SYSTEM FOR ATTACHING CLADDING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS

Abstract

A system that includes an elongated structure that secures adjacent cladding panels to a construction element and sheds at least 70% of fluid trapped between the cladding panels and the construction element. A system that includes an elongated structure that can include an upper receptor configured to receive a lower edge of a first cladding panel and secure the first cladding panel to the upper receptor, and a lower receptor configured to receive an upper edge of a second cladding panel and secure the second cladding panel to the lower receptor. A method that includes receiving a lower edge of a first cladding panel at an upper receptor of an elongated structure, receiving an upper edge of a second cladding panel at a lower receptor of the elongated structure, aligning first cladding panel with second cladding panel based on relative position of the upper receptor to the lower receptor.

Claims

1. A system for securing cladding panels, the system comprising: an elongated structure configured to retain adjacent cladding panels to a construction element and to shed away from the construction element at least 70% of fluid trapped between the cladding panels and the construction element.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated structure comprises an upper receptor that is configured to receive a lower edge of a first cladding panel and a lower receptor that is configured to receive an upper edge of a second cladding panel, and wherein the upper receptor is configured to divert the fluid away from the construction element.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein a lower portion of the first cladding panel forms a longitudinal channel, and wherein a first plurality of weep holes are formed along the longitudinal channel in a lateral portion of the lower portion.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein fluid diverted by the upper receptor flows from the upper receptor into the longitudinal channel and exits the longitudinal channel through the first plurality of weep holes, wherein the fluid exits the longitudinal channel onto the second cladding panel which is below the longitudinal channel, and wherein the fluid is diverted to an exterior surface of the second cladding panel.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the fluid is diverted away from the construction element to a second plurality of weep holes in the lower edge of the first cladding panel, wherein the fluid flows through the second plurality of weep holes, onto the upper edge of the second cladding panel, and along the upper edge to an exterior environment, and wherein the exterior environment is external to the cladding panels and the construction element.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the upper receptor is angled relative to the construction element and comprises a third plurality of weep holes formed in a lower portion of the upper receptor, wherein the fluid flows through the third plurality of weep holes and onto the second cladding panel which is below the third plurality of weep holes, and wherein the fluid is diverted to an exterior surface of the second cladding panel.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the lower receptor is angled relative to the construction element and comprises a fourth plurality of weep holes formed in a lower portion of the lower receptor, wherein the fluid flows through the fourth plurality of weep holes and onto a second elongated structure positioned below the elongated structure, and wherein the fluid is diverted by the second elongated structure to an exterior surface of a third cladding panel, which is below the second cladding panel.

8. A system for securing cladding panels, the system comprising: an elongated structure configured to be attached to a construction element, wherein the elongated structure comprises: an upper receptor configured to receive a lower edge of a first cladding panel and retain the first cladding panel to the upper receptor; and a lower receptor configured to receive an upper edge of a second cladding panel and retain the second cladding panel to the lower receptor.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the elongated structure further comprises a support, wherein the upper receptor and the lower receptor protrude from one side of the support, and wherein an opposite side of the support is configured to be attached to the construction element, wherein the upper receptor is angled at a first angle relative to the support and the lower receptor is angled at a second angle relative to the support, and wherein the first angle is different than the second angle.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the upper receptor receives the lower edge of the first cladding panel and retains the lower edge in the upper receptor via first retention features, wherein the lower receptor receives the upper edge of the second cladding panel and retains the upper edge in the lower receptor via second retention features, and wherein the first retention features or the second retention features comprise at least one of: pairs of protrusions of the upper receptor that are configured to engage pairs of protrusions of the lower edge; a plurality of protrusions on the lower edge that are configured to axially engage a plurality of openings in the upper receptor; an upturned flange of the upper receptor that are configured to engage a longitudinal channel in the lower edge; a rounded portion at an end of the lower edge that are configured to axially snap into the upper receptor, wherein the upper receptor is bifurcated and comprises two curved legs that are configured to receive the rounded portion therebetween; or a first convoluted portion at an end of the lower edge that is configured to slide longitudinally into a second convoluted portion of the upper receptor.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the elongated structure further comprises a support, wherein the upper receptor, the lower receptor, and a diverter protrude from one side of the support, wherein an opposite side of the support is configured to be attached to the construction element, wherein the diverter is positioned above the upper receptor and protrudes farther from the support than the upper receptor, and wherein the diverter is configured to divert fluid away from the support and past the upper receptor.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein a longitudinal channel is formed at a bottom portion of the first cladding panel, and wherein the diverter is configured to divert fluid away from the support, past the upper receptor, and into the longitudinal channel.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the elongated structure further comprises one or more alignment features that are aligned with an alignment aid on the construction element when the elongated structure is being attached to the construction element.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the alignment features are: one or more alignment holes spaced along the elongated structure, two or more alignment notches positioned at opposite ends of the elongated structure, or a longitudinal edge of the elongated structure.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the alignment aid is one of: a line marked on the construction element, and wherein each of the alignment features is aligned to the line on the construction element to ensure the elongated structure is located at a predetermined spacing on the construction element when the elongated structure is installed on the construction element; and a longitudinal recessed channel, and wherein the elongated structure is positioned in the longitudinal recessed channel, which ensures that the elongated structure is located at a predetermined spacing from an adjacent elongated structure on the construction element when the elongated structure is installed on the construction element.

16. The system of claim 8, wherein a lower portion of the first cladding panel comprises a loop portion and a biasing portion, and wherein the loop portion limits a distance of insertion of the lower edge into the upper receptor due to engagement of the loop portion with an end surface of the upper receptor, wherein the biasing portion stores energy when the lower edge is inserted into the upper receptor, and wherein the biasing portion applies a biasing force on the lower edge that tends to urge the lower edge out of the upper receptor.

17. The system of claim 8, wherein the elongated structure further comprises a support, wherein the upper receptor is angled relative to the support by an angle greater than 90 degrees, and wherein fluid is diverted away from the support to a first plurality of weep holes in the lower edge of the first cladding panel, wherein the fluid flows through the first plurality of weep holes onto the upper edge of the second cladding panel and along the upper edge to an exterior environment, and wherein the exterior environment is external to the cladding panels and the construction element.

18. The system of claim 8, wherein the elongated structure further comprises a support, wherein the upper receptor is angled relative to the support by an angle less than 90 degrees, and wherein fluid is diverted toward the support and to a second plurality of weep holes in the upper receptor, wherein the fluid flows through the second plurality of weep holes, onto the lower receptor, onto the upper edge of the second cladding panel, and along the upper edge to an exterior environment, and wherein the exterior environment is external to the cladding panels and the construction element.

19. A method for aligning adjacent cladding panels, the method comprising: receiving a lower edge of a first cladding panel at an upper receptor of an elongated structure; receiving an upper edge of a second cladding panel at a lower receptor of the elongated structure; and aligning the first cladding panel substantially parallel with the second cladding panel based on a relative position of the upper receptor to the lower receptor.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: diverting fluid away from a construction element, via a diverter or the upper receptor, wherein the fluid runs down an exterior surface of the construction element and engages the elongated structure; and expelling the fluid through a first plurality of weep holes at a bottom portion of the first cladding panel, wherein the fluid is expelled into an exterior environment that is external to the first cladding panel and the construction element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of present embodiments will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a representative perspective view of a portion of a stud wall with exterior insulation and cladding installed on exterior sheathing, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 2A is a representative perspective view of a construction system with evenly spaced horizontal elongated structures attached to a construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 2B is a representative perspective view of a construction system with evenly spaced horizontal elongated structures attached to a construction element, and cladding panels attached to the elongated structures, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 2C is a representative front view of a construction system with evenly spaced alignment aids for guiding attachment of elongated structures to a construction element 32 at the desired spacing, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 2D is a detailed view of the region marked as Detail 2D in FIG. 2C, which shows alignment of an elongated structure with an alignment aid, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 2E is a detailed view of the region marked as Detail 2E in FIG. 2C, which shows alignment of an elongated structure with an alignment aid, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 2F is a detailed view of the region marked as Detail 2F in FIG. 2E, which shows an alignment of an alignment opening of the elongated structure to an alignment aid on the construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 3A is a representative perspective view of a construction system with evenly spaced vertical elongated structures attached to a construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 3B is a representative perspective view of a construction system with evenly spaced vertical elongated structures attached to a construction element, and cladding panels attached to the elongated structures, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 4A is a representative partial cross-sectional view 4A-4A, as indicated in FIG. 2B, of an elongated structure that secures edges of adjacent cladding panels to a construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 4B is a representative partial cross-sectional view 4A-4A, as indicated in FIG. 2B, of an elongated structure that secures edges of adjacent cladding panels to a construction element, where the elongated structure cooperates with the cladding panels to manage fluid trapped between the cladding panels and the construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 4C is a representative partial cross-sectional view 4A-4A, as indicated in FIG. 2B, of an elongated structure that secures edges of adjacent cladding panels to a construction element, where the elongated structure is attached to an exterior surface of the construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 4D is a representative partial cross-sectional view 4A-4A, as indicated in FIG. 2B, of an elongated structure that secures edges of adjacent cladding panels to a construction element, where the elongated structure is attached to a recessed channel formed in an exterior surface of the construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 4E is a representative partial cross-sectional view of detail 4E, as indicated in FIG. 4C, of an elongated structure that secures edges of adjacent cladding panels to a construction element, where the elongated structure is attached to an exterior surface of the construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a representative perspective view of a construction element with evenly spaced apart horizontal elongated structures attached thereto, and cladding panels attached to the elongated structures, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 6A is a representative partial cross-sectional view 6A-6A, as indicated in FIG. 5, of another elongated structure that secures edges of adjacent cladding panels to a construction element, where the elongated structure is attached to an exterior surface of the construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 6B is a representative partial cross-sectional view 6A-6A, as indicated in FIG. 5, of another elongated structure that secures edges of adjacent cladding panels to a construction element, where the elongated structure is attached to a recessed channel formed in an exterior surface of the construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments; and

[0028] FIGS. 7A-7D are representative partial cross-sectional views of various elongated structures that secure edges of adjacent cladding panels to a construction element, where the elongated structure is attached to an exterior surface or recessed surface of the construction element, in accordance with certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a representative perspective view of portion of a stud wall 10 with exterior construction elements 32 (such as a construction panel; which can be an exterior sheathing 28 (such as sheetrock, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB)) or an exterior insulation panel 33) secured to the vertical supports 20 and cladding panels 40 secured to the construction element 32 (e.g., insulation panel 33, exterior sheathing 28, etc.), in accordance with certain embodiments. The construction element 32 can also be the vertical supports 20, where the elongated structures 100 are secured directly to the vertical supports 20, in accordance with certain embodiments. The stud wall 10 can have an internal sheathing material 24 (e.g., sheetrock, plywood, OSB, etc.) attached to an interior side of the vertical supports 20 (e.g., studs). Adjacent vertical supports 20 can form a cavity 22 therebetween, into which cavity insulation 26 (e.g., fiberglass, spray foam, loose material, prefabricated panels, etc.) can be installed.

[0031] Exterior sheathing 28 (e.g., OSB) can be attached to an exterior side of the vertical supports 20, thereby isolating the cavity insulation within the cavities 22. Additional insulation and cladding can be attached to the exterior sheathing 28, such as with continuous insulation, which can be made from prefabricated construction elements 32, where the prefabricated construction elements 32 can be made from any material that increases resistance to heat transfer through the stud wall 10 as compared to a stud wall 10 without construction elements 32. This disclosure provides novel systems and methods for securing the cladding panels 40 to the construction elements 32.

[0032] FIG. 2A is a representative perspective view of a construction system 30 with evenly spaced horizontal elongated structures 100 attached to a construction element 32 (e.g., insulation panel or external sheathing), in accordance with certain embodiments. In various embodiments, the elongated structures 100 are directly secured to one of the construction elements 32: exterior sheathing 28 (e.g. oriented strand board (OSB), exterior insulation panel 33, or vertical supports 20. In another embodiment, the elongated structures 100 can be directly secured to the exterior sheathing 28, without the presence of insulation panel 33 between the sheathing 28 and the elongated structures 100. In yet another embodiment, the elongated structures 100 can be directly secured to the vertical supports 20 without the presence of insulation panel 33 or the sheathing 28 between the elongated structures 100 and the vertical supports 20. In certain embodiments, the use of the elongated structures 100 in the system 10 can provide an advantage by eliminating the need for using furring strips, thereby providing an case of installation of the cladding panels 40. In some embodiments, there can be a protective film between the elongated structures 100 and various construction elements 32, such as the sheathing 28, the insulation panel 33, and the vertical support 20. As used herein, the protective film does not affect whether an element is considered directly secured.

[0033] Although FIGS. 2A-2C are illustrated with the construction element 32, which can be the insulation panel 33 or the external sheathing 28 shown in FIG. 1, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the same concept applies to other construction elements 32, such as the vertical supports 20. Referring to FIG. 2A, each of the elongated structures 100 can have a longitudinal axis 90, with each pair of adjacent elongated structures 100 being spaced apart by a distance L1, with each elongated structure 100 being generally parallel with each other. For example, the elongated structure 100a can have a longitudinal axis 90a and the elongated structure 100b can have a longitudinal axis 90b. The longitudinal axes 90a, 90b can be substantially parallel with each other and spaced apart by the distance L1. The distance L1 can be a predetermined spacing for the elongated structures 100 that accommodates securing cladding panels to construction element 32.

[0034] The elongated structures 100 can be pre-assembled onto the construction element 32 prior to arriving at a construction site, or they can be installed on the construction element 32 at the construction site. Alignment aids (e.g., reference lines) can be marked on the construction element 32 to guide installation of the elongated structures 100 (e.g., by a worker) on the construction element 32 (e.g., at a construction site) to achieve the predetermined spacing distance L1 between adjacent elongated structures 100. The width L3 and height L2 of the construction element 32 can be determined by material handling capabilities, shipping constraints, and industry standards. However, the height L2 can also be constrained to be an integer number of the distances L1, such that when multiple construction elements 32 are positioned together, the distance L1 between each of adjacent ones of the elongated structures 100 is maintained, even across multiple construction elements 32.

[0035] The construction element 32 is configured to interlock adjacent construction elements 32 to form a ship-lap type installation. As can be seen, a rear portion of the construction element 32 protrudes longitudinally from two sides of the construction element 32 forming a sort of plane of material that is shifted relative to a front portion of the construction element 32 which also forms a plane of material. When the construction element 32 is installed adjacent to another construction element 32, the protruded portions of the rear portion construction element 32 overlaps underneath the front portion of the adjacent construction element 32. This ship-lap construction further aids in preventing a direct seam that would otherwise allow for water and air flow to occur from one side of the construction element to the other side of the construction element.

[0036] FIG. 2B is a representative perspective view of a construction system 30 with evenly spaced horizontal elongated structures 100 attached to a construction element 32 (e.g., insulation panel 33 or external sheathing 28), and cladding panels 40 attached to the elongated structures 100, in accordance with certain embodiments. As can be seen, an upper edge of each cladding panel 40 can be secured to an elongated structure 100 with a lower edge of each cladding panel 40 being secured to an adjacent one of the elongated structures 100. Therefore, a single elongated structure 100 can have a lower edge of a cladding panel 40 (e.g., cladding panel 40a) attached to an upper receptor of the elongated structure 100 and an upper edge of an adjacent cladding panel 40 (e.g., cladding panel 40b) attached to a lower receptor of the elongated structure 100. As the bottom edge of successive cladding panels 40 are installed in the upper receptor of successive elongated structures 100 and the top edge of the successive cladding panels 40 are installed in the lower receptors of adjacent successive elongated structures 100, the cladding panels 40 can provide an aesthetically pleasing look for the exterior of the building while covering the construction element 32 and the elongated structures 100.

[0037] Multiple cladding panels 40 (e.g., cladding panels 40c, 40d) can also be installed in at least a portion of an adjacent pair of elongated structures 100 and form a joint between the multiple cladding panels 40 (e.g., two cladding panels 40c, 40d). It should also be understood that the cladding panels 40c, 40d can overlap with each other at the joint to provide enhanced weather proofing when multiple cladding panels 40 are installed on the same row of cladding. Each cladding panel 40 can have a width L4 which can be used to determine the distance L1 for spacing the elongated structures 100 apart, or the distance L1 can be used to determine the width L4 required to interface and interlock the cladding panels 40 with an adjacent pair of elongated structures 100.

[0038] FIG. 2C is a representative front view of a construction system 30 with evenly spaced alignment aids 160 for guiding attachment of elongated structures 100 to a construction element 32 (e.g., insulation panel 33 or external sheathing 28) at the desired spacing (e.g., distance L1), in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0039] The construction element 32 can have alignment aids 160 to help a worker position the elongated structures 100 on the construction element 32 at the predetermined spacing. The elongated structures 100 can have alignment features that can be used to align with the alignment aids 160 (e.g., notches 172 in both ends that can align with the alignment aid 160 on the construction element 32, or alignment openings 170 spaced along the elongated structure 100 that can align with the alignment aid 160 on the construction element 32). Various other alignment aids can be provided to help workers in the field to install the elongated structures 100 at the predetermined spacing, such as an upper or lower longitudinal edge of the elongated structure 100 can be aligned with the alignment aid 160 to attach the elongated structure 100 at the predetermined spacing from an adjacent elongated structure 100.

[0040] Another example of alignment aids 160 that can help a worker attach the elongated structure 100 to the construction element 32 at the predetermined spacing are recessed channels 34 (see FIG. 4D) formed in the exterior surface 36 of the construction element 32. The worker can simply justify the elongated structure 100 to the top or bottom of the recessed channel 34 (whichever is preferred) and since the recessed channels 34 can be formed at the predetermined spacing, aligning the elongated structure 100 to the recessed channel 34 will provide the desired spacing between adjacent elongated structures 100. Therefore, the alignment aid 160 can be a 3D structure on the construction element 32 that can engage the elongated structure 100 when it is being attached to the construction element 32. However, the elongated structures 100 can also be installed at a factory (i.e., pre-fabrication) where alignment aids 160 may not be needed.

[0041] As stated above, the width LA of the cladding panel 40 can determine the desired spacing (i.e., distance L1) of the elongated structures 100 and thus the desired positioning and spacing of the alignment aids 160 on the construction element 32.

[0042] FIG. 2D is a detailed view of the region marked as Detail 2D in FIG. 2C, which shows alignment of an elongated structure 100 with an alignment aid 160 (e.g., a line). FIG. 2E is a detailed view of the region marked as Detail 2E in FIG. 2C, which shows alignment of an elongated structure 100 with an alignment aid 160 (e.g., line). The elongated structure 100 can include a notch 172 at both ends. The notch 172 in this example is half a diamond shape, where the alignment aid 160 can be aligned with the point of the half diamond shape, as shown. However, other shapes for the notch 172 can also be used, such as a square, a rectangle, a triangle, half an oval, half a circle, half an elongated circle, a frustoconical profile shape, etc.

[0043] The elongated structure 100 can also include alignment openings 170 positioned proximate both ends or spaced apart along the elongated structure 100. In this example the alignment opening is a narrow diamond shape, where the alignment aid 160 can be aligned with the horizontal points of the diamond shape. However, other shapes for the alignment openings 170 can also be used, such as a square, a rectangle, an oval, a circle, an elongated circle, etc. The notches 172 or alignment openings 170 can be voids in the elongated structure 100 through which a portion of the alignment aid 160 and a portion of the construction element 32 can be seen.

[0044] FIG. 2F is a detailed view of the region marked as Detail 2F in FIG. 2E, which shows an alignment of an alignment opening 170 of the elongated structure 100 to an alignment aid 160 on the construction element 32. The alignment opening 170 can be used to view a position of the alignment aid 160 (which can be marked on the construction element 32) relative to the alignment opening 170. Therefore, it can help a worker quickly align the alignment opening 170 with the alignment aid 160 to ensure that the elongated structure 100 is attached at the correct location on the construction element 32. It should be understood that many other alignment aids and openings can be used to assist a worker in attaching the elongated structures 100 to the construction element 32 at the predetermined spacing.

[0045] FIG. 3A is a representative perspective view of a construction system 30 with evenly spaced apart vertical elongated structures 100 attached to a construction element 32 (e.g., insulation panel 33 or external sheathing 28), in accordance with certain embodiments. Where FIG. 2A illustrates how the elongated structures 100 can be positioned on the construction element 32 in a horizontal orientation, FIG. 3A illustrates how the elongated structures 100 can be positioned on the construction element 32 in a substantially vertical orientation. It should be understood that the elongated structures 100 can also be positioned on the construction element 32 at any orientation between horizontal or vertical, as long as the predetermined spacing (i.e., distance L1) is maintained between adjacent elongated structures 100 and the adjacent elongated structures 100 are substantially parallel with each other.

[0046] FIG. 3B is a representative perspective view of a construction system with evenly spaced apart vertical elongated structures attached to a construction element 32 (e.g., insulation panel 33 or external sheathing 28), and cladding panels 40 attached to the elongated structures 100, in accordance with certain embodiments. As can be seen, a right edge of each cladding panel 40 can be secured to an elongated structure 100 with a left edge of each cladding panel 40 being secured to an adjacent one of the elongated structures 100. Therefore, a single elongated structure 100 can have a left edge of a cladding panel 40 (e.g., cladding panel 40a) attached to the upper receptor (relative position in horizontal orientation) of the elongated structure 100 and a right edge of an adjacent cladding panel 40 (e.g., cladding panel 40b) attached to the lower receptor (relative position in horizontal orientation) of the elongated structure 100. As the left edge of successive cladding panels 40 are installed in the upper receptor of successive elongated structures 100 and the right edge of the successive cladding panels 40 are installed in the lower receptors of adjacent successive elongated structures 100, the cladding panels 40 can provide an aesthetically pleasing look for the exterior of the building while covering the construction element 32 and the elongated structures 100.

[0047] FIG. 4A is a representative partial cross-sectional view 4A-4A, as indicated in FIG. 2B, of an elongated structure 100 that secures edges 42, 49 of adjacent cladding panels 40 to a construction element 32 (e.g., insulation panel 33 or external sheathing 28), in accordance with certain embodiments. The elongated structure 100 can be an extruded structure which can be formed from any suitable extrudable material, such as thermoplastic polymer, tin, zinc, iron, copper, aluminum, steel, etc. The elongated structure 100 can also be injection molded (e.g., with injectable polymers) or formed (e.g., from a metal sheet). In a non-limiting embodiment, the elongated structure 100 comprises polyvinylchloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CVPC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), nylon, polystyrene (PS), poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS), poly(acrylic styrene acrylonitrile) (ASA), poly(acrylonitrile ethylene styrene) or poly(acrylonitrile ethylene propylene styrene) (AES), acrylic, polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate (PC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyesters, polysulfones, polyphenylene oxide, PVC composite, PE composite, PP composite, or a combination thereof. In a non-limiting embodiment, the elongated structure 100 comprises aluminum, copper, steel, or alloys thereof. In a non-limiting embodiment, the elongated structure 100 comprises wood, or a wood-polymer composite.

[0048] The elongated structure 100 is illustrated in cross-section having a longitudinal axis 90 and a vertical axis 91. A support 102 can extend along the vertical axis 91, with a diverter 104, an upper receptor 149, and a lower receptor 142 protruding from one side of the support 102, where the opposite side of the support 102 can be attached to the construction element 32. The cladding panels 40 can be plastic siding (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)). The cladding panels 40 can be injection molded or extruded. The cladding panels 40 can also be board siding (e.g., fiber cement, wood) or metal siding.

[0049] An upper portion of the support 102 can extend above the diverter 104 and can be used to secure the elongated structure 100 to the construction element 32 via any suitable attachment means, such as fasteners 88 that can be installed through the upper portion of the support 102, through the construction element 32, and into the exterior sheathing 28 (as well as into a vertical support 20). The fasteners 88 can also be installed through the upper portion (or any other suitable portion) of the support 102 and into the construction element 32, but not into the exterior sheathing 28. Various other locations of fasteners 88, in addition to the two shown, can be used to attach the elongated structure 100 to the construction element 32, where the construction element 32 can be an insulation panel 33 attached to an exterior sheathing 28, or the construction element 32 can be the exterior sheathing 28 without an insulation panel 33, or the construction element 32 can be the vertical supports 20 without either an insulation panel 33 or exterior sheathing 28. This applies to the following figures as well, where the construction element 32 can be one of an insulation panel 33, an exterior sheathing 28, and the vertical supports 20, or combinations thereof.

[0050] Alternatively, or in addition to using fasteners 88, one or more adhesives 86 can be used to attach the support 102 (and thus the elongated structure 100) to the construction element 32. The adhesive 86 can be applied to the elongated structure 100, and then the elongated structure 100 can be engaged with the construction element 32, where the one or more adhesives 86 can secure the elongated structure 100 to the construction element. Alternatively, or in addition to, the adhesive 86 can be applied to the construction element 32, and then the elongated structure 100 can be engaged with the construction element 32, where the one or more adhesives 86 can secure the elongated structure 100 to the construction element. Prior to attachment of the elongated structure 100 to the construction element 32, the elongated structure 100 can be aligned with alignment aids 160 on the construction element 32 to aid a worker in installing the elongated structures 100 at the predetermined spacing on the construction element 32.

[0051] In a non-limiting embodiment, the diverter 104 can protrude from the support 102 at an angle A1, with the diverter 104 having an axis 92. While the angle A1 can be any angle from 5 degrees to 145 degrees, it can be preferred that the angle A1 ranges from greater than 90 degrees up to 135 degrees. The angle A1 can be greater than 5 degrees, greater than 10 degrees, greater than 15 degrees, greater than 20 degrees, greater than 25 degrees, greater than 30 degrees, greater than 35 degrees, greater than 40 degrees, greater than 45 degrees, greater than 50 degrees, greater than 55 degrees, greater than 60 degrees, greater than 65 degrees, greater than 70 degrees, greater than 75 degrees, greater than 80 degrees, greater than 85 degrees, greater than 90 degrees, greater than 95 degrees, or greater than 100 degrees.

[0052] The angle A1 can be less than 145 degrees, less than 140 degrees, less than 135 degrees, less than 130 degrees, less than 125 degrees, less than 120 degrees, less than 115 degrees, less than 110 degrees, less than 105 degrees, less than 100 degrees, less than 95 degrees, less than 90 degrees, less than 85 degrees, or less than 80 degrees. Therefore, the angle A1 can range from 5 degrees to 145 degrees, from 45 degrees to 90 degrees, from 90 degrees to 135 degrees, or from 100 degrees to 145 degrees.

[0053] If the angle A1 is greater than 90 degrees, fluid trapped in the space 70 (between the cladding and the construction element 32) and running down the surface 36 of the construction element 32 can be diverted away from the construction element 32. However, it is not a requirement that the elongated structure 100 include a diverter 104. In some embodiments, the receptors 142, 149 can be configured to divert fluid away from the construction element 32 without using a diverter 104.

[0054] An upper receptor 149 can protrude from the support 102 and can be configured to receive and retain a lower edge 49 of the cladding panel 40a, thereby securing the cladding panel 40a to the elongated structure 100. The upper receptor 149 can have an axis 93, which can be seen as a central axis for both the upper receptor 149 and the lower edge 49, when the lower edge 49 is received by the upper receptor 149. The upper receptor 149 can be configured to receive the lower edge 49 of the cladding panel 40a. In a non-limiting embodiment, the upper receptor 149 can include a bifurcated construction, with a space therebetween, into which the lower edge 49 of the cladding panel 40a can be received and retained.

[0055] One example of retention features of the upper receptor 149 and the lower edge 49, can be seen in FIG. 4A. The lower edge 49 can include multiple pairs of protrusions that extend from opposite sides of the lower edge 49, with the pairs of protrusions configured to engage other pairs of protrusions of the upper receptor 149 that extend into the space from opposite legs of the bifurcated construction. These protrusions of the upper receptor 149 can allow passage of the protrusions of the lower edge 49 as the lower edge 49 is forced into the space of the upper receptor 149 but can resist (or prevent) removal of the lower edge 49 from the upper receptor 149.

[0056] It should be understood that other configurations of the lower edge 49 and the upper receptor 149 can be used to provide a retention capability, such that the configuration allows the lower edge 49 to be received by the upper receptor 149 but resists removal of the lower edge 49 from the upper receptor 149 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7A-7D).

[0057] It should be understood that retention of the cladding panels 40 to the elongated structures 100, via any configuration of the upper and lower receptors exceeds 22.5 pounds per square foot (1077 Pa) of retention force as determined by testing requirements given in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D3679 which specifies a standard test method for Rigid Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Siding.

[0058] It should be understood that retention of the cladding panels 40 to the elongated structures 100, via any configuration of the upper and lower receptors exceeds 16.2 pounds per square foot (776 Pa) of retention force as determined by testing requirements given in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D7254 which specifies a standard test method for Polypropylene (PP) Siding.

[0059] It should be understood that retention of the cladding panels 40 to the elongated structures 100, via any configuration of the upper and lower receptors exceeds 21.7 pounds per square foot (1040 Pa) of retention force as determined by testing requirements given in the American Architectural Manufacturing Association (AAMA) standard 1402 which specifies a standard test method for Aluminum Siding, Soffit and Fascia.

[0060] It should also be understood that the lower edge 49 can be a bifurcated construction, with the upper receptor 149 being configured (e.g., similar to the configuration of the lower edge 49 in FIG. 4A) to be inserted into a space between the bifurcated construction of the lower edge 49.

[0061] The upper receptor 149 can protrude from the support 102 at an angle A2, where the angle A2 can range from 35 degrees to 135 degrees, with a preferred angle that can range from 45 degrees to 120 degrees. The lower edge 49 can be angled as well such that the lower edge 49 is aligned with the center axis 93 of the upper receptor 149 when the lower edge 49 is received by the upper receptor 149. The angle A2 can be greater than 35 degrees, greater than 40 degrees, greater than 45 degrees, greater than 50 degrees, greater than 55 degrees, greater than 60 degrees, greater than 65 degrees, greater than 70 degrees, greater than 75 degrees, greater than 80 degrees, greater than 85 degrees, greater than 90 degrees, greater than 95 degrees, or greater than 100 degrees.

[0062] The angle A2 can be less than 135 degrees, less than 130 degrees, less than 125 degrees, less than 120 degrees, less than 115 degrees, less than 110 degrees, less than 105 degrees, less than 100 degrees, less than 95 degrees, less than 90 degrees, less than 85 degrees, or less than 80 degrees. Therefore, the angle A2 can range from 35 degrees to 135 degrees, from 45 degrees to 90 degrees, from 90 degrees to 135 degrees, or from 100 degrees to 135 degrees.

[0063] In a non-limiting embodiment, the lower portion of the cladding panel 40a can include a vertical portion 45 formed along with a lateral portion 46, an interior vertical portion 48, a loop 54, and the lower edge 49 as the cladding panel 40a is extruded (or molded). When the cladding panel 40a is attached to the upper receptor 149, the exterior vertical portion of the cladding panel 40a can be substantially aligned (e.g., axis 95) with an exterior vertical portion of other cladding panels 40 attached to the construction element 32 via elongated structures 100.

[0064] In a non-limiting embodiment, the loop 54 can be used to engage the upper receptor 149, thereby limiting an insertion distance of the lower edge 49 into the upper receptor 149 and providing a biasing force against the upper receptor 149 to maintain engagement of retention features of the lower edge 49 with the retention features of the upper receptor 149. The loop 54 can be used to ensure consistency in aligning the vertical portion 45 of cladding panel 40a with the vertical portion of other cladding panels 40 (e.g., 40b).

[0065] The lower part of the vertical portion 45, the lateral portion 46, and the interior vertical portion 48 can form a longitudinal channel 50 that extends the longitudinal length of the cladding panel 40a. Weep holes 52 can be formed in the lateral portion 46 along the longitudinal channel 50 to allow fluid (e.g., condensed water vapor) trapped in the longitudinal channel 50 to be expelled onto an exterior surface of the cladding panel 40b.

[0066] The lower receptor 142 can protrude from the support 102 and can be configured to receive and retain an upper edge 42 of the cladding panel 40b, thereby securing the cladding panel 40b to the elongated structure 100. The lower receptor 142 can have an axis 94, which can be seen as a central axis for both the lower receptor 142 and the upper edge 42, when the upper edge 42 is received by the lower receptor 142. In a non-limiting embodiment, the lower receptor 142 can include a bifurcated construction, with a space therebetween, into which the upper edge 42 of the cladding panel 40b can be received and retained.

[0067] One example of retention features of the lower receptor 142 and the upper edge 42, can be seen in FIG. 4A. The upper edge 42 can include multiple pairs of protrusions that extend from opposite sides of the upper edge 42, with the pairs of protrusions configured to engage other pairs of protrusions of the lower receptor 142 that extend into the space from opposite legs of the bifurcated construction. These protrusions of the lower receptor 142 can allow passage of the protrusions of the upper edge 42 as the upper edge 42 is forced into the space of the lower receptor 142 but can resist (or prevent) removal of the upper edge 42 from the lower receptor 142. It should be understood that other configurations of the upper edge 42 and the lower receptor 142 can be used to provide the retention capability, such that the configuration allows the upper edge 42 to be received by the lower receptor 142 but resists removal of the upper edge 42 from the lower receptor 142.

[0068] It should also be understood that the upper edge 42 can be a bifurcated construction, with the lower receptor 142 being configured (e.g., similar to the configuration of the upper edge 42 in FIG. 4A) to be inserted into a space between the bifurcated construction of the upper edge 42.

[0069] The lower receptor 142 can protrude from the support 102 at an angle A3, where the angle A3 can range from 35 degrees to 135 degrees, with a preferred angle that can range from 45 degrees to 120 degrees. The upper edge 42 can be similarly configured such that the upper edge 42 is aligned with the center axis 94 of the lower receptor 142 when the upper edge 42 is received by the lower receptor 142. The angle A3 can be greater than 35 degrees, greater than 40 degrees, greater than 45 degrees, greater than 50 degrees, greater than 55 degrees, greater than 60 degrees, greater than 65 degrees, greater than 70 degrees, greater than 75 degrees, greater than 80 degrees, greater than 85 degrees, greater than 90 degrees, greater than 95 degrees, or greater than 100 degrees.

[0070] The angle A3 can be less than 135 degrees, less than 130 degrees, less than 125 degrees, less than 120 degrees, less than 115 degrees, less than 110 degrees, less than 105 degrees, less than 100 degrees, less than 95 degrees, less than 90 degrees, less than 85 degrees, or less than 80 degrees. Therefore, the angle A3 can range from 35 degrees to 135 degrees, from 45 degrees to 90 degrees, from 90 degrees to 135 degrees, or from 100 degrees to 135 degrees.

[0071] In a non-limiting embodiment, the upper portion of the cladding panel 40b can include a vertical portion 45 formed along with the lateral portion 44 and the upper edge 42 as the cladding panel 40b is extruded (or molded). When the cladding panel 40b is attached to the lower receptor 142, the exterior vertical portion 45 of the cladding panel 40b can be substantially aligned (e.g., axis 95) with an exterior vertical portion 45 of other cladding panels 40 attached to the construction element 32 via elongated structures 100, such as cladding panel 40a.

[0072] FIG. 4B is a representative partial cross-sectional view 4A-4A, as indicated in FIG. 2B, of an elongated structure 100 that secures edges 42, 49 of adjacent cladding panels 40 (e.g., cladding panels 40a, 40b) to a construction element 32, where the elongated structure 100 cooperates with the cladding panels 40 to manage fluid trapped between the cladding panels 40 and the construction element 32, in accordance with certain embodiments. Moisture trapped between cladding panels 40 and the construction element 32 is not ideal and can lead to various issues having negative impacts on the building structure or the cladding system as well as other structural members of the building. Therefore, it can be desirable to direct any trapped fluid (e.g., condensed moisture, leaks, etc.) out of the space 70 and expose it to the exterior atmosphere, which can act to evaporate the fluid.

[0073] If fluid collects and begins to flow down the construction element 32 (arrows 181), it can engage one of the elongated structures 100. The engagement of the support 102 with the construction element 32 (e.g., via fasteners or adhesives) can cause the fluid to flow on the outside of the support 102 (arrow 181a), where the outside of the support 102 is the side that faces the cladding panel 40. As the fluid flows down the support 102, it can be diverted away from the support 102 by a diverter 104, which, as previously explained, can be angled relative to the support 102. The angle of the diverter 104 can cause the fluid to flow (arrow 182) away from the support 102.

[0074] The diverter 104 can extend from the support 102 to overlay the loop 54 and edge 49 portions of the cladding panel 40a, as well as the upper receptor 149 of the elongated structure 100. The diverter 104 can direct the fluid to flow away from these elements, including the construction element 32, and into the longitudinal channel 50 (arrow 183). Fluid that enters the longitudinal channel 50 can flow to the bottom of the longitudinal channel 50 (arrow 183), through the weep holes 52 in the lateral portion 46 of the cladding panel 40a, and onto an exterior surface of the lateral portion 44 of the cladding panel 40b. The fluid can then flow down along the exterior surface of the lateral portion 44 and out of the cladding system, where the external environment can evaporate it.

[0075] Additionally, if fluid collects and begins to flow down the interior surface of the vertical portion 45 of the cladding panel 40a (arrows 180), it can flow directly to the bottom of the longitudinal channel 50 (arrow 183), through the weep holes 52 in the lateral portion 46, and onto an exterior surface of the lateral portion 44 of the cladding panel 40b.

[0076] If diverter 104 is not utilized, then the upper receptor 149 can be angled to divert fluid away from the support 102 (arrow 184) and drain it through the weep holes 56 in the lower edge 49 of the cladding panel 40a. From the weep holes 56, the fluid can flow (arrow 186) onto the lateral portion 44 of the lower cladding panel 40b and out of space 70 (arrow 187).

[0077] If any fluid is trapped in the space between the upper receptor 149 and the lower receptor 142, it can also be diverted (arrow 185) from the support 102 by the angled lower receptor 142. This fluid can flow (arrow 186) onto the lateral portion 44 of the lower cladding panel 40b and out of space 70 (arrow 187).

[0078] As can be seen, fluid (or at least a portion of the fluid) trapped in spaces 70 between the cladding panels 40 and construction elements 32 can be removed through the fluid flow management provided by the elongated structures 100 and the cladding panels 40. The elongated structure 100 is configured to divert (or shed) fluid trapped in the space 70 away from the construction element, and, in cooperation with the cladding panels 40, can expel at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of any fluid trapped in the space 70 from the cladding system. It should be understood that space 70 can include spaces between a cladding panel 40 and a construction element 32, as well as spaces between a cladding panel 40 and an elongated structure 100.

[0079] FIG. 4C is a representative partial cross-sectional view 4A-4A, as indicated in FIG. 2B, of an elongated structure 100 that can secure edges 42, 49 of adjacent cladding panels 40a, 40b to a construction element 32, where the elongated structure 100 is attached to an exterior surface 36 of the construction element 32, in accordance with certain embodiments. The elongated structure 100, as stated previously, can be attached to the exterior surface 36 by one or more adhesives 86 or fasteners 88 (see FIG. 4A). In this configuration, the construction element 32 can have a planar exterior surface 36, onto which the elongated structure 100 can be attached.

[0080] FIG. 4D is a representative partial cross-sectional view 4A-4A, as indicated in FIG. 2B, of an elongated structure 100 that secures edges 42, 49 of adjacent cladding panels 40 to a construction element 32, where the elongated structure 100 is attached to a recessed channel 34 formed in an exterior surface 36 of the construction element 32, in accordance with certain embodiments. The elongated structure 100, as stated previously, can be attached in the recessed channel 34 by one or more adhesives 86 or fasteners 88. Channel 34 can be used as an alignment aid for field installations of the elongated structure 100.

[0081] A worker can justify the elongated structure 100 to the top of the channel 34 where the support 102 can engage an upper wall of the channel 34. Alternatively, the worker can justify the elongated structure 100 to the bottom of the channel 34 where lower receptor 142 can engage a lower wall of the channel 34. With the channels formed (or cut-away, or compressed, etc.) by machinery at a factory, the channels 34 can be spaced apart on the construction element 32 to provide the predetermined spacing for installing elongated structures 100 on the construction element 32.

[0082] The channel 34 can be formed to a depth that causes the distance L8 to be a desired distance (e.g., three quarters of an inch) so standard accessories (e.g., J-channel edging, under sill trim, H-bars, trim, millwork, etc.) can be used to finish out the cladding panels when installed on wall 10 of the building.

[0083] FIG. 4E is a representative partial cross-sectional view of detail 4E, as indicated in FIG. 4C, of an elongated structure 100 that secures edges 42, 49 of adjacent cladding panels 40 to a construction element 32, where the elongated structure 100 is attached to an exterior surface 36 of the construction element 32, in accordance with certain embodiments, where the construction element 32 can be an insulation panel 33 attached to an exterior sheathing 28, or the construction element 32 can be the exterior sheathing 28 without an insulation panel 33, or the construction element 32 can be the vertical supports 20 without either an insulation panel 33 or exterior sheathing 28.

[0084] The diverter 104 can be angled relative to the support 102, such that fluid can flow away from the support 102. It can be preferred that the diverter 104 extend past the surface 64 of the interior vertical portion 48 by a distance L5. This can ensure that fluid from the diverter 104 enters longitudinal channel 50 without flowing onto the loop 54 or onto the upper receptor 149.

[0085] When the lower edge 49 is installed into the upper receptor 149, one or more protrusions 47 of the lower edge 49 can be forced past one or more protrusions 147 of the upper receptor 149. The protrusions 47, 147 can form a ramp on one side with an edge on another side, such that the ramps allow the ramp of the protrusion 47 to move along a ramp of the protrusion 147, thereby forcing the bifurcated upper receptor 149 to be spread apart allowing the lower edge 49 to be inserted into the upper receptor 149. When the ramped side of the protrusion 47 passes the ramped side of the protrusion 147, the bifurcated upper receptor 149 can draw back together and the edges of the protrusions 47, 147 are allowed to engage each other. Since these edges are substantially parallel with each other, their engagement resists (or prevents) removal of the lower edge 49 from the upper receptor 149.

[0086] A force F1 can be applied to the surface 64 of the interior vertical portion 48 to force the lower edge 49 into the upper receptor 149. The force F1 can be applied to the surface 64, by a worker applying a force to the exterior vertical portion 45 and distorting the exterior vertical portion 45, such that the exterior vertical portion 45 engages the surface 64 and applies the force F1. By applying the force F1 to the surface 64, the loop portion 54 can be distorted such that the distance L6 from the surface 64 to the biasing portion 55 is reduced until the interior vertical portion 48 engages the biasing portion 55. Engaging the biasing portion 55 with the interior vertical portion 48 can cause an insertion force to be applied to the lower edge 49 and begin forcing the lower edge 49 into the upper receptor 149.

[0087] When the lower edge 49 is inserted into the upper receptor 149 a certain distance, the surface 62 of the biasing portion 55 can engage the surface 60 of the upper receptor 149. This engagement can cause the biasing portion 55 to be deformed as the force F1 continues to be applied after engagement of the surface 62 with the surface 60. Deforming the biasing portion 55 can ensure that the edges of the protrusions 47, 147 go past each other to ensure engagement of the edges of the protrusions 47, 147.

[0088] When the force F1 is removed, the biasing portion 55 can attempt to return to its original shape, but engagement of the edges of the protrusions 47, 147 can prevent the biasing portion 55 to fully return to its original shape, thereby causing the biasing portion 55 to maintain a biasing force that can ensure that the edges of the protrusions 47, 147 stay engaged. Ensuring engagement of the edges of the protrusions 47, 147 can maintain a space 58 between an end of the lower edge 49 and the end of the bifurcated upper receptor 149. The space 58 (with distance L7) can provide clearance for insertion of the lower edge 49 into the upper receptor 149 such that the edges of the protrusions 47, 147 go past each other and then can move back into engagement with each other.

[0089] When the upper edge 42 is installed into the lower receptor 142, one or more protrusions 43 of the upper edge 42 can be forced past one or more protrusions 143 of the lower receptor 142. The protrusions 43, 143 can form a ramp on one side with an edge on another side, such that the ramps allow the ramp of the protrusion 43 to move along a ramp of the protrusion 143, thereby forcing the bifurcated lower receptor 142 to be spread apart allowing the upper edge 42 to be inserted into the lower receptor 142. When the ramped side of the protrusion 43 passes the ramped side of the protrusion 143, the bifurcated lower receptor 142 can draw back together and the edges of the protrusions 43, 143 are allowed to engage each other. Since these edges are substantially parallel with each other, their engagement resists (or prevents) removal of the upper edge 42 from the lower receptor 142.

[0090] A force F2 can be applied to the lateral portion 44 of the upper edge 42 to force the upper edge 42 into the lower receptor 142. When the upper edge 42 is inserted into the lower receptor 142 a certain distance, the edges of the protrusions 43, 143 can go past each other and allow the bifurcated lower receptor 142 to come back together, thereby allowing engagement of the edges of the protrusions 43, 143. In this configuration, when the force F2 is removed, gravity can be used to bias the edges of the protrusions 43, 143 into engagement with each other and maintain a space 59. The space 59 can be seen as the space between an end of the upper edge 42 and an end of the space in the bifurcated lower receptor 142. The space 59 (e.g., with distance L7) can provide clearance for insertion of the upper edge 42 into the lower receptor 142 such that the edges of the protrusions 43, 143 go past each other and then can move back into engagement with each other.

[0091] FIG. 5 is a representative perspective view of a construction element 32 with evenly spaced apart horizontal elongated structures 100 attached thereto, and cladding panels 40 attached to the elongated structures 100, in accordance with certain embodiments. This elongated structure 100 is somewhat different from the elongated structure 100 in the previous figures. Similarly, the elongated structure 100 can receive and retain the upper edge 42 of a cladding panel (e.g., 40b), and receive and retain the lower edge 49 of an adjacent cladding panel (e.g., 40a). The elongated structures 100 can be oriented at any orientation from horizontal to vertical and spaced apart by a desired amount (e.g., predetermined distance L4) to accommodate the desired spacing of the cladding panels 40. Multiple cladding panels can also be positioned along a row formed by adjacent elongated structures 100 (e.g., cladding panels 40b and 40c).

[0092] FIG. 6A is a representative partial cross-sectional view 6A-6A, as indicated in FIG. 5, of another elongated structure 100 that secures edges 42, 49 of adjacent cladding panels 40a, 40b to a construction element 32, where the elongated structure 100 is attached to an exterior surface 36 of the construction element 32, in accordance with certain embodiments. The lower receptor 142 is similar to the one shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, except that the lower receptor 142 is shown at an angle A3 of substantially 90 degrees relative to the axis 91 of the support 102. It should be understood that the lower receptor 142 can be angled other than 90 degrees, such as the range of angles defined above regarding angle A3 for the lower receptor 142.

[0093] The upper receptor 149 illustrates another configuration that can be used to secure the cladding panels 40 to the elongated structure 100. The upper receptor 149 can be formed to cause the lower edge 49 to be received at an angle relative to the support 102. The lower edge 49 can be formed as a bifurcated end, with two portions opposing each other and a space therebetween. The upper receptor 149 can be inserted into the space between the opposing legs of the bifurcated lower edge 49.

[0094] Pairs of protrusions extending outward from the main body of the upper receptor 149 can engage with pairs of protrusions of the lower edge 49 extending inward into the space therebetween, thereby securing the lower edge 49 onto the upper receptor 149. The cladding panel 40 (e.g., cladding panel 40a) can be an extruded structure which can be formed from an extrudable material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, tin, zinc, iron, copper, steel, etc. The cladding panel 40 can also be injection molded (e.g., with injectable polymers) or formed (e.g., from a metal sheet).

[0095] The cladding panel 40a can include a vertical portion 45, a lateral portion 46 (which is angled in this configuration), and the lower edge 49. Any trapped fluid in the space 70 can be managed by the elongated structure 100 and the cladding panel 40a to drain the trapped fluid through the weep holes 52, 53, onto either the lower receptor 142 or the upper edge 42 of the adjacent cladding panel (e.g., cladding panel 40b).

[0096] It should be understood that the upper edge 42 and the lower receptor 142 can be angled to further assist in draining the trapped fluid from the space 70 to the external environment. This configuration does not include a diverter 104, but a diverter 104 can be supported as long as it does not affect attachment of the lower edge 49 to the upper receptor 149. It is also illustrated that various pairs of protrusions can be used to secure the edges 42, 49 to the respective receptors 142, 149. Alternatively, or in addition to, the retention capability of the receptors 142, 149 can be provided by retention features other than pairs of protrusions, such as the examples shown in FIGS. 7A-7D.

[0097] As mentioned above, regarding attaching the elongated structures 100 to the construction element 32, the elongated structures 100 can be attached at a factory (i.e., prefabricated) or attached in the field. The construction element 32 and the elongated structure 100 can have alignment aids to assist a worker in attaching the elongated structures 100 at a predetermined spacing (e.g., distance L1) on the construction element 32. The distance L8 is defined by the dimensions of the cladding panels 40 and the elongated structures 100.

[0098] FIG. 6B is a representative partial cross-sectional view 6A-6A, as indicated in FIG. 5, of another elongated structure 100 that secures edges 42, 49 of adjacent cladding panels (e.g., cladding panels 40a, 40b) to a construction element 32, where the elongated structure 100 is attached to a recessed channel 34 formed in an exterior surface 36 of the construction element 32, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0099] The channel 34 can be formed to a depth that causes the distance L8 to be a desired distance (e.g., three quarters of an inch) so standard trim accessories (e.g., J-channel edging) can be used to finish out the cladding panels when installed on wall 10 of the building.

[0100] FIGS. 7A-7D are representative partial cross-sectional views of various elongated structures 100 that secure edges 42, 49 of adjacent cladding panels 40 to a construction element 32, where the elongated structure 100 is attached to an exterior surface 36 of the construction element 32, in accordance with certain embodiments. In an embodiment, these elongated structures 100 can also be installed in a recessed channel 34 (not shown) of the exterior surface 36, similar to the channel 34 shown in previous figures (FIGS. 4D and 6B).

[0101] In a non-limiting embodiment, FIG. 7A shows an elongated structure 100 with deformable receptors 142, 149. The upper receptor 149 can include a lateral portion attached to the support 102 and protruding from the support 102, with an upturned end that can be inserted into a channel of the lower edge 49. The lower edge 49 can include a bifurcated construction with the inner leg of the bifurcation being shorter than the outer leg. The outer leg of the lower edge 49 can be long enough to overlap the upper edge 42 of the adjacent cladding panel 40b, when installed. Optional fasteners 88 or one or more adhesives 86 can be used to secure the elongated structure 100 to the construction element 32.

[0102] With the cladding panel 40b installed between the elongated structure 100 and an adjacent elongated structure 100 (not shown) spaced below the elongated structure 100 (shown in FIG. 7A), then the cladding panel 40a can be installed between the elongated structure 100 and an adjacent elongated structure 100 (not shown) spaced above the elongated structure 100 (shown in FIG. 7A). The lower edge 49 of the cladding panel 40a can be installed onto the upper receptor 149 such that the upturned end of the upper receptor 149 is received by the channel in the lower edge 49. In this non-limiting embodiment, the cladding panels can form a shiplap type configuration where the upper cladding panel 40a can overlap the top of the cladding panel 40b when they are coupled to the construction element 32 via the elongated structures 100.

[0103] The cladding panel 40a can be forced down by application of a force F3 to the cladding panel 40a, thereby deflecting the lateral portion downward (arrows 190) a sufficient amount such that the upper edge 42 of the cladding panel 40a can engage the lower receptor 142 of the adjacent elongated structure 100 (not shown), such that a downturned end of the lower receptor 142 (not shown) can be inserted into the channel of the upper edge 42 of the cladding panel 40a. With the upper edge 42 positioned to engage the lower receptor 142 of the adjacent elongated structure 100 (not shown), the force F3 can be removed allowing the lateral portion of the upper receptor 149 to return to its undeflected position. Therefore, the cladding panel 40a can be secured by the lower edge 49 engaged with the upper receptor 149 of the elongated structure 100 in FIG. 7A and the upper edge 42 engaged with the lower receptor 142 of the adjacent elongated structure 100 (not shown) spaced above the elongated structure 100 (shown in FIG. 7A).

[0104] Any fluid trapped in the longitudinal channel 50 can run down the interior surface of the cladding panel 40a or the surface 36 of the construction element 32 onto the upper receptor 149 and flow through the weep holes 53 in the upper receptor 149. The upper edge 42 can be configured to receive the fluid from the weep holes 53 and divert the fluid to an exterior surface of the lower cladding panel (e.g., cladding panel 40b). The portion of the upper receptor 149 attached to the support 102 can be angled to assist in flowing fluid to the weep holes 53. Fluid received in the space between the upper receptor 149 and the lower receptor 142 can flow to the weep holes 57 in the lower receptor 142. The portion of the lower receptor 142 attached to the support 102 can be angled to assist in flowing fluid to the weep holes 57. Fluid that flows through the weep holes 57 can travel down to the upper receptor 149 of the next elongated structure 100 (not shown) below the elongated structure 100 (shown in FIG. 7A), and then through the weep holes 53 in the upper receptor 149 of the next elongated structure 100 and out to the exterior environment.

[0105] In a non-limiting embodiment, FIG. 7B shows an elongated structure 100 with deformable receptors 142, 149. The receptors 142, 149 can include a bifurcated construction with both legs of the bifurcation being curved inwardly toward the other leg. An oval shape at least partially formed by the legs of either of the bifurcated receptors 142, 149 can have a diameter D1. Deforming the legs of the bifurcated receptors 142, 149 can cause the diameter D1 to increase or decrease. Optional fasteners 88 or one or more adhesives 86 can be used to secure the elongated structure 100 to the construction element 32.

[0106] The edges 42, 49 can be configured to match the shape of the respective receptors 142, 149, with each of the edges 42, 49 having an outer diameter D2 that allows the edges 42, 49 to be received within the respective receptors 142, 149. With a force F5 applied to the lateral portion 44 of the cladding panel 40b, the upper edge 42 can be inserted into the lower receptor 142. When the force F5 is applied, the upper edge 42 can force the legs of the bifurcated lower receptor 142 apart, thereby increasing the diameter D1. It should also be understood that the outer diameter D2 can also be decreased as the upper edge 42 is inserted into the lower receptor 142. When the oval end of the upper edge 42 is received in the lower receptor 142, the bifurcated legs of the lower receptor 142 and the oval end of the upper edge 42 can return to their original shape before the deformation caused by insertion of the upper edge 42 into the lower receptor 142. Because force is required to deform the diameters D1, D2, then the lower receptor 142 resists removal of the upper edge 42 from the lower receptor 142.

[0107] With a force F4 applied to the lower edge 49 of the cladding panel 40a, the lower edge 49 can be inserted into the upper receptor 149. The operation of the upper receptor 149 receiving and retaining the lower edge 49 is similar to the operation of the lower receptor 142 receiving the upper edge 42, as described above. Therefore, the elongated structure 100 can receive and retain an upper edge 42 of a cladding panel 40b and a lower edge 49 of the adjacent cladding panel 40a by engagement with the respective receptors 142, 149. Trapped fluid can be expelled from the space 70 through the weep holes 52 at the bottom of the longitudinal channel 50.

[0108] The elongated structure 100 can also include an optional diverter 104, which is much like the one described above regarding FIGS. 4A through 4E. The diverter 104 can protrude from support 102 to extend past the end of the upper receptor 149. Therefore, fluid running down the construction element can be diverted away from the support 102 by the diverter 104 and dropped onto the lower edge 49 of the cladding panel 40a. The lower edge 49 can be inclined to direct fluid further away from the support 102 and into the longitudinal channel 50, where the fluid can be expelled through the weep holes 52 to the external environment. Alternatively, or in addition to, the top leg of the bifurcated receptor 142, 149 can be formed so as to be inclined away from the support 102, such that fluid is diverted away from the support 102. The lower receptor 142 is shown with this type of top leg that diverts fluid away from the structure, onto the inclined lateral portion of the upper edge 42 of the cladding panel 40b, and then out to the external environment. Therefore, if the diverter 104 is not used, then both top legs of the receptors 142, 149 can be inclined away from the support 102, as shown in FIG. 7B for the lower receptor 142.

[0109] In a non-limiting embodiment, FIG. 7C shows an elongated structure 100 with receptors 142, 149. The receptors 142, 149 can include a convoluted construction with the upper receptor 149 being convoluted in one direction and the lower receptor 142 being convoluted in an opposite direction. The convoluted shape of the upper receptor 149 can generally match a convoluted shape of the lower edge 49, where the lower edge 49 can be installed longitudinally into the upper receptor 149 by sliding the lower edge 49 along the upper receptor 149 from an end of the upper receptor 149. The convoluted shape of the lower receptor 142 can generally match a convoluted shape of the upper edge 42, where the upper edge 42 can be installed longitudinally into the lower receptor 142 by sliding the upper edge 42 along the lower receptor 142 from an end of the lower receptor 142. Optional fasteners 88 or one or more adhesives 86 can be used to secure the elongated structure 100 to the construction element 32.

[0110] The cladding panel 40a can include a vertical portion 45, a lateral portion 46 (which is angled in this configuration), and the lower edge 49. Any trapped fluid in the space 70 can be managed by the elongated structure 100 and the cladding panel 40a to drain the trapped fluid through weep holes 53 and onto the lateral portion 44 of the upper edge 42 of the adjacent cladding panel (e.g., cladding panel 40b). The fluid can then flow out to an external environment. The portion of the upper receptor 149 attached to the support 102 can be angled relative to the support 102 to divert fluid from the support 102 to the longitudinal channel 50 and to the weep holes 53.

[0111] The portion of the lower receptor 142 attached to the support 102 can be angled relative to the support 102 to divert fluid toward the support 102 to be expelled through the weep holes 57. Fluid expelled through the weep holes 57 can flow down to the upper receptor 149 of the lower adjacent elongated structure 100 (not shown), and then be diverted to the weep holes 53 (not shown) of the cladding panel 40b.

[0112] In a non-limiting embodiment, FIG. 7D shows an elongated structure 100 with receptors 142, 149. The receptors 142, 149 can include an L-shaped construction with the L-shape of the upper receptor 149 being oriented in an opposite direction to the L-shape of the lower receptor 142. However, it should be understood that the L-shape of each of the receptors 142, 149 can be oriented in the same direction. Openings 148 can be formed along the upper receptor 149 to receive the lower edge 49, which can include a plurality of ends, with each end being aligned with a respective opening 148 in the upper receptor 149.

[0113] One or more protrusions from the plurality of ends of the lower edge 49 can be used to resist (or prevent) removal of the lower edge 49 from the respective openings 148 of the upper receptor 149. Openings 144 can be formed along the lower receptor 142 to receive the upper edge 42, which can include a plurality of ends, with each end being aligned with a respective opening 144 in the lower receptor 142. One or more protrusions from the plurality of ends of the upper edge 42 can be used to resist (or prevent) removal of the upper edge 42 from the respective openings 144 of lower receptor 142. Optional fasteners 88 or one or more adhesives 86 can be used to secure the elongated structure 100 to the construction element 32.

[0114] The cladding panel 40a can include a vertical portion 45, a lateral portion 46 (which is angled in this configuration), an interior vertical portion 48, and the lower edge 49. Any trapped fluid in the space 70 can be managed by the elongated structure 100 and the cladding panel 40a to drain the trapped fluid through weep holes 52 in the longitudinal channel 50 and onto the lateral portion 44 of the upper edge 42 of the adjacent cladding panel (e.g., cladding panel 40b). The fluid can then flow out to an external environment. The portion of the upper receptor 149 attached to the support 102 can be angled relative to the support 102 to divert fluid from the support 102 to the longitudinal channel 50 and to the weep holes 52.

[0115] The portion of the lower receptor 142 attached to the support 102 can be angled relative to the support 102 to divert fluid toward the support 102 to be expelled through the weep holes 57. Fluid expelled through the weep holes 57 can flow down to the upper receptor 149 of the lower adjacent elongated structure 100 (not shown), and then be diverted to the longitudinal channel 50 and through the weep holes 52 (not shown) of the cladding panel 40b.

[0116] The weep holes 57 spaced along the lower receptor 142 allow fluid trapped between the upper receptor 149 and the lower receptor 142 to drain into the space 70 of the adjacent cladding panel 40b, and then through the weep holes 52 (not shown) of the adjacent cladding panel 40b and into the external environment.

[0117] When a force F4 is applied to the lower edge 49, the plurality of ends can be inserted through the plurality of openings 148 in the upper receptor 149. The plurality of protrusions can resist (or prevent) the removal of the lower edge 49 from the upper receptor 149. Similarly, when force F5 is applied to the lateral portion 44 of the upper edge 42, the plurality of ends can be inserted through the plurality of openings 144 in the lower receptor 142. The plurality of protrusions can resist (or prevent) the removal of the upper edge 42 from the lower receptor 142.

[0118] As can be seen, several configurations of elongated structures 100 and cladding panels 40 are disclosed that can maintain a spacing between two adjacent cladding panels 40 and provide fluid management for fluid that may become trapped in the space 70.

[0119] As used herein, the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, has, having, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, or refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0120] The use of a or an is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

[0121] The use of the word about, approximately, generally, or substantially is intended to mean that a value of a parameter is close to a stated value or position. However, minor differences may prevent the values or positions from being exactly as stated. Thus, differences of up to ten percent (10%) for the value are reasonable differences from the ideal goal of exactly as described. A significant difference can be when the difference is greater than ten percent (10%).

[0122] As used herein, relative terms, such as up, upward, upper, above, top, down, downward, lower, below, bottom, left, or right, are relative to an orientation shown in the figures. Even if a real object similar to that depicted in the figures is rotated 180 degrees, the top of the object would still refer to the same side of the object, even if the side of the object referred to in the description (e.g., the top in this example) were actually facing down, top would still correctly refer to that side and using relative terms in the claims are also indicating relative position as related to the orientation shown in the figures.

[0123] It should be noted that the X-Y-Z coordinate axes are indicated in at least FIGS. 1-4E, where the X-Y-Z coordinate axes are relative to a wall 10 of a building. The wall forms an X-Z plane with the Y axis being substantially perpendicular to the wall 10. As used herein, vertical, vertical position, or vertical orientation refers to a position that is substantially parallel to the X-Z plane or substantially perpendicular to the Y axis. As used herein, horizontal, horizontal position, or horizontal orientation refers to a position that is substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis or substantially parallel to an X-Y plane.

Various Embodiments

[0124] Embodiment 1. A system for securing cladding panels, the system comprising: [0125] an elongated structure configured to retain adjacent cladding panels to a construction element and to shed away from the construction element at least 70% of fluid trapped between the cladding panels and the construction element.

[0126] Embodiment 2. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the elongated structure comprises a diverter that is configured to divert the fluid away from the construction element.

[0127] Embodiment 3. The system of embodiment 2, wherein a lower portion of each of the cladding panels forms a longitudinal channel, and wherein a first plurality of weep holes are formed along the longitudinal channel in a lateral portion of the lower portion.

[0128] Embodiment 4. The system of embodiment 3, wherein fluid diverted by the diverter flows from the diverter into the longitudinal channel and exits the longitudinal channel through the first plurality of weep holes.

[0129] Embodiment 5. The system of embodiment 4, wherein the fluid exists in the longitudinal channel through the first plurality of weep holes and onto an adjacent one of the cladding panels that is below the longitudinal channel, and wherein the fluid is diverted to an exterior surface of the adjacent one of the cladding panels.

[0130] Embodiment 6. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the elongated structure sheds away from the construction element at least 95% of fluid trapped between the cladding panels and the construction element.

[0131] Embodiment 7. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the elongated structure comprises an upper receptor that is configured to receive a lower edge of a first cladding panel and a lower receptor that is configured to receive an upper edge of a second cladding panel, and wherein the upper receptor is configured to divert the fluid away from the construction element.

[0132] Embodiment 8. The system of embodiment 7, wherein the fluid is diverted away from the construction element to a second plurality of weep holes in the lower edge of the first cladding panel, wherein the fluid flows through the second plurality of weep holes, onto the upper edge of the second cladding panel, and along the upper edge to an exterior environment, and wherein the exterior environment is external to the cladding panels and the construction element.

[0133] Embodiment 9. The system of embodiment 7, wherein a lower portion of the first cladding panel forms a longitudinal channel, and wherein a first plurality of weep holes are formed along the longitudinal channel in a lateral portion of the lower portion.

[0134] Embodiment 10. The system of embodiment 9, wherein fluid diverted by the upper receptor flows from the upper receptor into the longitudinal channel and exits the longitudinal channel through the first plurality of weep holes.

[0135] Embodiment 11. The system of embodiment 10, wherein the fluid exists in the longitudinal channel through the first plurality of weep holes and onto the second cladding panel which is below the longitudinal channel, and wherein the fluid is diverted to an exterior surface of the second cladding panel.

[0136] Embodiment 12. The system of embodiment 7, wherein the upper receptor is angled relative to the construction element and comprises a third plurality of weep holes formed in a lower portion of the upper receptor.

[0137] Embodiment 13. The system of embodiment 12, wherein the fluid flows through the third plurality of weep holes and onto the second cladding panel which is below the third plurality of weep holes, and wherein the fluid is diverted to an exterior surface of the second cladding panel.

[0138] Embodiment 14. The system of embodiment 7, wherein the lower receptor is angled relative to the construction element and comprises a fourth plurality of weep holes formed in a lower portion of the lower receptor.

[0139] Embodiment 15. The system of embodiment 14, wherein the fluid flows through the fourth plurality of weep holes and onto a second elongated structure positioned below the elongated structure, and wherein the fluid is diverted by the second elongated structure to an exterior surface of a third cladding panel, which is below the second cladding panel.

[0140] Embodiment 16. A system for securing cladding panels, the system comprising: [0141] an elongated structure configured to be attached to a construction element, wherein the elongated structure comprises: [0142] an upper receptor configured to receive a lower edge of a first cladding panel and retain the first cladding panel to the upper receptor; and [0143] a lower receptor configured to receive an upper edge of a second cladding panel and retain the second cladding panel to the lower receptor.

[0144] Embodiment 17. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the elongated structure further comprises a support, wherein the upper receptor and the lower receptor protrude from one side of the support, and wherein an opposite side of the support is configured to be attached to the construction element.

[0145] Embodiment 18. The system of embodiment 17, wherein the upper receptor is angled at a first angle relative to the support and the lower receptor is angled at a second angle relative to the support, and wherein the first angle is different than the second angle.

[0146] Embodiment 19. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the upper receptor receives the lower edge of the first cladding panel and retains the lower edge in the upper receptor via retention features.

[0147] Embodiment 20. The system of embodiment 19, wherein the retention features comprise at least one of: [0148] pairs of protrusions of the upper receptor that are configured to engage pairs of protrusions of the lower edge; [0149] a plurality of protrusions on the lower edge that are configured to axially engage a plurality of openings in the upper receptor; [0150] an upturned flange of the upper receptor that are configured to engage a longitudinal channel in the lower edge; [0151] a rounded portion at an end of the lower edge that are configured to axially snap into the upper receptor, wherein the upper receptor is bifurcated and comprises two curved legs that are configured to receive the rounded portion therebetween; or [0152] a first convoluted portion at an end of the lower edge that is configured to slide longitudinally into a second convoluted portion of the upper receptor.

[0153] Embodiment 21. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the lower receptor receives the upper edge of the second cladding panel and retains the upper edge in the lower receptor via retention features.

[0154] Embodiment 22. The system of embodiment 21, wherein the retention features comprise at least one of: [0155] pairs of protrusions of the lower receptor that are configured to engage pairs of protrusions of the upper edge; [0156] a plurality of protrusions on the upper edge that are configured to axially engage a plurality of openings in the lower receptor; [0157] an upturned flange of the lower receptor that is configured to engage a longitudinal channel in the upper edge; [0158] a rounded portion at an end of the upper edge that are configured to axially snap into the lower receptor, wherein the lower receptor is bifurcated and comprises two curved legs that are configured to receive the rounded portion therebetween; or [0159] a first convoluted portion at an end of the upper edge that is configured to slide longitudinally into a second convoluted portion of the lower receptor.

[0160] Embodiment 23. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the elongated structure further comprises a support, wherein the upper receptor, the lower receptor, and a diverter protrude from one side of the support, and wherein an opposite side of the support is configured to be attached to the construction element.

[0161] Embodiment 24. The system of embodiment 23, wherein the diverter is positioned above the upper receptor and protrudes further from the support than the upper receptor, and wherein the diverter is configured to divert fluid away from the support and past the upper receptor.

[0162] Embodiment 25. The system of embodiment 24, wherein a longitudinal channel is formed at a bottom portion of the first cladding panel, and wherein the diverter is configured to divert fluid away from the support, past the upper receptor, and into the longitudinal channel.

[0163] Embodiment 26. The system of embodiment 25, wherein the first cladding panel comprises a first plurality of weep holes along a bottom of the longitudinal channel, and wherein the fluid that is diverted into the longitudinal channel flows out of the longitudinal channel through the first plurality of weep holes.

[0164] Embodiment 27. The system of embodiment 26, wherein the fluid that flows out of the first plurality of weep holes flows onto an exterior surface of the second cladding panel.

[0165] Embodiment 28. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the elongated structure further comprises one or more alignment features that are aligned with an alignment aid on the construction element when the elongated structure is being attached to the construction element.

[0166] Embodiment 29. The system of embodiment 28, wherein the elongated structure is attached to the construction element by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives, or both.

[0167] Embodiment 30. The system of embodiment 28, wherein the alignment features are: [0168] one or more alignment holes spaced along the elongated structure, [0169] two or more alignment notches positioned at opposite ends of the elongated structure, or [0170] a longitudinal edge of the elongated structure.

[0171] Embodiment 31. The system of embodiment 30, wherein the alignment aid is a line marked on the construction element, and wherein each of the alignment features is aligned to the line on the construction element to attach the elongated structure at a predetermined spacing.

[0172] Embodiment 32. The system of embodiment 30, wherein the alignment aid is a longitudinal recessed channel, and wherein the elongated structure is positioned in the longitudinal recessed channel, which positions the elongated structure at a predetermined spacing from an adjacent elongated structure.

[0173] Embodiment 33. The system of embodiment 16, wherein a lower portion of the first cladding panel comprises a loop portion and a biasing portion, and wherein the loop portion limits a distance of insertion of the lower edge into the upper receptor due to engagement of the loop portion with an end surface of the upper receptor.

[0174] Embodiment 34. The system of embodiment 33, wherein the biasing portion stores energy when the lower edge is inserted into the upper receptor, and wherein the biasing portion applies a biasing force on the lower edge that tends to urge the lower edge out of the upper receptor.

[0175] Embodiment 35. The system of embodiment 34, wherein the biasing force maintains engagement of pairs of protrusions of the upper receptor with pairs of protrusions of the lower edge.

[0176] Embodiment 36. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the elongated structure further comprises a support, wherein the upper receptor is angled relative to the support by an angle greater than 90 degrees, and wherein fluid is diverted away from the support to a first plurality of weep holes in the lower edge of the first cladding panel.

[0177] Embodiment 37. The system of embodiment 36, wherein the fluid flows through the first plurality of weep holes onto the upper edge of the second cladding panel and along the upper edge to an exterior environment, and wherein the exterior environment is external to the cladding panels and the construction element.

[0178] Embodiment 38. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the elongated structure further comprises a support, wherein the upper receptor is angled relative to the support by an angle less than 90 degrees, and wherein fluid is diverted toward the support and to a second plurality of weep holes in the upper receptor.

[0179] Embodiment 39. The system of embodiment 38, wherein the fluid flows through the second plurality of weep holes, onto the lower receptor, onto the upper edge of the second cladding panel, and along the upper edge to an exterior environment, and wherein the exterior environment is external to the cladding panels and the construction element.

[0180] Embodiment 40. The system of embodiment 16, wherein retention of the lower edge by the upper receptor and the upper edge by the lower receptor exceeds 22.5 pounds per square foot (1077 Pa) of retention force as determined by testing requirements given in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D3679 which specifies a standard test for Rigid PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) Siding.

[0181] Embodiment 41. The system of embodiment 16, wherein retention of the lower edge by the upper receptor and the upper edge by the lower receptor exceeds 16.2 pounds per square foot (776 Pa) of retention force as determined by testing requirements given in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D7254 which specifies a standard test for Polypropylene (PP) Siding.

[0182] Embodiment 42. The system of embodiment 16, wherein retention of the lower edge by the upper receptor and the upper edge by the lower receptor exceeds 21.7 pounds per square foot (1040 Pa) of retention force as determined by testing requirements given in the American Architectural Manufacturing Association (AAMA) standard 1402 which specifies a standard test for Aluminum Siding, Soffit and Fascia.

[0183] Embodiment 43. A system for securing cladding panels, the system comprising: [0184] a first cladding panel comprising a first upper edge and a first lower edge; [0185] a second cladding panel comprising a second upper edge and a second lower edge; and a first elongated structure configured to be attached to a construction element, wherein the first elongated structure comprises a first upper receptor and a first lower receptor: [0186] wherein the first upper receptor is configured to receive the first lower edge of the first cladding panel and retain the first cladding panel to the first upper receptor; and [0187] the first lower receptor is configured to receive the second upper edge of the second cladding panel and retain the second cladding panel to the first lower receptor.

[0188] Embodiment 44. The system of embodiment 43, further comprising a second elongated structure that comprises a second upper receptor and a second lower receptor, and wherein the second elongated structure is configured to be attached to the construction element parallel with the first elongated structure and spaced away from the first elongated structure by a predetermined spacing in a first direction.

[0189] Embodiment 45. The system of embodiment 44, wherein the first cladding panel is configured to engage the second lower receptor along a first upper edge of the first cladding panel.

[0190] Embodiment 46. The system of embodiment 45, further comprising a third elongated structure that comprises a third upper receptor and a third lower receptor, and wherein the third elongated structure is configured to be attached to the construction element parallel with the first elongated structure and spaced away from the first elongated structure by a predetermined spacing in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

[0191] Embodiment 47. The system of embodiment 46, wherein the second cladding panel is configured to engage the third upper receptor along a second lower edge of the second cladding panel.

[0192] Embodiment 48. The system of embodiment 47, wherein the first cladding panel and the second cladding panel are secured to the construction element via the first elongated structure, the second elongated structure, and the third elongated structure.

[0193] Embodiment 49. The system of embodiment 48, wherein the third elongated structure is configured to shed away from the construction element at least 70% of fluid trapped between the second cladding panel and the construction element.

[0194] Embodiment 50. The system of embodiment 43, wherein the first elongated structure is configured to shed away from the construction element at least 70% of fluid trapped between the first cladding panel and the construction element.

[0195] Embodiment 51. A method for aligning adjacent cladding panels, the method comprising: [0196] receiving a lower edge of a first cladding panel at an upper receptor of an elongated structure; [0197] receiving an upper edge of a second cladding panel at a lower receptor of the elongated structure; and [0198] aligning the first cladding panel substantially parallel with the second cladding panel based on a relative position of the upper receptor to the lower receptor.

[0199] Embodiment 52. The method of embodiment 51, further comprising: [0200] diverting fluid away from a construction element, via a diverter or the upper receptor, wherein the fluid is running down an exterior surface of the construction element and engages the elongated structure; and [0201] expelling the fluid through a first plurality of weep holes at a bottom portion of the first cladding panel, wherein the fluid is expelled into an exterior environment that is external to the first cladding panel and the construction element.

[0202] Embodiment 53. A method for attaching cladding panels to a construction element, the method comprising; [0203] attaching an elongated structure to a construction element; [0204] mating a lower edge of a first cladding panel with an upper receptor of the elongated structure; and [0205] mating an upper edge of a second cladding panel with a lower receptor of the elongated structure, thereby securing the first cladding panel and second cladding panel to the construction element.

[0206] Embodiment 54. The method of embodiment 53, wherein attaching the elongated structure further comprises: [0207] marking or forming alignment aids on the construction element, wherein the alignment aids are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and are parallel to each other; [0208] aligning alignment features on the elongated structure with one of the alignment aids; and [0209] attaching the elongated structure to the construction element at a location based on a location on the construction element of the one of the alignment aids.

[0210] Embodiment 55. The method of embodiment 54, wherein the alignment features are at least one of the following: [0211] a diamond shaped void; [0212] a triangular notch shaped void; [0213] an elongated oval shaped void; [0214] a rectangular shaped void; [0215] an upper edge of the elongated structure; [0216] a lower edge of the elongated structure; or [0217] a combination thereof.

[0218] Embodiment 56. The method of embodiment 54, wherein the alignment aids can be at least one of the following: [0219] a line; [0220] a dashed line; [0221] an upper edge of a recessed channel in the construction element; [0222] a lower edge of a recessed channel in the construction element; or [0223] a combination thereof.

[0224] Embodiment 57. The method of embodiment 54, wherein attaching the elongated structure further comprises: [0225] securing the elongated structure to the construction element via one or more fasteners or one or more adhesives.

[0226] While the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and tables and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims. Further, although individual embodiments are discussed herein, the disclosure is intended to cover all combinations of these embodiments.