GB2626962A

GB2626962A - Rain screen supporting rail device

Info

Publication number: GB2626962A
Application number: GB2301809.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Braybrook Peter
Original assignee: Ans Global
Current assignee: Ans Global
Priority date: 2023-02-09
Filing date: 2023-02-09
Publication date: 2024-08-14
Also published as: GB202301809D0

Abstract

A rail device 100 for supporting a rain screen comprises a rail portion 102 for receiving a rain screen and a clamp portion 104 for fixing against a receiving surface such as a building wall 106. The clamp portion comprises a clamp plate 110 to be punctured by a fastener 108 and a protruding portion 112a/b extending from the clamp plate. When the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface, the protruding portion is positioned between the clamp plate and the receiving surface, forming a cavity 114 through which the fastener extends. The cavity receives waste material created by the fastener as the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface, allowing the rail to be consistently and securely fixed against the receiving surface. The clamp portion may extend along the length of the rail device, and the rail may include upper and lower clamp portions. The rail may comprise a hooked end and a chamfer.

Description

Rain Screen Supporting Rail Device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rain screen supporting rail device. In particular, a rail device for supporting rain screens provided on exterior walls of buildings.

Background of the Invention

There is a need to provide exterior walls of buildings with protection from inclement weather and, in particular, protection from precipitation such as rain. Rear ventilated cladding, wherein cladding panels, or rain screens, are provided as an outermost layer of an exterior wall, and a ventilation space, i.e. air gap, is provided between the rain screens and the inner layers of the exterior wall, is widely used. The rain screens deflect rain, and the air gap provides a path for drainage and evaporation of water.

The rain screens must be fixed to the building securely. This promotes a safety of the building, as a secure rain screen may not fall from a building onto people or property. In addition, a longevity of the exterior surface of the building is promoted, as secure rain screens provide weather-proofing which may protect the building and reduce maintenance requirements.

Rail devices, disposed between rain screens and a substrate, i.e. a structural inner layer of the wall, and fixed in position by fasteners, are often used to support rain screens forming the exterior surface, and space the rain screens away from the substrate, forming the ventilation space.

There is a need for an improved rain screen supporting rail device which may be fixed to a substrate of a wall to provide secure and consistent fixing of rain screens, siding or cladding, to exterior walls of buildings. Objects and aspects of the present claimed invention seek to ameliorate problems with rail devices of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a rain screen supporting rail device, the rail device comprising: a rail portion configured to receive a rain screen; and a clamp portion configured to be fixed against a receiving surface by a fastener; the clamp portion comprising: a clamp plate, configured to be punctured by the fastener; and a protruding portion configured to protrude in a direction away from the clamp plate; wherein, when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface, the protruding portion is disposed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface so as to form a cavity therebetween through which the fastener extends; wherein the cavity is configured to receive waste material created by the fastener as the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface.

At its most general, the present invention provides a rain screen supporting rail device with an anti-separation clamp portion. The rail device is arranged to be fixed against a receiving surface to allow a rain screen to be removably mounted to a receiving surface via a rail portion. In this way, the rain screen may be mounted to the receiving surface in a secure and convenient manner.

The anti-separation clamp portion of the device is configured to ensure a separation is not formed between the rail device and the receiving surface while the rail device is being fixed against the receiving surface. In other words, the anti-separation clamp portion of the device is configured to ensure the rail device and the receiving surface remain in close contact with one another throughout an installation of the rail device on the receiving surface. By remaining in close contact with one another throughout the installation of the rail device, the receiving surface and the rail device may be more consistently and securely fixed together.

For example, if a separation is not formed between the rail device and the receiving surface while the rail device is being fixed against the receiving surface, the rail device may be fixed against the receiving surface at a consistent distance from the receiving surface, preferably a zero distance. Further, if a separation is not formed between the rail device and the receiving surface while the rail device is being fixed against the receiving surface, the rail device may be fixed securely against the receiving surface. This may allow a rail device to be arranged substantially parallel to, and in contact with, a receiving surface, without a separation or gap causing a local deviation, insecurity or inconsistency of the rail device.

By preventing gaps being formed between the rail device and the receiving surface during installation, the anti-separation clamp portion of the rail device enables a solid and strong installation of the rail device against the receiving surface. Due to the secure installation, forces exerted on a rail portion of the rail device may be transmitted to, and reacted by, the receiving surface. In this way, the rail device may derive support for a rain screen receiving rail portion from the receiving surface.

On the other hand, if a separation is formed between the rail device and the receiving surface while the rail device is being fixed against the receiving surface, the rail device may not be held consistently and securely against the receiving surface, instead there may be a gap between the rail device and the receiving surface. A fastener spanning this gap may experience increased bending loading compared with a fastener fixing a rail device to a receiving surface with no gap between the rail device and the receiving surface. The fastener may experience bending due to the load exerted by the rail device, which is spaced away from the receiving surface by the gap, particularly when the rail device is supporting a rain screen. In other words, the bending loading may be caused by a force acting in a direction perpendicular to a length of the fastener. The fastener may not withstand the bending loading and may fail, or shear, early or unpredictably.

This may cause a rail device, and any rain screen supported by the rail device, to become loose and possibly fall from the receiving surface, endangering people or property below.

If a separation is formed between the rail device and the receiving surface while the rail device is being fixed against the receiving surface, it may go unnoticed. For example, the separation may be difficult to detect, or the installers may not be motivated to detect the separation. In addition, the separation may be difficult, costly and time consuming to remove, i.e. fix, by bringing the rail device and the receiving surface into close contact. For these reasons, it is important to ensure the separation is not created during an installation of the rail device on the receiving surface.

As a rail device is fixed against a receiving surface by a fastener, the rail device and/or the receiving surface may be deformed by the fastener, creating waste material. For example, as the fastener enters the rail device and/or the receiving surface, small pieces of the rail device and/or the receiving surface may be displaced from a hole created by a fastener, these small pieces being waste material. This waste material may build up between the rail device and the receiving surface and force the rail device and the receiving surface apart, creating a separation between the rail device and the receiving surface while the rail device is being fixed against the receiving surface. In this way, the rail device and the receiving surface may not remain in close contact with one another throughout an installation of the rail device on the receiving surface, due to the build-up of waste material. Existing rail devices fixed by fasteners have encountered issues due to waste material becoming trapped between the rail device and the substrate and causing a separation, or gap, to form between the rail device and the substrate. Due to the gap, a rail device is only loosely attached to the substrate and may be prone to failing.

To address this issue, steps may be taken to prepare the substrate for the installation of the rail device, in particular pre-drilling and/or pre-tapping holes in the substrate to reduce a volume of waste material created by a fasteners during installation of the rail devices. However, the substrate preparation is time-consuming, expensive and may introduce errors, for example, measurement inaccuracies, into the installation.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the rail device may have a rail-like shape. For example, the rail may be pole shaped or bar shaped. In particular, the rail may have a length which is many times greater than a width and a depth of the rail. In addition, the rail may have a cross-sectional shape which is substantially consistent along a length of the rail.

The rail device comprises a rail portion configured to receive a rain screen. A rain screen may be received by the rail portion in any suitable manner. For example, the rain screen may be mounted on the rail portion. Additionally or alternatively the rain screen may be fixed to the rail portion, for example clipped, fastened or bonded onto the rail portion.

The rain screen may comprise any suitable screen configured to protect the receiving surface from rain. The rain screen may be a panel configured to form part of an outer skin of an exterior wall of a building. For example, where the receiving surface is an exterior wall formed of rear-ventilated cladding, the rail portion may be configured to receive a waterproof panel, which may protect an insulation and a building structure from rain. The rain screen may be a flat panel shaped object, e.g. a panel with a substantially flat side. In this way, the present invention may be used to consistently and securely support a rain screen.

The rail device comprises a clamp portion configured to be fixed against a receiving surface by a fastener. The receiving surface may be a wall, for example a wall of a building. The receiving surface may be an exterior wall, for example a wall of an outside of a building, or an interior wall, for example a wall of an inside of a building. The fastener may be any suitable fastener. For example, the fastener may be one selected from the range: screw; bolt; nail; rivet; stud, staple. The fastener may fix the clamp portion against the receiving surface in any suitable manner.

In being fixed against the receiving surface, the clamp portion is arranged to be face-fixed to a receiving surface. In other words, a face of the clamp portion is arranged to be fixed against a face of a receiving surface. For example, a clamp portion may be fixed such that a face of the clamp portion directly abuts a face of the receiving surface. Additionally or alternatively, a clamp portion may be fixed such that a face of the clamp portion indirectly abuts a face of the receiving surface, for example a shim may be present between the clamp portion and the receiving surface.

In this case, clamp portion is fixed such that a face of the clamp portion directly abuts a first face of the shim, and the shim is fixed such that a second face of the shim directly abuts a face of the receiving surface. In being fixed against a receiving surface, the clamp portion may be attached, joined, connected or mounted to the receiving surface.

The clamp portion comprises a clamp plate. The clamp plate is configured to be punctured by the fastener. In other words, the fastener that is configured to fix the clamp portion to the receiving surface is further configured to puncture a clamp plate of the clamp portion. In puncturing a clamp plate of the clamp portion, the fastener, during installation, makes a through-hole in the clamp plate of the clamp portion. In other words, the fastener makes a hole that goes all the way through the clamp plate from a first side to an opposing second side.

Before installation, the clamp plate has not been punctured by the fastener. In this way, before installation, the clamp plate may be whole and unbroken. Additionally or alternatively, before installation, the clamp plate may comprise a pilot hole. A pilot hole may be a through-hole or a blind hole. In this way, when the clamp portion be punctured by the fastener, the fastener may widen and/or lengthen an existing hole in the clamp plate. Additionally or alternatively, before installation, a surface of the clamp plate may comprise a divot to indicate a target location for the fastener to puncture the clamp plate.

The clamp portion comprises a protruding portion configured to protrude in a direction away from the clamp plate. For example, the protruding portion may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the clamp plate. Additionally or alternatively, the protruding portion may protrude away from the rail portion. When the rail portion is fixed against the receiving surface, the protruding portion may protrude towards the receiving surface.

When the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface, the protruding portion is disposed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface so as to form a cavity therebetween. In other words, a cavity is formed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface by the protruding portion being disposed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface, when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface. In this way, when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface, the protruding portion spaces the clamp plate away from the receiving surface. The protruding portion may protrude away from the clamp plate and towards the receiving surface. When the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface, a distal end of the protruding portion may be in contact with the receiving surface.

The protruding portion may have an area that is smaller than an area of the clamp plate, in order to provide an area difference which corresponds to an area of the cavity formed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface by the protruding portion when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface. For example, the protruding portion may be a rod protruding from the clamp plate. When the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface, a distal end of the rod may be in contact with the receiving surface, spacing the clamp plate away from the receiving surface. A volume disposed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface may be partially filled by the rod, the remaining volume being the cavity. In this way, the protruding portion is disposed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface to form a cavity therebetween.

The protruding portion may comprise any suitable shape. The protruding portion may comprise a plate. For example, the protruding portion may comprise a plate arranged perpendicular to the clamp plate to form a cavity between the clamp plate and the receiving surface in use. The protruding portion may be formed as one part with the clamp plate.

The fastener extends through the cavity between the clamp plate and the receiving surface when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface. In other words, the fastener that is configured to puncture a clamp plate of the clamp portion, is further configured to extend through the cavity between the clamp plate and the receiving surface when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface. Accordingly, the cavity is occupied by the fastener when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface. In this way, a portion of the fastener is provided inside the cavity when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface. For example, where the fastener is a screw, a shank or a thread of the screw may be provided inside the cavity when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface. In this way, when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface, the portion of the fastener that is disposed in the cavity has a volume of air around it.

Further, a portion of the fastener may occupy the receiving surface when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface. The receiving surface may be punctured by the fastener. In this way, the fastener may be secured in the receiving surface to fix the clamp portion against the receiving surface.

The cavity is configured to receive waste material created by the fastener as the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface. In other words, as the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface the fastener creates waste material which is received in the cavity. The waste material may be swarf. The waste material created by the fastener may be material of the clamp plate or the receiving surface that is displaced when the fastener fixes the clamp portion against the receiving surface. For example, the waste material may be splinters, slivers, shards, flakes, chips, curls or filings of the clamp plate or the receiving surface. The waste material may comprise any material from which the clamp plate or the receiving surface is formed.

In the case where the fastener is a screw, the screw is rotated as it is installed. The screw may push and twist the material of the clamp plate as it punctures the clamp plate, creating waste material. The waste material may separate from the clamp plate, or may remain attached to the clamp plate. In the same way, the screw may push and twist the material of the receiving surface as it punctures the receiving surface, creating waste material.

The waste material, or swarf, is provided free space to occupy in the cavity. In other words, the waste material may not be created in a tight space where it may become trapped and force the space to increase in size. For example, waste material is not created between faces of the clamp portion and the receiving surface which are intended to remain in close contact, where it may force a displacing of the clamp portion from the receiving surface creating a separation between the clamp portion and the receiving surface. In particular, waste material may not become clamped between the protruding portion and the receiving surface, as the waste material may instead be received in the cavity. By providing a cavity to receive the waste material, the clamp portion ensures waste material does not cause a separation to be formed between the clamp portion and the receiving surface while the clamp portion is being fixed against the receiving surface. In other words, waste material does not prevent the clamp portion and the receiving surface remaining in close contact with one another throughout an installation of the rail device on the receiving surface. By remaining in close contact with one another throughout the installation of the rail device, the receiving surface and the clamp portion may be more consistently and securely fixed together.

The receiving surface and the clamp portion remaining in close contact with one another throughout the installation of the rail device preventing a separation from forming between the receiving surface and the clamp portion, may minimise a bending loading experienced by the fastener. In this way, the fastener may experience tension, and the loading may be aligned with an axis of the fastener. Reducing a bending loading experienced by the fastener may reduce a fatigue of the fastener and/or a risk of the fastener failing early or unpredictably, e.g. before a theoretical load capacity is exceeded.

The rain screen may comprise living botanical organisms. For example, the rain screen may comprise plants and/or fungi. The plants and/or fungi may be arranged on the rain screen to form a 'living wall' when the rain screen is supported by the rail device on an exterior of a building. The plants and/or fungi may work to improve an air quality in the vicinity of the building, for example, by reducing a concentration of air pollutants. The plants and/or fungi may also provide an aesthetically pleasing exterior to the building. The plants and/or fungi may provide a habitat for wildlife such an insects or birds, thereby improving a local biodiversity. A rain screen comprising living botanical organisms may provide a thermally and/or acoustically insulating effect to a building on which is it fixed.

The fastener may be a self-drilling and/or a self-tapping screw. A self-tapping screw is a screw that, as it is installed, taps a hole into which it is being installed. A self-tapping screw does not require the prior tapping of a prepared hole to be installed securely. A self-drilling screw is a screw that, as it is installed, drills and taps its own hole. A self-drilling screw does not require a hole to be drilled, or tapped, in the substrate prior to the installation of the self-drilling screw. In this way, self-drilling or self-tapping screws may be used to reduce an installation time of the rail device as holes may not need to be drilled or tapped prior to the installation of the rail devices with self-drilling or self-tapping screws.

A further advantage is that reducing a number of operations required to prepare the substrate reduces a risk of errors in preparation operations causing ill-fitting or mis-fitting of a screw. For example, misalignment of prepared holes, incorrect hole diameter, depth or thread, or damage caused to the substrate during preparation operations may be avoided using self-drilling screws.

A self-drilling and/or self-tapping screw may be used to puncture the clamp plate. The self-drilling and/or self-tapping screw may extend through the cavity formed by the protruding portion being disposed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface. The self-drilling and/or self-tapping screw may also puncture the receiving surface. The self-drilling and/or self-tapping screw may be secured in the receiving surface.

The cavity may have a depth of at least a pitch of a thread of the screw, and preferably the cavity may have a depth of 1.5 times a pitch of a thread of the screw. The cavity formed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface may have a depth measured in a direction perpendicular to the receiving surface and/or the clamp plate. A pitch of a thread of a screw may be defined as a distance measured parallel to an axis of the thread between adjacent corresponding points on the thread of the screw. The depth of the cavity may preferably be 1.5 times a pitch of a thread of the screw. Accordingly, a distance measured between the clamp plate and the receiving surface, when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface, may be substantially the same as 1.5 times a distance between adjacent corresponding points on the thread of the screw that extends through the cavity.

In this way, the cavity may be provided with sufficient space to receive the waste material that is created by the fastener. This may prevent the waste material being compressed in the cavity, which may prevent a close contact being achieved between the rail device and the receiving surface. If insufficient space for the waste material were provided, the waste material may build up in the cavity and cause a separation to form between the rail device and the receiving surface while the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface.

The clamp portion may extend along a length of the rail device. In other words, the rail device may have a length, along which the clamp portion may also extend. In this way, the rail device is provided with the clamp portion, comprising clamp plate and protruding portion, along its length. The clamp portion may extend along a whole length of the rail device. Additionally or alternatively, the clamp portion may extend along a partial length of the rail device.

By providing the clamp portion along a length of the rail device, the rail device may be fixed against the receiving surface, via the clamp portion and by a fastener, at a variety of locations along the length of the rail device. In other words, the rail device may be fixed against the receiving surface at intervals that are appropriate for the intended use of the rail device, i.e. appropriate for the rain screen that the rail portion of the rail device is configured to receive. For example, the rail device may be fixed against the receiving surface at one or both ends of the rail device. Additionally or alternatively, the rail device may be fixed against the receiving surface at regular distance intervals along the length of the rail device. Additionally or alternatively, the rail device may be fixed against the receiving surface by a fastener at locations which are functionally appropriate, e.g. where the receiving surface is strongest.

The rail device may comprise an upper clamp portion and a lower clamp portion. In use, the upper clamp portion may be arranged above a lower clamp portion. The upper clamp portion may be substantially parallel to the lower clamp portion. In this way, the rail device may be fixed against the receiving surface via two clamp portions, arranged one above another and substantially parallel to one another to provide support to the rail device from the receiving surface via an upper clamp portion and a lower clamp portion. By providing a rail device with two clamp portions, the rail device may derive support from the receiving surface via two clamp portions. In other words, the rail device comprising two clamp portions may derive more support from the receiving surface than a rail device comprising one clamp portion. In this way, rail device with comprising clamp portions may be more securely fixed against the receiving surface. A rail device comprising two clamp portions may be able to support a greater load, e.g. a heavier rain screen, or withstanding more extreme weather conditions, than a rail device comprising only one clamp portion. Additionally or alternatively, for a given load, a rail device comprising two clamp portions may require less frequent maintenance, repair or replacement than a rail device comprising only one clamp portion.

By providing an upper clamp portion and a lower clamp portion, both clamp portions may extend along a length of the rail device. This may provide a maximum extent of the clamp portions, in turn, providing a maximum extent of locations where the clamp portions may be fixed against the receiving surface by a fastener. In this way, the rail device may be fixed against the receiving surface by any suitable pattern of fasteners. Such an adaptable installation may improve a versatility of the rail device. In this way, an ease of installation of the rail device may also be improved, as a pair of fasteners may be installed to fix the clamp portions to the receiving surface very close together, reducing a burden of measuring, set-up and set-down per fastener.

The protruding portion may be substantially perpendicular to the clamp plate. In other words, the protruding portion may be configured to protrude in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the clamp plate. For example, when the clamp plate is arranged parallel to the receiving surface, the protruding portion may protrude in a direction that is directly towards, or away from, the receiving surface. In another example, when the clamp plate is fixed against to the receiving surface by a fastener, the protruding portion may protrude in a direction that is parallel with the fastener. In this way, a strong connection is provided between the clamp plate and the protruding portion, improving a strength of a clamp portion as a whole. For example, in use, the protruding portion being perpendicular to the clamp portion and parallel to the fastener provides a reaction force to enable the clamp portion to resist the compression loading exerted by the fastener.

The clamp portion may comprise a slot configured to provide the cavity. In other words, a slot may be formed in the clamp portion, and the cavity between the clamp plate and the receiving surface, configured to receive waste material, may be provided by the slot. In other words, the slot and the cavity may be the same. The cavity formed by the protruding portion being disposed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface may comprise a slot shaped cavity. In this example, the protruding portion may comprise two protruding portions arranged to extend in a same direction away from the clamp plate from opposite ends of the clamp plate. In this way, the protruding portion and the clamp plate may describe a clamp portion comprising a slot. The fastener may extend through the slot. The slot may be configured to receive material created by the fastener as the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface.

By providing the clamp portion with a slot, the clamp plate and the protruding portion may be formed by material removal from the clamp portion to form the slot. In this way, the clamp portion may be made by subtractive manufacturing. Alternatively, in this way the clamp portion may be made by extrusion through a die comprising a slot shape.

By providing a cavity comprising a slot shaped cavity, the cavity may be provided with a length that is greater than a width or a depth of the cavity. In this way, the cavity may have a large length. For example, a length of a slot shaped cavity may extend along a length of the rail device.

In this way the slot shaped cavity may have a large volume, and accordingly a large capacity for waste material. In this way the cavity may be configured to receive a high volume of waste material associated with a high number of fasteners being used to fix the clamp portion against the receiving surface. In this way, the slot shaped cavity may be suitable for a rail device requiring a great plurality of fasteners, for example a rail device configured to support a heavy rain screen, or for use in extreme environmental conditions.

A distal end of the protruding portion may provide a contact surface configured to be in brought into contact with the receiving surface. In other words, in use, a contact surface of a distal end of the protruding portion may be in contact with the receiving surface. In this way, the protruding portion may space the clamp plate away from the receiving surface so as to form a cavity between the clamp plate and the receiving surface. By providing a contact surface at a distal end of the protruding portion, the clamp plate is prevented from approaching the receiving surface and the cavity is formed and maintained between the clamp plate and the receiving surface. In this way, waste material created by the fastener as it punctures the clamp plate and the receiving surface may be received in the cavity.

The contact surface may be configured to react a load exerted by the fastener. In this way, in use, the fastener may be exerting a compression force on the clamp portion, and the protruding portion may be reacting the compression force due to the contact surface at the distal end of the protruding portion being in contact with the receiving surface. By providing a contact surface configured to react a load exerted by the fastener at a distal end of the protruding portion, the cavity formed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface is maintained. The protruding portion reads the load exerted by the fastener so as not to collapse and close the cavity formed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface. In this way the cavity is protected and the waste material may be received in the cavity.

The protruding portion may extend along a length of the rail device. In this way, the rail device is provided with the protruding portion along its length. The protruding portion may extend along a whole length of the rail device. Additionally or alternatively, the protruding portion may extend along a partial length of the rail device. By providing the protruding portion along a length of the rail device, the cavity may extend, and be configured to receive waste material, along a length of the rail device. In this way, the rail device to be fixed against the receiving surface at any point along its length, without waste material building up and causing a separation to form between the clamp portion and the receiving surface during installation. In this way, the clamp portion and the receiving surface may remain in close contact with one another throughout an installation of the rail device. This may ensure the receiving surface and the rail device may be consistently and securely fixed together.

The protruding portion may comprise a plurality of legs. For example, a plurality of legs may protrude in a direction away from the clamp plate. The plurality of legs may be disposed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface in use so as to form a cavity between the clamp plate and the receiving surface. The legs may all have the same length. Additionally or alternatively, the legs may have different lengths. A width of the legs may extend along a length of the rail device. In this way, the plurality of legs may form a cavity between the clamp plate and the receiving portion along a length of the rail device. A distal end of each leg may comprise a contact surface configured to be in brought into contact with the receiving surface, and optionally be configured to react a load exerted by the fastener.

In addition, a protruding portion comprising a plurality of legs may be able to space the clamp portion away from the receiving surface over a larger area than a protruding portion comprising a single leg. In this case, a volume of the cavity, and hence a capacity of the cavity to receive waste material, may be increased by the protruding portion comprising a plurality of legs.

The protruding portion may comprise an upper leg and a lower leg, wherein the upper leg is arranged above, and substantially parallel to, a lower leg when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface. By providing a plurality of legs, where an upper leg and a lower leg provide contact surfaces configured to react a load exerted by a fastener, the legs may provide stability and balance to the clamp portion. For example, the legs may react the force exerted by the fastener while being disposed in different locations around the fastener, e.g. on either side of the fastener. In this case, the legs may each react a fraction of the force exerted by the fastener, meaning each leg of the plurality of legs may not need to be as strong as a single leg, if a single leg were used. Further, the plurality of legs may avoid a bending or buckling of a single leg or protruding portion under the load exerted by the fastener.

The upper leg and the lower leg may both be arranged to extend along a length of the rail device.

In this way, the upper leg and lower leg may form a cavity between the clamp portion and the receiving surface over a large area of the rail device, increasing a capacity of the cavity so that the cavity may be configured to receive a high volume of waste material. Consequently, the waste material may not build up and cause a separation to be formed between the clamp portion and the receiving surface.

The rail device may comprise a substantially consistent cross sectional shape along a length of the rail device. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the rail device may be substantially the same at a plurality of points along a length of the rail device. In this way, the rail device may be easily manufactured. For example, the rail device may be extruded, e.g. from aluminium. An aluminium extrusion may provide a very strong and cost effective rail device. By having a substantially consistent cross sectional shape along a length of the rail device, the rail device may not require any further processing after manufacturing by extrusion. For example, no further holes may be required in the rail device.

Prior to installation, the rail device may be cut to length. For example, rail device stock may be manufactured in lengths that are as long as, or longer than, the maximum length of any rail device required. By providing a rail device comprising a substantially consistent cross sectional shape, any part of the stock may be used as a rail device, once cut to length. In this way, a greater proportion of the stock may be turned into rail devices and less waste may be produced when manufacturing a rail device comprising a substantially consistent cross sectional shape from stock, than a rail device without a substantially consistent cross sectional shape. In this way the present invention reduces waste, environmental impact, and cost per metre of rail device.

The rail portion may comprise a hooked end and a chamfer. The rain screen may be received on the hooked end and/or the chamfer. For example, a portion of the rain screen may be hooked over the hooked end, and a further portion of the rain screen may be received against the chamfer. In this way, a rain screen may be secured to the rail portion. A rain screen may comprise a complementary fixing, configured to mate with the rail portion of the rail device. In this way, the rail device may be configured to securely receive a rain screen.

The clamp plate may comprise a groove configured to indicate a range of suitable locations for the fastener. In other words, groove may be disposed on a surface of the clamp plate. The groove may indicate a range of suitable locations for the installation of a fastener through the clamp plate. For example the groove may indicate where the tip of a fastener should be placed in preparation for an installation of the fastener. In particular, the groove may indicate a range of suitable locations for a tip of a fastener prior to puncturing the clamp plate. Additionally or alternatively, the groove may indicate a destination for a head of a fastener when the fastener is used to fix the clamp portion against the receiving surface.

By providing a groove configured to indicate a range of suitable locations for the fastener, the rail device may provide easily identifiable locations where a fastener may be installed. In this way, an installer may find it simple to correctly locate the fastener to fix the clamp portion against the receiving surface using the fastener securely and consistently. This may reduce a risk of damage to the rail device and/or the receiving surface through erroneously installed fasteners. Further, this may reduce a risk of a rail device being installed with fasteners located in unsuitable locations, which may reduce a load bearing capacity of the rail and increase a risk of failure of the rail.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A depicts a schematic cross-section view of a rail device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 1B depicts a schematic cross-section view of the rail device of Figure 1A, in which the rail device is fixed against a receiving surface; Figure 2 depicts a schematic isometric view of the rail device of Figure 1A; Figure 3A depicts a schematic cross-section view of a rail device according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 3B depicts a schematic cross-section view of the rail device of Figure 3A, in which the rail device is fixed against a receiving surface; and Figure 4 depicts a schematic isometric view of the rail device of Figure 3A.

Detailed Description

With reference to Figures 1A and 1B, a rain screen supporting rail device 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The rail device 100 comprises a rail portion 102 configured to receive a rain screen; and a clamp portion 104 configured to be fixed against a receiving surface 106 by a fastener 108; the clamp portion 104 comprising: a clamp plate 110, configured to be punctured by the fastener 108; and protruding portions 112a, 112b configured to protrude in a direction away from the clamp plate 110; wherein, when the clamp portion 104 is fixed against the receiving surface 106, the protruding portions 112a, 112b are disposed between the clamp plate 110 and the receiving surface 106 so as to form a cavity 114 therebetween through which the fastener 108 extends; wherein the cavity 114 is configured to receive waste material created by the fastener 108 as the clamp portion 104 is fixed against the receiving surface 106.

The rail portion 102 of the rail device 100 is configured to receive a rain screen. The clamp portion 104 of the rail device 100 is configured to be fixed against the receiving surface 106 by the fastener 108. The receiving surface may be a wall, for example of a building. When the clamp portion 104 is fixed against the receiving surface 106, the rail portion 102 is arranged at a distance from the receiving surface. In this way, the rail portion 102 is arranged opposite to the receiving surface 106.

The rail portion 102 comprises a hooked end 116 and a chamfer 118. The hooked end 116 and the chamfer 118 are configured to receive the rain screen. As, shown in Figure 1B, in use, the hooked end 116 is arranged above a chamfer 118. The hooked end 116 is arranged at an upper end of the rail device 100 and the chamfer 118 is arranged at a lower end of the rail device 100.

The clamp portion 104 is arranged substantially in a middle of the rail device 100. In this way, the clamp portion 104 is arranged between the hooked end 116 is and the chamfer 118. By being arranged between the hooked end 116 and the chamfer 118, the clamp portion 104 provides the rail device 100 with a central and stable location where it is fixed against the receiving surface 106 The clamp portion 104 comprises the clamp plate 110 and the protruding portions 112a, 112b. In use, the clamp plate 110 is arranged to be parallel to the receiving surface 106. The clamp plate 110 is configured to be punctured by the fastener 108. In other words, during installation of the rail device 100, the fastener 108 creates a hole in the clamp plate 110. The fastener 108 passes through the hole in the clamp plate 110 and into the receiving surface 106. In this way, the rail device 100 is fixed, i.e. fastened, to the receiving surface 106. A head of the fastener 108 does not pass through the hole in the clamp plate 110. An underside of the head of the fastener 108 is brought into contact with an outer surface of the clamp plate 110 during installation of the fastener 108. The fastener 108 is tightened against the outer surface of the clamp plate 110 and the fastener 108 exerts a compression force on the clamp portion 104 via the contact between the underside of the head of the fastener and the outer surface of the clamp plate 110.

The protruding portions 112a, 112b are configured to protrude in a direction away from the clamp plate 110. Each of the protruding portions 112a, 112b comprises a leg. Hence the protruding portions 112a, 112b comprise a plurality of legs 112a, 112b. The clamp portion 104 comprises an upper leg 112a and a lower leg 112b, the upper leg 112a being arranged above the lower leg 112b in use. The upper leg 112a is substantially parallel to the lower leg 112b. The upper leg 112a and the lower leg 112b are substantially perpendicular to the clamp plate 110. The upper leg 112a and the lower leg 112b are substantially perpendicular to the receiving surface 106 in use. In this way, the protruding portions 112a, 112b are disposed between the clamp plate 110 and the receiving surface 106 when the clamp portion 104 is fixed against the receiving surface 106. By protruding in a direction away from the clamp plate 110 and being disposed between the clamp plate 110 and the receiving surface 106, the protruding portions 112a, 112b form a cavity 114 between the clamp plate 110 and the receiving surface 106 in use. When the clamp portion 104 is fixed against the receiving surface 106, the cavity has a substantially rectangular cross sectional shape.

Each leg of the plurality of legs 112a, 112b has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of each leg of the plurality of legs 112a, 112b is the end where each leg is connected to the clamp plate 110. The distal end of each leg of the plurality of legs 112a, 112b is opposite to a proximal end. The distal end of each leg of the plurality of legs 112a, 112b provides a contact surface configured to be in brought into contact with the receiving surface 106. In this way, the protruding portions 112a, 112b are configured to be brought into contact with the receiving surface 106 to space the clamp plate 110 away from the receiving surface 106 to form the cavity 114 therebetween.

In use, the contact surface of each leg of the plurality of legs 112a, 112b, is configured to react a load exerted by the fastener 108. In other words, the fastener 108 is used to fix the clamp portion 104 against the receiving surface 106. The fastener 108 exerts a compression force on the clamp portion 104 as it fixes the clamp portion 104 against the receiving surface 106. The fastener 108 itself experiences a tension force. The compression force is reacted by the protruding portions 112a, 112b in order to prevent a collapse of the clamp portion 104 under the compression force exerted by the fastener 108. In reacting this force and preventing collapse of the clamp portion 104, the protruding portions 112a, 112b form the cavity 114 between the clamp plate 110 and the receiving surface 106.

The fastener 108 extends through the cavity 114. In this way, the fastener 108 extends through the clamp plate 110, through the cavity 114 and into the receiving surface 106. The fastener 108 is a self-drilling screw. The cavity 114 is arranged to receive waste material created by the fastener 108 as the clamp portion 104 is fixed against the receiving surface 106. In other words, when the fastener 108 is installed by puncturing the clamp plate 110 and the receiving surface 106, waste material may be created. The cavity 114 is configured to receive this waste material.

The cavity 114 comprises a slot. In other words, the cavity 114 comprises a long narrow aperture, taking the form of a slot. In this way, a slot may be provided in the clamp portion 104 and may provide the cavity 114 which is configured to receive the waste material created by the fastener 108 as the clamp portion 104 is fixed against the receiving surface 106.

The cavity 114 has a depth which is 1.5 times a pitch of a thread of the fastener 108. In other words, cavity 114 has a depth which is 1.5 times a distance between adjacent corresponding points on the thread of the self-drilling screw which is the fastener 108. In this way, the cavity 114 provides a sufficient volume configured to receive the waste material created by the fastener 108 without the waste material building up in the cavity 114 and causing a separation to form between the clamp portion 104 and the receiving surface 106.

The clamp plate 110 comprises a groove 120. The groove 120 may run along the length of the clamp plate 110. The groove may indicate a range of suitable locations for the fastener 108. In other words, the groove 120 may indicate where a fastener 108 may puncture the clamp plate 110 to fix the clamp portion 104 against the receiving surface 106.

With reference to Figure 2, the rain screen supporting rail device 100 of Figs. 1A and 1B, according to a first embodiment of the invention, is illustrated. Features of Fig. 2 which are shown in Figs. 1A and 1B are given the same reference numerals and are not described in detail again.

The rail device 100 shown in isometric view in Fig. 2 comprises a substantially consistent cross sectional shape. That is to say, all cross sections taken in a plane perpendicular to a length of the rail device 100 at any point along a length of the rail device 100 are substantially identical. In this way, the rail device 100 is suitable to be manufactured via extrusion. This may be an efficient, accurate, repeatable and cost-effective method of manufacturing. Extrusion may enable tight tolerances to be achieved when manufacturing rail devices. In this way, each rail device 100 manufactured may be substantially identical to within a narrow margin of error.

The clamp portion 104 extends along a length of the rail device 100. In this way, the clamp portion 104 is provided at all points along a length of the rail device 100. In other words, the clamp portion 104 may be fixed against the receiving surface 106 by the fastener 108 at any point along a length of the rail device 100. This may allow the rail device 100 to be mounted to the receiving surface 106 according to the requirements of the specific situation, e.g. a material, size or strength of the receiving surface 106, or an intended load on the rail device 100. For example, a rail device 100 configured to receive a heavy rain screen may be fixed against the receiving surface 106 by a great plurality of fasteners 108. In another example, a rail device 100 configured to be fixed against a narrow receiving surface 106 may be fixed against the receiving surface 106 by a plurality of fasteners 108 arranged at small intervals from one another.

In the same way as the clamp portion 104, the protruding portions 112a, 112b extend along a length of the rail device 100. In this way each leg of the plurality of legs 112a, 112b extends along a length of the rail device 100. The upper leg 112a is arranged above and substantially parallel to the lower leg 112b. In this way, in use, the upper leg 112a and the lower leg 112b may space the clamp plate 110 away from the receiving surface 106 along a length of the rail device 100 to form the cavity 114 between the clamp plate 110 and the receiving surface 106 configured to receive waste material along a length of the rail device 100.

With reference to Figures 3A and 3B, a rain screen supporting rail device 200 according to a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The rail device 200 comprises a rail portion 202 configured to receive a rain screen; and clamp portions 204a, 204b configured to be fixed against a receiving surface 206 by fasteners 208a, 208b; the clamp portions 204a, 204b comprising clamp plates 210a, 210b, configured to be punctured by fasteners 208a, 208b; and protruding portions 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d configured to protrude in a direction away from the clamp plates 210a, 210b; wherein, when the clamp portions 204a, 204b are fixed against the receiving surface 206, the protruding portions 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d are disposed between the clamp plates 210a, 210b and the receiving surface 206 so as to form cavities 214a, 214b therebetween through which the fasteners 208a, 208b extend; wherein the cavities 214a, 214b are configured to receive waste material created by the fasteners 208a, 208b as the clamp portions 210a, 210b are fixed against the receiving surface 206.

The rail device 200 of Figs. 3A and 3B comprises a rail portion 202 and clamp portions 204a, 204b.

The rail portion 202 is configured to receive a rain screen. The rail portion 202 comprises a hooked end 216 and a chamfer 218. The hooked end 216 and the chamfer 218 are configured to receive the rain screen. As, shown in Figure 3B, in use, the hooked end 216 is arranged above a chamfer 218.

The clamp portions 204a, 204b of the rail device 200 are configured to be fixed against the receiving surface 206 by fasteners 208a, 208b. The receiving surface may be a wall, for example of a building. When the clamp portions 204a, 204b are fixed against the receiving surface 206, the rail portion 202 is arranged at a distance from the receiving surface. In this way, in use, the rail portion 202 is arranged opposite to the receiving surface 206.

The rail portion 202 is arranged substantially in a middle of the rail device 200. A first clamp portion 204a is arranged above a rail portion 202 in use. The first clamp portion 204a is arranged at an upper end of the rail device 200. A second clamp portion 204b is arranged below a rail portion 202 in use. The second clamp portion 204b is arranged at a lower end of the rail device 200. In this way, the clamp portions 204a, 204b are arranged around the rail portion 202. The first clamp portion 204a may be an upper clamp portion and the second clamp portion 204b may be a lower clamp portion. By being arranged around the rail portion 202, the clamp portions 204a, 204b provide the rail device 200 with support from above the rail portion 202 and below the rail portion 202. In this way, the rail device 200 may be more securely fixed against a receiving surface 206. Further, in this way, the rail device 200 may be fixed against the receiving surface at points both above and below the rail portion 202 of the rail device 200 which receives a rain screen. This may provide a rain screen with improved security of fixing via the rail device 200.

The first clamp portion 204a comprises the first clamp plate 210a, the first protruding portion 212a and the second protruding portion 212b. The second clamp portion 204b comprises the first clamp plate 210b, the first protruding portion 212c and the second protruding portion 212d. In use, the clamp plates 210a, 210b are arranged to be parallel to the receiving surface 206. The first clamp plate 210a is configured to be punctured by the first fastener 208a. The second clamp plate 210b is configured to be punctured by the second fastener 208b. In other words, during installation of the rail device 200, the first fastener 208a creates a hole in the first clamp plate 210a, and the second fastener 208b creates a hole in the second clamp plate 210b. The first fastener 208a passes through the hole in the first clamp plate 210a and into the receiving surface 206. The second fastener 208b passes through the hole in the second clamp plate 201b and into the receiving surface 206. The fasteners 208a, 208b are secured in the receiving surface 206. In this way, the rail device 200 is fixed, i.e. fastened, to the receiving surface 206.

Heads of the fasteners 208a, 208b do not pass through the holes in the clamp plates 210a, 210b.

An underside of a head of the first fastener 208a is brought into contact with an outer surface of the first clamp plate 210a during installation of the first fastener 208a. An underside of a head of the second fastener 208b is brought into contact with an outer surface of the second clamp plate 210b during installation of the second fastener 208b. The first fastener 208a is tightened against the outer surface of the first clamp plate 210a and the first fastener 208a exerts a compression force on the first clamp portion 204a via the contact between the underside of the head of the first fastener 208a and the outer surface of the first clamp plate 210a. The second fastener 208b is tightened against the outer surface of the second clamp plate 210b and the second fastener 208b exerts a compression force on the second clamp portion 204b via the contact between the underside of the head of the second fastener 208b and the outer surface of the second clamp plate 210b.

The protruding portions 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d are configured to protrude in a direction away from the clamp plates 210a, 210b. In particular, protruding portions 212a, 212b protrude in a direction away from the first clamp plate 210a, and protruding portions 212c, 212d protrude in a direction away from the second clamp plate 210b. Each of the protruding portions 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d comprises a leg. Hence the protruding portions 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d comprise a plurality of legs 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d. Each clamp portion 204a, 204b comprises and upper leg 212a, 212c and a lower leg 212b, 212d. In this way, the first upper leg 212a and the first lower leg 212b protrude away from the first clamp plate 210a, and the second upper leg 212c and the second lower leg 212d protrude away from the second clamp plate 210b. The first upper leg 212a is arranged above the first lower leg 212b, and the second upper leg 212c is arranged above the second lower leg 212d in use.

The first upper leg 212a is substantially parallel to the first lower leg 212b. The second upper leg 212c is substantially parallel to the second lower leg 212d. The first upper leg 212a and the first lower leg 212b are substantially perpendicular to the first clamp plate 210a. The second upper leg 212c and the second lower leg 212d are substantially perpendicular to the second clamp plate 210b. In use, the first upper leg 212a, the first lower leg 212b, the second upper leg 212c and the second lower leg 212d are substantially perpendicular to the receiving surface 206.

In use, the first upper leg 212a and the first lower leg 212b are disposed between the first clamp plate 210a and the receiving surface. In the same way, in use, the second upper leg 212c and the second lower leg 212d are disposed between the second clamp plate 210b and the receiving surface. In this way, the first upper leg 212a and the first lower leg 212b form a first cavity 214a between the first clamp plate 210a and the receiving surface 206 when the first clamp portion 204a is fixed against the receiving surface 206. In the same way, the second upper leg 212c and the second lower leg 212d form a second cavity 214b between the second clamp plate 210b and the receiving surface 206 in use.

When the clamp portions 204a, 204b are fixed against the receiving surface 206, the first cavity and the second cavity have substantially rectangular cross sectional shapes.

Each leg of the plurality of legs 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d has a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end of each leg of the plurality of legs 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d is connected to one of the clamp plates 210a, 210b. In particular, the proximal end of the first upper leg 212a and the proximal end of the first lower leg 212b are connected to the first clamp plate 210a. Further, the proximal end of the second upper leg 212c and the proximal end of the second lower leg 212d are connected to the second clamp plate 210b. The distal end of each leg of the plurality of legs 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d is opposite to a proximal end. The distal end of each leg of the plurality of legs 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d provides a contact surface configured to be brought into contact with the receiving surface 206. In this way, the protruding portions 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d are configured to be brought into contact with the receiving surface 206 to space the clamp plates 210a, 210b away from the receiving surface 206 to form the cavities 214a, 214b therebetween. In particular, the first upper leg 212a and the first lower leg 212b are configured to be brought into contact with the receiving surface 206 to space the first clamp plate 210a away from the receiving surface 206 to form the first cavity 214a therebetween. Further, the second upper leg 212c and the second lower leg 212d are configured to be brought into contact with the receiving surface 206 to space the second clamp plate 210b away from the receiving surface 206 to form the second cavity 214b therebetween.

The contact surface of each leg of the plurality of legs 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d is configured to react a load exerted by fasteners 208a, 208b. In other words, the first fastener 208a is used to fix the first clamp portion 204a against the receiving surface 206 by exerting a compression force on the first clamp portion 204a, the first fastener 208a itself experiencing a tension force. The compression force is reacted by the first upper leg 212a and the first lower leg 212b in order to prevent a collapse of the first clamp portion 204a under the compression force exerted by the first fastener 208a. In reacting this compression force and preventing collapse of the first clamp portion 204a, the first upper leg 212a and the first lower leg 212b form the first cavity 114a between the first clamp plate 210a and the receiving surface 206. In the same way, the second fastener 208b is used to fix the second clamp portion 204b against the receiving surface 206 by exerting a compression force on the second clamp portion 204b, the second fastener 208b itself experiencing a tension force. The compression force is reacted by the second upper leg 212c and the second lower leg 212d in order to prevent a collapse of the second clamp portion 204b under the compression force exerted by the second fastener 208b. In reacting this compression force and preventing collapse of the second clamp portion 204b, the second upper leg 212c and the second lower leg 212d form the second cavity 114b between the second clamp plate 210b and the receiving surface 206.

The first fastener 208a extends through the first cavity 214a. The second fastener 208b extends through the second cavity 214b. In this way, the first fastener 208a extends through the first clamp plate 210a, through the first cavity 214a and into the receiving surface 206. Further, the second fastener 208b extends through the second clamp plate 210b, through the second cavity 214b and into the receiving surface 206. The first fastener 208a and the second fastener 208b are self-drilling screws.

The first cavity 214a and the second cavity 214b are arranged to receive waste material created by the first fastener 208a and the second fastener 218b respectively as the rail device 200 is fixed against the receiving surface 206. In other words, when the first fastener 208a is installed by puncturing the first clamp plate 210a and the receiving surface 206, waste material may be created and received in the first cavity 214a. In the same way, when the second fastener 208b is installed by puncturing the second clamp plate 210b and the receiving surface 206, waste material may be created and received in the second cavity 214b.

The first cavity 214a and the second cavity 214b each comprise a slot. In other words, the first cavity 214a and the second cavity 214b each comprise a long narrow aperture, taking the form of a slot. In this way, a slot may be provided in the first clamp portion 204a, the slot providing the first cavity 214a which is configured to receive waste material created by the first fastener 208a as the rail device 200 is fixed against the receiving surface 206. In the same way, a slot may be provided in the second clamp portion 204b, the slot providing the second cavity 214b which is configured to receive waste material created by the second fastener 208b as the rail device 200 is fixed against the receiving surface 206.

The first cavity 214a has a depth which corresponds to a pitch of a thread of the first fastener 208a. In other words, the first cavity 214a has a depth which is a distance between adjacent corresponding points on the thread of the self-drilling screw which is the first fastener 108a. In this way, the first cavity 214a provides a sufficient volume configured to receive the waste material created by the first fastener 208a without the waste material building up in the first cavity 214a and causing a separation to form between the first clamp portion 204a and the receiving surface 206.

The second cavity 214b has a depth which corresponds to a pitch of a thread of the second fastener 208b. In other words, the second cavity 214b has a depth which is a distance between adjacent corresponding points on the thread of the self-drilling screw which is the second fastener 108b. In this way, the second cavity 214b provides a sufficient volume configured to receive the waste material created by the second fastener 208b without the waste material building up in the second cavity 214b and causing a separation to form between the second clamp portion 204b and the receiving surface 206.

The first clamp plate 210a comprises a first groove 220a. The second clamp plate 210b comprises a second groove 220b. The first groove 220a runs along the length of the first clamp plate 210a. The second groove 220b runs along the length of the second clamp plate 210b. The first groove 220a indicates a ranges of suitable locations for the first fastener 208a. The second groove 220b indicates a ranges of suitable locations for the second fastener 208b. In other words, the first groove 220a may indicate where a first fastener 208a may puncture the first clamp plate 210a to fix the first clamp portion 204a against the receiving surface 206. In the same way, the second groove 220b may indicate where a second fastener 208b may puncture the second clamp plate 210b to fix the second clamp portion 204b against the receiving surface 206.

With reference to Figure 4, the rain screen supporting rail device 200 of Figs. 3A and 3B, according to a further embodiment of the invention, is illustrated. Features of Fig. 4 which are shown in Figs. 3A and 3B are given the same reference numerals and are not described in detail 35 again.

The rail device 200 shown in isometric view in Fig. 4 comprises a substantially consistent cross sectional shape. That is to say, all cross sections taken in a plane perpendicular to a length of the rail device 200 at any point along a length of the rail device 200 are substantially identical. In this way, the rail device 200 is suitable to be manufactured via extrusion. This may be an efficient, accurate, repeatable and cost-effective method of manufacturing. Extrusion may enable tight tolerances to be achieved when manufacturing rail devices. In this way, each rail device 200 manufactured may be substantially identical to within a narrow margin of error.

The first clamp portion 204a and the second clamp portion 204b extend along the rail device 200. In this way, the first clamp portion 204a and the second clamp portion 204b are provided at all points along a length of the rail device 200. In other words, the first clamp portion 204a may be fixed against the receiving surface 206 by the first fastener 208a at any point along a length of the rail device 200, and the second clamp portion 204b may be fixed against the receiving surface 206 by the second fastener 208b at any point along a length of the rail device 200. This may allow the rail device 200 to be mounted to the receiving surface 206 according to the requirements of the specific situation, e.g. a material, size or strength of the receiving surface 206, or an intended load on the rail device 200. For example, a rail device 200 configured to receive a heavy rain screen may be fixed against the receiving surface 206 by a great plurality of fasteners 208a, 208b. In another example, a rail device 200 configured to be fixed against a narrow receiving surface 206 may be fixed against the receiving surface 206 by a plurality of fasteners 208a, 208b arranged at small intervals from one another.

In the same way as the first clamp portion 204a and the second clamp portion 204b, the protruding portions 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d extend along a length of the rail device 200. In this way each leg of the plurality of legs 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d extends along a length of the rail device 200.

The first upper leg 212a is arranged above and substantially parallel to the first lower leg 212b.

The second upper leg 212c is arranged above and substantially parallel to the second lower leg 212d. In this way, the first upper leg 212a and the first lower leg 212b may space the first clamp plate 210a away from the receiving surface 206 along a length of the rail device 200 to form the first cavity 214a between the first clamp plate 210a and the receiving surface 206 configured to receive waste material along a length of the rail device 200. In the same way, the second upper leg 212c and the second lower leg 212d may space the second clamp plate 210b away from the receiving surface 206 along a length of the rail device 200 to form the second cavity 214b between the second clamp plate 210b and the receiving surface 206 configured to receive waste material along a length of the rail device 200.

Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above, for example, the rail device may support any type of rain screen. Further, the rail portion may receive a rain screen in any suitable manner. Additionally, the protruding portion may have any suitable number or shape, for example, there may be a single protruding portion; there may be any plurality of protruding portions; the protruding portion may be straight, curved, annular, hollow, polygonal, closed or unclosed. There may be any number of clamp portions. The clamp portions may be arranged in any suitable manner. The rail device may have any suitable length. The rail device may have a length that is greater than a width or a depth. Alternatively, a length of the rail may not be greater than both a width and a depth. The fastener may comprise any suitable fastener. In addition, the components of the invention may be formed of any suitable material. To safely, securely and efficiently fix rain screens to walls, an anti-separation rain screen supporting fixing mechanism is required. The present invention provides improvements to the consistency and security of installation of rain screen supporting rail devices. The invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated, a greater number of components than are illustrated in the figures could be used, for example.

Claims

Claims 1. A rain screen supporting rail device, the rail device comprising: a rail portion configured to receive a rain screen; and a clamp portion configured to be fixed against a receiving surface by a fastener; the clamp portion comprising: a clamp plate, configured to be punctured by the fastener; and a protruding portion configured to protrude in a direction away from the clamp plate; wherein, when the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface, the protruding portion is disposed between the clamp plate and the receiving surface so as to form a cavity therebetween through which the fastener extends; wherein the cavity is configured to receive waste material created by the fastener as the clamp portion is fixed against the receiving surface.
2. A rain screen supporting rail device according to claim 1, wherein the rain screen comprises living botanical organisms.
3. A rain screen supporting rail device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fastener is a self-drilling and/or a self-tapping screw.
4. A rain screen supporting rail device according to claim 3, wherein the cavity has a depth of at least a pitch of a thread of the screw, and preferably the cavity has a depth of 1.5 times a pitch of a thread of the screw.
5. A rain screen supporting rail device according to any preceding claim, wherein the clamp portion extends along a length of the rail device.
6. A rain screen supporting rail device according to any preceding claim, wherein the rail device comprises an upper clamp portion and a lower clamp portion, wherein the upper clamp portion is arranged above a lower clamp portion when the rail device is fixed against the receiving surface.
7. A rain screen supporting rail device according to claim 6, wherein the upper clamp portion is substantially parallel to the lower clamp portion.
8. A rain screen supporting rail device according to any preceding claim, wherein the protruding portion is substantially perpendicular to the clamp plate.
9. A rain screen supporting rail device according to any preceding claim, wherein the clamp portion comprises a slot, wherein the slot is configured to provide the cavity.
10. A rain screen supporting rail device according to any preceding claim, wherein a distal end of the protruding portion provides a contact surface configured to be in brought into contact with the receiving surface.
11. A rain screen supporting rail device according to claim 10, wherein the contact surface is configured to react a load exerted by the fastener.
12. A rain screen supporting rail device according to any preceding claim, wherein the protruding portion extends along a length of the rail device.
13. A rain screen supporting rail device according to any preceding claim, wherein the protruding portion comprises a plurality of legs.
14. A rain screen supporting rail device according to claim 13, wherein the protruding portion comprises an upper leg and a lower leg, wherein the upper leg is arranged above a lower leg when the rail device is fixed against the receiving surface.
15. A rain screen supporting rail device according to claim 14, wherein the upper leg is substantially parallel to the lower leg.
16. A rain screen supporting rail device according to any preceding claim, wherein, along a length of the rail device, the rail device comprises a substantially consistent cross sectional shape.
17. A rain screen supporting rail device according to any preceding claim, the rail portion comprising a hooked end and a chamfer.
18. A rain screen supporting rail device according to any preceding claim, the clamp plate comprising a groove configured to indicate a range of suitable locations for the fastener.