Method and apparatus for cladding elongated structural members

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the attachment of sheet cladding and other thin surfaces to structural frame members such as in space frames and other lattice structures. A batten assembly may be either partially integrated into an elongated structural member or attached by fasteners. A batten receiver provides a pair of sheet margin receiving channels and a fastener guide channel. The batten receiver may be integrated into the surface of the elongated structural member which for example, may be a tubular member or I-beam. The mating batten comprises shoulders which are essentially congruent to the receiving channels. Between the shoulders, an elongated recess mates with a pair of guide walls in the receiver. A fastener such as a metal screw having a cutting tip, may be installed through the recess and the guide channel and into the wall of the elongated structural member to provide secure connection of the batten members to one another. The shoulder and receiving channels receive the sheet margins in compressive engagement. The invention herein permits the cladding of elongated structural members in an aesthetically pleasing flush mounting configuration which allows for water run-off from the cladding sheet surfaces. The invention also provides an advantageous hidden round seal configuration which while also being aesthetically more pleasing, is also more protective of the seal integrity. This invention also provides batten attachments of sheet cladding and other thin surfaces to elongated members of a tubular cross-section.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.