METHOD FOR FASTENING BOARDS FOR EXTERNAL CLADDING AND AN ASSEMBLY OF GLIDES AND METAL STUDS FOR EMBODYING SAID METHOD

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fastening external cladding sheets and a combination of glides (3, 3k) and metal frames (1) for performing the method. The invention solves the problem of the cladding sheet and the metal frame fixed to the wall expanding and contracting at different rates. The cladding sheets (K) are fastened in accordance with the invention by fixing slidingly a suitable number of glides relative to the size and weight of the sheet in the frame (1) shaped as a profile, and by fastening one of these glides as a stationary glide (3k) in the frame. The cladding sheet is fastened to each glide (3, 3k). If two or more metal frames are used to fasten the cladding sheet, the stationary glides (3k) have to be aligned along the same line perpendicular to the frame.

Description: METHOD FOR FASTENING BOARDS FOR EXTERNAL CLADDING AND AN ASSEMBLY OF GLIDES AND METAL STUDS FOR EMBODYING SAID METHOD The invention relates to a method for fastening cladding sheets, especially cladding sheets with dimensional variations under external influences, such as fibre cement sheets, to a wall. More specifically, the invention relates to a method as defined in the preamble of accompanying claim 1 and to a combination of a glide and a metal frame as defined in the preamble of claim 8. Regarding external cladding with a sheet structure, special attention has to be paid to the fact that the cladding sheet and the backing frame structure contract and expand at different rates due to dimensional variations caused by the relative humidity, the temperature and similar external influences in the cladding sheet on one hand, and in the frames on the other hand. A wooden frame has been conventionally used for fastening cladding sheets to a wall structure. When a wooden frame is used for instance for fastening fibre cement sheets, fluctuations in the relative humidity and the temperature have a principally concurrent action on the dimensional variations of the frame and the cladding sheet. Thus, incongruous dimensional variations of the frames and the cladding sheets are reduced, and the dimensional variations have been controlled by means of the size of the aperture made for the means for fastening the sheet. A cladding sheet aperture with a cross-section approx. 1 to 1.5 mm larger than the thickness of the fastening means has usually been sufficient. Such an aperture is easy to cover with the head of the fastening means. Current building techniques aim at a structure material with a durability of 50 to 100 years. A wooden frame does not meet this requirement, metal frames being required as a back structure for external cladding. The dimensional variations of metal frames are primarily affected by temperature fluctuations - a temperature rise entails metal expansion and a temperature drop entails metal contraction. By contrast, a fibre cement sheet used as a cladding is affected both by changes in the relative humidity and in the temperature. A decrease in the relative humidity causes the sheet to contract and an increase in the relative humidity causes it to expand. In fact, a temperature rise often implies a decrease in the relative humidity and vice versa, metal and a fibre cement sheets having inverse movements. It is difficult to control such opposite movements caused by dimensional variations by an adequate enlargement of the aperture in the sheet in proportion to the thickness of the fastening means, because the aperture may grow to a cross-section of 10 to 12 mm, and the head to an even larger diameter. FI patent specification 80498 describes a method for fastening stone slabs or the like to the frame of a building. The stone slabs are fastened to metal rails fitted at a distance from the building frame. The fastening means are movable parallel to the rails, i.e. vertically, and adjustable in depth and horizontally before the stone plaster used in the fastening has cured. This makes the positioning and the fastening of the slabs easier. After the fastening, the stone slabs are solidly and immovably attached to the wall rails. In other words, this method uses merely enlarged fastening holes in order to provide movability. The method does not allow for dimensional variations in the frames and sheets after the fastening. EP patent specification 329 060 A describes another method for fastening cladding sheets to a wall structure. The sheets are fastened to profiled rails, which, by means of elongated apertures, are adjustably but immovably fastened to U-shaped fasteners attached to the wall. The cladding sheets are supported between lower support elements and upper retaining elements. These elements can be adjustably and immovably engaged in the grooves of the profiled rails. This method also enables the cladding sheets to be adjustably fastened to their support elements by means of the elongated apertures, but it does not allow for asynchronous dimensional variations in the cladding sheets and the fastening rails. The purpose of this invention is to provide a new solution to incongruous dimensional variations in frames and cladding plates, in which no oversized apertures are made in the sheets to allow relative movements of the frames and the sheets, the fastening taking place with the aid of glides moving freely in the fastening frames. Oversized apertures have the drawback of unreliable function, because the fastening member is too tightly compressed, thus preventing any movement, and of large apertures needing cover, which is both expensive and unaesthetic. The main characteristics of the method in accordance with the invention are defined in the characterising part of accompanying claim 1. In accordance with the invention, this method is implemented with a combination of a glide and a metal frame, the principal characteristics of the combination being defined in the characterising part of accompanying claim 8. Thus, in accordance with the invention, fastening is performed by means of glides, so that an appropriate number of glides is movably fitted in the profiled metal frames, the number being adapted i.a. to the size and weight of the cladding sheet, and to external strains. The glides are solidly attached to the inner surface of the cladding sheet, at points opposite to the frames. At each cladding plate each frame has one single glide, which is solidly attached both to the cladding sheet and to the metal frame. These solid glides are located on the same line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the metal frames. Glides fastened movably above and/or below the solid glides can slide in the frames if dimensional variations caused in the metal frame and the cladding sheets by the relative humidity and the temperature result in a relative movement of these. The fixed points on the cladding sheet being on the same line perpendicular to the frames, dimensional variations do not generate strains in the sheet, but may take place without causing interference. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the position of the solidly fastened glide on the cladding sheet is approximately at the centre viewed in the longitudinal direction of the frame, or at the edge of the cladding sheet. The frames are normally vertical, the solid glide then being located in the central area of the frame or at its end. If the dimensional variations of the cladding sheet are larger in the horizontal direction, for instance if the sheet is longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, the metal frames are fastened horizontally, the position of the solid glide being in the centre or at the front or rear end, preferably at the front end viewed in the cladding proceeding direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the number of glides required for fastening the cladding sheet is fitted in the frames at predetermined locations, and those of the glides selected to be solid are fastened to their frames, after which the cladding sheets are fastened both to the sliding and the solidly attached glides. The fastening of the cladding sheets, which is performed from the outer surface of the sheets, is preferably performed with the aid of a measuring stick on which the glide intervals have been marked. Optionally, the required number of glides is fitted on the frames at predetermined locations, after which the cladding sheets are fastened both to the sliding glides and to those selected as solid glides, and the latter are solidly fixed to the frames by means of the same or a separate fastening. The glides may optionally be prefitted on the metal frames before the frames are fixed to the wall. The cladding sheet is fastened to one metal frame in the centre of the sheet, or to several, preferably two frames, located at a distance from the sheet edge. Optionally the cladding sheet is fastened to two metal frames located at joints on either side of the sheet, and optionally to one or two metal frames located symmetrically with the central line of the cladding sheet. A frame fixed at a joint has a larger width than normally, thus covering the joint gap between adjacent sheets and adhering to the sheet edges. The fitting of the glides slidingly in the metal frames is preferably performed by snapping them into position, the frame and the lateral areas of the glides being disposed to co-operate so as to lock the glide slidingly to the frame. This method of the invention does not require pre-drilled holes in the cladding sheets, through which the sheets are fixed to the frames. In particular, it does not require relatively large holes to be made and estimation of their size on the basis of the expanding and contracting properties of the metal frames and the cladding sheets. The play provided by the holes is compensated by the movement of the glides. This reduces planning work, improves the cladding quality, because the cladding sheets have no holes covered by great fastener heads, and simplifies and speeds up the actual cladding operation appreciably. It also improves the reliability of the cladding, which will have long durability owing to the metal frames. Due to the fastening method of the invention, a new external cladding on a building can be built from completely uninflammable materials. The method in accordance with the invention is implemented with a combination of a glide and a metal frame, in which the metal frame has the shape of a profile, and an appropriate number of glides sliding in the profile has been fitted in the profile in order to attach the cladding sheet. The glides have been adapted to be fastened to the inner surface of the cladding sheet, and at each cladding sheet, one single glide has been adapted to be fastened to the metal frame as well. These solidly fixed glides are located on the same line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sheet. Glides fixed movably above and or underneath the solid glides may move in the profiles if the dimensional variations in the metal frames and cladding sheets caused by the relative humidity and the temperature result in a relative movement of these. As the fixed points of the cladding sheet are on the same line perpendicular to the frames and to the longitudinal direction of the sheets, the dimensional variations will not generate strains in the sheet, but the dimensional variations may occur without causing problems. Between the profile and the glide, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the cladding sheet, a cavity is provided, into which the drilling point of the fastening means, for example a screw or a rivet, connecting the cladding sheet and the glide, is adapted to be inserted. A screw or rivet fastening can be replaced with a hidden fastening known per se. In a preferred embodiment, the profile has a recess which is U-shaped in cross- section and the glide is a plate-like member adapted to glide on flanges and/or projections provided at the upper edges of the profile recess. The cladding sheet is fastened to the planar portion of the glide covering the said recess, and the solid fixing of the glide takes place in the front at the flanges. If a glide is used whose lateral flanges form an U embedded in the frame, the fastening takes place laterally of the frame. In another preferred embodiment, the upper edges of the U members have outwardly bent flanges and opposite projections. Similarly, the glides have members extending principally perpendicularly into the U-shaped recess. The members have a groove matching the projections, and then the glide can be snapped in the profile by sketching the profile members into a position accommodating the glide and by snapping the projections of the U members into the grooves of the glide. In a preferred embodiment, the metal frame has a flange extending in its longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the wall structure in operational position, the flange being used to fix the frame to fasteners in the wall. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal frame comprises a U-shaped channel. The frame is intended to be attached to the intact surface of the cladding sheet, i.e. in the lateral or central area of the sheet. The frame may also be fixed in the joint area between the cladding sheets, and then the profile, wider in cross- section, is fixed at one edge in the lateral area of one cladding sheet and at the other edge in the lateral area of another cladding sheet. In an optional embodiment, the metal frame is principally a T-shaped profile, whose T members have sliding grooves for one or two glides, and the glide is a body which is U-shaped in cross-section and whose U members have flanges at the upper edges to match the glide grooves. The cladding sheets are fastened with an appropriate fastening means, such as a screw or a rivet, to the planar bottom portion of the glides. The drill-like point of the fastening means is concealed in the cavity of the glide. It is preferable to use metal frames engaging the intact surface of the cladding sheet and to leave the joint area free. The cladding sheets are also subject to dimensional variations perpendicular to the frames, and then the free joint area forms a space where the edges of the cladding sheets may move. Since the greatest dimensional variations of the cladding material are received by the glides, dimensional variations perpendicular to these has to be allowed for by means of movement joints provided at intervals as required by the cladding material. The metal frames are preferably made of aluminium or a corresponding material which is resistant, lightweight and easily shaped as a profile. When mounted, the combination of this invention allows asynchronous dimensional variations caused by humidity and heat even in large-sized cladding sheets relative to the frame. In this manner, restraint actions and damages caused to the external cladding material by these are prevented. The fastening of the sheets is preferably performed at some other point than at the sheet edges, and thus it is appropriate for sheets with a size such that fastening at the edges alone would not ensure the fastening of the entire sheet. The fastening method of the invention and the combination for implementing it are suitable for sheets of various types, for instance for various metal sheets, fibre cement sheets, plastic boards, cellular boards, composite structures, stone slabs, glass panes, wooden claddings, tile element claddings, concrete sheets and concrete elements. The number of glides is deteπnined i.a. by the type of cladding material, its basis weight and the wind loads, and other similar external stresses exerted on the building. The vertical metal frames holding the glides are fastened to the wall structure at intervals in the range of 300 to 2400 mm depending on the cladding material and the remaining wall structure. Glides may be provided vertically on the metal frame at intervals of about 300 to 1200 mm, for instance 6 glides in a sheet with a height of 3000 mm. The invention is described in greater detail below by means of a preferred embodiment and with reference to the accompanying figures, of which figure la is a partial front view of the cladded wall from which part of the cladding has been removed, whereas figures lb and lc show identical cross- sections of the metal frames; figure 2 is a three-dimensional view in approximately natural size of the metal frame and its glides, the wall fastener of the frame and the lower edge of the sheet to be fastened outlined; figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of the sheet to be fastened to the wall outlined with two contours, two metal frames fixed to the sheet side facing the building, including glides and wall fasteners; figure 4 shows the metal frame of figures 2 and 3 and the glides to be fitted in this in cross-sections in approximately natural size; figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of the frame of figure 4 and a glide slidingly fitted in this, and figure 6 is a three-dimensional view of the frame of figure 5 and a glide solidly fixed in this. Figure la is an outline of cladding sheet A and parts of adjoining cladding sheets B to J ("I" excluded) fastened to two metal frames 1. The metal frames are aluminium profiles. The frames 1 are fitted in the central area of sheet A, symmetrically to the vertical central line. The figure does not show the frame wall fasteners. Cladding sheets A to J have a size of 1200 x 3000 mm for example. Each frame has preferably five glides 3 for each cladding sheet. The distance of the lowermost and the uppermost glide 3 to the sheet edge is 125 mm, the remaining glides being preferably disposed at regular intervals on the frame. The central glides are solidly fixed glides 3 , which are thus fastened both to the cladding sheet and to the frames. Their attachment to the frame is not shown in the outlined figure. The solid glides 3 k of the two frames are located on the same horizontal line. Cladding sheet A is bordered by horizontal and vertical joint gaps 4. In the illustrated example, they have an equal width of about 30 mm, providing the play required by the dimensional variations of sheets A to J. The width of the joint distance usually varies in the range from 5 to 30 mm. At the lower edge of figure la, figures lb and lc, the cross-sections of frames 1 have been outlined. The frames 1 comprise a U-shaped channel 5, the glides 3 having been adapted to slide on the flanges and grooves formed at the upper edge of these. The figures show the fastening of the cladding sheets to glides 3 and 3 k only with an outlined cross. Figure 2 shows the fastening of frame 1 to wall fastener 8, which, in turn, is fastened at its flange to the wall structure. At its longitudinal flange 10, frame 1 has been pressed into clamps 11 of fastener 8 and also fixed with screw 12 to the wall of the wall fastener 8. Glide 3, which is cap-like in cross-section, slides on the projections 15 of the frame profile 1 and in grooves 18 of the glide members 17 (figure 4). The glide has a fixing screw 2, by means of which the cladding sheet (not shown) has been fastened to the glide. Figure 3 shows cladding sheet K, which is fastened to glides 3 and 3 of the two profile frames 1. Two wall fasteners 8 and five glides have been drawn in both the frames 1. The central glide 3 k has been fixed to the frame with a screw or a rivet 13. Cladding sheet K has been fastened with screws or rivets 2 to glides 3 and 3 k . Figures 2 and 3 show that the frames 1 have a length principally equal to the height of the cladding sheets, but the sheets are fastened to the frames slightly overlapping, so that the joint gaps of the frames and of the sheets do not coincide, but the joint gap will be concealed under the sheet. Figure 4 shows the metal frame 1 and the glide 3 of the preceding figures in cross- section and apart. Frame 2 has a channel 5 and the upper edges of the channel have outwardly bent flanges 14 with reinforcing flaps 14' and inverse beak-like projections 15. Glide 3 is cap-shaped and its width equals the width between the ends of flanges 14 of frame 2. Two legs, i.e. cap sides 17 project from the planar portion of glide 3 towards the bottom of channel 5. The legs 17 have a groove 18 on their outer surface, the shape of the groove matching that of the frame projection 15. The ends of legs 17 have a slightly inwards bent shape. With this design of the profile frame and the glide, the glide can be snapped into the frame by pushing the profile walls outwards, where it may slide on beaks 15 matching the grooves 18. The level 19 between the glide legs 17 is thicker than its edge areas and equipped with two longitudinal moulded ridges 19'. Also at legs 17, the level 19 of the glide has two moulded ridges 19'. The glide is preferably fixed as a solid glide 3 on the frame in the edge area of the glide through flanges 14. At this point, the glide has guide grooves 20. The cladding sheet is preferably fastened to the glide at the level 19, between the moulded ridges 20, for instance with a screw or a rivet 2 or a hidden fastening. The metal frame has preferably a thickness of about 1.5 mm, except for the fixing flange, where the thickness is about 2 mm. The flange has a width of about 40 mm and the U channel a depth of about 30 mm, and hence the overall width, i.e. depth of the frame is about 70 mm. The channel has a width of about 50 mm and the flanges 14 a width of about 10 mm. The thickness of the glide 3 is about 2.5 mm at the level and about 2 mm in the edge area. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the frame 1 of figure 4 and a glide 3 slidingly fixed to this. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a glide 3 solidly fixed to frame 1. The glide has been fastened to frame 1 with rivets 21. In connection with figure 4, some material thicknesses and some dimensions of the frame and the glide have been indicated. The dimensions obviously vary largely depending on the object of construction and the selected cladding sheets. The material thickness of metal frame 1 and 2 may vary in the range from 1.5 to 5 mm; the overall depth of the metal frame in the range from 50 to 150 mm; the depth of the metal frame channel from 20 to 70 mm; the width of the metal frame channel in the range from 20 to 100 mm. Accordingly, the material thickness of the glide may vary in the range from 1.5 to 5 mm; the depth of the glide from 20 to 70 mm; and the width of the glide from 20 to 100 mm. The glide is fastened to the frame with screws, rivets or any other anti-sliding means, and the cladding sheet is fastened to the glide with screws, rivets, glue, tape or a mechanical hidden fastener, for example. The method of the invention for fastening cladding sheets to a wall structure with the aid of the combination of the metal frame and the glide of the invention is performed as follows: Wall fasteners 8 are mounted on the wall at specific intervals measured horizontally. The fastening is carried out for instance by means of wedge anchors. The horizontal distance between the fasteners depends i.a. on the height of the building, building regulations, the fastening methods and the sheet size. The length of the wall fastener measured perpendicularly from the wall surface is selected for instance according to the necessary thermal insulation thickness, the wall straightness, the wind shield sheet and/or and any other layers inserted between the wall and the cladding sheet. The final straightness of the outer surface of the cladding sheet is adjusted by means of wall fasteners 8. Vertical aluminium frames 1 are mounted on clamps 11 in wall fasteners 8 in one single row, on the same height and at the same distance from the wall level, and are fastened with screws to the wall fasteners. Insulating wool and a wind shield sheet (one or two layers totally) are fitted between the frames 1. If necessary, special wool fasteners are used to fasten the wool. Glides 3 are fitted in the frames either before the frames are fastened to the wall or to frames prefixed to the wall. For correct positioning of the glides, a measuring stick is used, on which the glide locations have been marked. Owing to their shape and/or fiictional properties, the ghdes remain in the position in which they have been fitted according to the marks on the measuring stick, until they are definitely fixed to the cladding sheet. In each frame, at each cladding sheet to be fixed, one glide 3 is solidly fixed to the frame, i.e. stationary relative to the frame. Regarding the frames pertaining to one sheet, the solid glides should be aligned on the same line perpendicular to the frames. The cladding sheet is lifted into the correct position so that both the vertical and the horizontal joints have the planned width. The positions of the glides 3, 3 k on the frames 1, 2 are determined using the said measuring stick, and the sheet is fastened to the glides. The operation steps mentioned above are performed step by step in one area at a time. Should the dimensional variations of the cladding sheet under the action of humidity and temperature be larger in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, viewed in the fastened position, the sheets are fixed to the horizontal frames. In that case, the ventilation of the background of the wall cladding sheet has to be arranged. The wall does not necessarily require a thermal insulation layer. In that case, the gap between the cladding sheets and the wall surface will be smaller. A number of preferred embodiments of the invention has been described above. A person skilled in the art can, of course, modify the embodiment of the invention in various ways while still remaining within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims: Claims 1. A method for fastening cladding sheets, especially cladding sheets subject to dimensional variations under external influences, in which the cladding sheets (A-L) are fastened to metal frames (1) fixed to the wall structure of a building to provide wall cladding, characterised in that the fastening is performed by means of glides (3) so that a suitable number of glides in view of the size of the cladding sheet is slidingly fitted in profile frames (1) and are solidly fixed to the inner surface of the cladding sheet (A-L), at locations opposite the frames (1), and that at each cladding sheet one glide (3 ) of each profile is solidly fixed also to its frame (1), whereas the remaining glides (3) move freely in the frame profile along with dimensional variations caused in the cladding sheet and/or the frames by the temperature, the relative humidity and/or the like, and that at each cladding sheet, the said solidly fixed glides (3 ) are located principally on the same line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frames. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a glide (3 ) solidly fixed to the frame (1) is in the centre of the cladding sheet relative to the longitudinal direction of the frame or at the end of the cladding sheet, and at a vertical frame, especially at the lower edge of the cladding sheet. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a number of glides (3, 3 k ) required for the fastening of the cladding sheets is fitted in the frames (1), at specific locations suitable for the dimensions of the cladding sheets, and that the glides (3 ) selected to be stationary are fixed to their frames, after which the cladding sheet is fastened both to the slidingly fitted glides (3) and to the solidly fitted glides (3 k ). 4. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a number of glides (3, 3 k ) required for the fastening of the cladding sheets is fitted in the frames (1), at specific locations suitable for the dimensions of the cladding sheets, after which the cladding sheet is fastened to the glides (3) intended to be sliding and to the glides (3 k ) selected to be stationary, whereby the glides (3 ) selected to be stationary are solidly fixed to the frames with the same or a separate fastening. 5. A method as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the glides (3, 3 k ) are fitted at the specific locations in the metal frames (1) before the frames are fixed to the wall of the building. 6. A method as claimed in one or more of claims 1-5, characterised in that the cladding sheet is fastened to one or more metal frames (1), preferably to two metal frames (1) located at a distance from the edge of the cladding sheet. 7. A method as claimed in one or more of claims 1-5, characterised in that the cladding sheet is fastened to two metal frames (1) located at joints on both sides of the sheet, and optionally to one or two metal frames (1) located symmetrically with the central line of the cladding sheet. 8. A method as claimed in one or more of claims 1-7, characterised in that the glides (3, 3 k ) are fitted by snapping at the specific locations in the frames (1). 9. A combination of glides and a metal frame for carrying out the method as defined in one or more of claims 1-8, in which the cladding sheets (A-L) are fastened to metal frames (1) fixed to the wall structure of the building to provide the wall cladding, characterised in that the metal frame (1) has the shape of a profile and that each profile has a suitable number of glides (3) slidingly fitted in the profile for fastening the cladding sheets, that the glides are adapted to be fastened to the inner surfaces of the cladding sheets and that at each cladding sheet one glide (3 k ) in each profile is solidly fixed also to the frame (1) and these solidly fixed slides (3 ) are principally located on the same line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frames. 10. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that a gap (5, 6) is provided between the frame (1, 2) and the glide (3), the drilling point of the fastening means (13) connecting the cladding sheet and the glide (3), for instance a screw or a rivet, having been adapted to fit into this gap. 11. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the frame (1) has a recess (6) which is U-shaped in cross- section and that the glide (3) is a planar or cap-like member, which has been adapted to slide on the flanges (14) and/or projections (15) at the upper edges of the U-shaped portion. 12. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the metal frame comprises a principally T-shaped profile, whose T member has glide grooves for one or two glides, and that the glide consists of a body which is U-shaped in cross-section, the upper edges of the U member having flanges to fit into the glide grooves. 13. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the upper edges of the U members of the frame (1) has outwardly bent flanges (14) and opposite projections (15), and that the glide (3) has legs (17) extending principally perpendicularly into the U groove, the legs (17) having a groove (18) on the outer surface to match the projections (15) so that the glide can be snapped into the U groove and is movable in the longitudinal direction of the frame. 14. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as claimed in one or more of claims 9-13, characterised in that the metal frame (1) has a flange (10) acting as a fastening means for the frame which extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame and is perpendicular to the wall structure in the operational position of the metal frame. 15. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as claimed in one or more of claims 9-14, characterised in that the combination comprises two U channels (5) and is intended for the joint between the cladding sheets (A, E) and to be fastened to adjoining edge surfaces of adjacent cladding sheets. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 12 November 1999 ( 12.11 .99) original cl aims 1 -15 replaced by new claims 1 -16 (3 pages) ] 1. A method for fastening cladding sheets, especially irladding sheets subject to dimensional variations under external influences, in which the cladding sheets (A-J) are fastened to metal frames (1) fixed to the wall structure of a building to provide a wall cladding, characterised in that the fastening is performed by means of glides (3) so that a suitable number of glides in view of the six? of the cladding sheet is slidingly fined in at least one profile frame (1) and are solidly fixed to the inner surface of the cladding sheet (A-J), at locations opposite said at least one frame (1), and that at each cladding sheet one glide (3 k ) of said at least one profile frame is solidly fixed also to its frame (1), whereas the remaining glides (3) move freely in the frame profile along with dimensional variations caused in the cladding sheet and or the frames by the temperature, the relative humidit / and/or the like, and that at each cladding sheet, the said solidly fixed glides (3j c ). if there are two or more fixed glides, are located principally on the same line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frames. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that the solidly fixed glides (3*) in cladding sheets (B.CJ_>;E,A,F;G,H,J) situated in the same horizontal line of cladding sheets are situated on the same line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frames. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a glide (3^ solidly fixed to the frame (1) is in the centre of the claddiag sheet relative to the longitudinal direction of the frame or at the end of the cladding sheet, and at a vertical frame, especially at the lower edge of the cladding sheet, 4. A method as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that a number of glides (3, 3^) required for the fastening of the cladding sheets is fitted in the frames (1), at specific locations suitable in respect of the dimensicns of the cladding sheets, and that the glides (3ι_) selected to be stationary are fixed to their frames, after which the cladding sheet is fastened both to the slidingly fined glides (3) and to the solidly fined glides (3 k ). 5. A method as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that a number of glides (3, 3j_) required for the fastening of the cladding sheets is fitted in the frames (1), at specific locations suitable in respect of the dimensicns of the cladding sheets, after which the cladding sheet is fastened to the ghdes (3) mended to be sliding and to the glides (3 k ) selected to be stationary, whereby the glides (3 k ) selected to be stationary are solidly fixed to the frames with the same or ;t separate fastening. 6. A method as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the glides (3, 3 k ) are fitted at the specific locations in the metal frames (1) before the frames are fixed to the wall of the building. 7. A method as claimed in one or more of claims 1-6, characterised in that the cladding sheet is fastened to one or more metal frames (1 ), preferably to two metal frames (1) located at a distance from the edge of the claddiag sheet. 8. A method as claimed in one or more of claims 1-6, characterised in that the cladding sheet is fastened to two meial frames (1) located at joints on both sides of the sheet, and optionally to one or wo metal frames (1) located symmetrically with the central line of the cladding sheet. 9. A method as claimed in one or more of claims 1-8. characterised in that the glides (3, 3 are fined by snapping at the specific location:, in the frames (1). 10, A combination of glides and a metal frame for caτying out the method as defined in one or more of claims 1-9, in which the cladding sheets (A-J) are fastened to metal frames (1) fixed to the wall structure of the building to provide the wall cladding, characterised in that the metal frame (1) has tie shape of a profile and that each profile has a suitable number of glides (3) slidingly fitted in the profile for fastening the cladding sheets, that the glides are adapDtd to be fastened to the cladding sheets and that at each cladding sheet one glide (_.]_) of at least one frame is solidly fixed also to the frame (1) and these solidly fixed glides (3^, if there are two or more fixed glides, are located principally on the same line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frames. 11. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that a gap (5, 6) is provided between the frame ( 1, 2) and the glide (3), the drilling point of the fastening means (13) connecting thϊ cladding sheet and the glide (3), for instance a screw or a rivet, having been adapt ϊd to fit into this gap. 12. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as cUiraed in claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the frame (1) has a recess (5) which is U-shaped in cross- section and that the glide (3) is a planar or cap-like member, which has been adapted to slide on the flanges (14) and/or projections (15) at the upper edges of the U- shaped portion. 13. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as cl; timed in claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the metal frame comprises a prircipally T-shaped profile, whose T member has one or two glide grooves for the glides, and that the glide consists of a body which is U-shaped in cross-section, the upper edges of the U member having flanges to fit into the glide grooves. 14. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the upper edges of the U members of the frame (1) has outwardly bent flanges (14) and oppositely directed projections (15), and that the glide (3) comprises a slab element (19) and legs (17) estending from said element principally perpendicularly into the U groove, the legs (17) having a groove (18) on the outer surface to match the projeciions (15) so that the glide can be snapped into the U groove and is movable in the longitudinal direction f the frame. 15. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as cl;ιimed in one or more of claims 10-14, characterised in that tlie metal frame (1) has a flange (10) acting as a fastening means for the frame which extends in the Ion jitudinal direction of the frame and is perpendicular to the wall structure in the operational position of the metal frame. 16. A combination of a glide and a metal frame as cl; rimed in one or more of claims 10-15, characterised in that the frame comprises iwo U channels (5) and is intended for the joint between the cladding sheets (A, .E) and to be fastened to adjoining edge surfaces of adjacent cladding sheets.

Inventors: JAERMAELAE ARI JAAKKO KALEVI, KURPPA MERJA TELLERVO, PUKKILA MARKKU ANTERO, RAJALA LASSE JOHANNES, JAERMAELAE, ARI, JAAKKO, KALEVI, KURPPA, MERJA, TELLERVO, PUKKILA, MARKKU, ANTERO, RAJALA, LASSE, JOHANNES
Applicants: MINERIT AB OY, OY MINERIT AB
Application year: 1999
Main classification: E04F13
IPC codes: E04F13