channel (114) and assisting in at least frictionally engaging or securing the portion by at least partially forcing or urging the portion against the intermediate wall (170).

[0247] The first guiding member (115) corresponds with the inner edge protrusion (166) of the panel member abutting wall (160). The second guiding member (115) extends from a location at or near the outer edge (164) of the panel member abutting wall (160).

[0248] As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second guiding member (115) additionally assists in defining a space between an end of the portion of the outer edge (124) of the fire retardant panel member (120) received in the channel (114) and an inner surface of the outer frame wall (180). As shown, the spaced defined advantageously provides clearance for a mechanical fastener used to fasten at least one sidewall (136) of the cover panel (130) to an outer surface of the outer frame wall (180).

[0249] Referring back to FIG. 1, the intermediate wall (170) also includes two guiding members (116) for likewise guiding a portion of the outer edge (124; not shown) of the fire retardant panel member (120; not shown) received in the channel (114).

[0250] The guiding members (116) extend from a surface of the intermediate wall (170) at least partially toward the panel member abutting wall (160). A first guiding member (116) corresponds with the inner edge protrusion (176) of the intermediate wall (170). A second guiding member (116) extends from a location on the intermediate wall (170) substantially opposite the second guiding member (115) on the panel member abutting wall (160).

[0251] The guiding members (116) on the intermediate wall (170) are substantially smaller than the guiding members (115) extending from the panel member abutting wall (160).

[0252] The frame member (110) also includes a receiving opening (117) for receiving one or more fasteners for fastening the frame member (110) and thereby a preformed panel (140; not shown) to a structure (10; not shown). The receiving opening (117) is defined between the outer edge protrusion (156) of the structure facing wall (150) and at least a portion of the angled wall (190) and extends an entire length of the frame member (110).

[0253] The receiving opening (117) further includes a guiding member (118) for, in use, positively guiding the one or more fasteners received in the receiving opening (117). The guiding member (118) extends from the inner surface of the structure facing wall (150) at or near the inner edge (154) of the structure facing wall (150). The guiding member (118) extends at least partially toward the angled wall (190).

[0254] Referring to FIG. 2, each frame member (110) is fastened around an outer edge (124) of the fire retardant panel member (120).

[0255] The fire retardant panel member (120) has a rectangular shape including two opposed surfaces (122) interconnected by opposed edges (124).

[0256] The fire retardant panel member (120) offers a combination of a high degree of fire resistance, a high density, high flexural strength and effective moisture and water resistance.

[0257] The above advantageous properties of the fire retardant panel member (120) are obtained from a core of the panel member (120), which is composed of about 30% to about 60% by weight magnesium oxide and at least about 10% by weight magnesium chloride. The core also incorporates one or more hydrophobic agents to increase the overall water-resistance of the panel member (120) and additives such as a binding agent, such as, e.g., cellulose (at least % to about 20% by weight), perlite (preferably 6-12% by weight) and dispersants. The core of the panel member (120) also includes one or more fillers that serve to lower the weight of the panel member (120).

[0258] The core of the panel member (120) also includes reinforcing mesh to enhance the strength of the panel member (120). The core includes a plurality of reinforcing mesh spaced through the core of the panel member (120). Each reinforcing mesh extends in a substantially co-planar orientation as the opposed surfaces (122) of the panel member (120).

[0259] Each frame member (110) is fastened to the fire retardant panel member (120) by inserting an outer edge (124) of the panel member (120) in the channel (114) of the frame member (110).

[0260] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover panel (130) is fitted over and fastened to an outer surface of the frame members (110) to form the preformed panel (140).

[0261] The cover panel (130) is rectangular and is generally of the same shape as the fire retardant panel member (120; visible only in FIG. 4).

[0262] The cover panel (130) has two opposed surfaces including an outward facing surface (132; visible only in FIG. 3) and an opposed inward facing surface (134; visible only in FIG. 3).

[0263] The cover panel (130) includes at least one sidewall (136) extending from the inward facing surface (134; visible only in FIG. 3).

[0264] When fitted, the cover panel (130) covers the fire retardant panel member (120 visible only in FIG. 4) and the panel member abutting walls (160; not visible) of the frame members (110). The at least one side wall (136) at least partially covers the outer frame wall (180; not visible) of each frame member (110).

[0265] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, each preformed panel (140) is able to be fastened to the structure (10) with various fasteners.

[0266] In one embodiment, the fastener is a tag (510) adapted to engage with the receiving opening (117) of a frame member (110) of the preformed panel (140) and a bracket (520) associated with the structure (10).

[0267] The tag (510) is a substantially planar member with a frame member abutting portion (512), a structure abutting portion (514) and a shaped groove (516) defined therebetween.

[0268] The shaped groove (516) is adapted to, in use, at least partially receive and engage with the outer edge protrusion (156) when the tag (510) is associated with the frame member (110) via the receiving opening (117).

[0269] The shaped groove (516) is sized and shaped to engage and retain the outer edge protrusion (156) in the receiving opening (117) within the shaped groove (516).

[0270] In use, the tag (510) is slid over an end (112) of the frame member (110) such that the shaped groove (516) slides over an end of the outer edge protrusion (156).

[0271] The guiding member (118) of the receiving opening (117) assists in positively positioning the frame member abutting portion (512) of the tag (510) against an inner surface of the structure facing wall (150) of the frame member (110).

[0272] The structure abutting portion (514) of the tag (510) includes an aperture for receiving a threaded fastener, mechanical fastener or the like for fastening the tag (510) to the bracket (520) associated with the structure (10).

[0273] In another embodiment, the fastener is the bracket (i.e., a frame fastening bracket; 520) adapted to engage with the receiving opening (117) of a frame member (110) of the preformed panel (140) and the structure (10).

[0274] The bracket (520) includes at least a frame member abutting wall (524). The frame abutting wall (524) includes a hook or clip (528) configured to hook or clip over the outer edge protrusion (156) of the receiving opening (117) when the bracket (520) is associated with the frame member (110) via the receiving opening (117). The bracket (520) further includes a pair of opposed sidewalls (522) extending from opposed edges of the frame abutting wall (524) and at least one structure abutting portion (526) extending outwardly from at least one of the sidewalls (522). The structure abutting portion (526) at least partially abuts against the structure (10) and includes an aperture for receiving a threaded fastener, mechanical fastener or the like for fastening the bracket (520) to the structure (10).

[0275] In use, the hook or clip (528) of the frame abutting wall (524) of the bracket (520) is slid over an end (112) of the frame member (110) such that the hook or clip (528) is slid over the outer edge protrusion (156) of the receiving opening (117). The bracket (520) can then be slid into a desired position.

[0276] The structure facing wall (150) of the frame member (110) at least partially abuts against the frame member abutting wall (524) of the bracket (520) when the hook or clip (528) of the bracket (520) is hooked or clipped over the outer edge protrusion (156) of the receiving opening (117).

[0277] Referring to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the cladding assembly (100) further includes at least one sealing member (610) configured to be positioned between at least two adjacently positioned preformed panels (140) and provide at least a partial seal between the adjacently positioned preformed panels (140).

[0278] The at least one sealing member (610) can be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials known in the art.

[0279] The sealing member (610) is fastened to an outer edge of a frame member (110) of one of the adjacently positioned preformed panels (140).

[0280] The sealing member (610) includes an enlarged head (612) configured to be received and retained in the elongate channel or groove (193) positioned adjacent the outer frame wall (180) of the frame member (110).

[0281] The elongate channel or groove (193) has a substantially C-shaped cross-section to at least partially prevent lateral disengagement of the sealing member (610) from the elongate channel or groove (193).

[0282] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the frame member (710). As with the frame member (110) shown in FIG. 1, the frame member (710) is an extrusion formed from aluminium, titanium or a composite thereof.

[0283] The frame member (710) has an elongate and linear shape with two opposed ends (712). The frame member (710) has a substantially Z-shaped profile shape formed from five walls, including: a structure facing wall (750); an opposed panel member abutting wall (760); an intermediate wall (770) positioned between and extending substantially parallel to the structure facing wall (750) and the panel member abutting wall (760); an inner frame wall (780) extending between the structure facing wall (750) and the intermediate wall (770) and an angled wall (790; i.e., at least one connecting wall) extending between the intermediate wall (770) and the panel member abutting wall (760).

[0284] The panel member abutting wall (760) has a free inner edge (762) and an opposed outer edge (764). The free inner edge (762) includes an inner edge protrusion (766).

[0285] The intermediate wall (770) has inner edge (772) and an opposed outer edge (774). The outer edge (774) includes an outer edge protrusion (776).

[0286] The angled wall (790) extends between the outer edge (764) of the panel member abutting wall (760) to the inner edge (772) of the intermediate wall (770).

[0287] The structure facing wall (750) has a free outer edge (752) and an opposed inner edge (754). The free outer edge (752) includes an outer edge protrusion (756).

[0288] The inner frame wall (780) extends orthogonally from the inner edge (772) of the intermediate wall (770) to the inner edge (754) of the structure facing wall (750).

[0289] As with the angled wall (190) of the frame member (110) shown in FIG. 1, the angled wall (790) includes three angled wall segments having different orientations relative to each other.

[0290] A first angled wall segment (792) extends orthogonally from the outer edge (764) of the pane member abutting wall (760). A second angled wall segment (794) extends from the first angled wall segment (792) to a third angled wall segment (796), which extends orthogonally from or near the inner edge (772) of the intermediate wall (770).

[0291] The first angled wall segment (792) further defines an elongate channel or groove (793). The elongate channel or groove (793) extends a length of the frame member (110).

[0292] As with the frame member (110) shown in FIG. 1, the frame member (710) also includes a receiving opening (717) for receiving one or more fasteners for fastening the frame member (710) and thereby a preformed panel (740; not shown) to a structure (10; not shown). The receiving opening (717) is defined between the outer edge protrusion (756) of the structure facing wall (750) and at least a portion of the inner frame wall (780) and the intermediate wall (770).

[0293] Furthermore, the receiving opening (717) also includes a guiding member (718) for, in use, positively guiding the one or more fasteners received in the receiving opening (717). The guiding member (718) extends from the inner surface of the structure facing wall (750) at or near the inner edge (754) of the structure facing wall (750). The guiding member (718) extends at least partially toward the intermediate wall (770).

[0294] FIGS. 8 to 10 show the assembly of the frame members (710) together to form a frame (720) and the fastening of the fire retardant panel member (120) to the frame (720) to form a preformed panel (740).

[0295] Referring to FIG. 8, each frame member (710) is joined end (712) to end (712) with a joining component (810) including two component pieces (820) hinged together to, in use, allow any desirable corner or join angle between the two joined frame members (710) to be obtained.

[0296] Each joining component piece (820) has a substantially T-shaped cross section and includes an elongate frame coupling member (822) and a hinge member (824) for rotatably coupling with the hinge member (824) of the other joining component piece (820) of the joining component (810).

[0297] In use, the frame coupling member (822) of the joining component piece (820) clamps over two shoulders (830) of the frame member (710).

[0298] Referring back to FIG. 7, a first shoulder (830) is defined on the outer surface of the panel member abutting wall (760) of the frame member (710) near the free inner edge (762). A second shoulder (830) is defined on an outer surface of the structure facing wall (750) of the frame member (710) near the inner edge (754).

[0299] Turning back to FIG. 8, the elongate frame coupling member (822) includes two projections (826) each with an enlarged end portion and each extending from an outer longitudinal edge (823) of the frame coupling member (820) for clamping over the at least two shoulders (830).

[0300] The hinge members (824) from the respective joining component pieces (820) are rotatably coupled by way of a fastener such as a threaded or mechanical fastener received in co-aligned apertures defined by the respective hinge members (824).

[0301] In use, the joining component piece (820) is slideable over an end (712) of a frame member (710) into a desired position near an end (712) of the frame member (710). The two projections (826) of the frame coupling member (822) of the joining component piece (820) prevent lateral disengagement of the joining component piece (820) from the frame member (710).

[0302] As shown in FIG. 8 and best shown in FIG. 11, each frame member (710) of the frame (720; not shown in FIG. 11) is fastened to an outer edge portion of the fire retardant panel member (120) with one or more couplers (840) associated with each frame member (710).

[0303] Referring to FIG. 11, each coupler (840) has a panel member abutting or fastening member (842) and a frame coupling member (844) extending substantially perpendicular relative to the panel member abutting or fastening member (842) from a common or shared edge of the panel member abutting or fastening member (842). The coupler (840) has a substantially L-shaped cross section.

[0304] The frame coupling member (844) of the coupler (840), like the frame coupling member (822) of the joining component piece (820), clamps over the two shoulders (830) of the frame member (710).

[0305] Again like the frame coupling member (822) of the joining component piece (820), the frame coupling member (844) of the coupler (840) includes two projections (846) each with an enlarged end portion and each extending from an outer longitudinal edge (845) of the frame coupling member (844) for clamping over the two shoulders (830).

[0306] When coupled, the panel member abutting or fastening member (842) of the coupler (844) sits or lies substantially planar with the panel member abutting wall (760) of the frame member (710).

[0307] As with each joining component piece (820), each coupler (840) is be slideable over an end (712) of a frame member (710) into a desired position. The two projections (846) of the frame coupling member (844) of the coupler (840) prevent lateral disengagement of the coupler (840) from the frame member (710).

[0308] Once coupled to the frame member (710), the panel member abutting or fastening member (842) of the coupler (840) is fastened to the fire retardant panel member (120) by one or more mechanical fasteners (such as, e.g., threaded fasteners, rivets or the like) via one or more apertures defined in the panel member abutting or fastening member (842) of the coupler (840).

[0309] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the preformed panel (740) is further strengthened two braces (850) extending between opposed frame members (710). Each brace (850) is fastened to an underside of the fire retardant panel member (120) and is joined to the opposed frame members (710) by any suitable means.

[0310] Referring again to FIG. 11, as with preformed panel (140) shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the preformed panel (740) of this embodiment is able to be fastened to the structure (10) with various fasteners.

[0311] In one embodiment, the fastener is a tag (510) as previously described. The tag (510) is adapted to engage with the receiving opening (717) of a frame member (710) of the preformed panel (740) and a bracket (520) associated with the structure (10).

[0312] As previously described, the shaped groove (516) is adapted to, in use, at least partially receive and engage with the outer edge protrusion (756) when the tag (510) is associated with the frame member (710) via the receiving opening (717).

[0313] Also as previously described, the guiding member (718) of the receiving opening (717) assists in positively positioning the frame member abutting portion (512) of the tag (510) against an inner surface of the structure facing wall (750) of the frame member (710).

[0314] In another embodiment, the fastener is the bracket (520) as previously described. The bracket (520) is adapted to engage with the receiving opening (717) of a frame member (710) of the preformed panel (740) and the structure (10).

[0315] As previously described, the frame abutting wall (524) of the bracket (520) includes a hook or clip (528) configured to hook or clip over the outer edge protrusion (756) of the receiving opening (717) when the bracket (520) is associated with the frame member (710) via the receiving opening (717).

[0316] FIG. 11 also shows two pairs of ridges (1110) respectively defined along the structure facing wall (750) and the panel member abutting wall (760) of the frame member (710).

[0317] The ridges (1110) extend along an external surface the structure facing wall (750) and the panel member abutting wall (760) of the frame member (710) and extend for the entire length of the frame member (710).

[0318] The ridges (1110) advantageously provide respective spaces between the frame member (710) and the bracket (520) and between the frame member (710) and the fire retardant panel member (120) for the coupler (840) to hook or clamp over the at least two shoulders (830) of the frame member (710).

[0319] While not shown, the ridges (1110) also provide respective spaces between the frame member (710) and the bracket (520) and between the frame member (710) and the fire retardant panel member (120) for the joining component pieces (820; not shown) to hook or clamp over the at least two shoulders (830) of the frame member (710).

[0320] Again while not shown, in some embodiments, the enlarged head (612; not shown) of a sealing member (610; not shown) can be received and retained in the elongate channel (793) to provide a seal between adjacently positioned preformed panels (740).

[0321] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the cladding assembly (100) of the present invention in which each preformed panel (740) of the cladding assembly includes two panel members (120, 1120).

[0322] Each preformed panel (740) includes frame members (710) fastened to an outer edge portion of a first panel member (1120) with one or more couplers (840) associated with each frame member (710) as shown and described previously with respect to FIGS. 8 and 11, and a second fire retardant panel member (120) fastened by a panel member coupler (1210) to each preformed panel (740) such that the second fire retardant panel member (120) underlies the first panel member (1120).

[0323] The panel member coupler (1210) is formed from a first coupler piece (1220) and a second coupler piece (1230) that are each configured to abut against an opposed surface of the second fire retardant panel member (120) when connected together and configured to connect to the structure abutting edge portion (526) of the bracket (520).

[0324] The first coupler piece (1220) has a structure facing surface, an opposed outward facing surface, opposed side edges, a bracket abutting end edge (1225) and an opposed free end edge. The bracket abutting end edge (1225) includes a turned or rolled edge that turns or rolls back towards the outward facing surface defining a channel (1227).

[0325] The first coupler piece (1220) further includes a hook or clip (1228) extending from the structure facing surface for hooking or clipping over an outer edge of the structure abutting portion (526) of the bracket (520).

[0326] The first coupler piece (1220) also includes a panel member edge abutting portion (1229), which extends orthogonally from the outward facing surface for abutting against an edge of the second fire retardant panel member (120). The panel member edge abutting portion (1229) includes a free end having an enlarged edge portion (1229a).

[0327] In use, the first coupler piece (1220) is configured to be positioned at least partially against an outward facing surface of a structure abutting portion (526) of the bracket (520) such that the hook or clip (1228) hooks or clips over the outer edge of the structure abutting portion (526) and the turned or rolled edge defined at the bracket abutting end edge (1225) at least partially abuts against the structure abutting portion (526) and the adjacent side wall (522) of the bracket (520).

[0328] The first coupler piece (1220) is fastened to the structure abutting portion (526) of the bracket (520) by the same mechanical fastener or the like used to fasten the bracket (520) to the structure (10) via an aperture defined in the first coupler piece (1220) near the bracket abutting end edge (1225).

[0329] The second coupler piece (1230) has a substantially L-shaped profile. The second coupler piece (1230) includes an elongate portion (1232) configured to at least partially abut against an outward facing surface of the second fire retardant panel member (120) and an end portion (1234) extending orthogonally from the elongate portion (1232). The end portion (1234) includes an outwardly turned lip (1235) configured to be at least partially received in the channel (1227) of the first coupler piece (1220).

[0330] The second coupler piece (1230) further includes a panel member edge abutting portion (1239) extending orthogonally from the elongate portion (1232). The panel member edge abutting portion (1239) includes a hook (1239a) defined at a free end of the panel member edge abutting portion (1239) for hooking over the enlarged edge portion (1229a) of the panel member edge abutting portion (1229) of the first coupler piece (1220).

[0331] In use, once the first coupler piece (1220) is positioned and fastened to the structure abutting portion (526) of the bracket (520) and the second fire retardant panel member (120) is positioned against the first coupler piece (1220), the second coupler piece (1230) is connected to the first coupler piece (1220). This is achieved by first inserting the outwardly turned lip (1235) of the second coupler piece (1230) into the channel (1227) of the first coupler piece (1220) and then hooking over the hook (1239a) of the second coupler piece (1230) over the enlarged edge portion (1229a) of the first coupler piece (1220).

[0332] Advantageously, by having the second fire retardant panel member (120) underlie the first panel member (1120), the second fire retardant panel member (120) may additionally function as a moisture barrier.

[0333] FIG. 12 also shows an embodiment of the cladding assembly (100) in which the panel member abutting or fastening member (842) of the coupler (840) includes at least two fixing anchors (1280) associated with each aperture defined in the panel member abutting or fastening member (842).

[0334] The fixing anchors (1280) at least partially protrude outward from a periphery of each aperture on a panel member abutting surface of the panel member abutting or fastening member (842) of the coupler (840). In use, the fixing anchors (1280) are spread apart and driven into the first panel member (1120) when a mechanical fastener is inserted through the aperture and fastened into the first panel member (1120).

[0335] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word “comprising” and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0336] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0337] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.