AU2022200889B2

AU2022200889B2 - Universal z-z channel for mounting wall panels to existing wall

Info

Publication number: AU2022200889B2
Application number: AU2022200889A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Henry Bilge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-21
Filing date: 2022-02-10
Publication date: 2023-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2042-02-10
Also published as: EP4047154A1; CA3149513A1; AU2023278062A1; CN114961158A; TR2022002324A2; AU2022200889A1; MX2022002061A

Abstract

: Disclosed is a system of cladding along an existing exterior wall of a building featuring a plurality of girt component, further comprising a plurality of Z-shaped components and a plurality of edge components deployed in a spaced apart arrangement and at an angle to each 5 other, with an insulation material inserted between any two of the girt components. The girt components enforcing an air circulation and moisture gap between exterior wall paneling and insulation. The plurality of girt components may contain a slots that further provide air circulation and water drainage and provide anchor points for holding elements that securely attaches insulation material between adjacent girt components onto an existing wall, without 10 unnecessarily breaching exterior sheeting or weather membrane that may be present on an existing wall. The use of clips, pegs or rods further speeds the installation process and reduces the cost and efficiency of insulation, while improving the thermal isolation of components attaching to the girt components. 1 rA4 IfLL ...........~~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .----- ... ....... ... ---- --

Description

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IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

Non-Provisional Utility Patent Application Entitled:

UNIVERSAL Z-Z CHANNEL FOR MOUNTING WALL PANELS TO EXISTING WALL Inventor:

Henry H. Bilge

Reference to Related Application

The present application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No.

17/560,249 filed on December 2 2 "d, 2021 to the same inventor herein and entitled UNIVERSAL

Z-Z CHANNEL FOR MOUNTING WALL PANELS TO EXISTING WALL, which is a

Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Patent Application 17/203,283, filed on March 1 6th, 2021 to the

same inventor herein and entitled UNIVERSAL Z-Z CHANNEL FOR MOUNTING WALL

PANELS TO EXISTING WALL, which is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No.

17/180,859, filed on February, 21st 2021 to the same inventor herein and entitled UNIVERSAL

Z-Z CHANNEL FOR MOUNTING WALL PANELS TO EXISTING WALL, which is a

Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17/091,255 filed on November 6th, 2020 to

the same inventor herein and entitled UNIVERSAL Z-Z CHANNEL FOR MOUNTING WALL

PANELS TO EXISTING WALL, the entire contents and disclosure of which are incorporated

herein by reference.

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a wall system, and more particularly, to a

system for easily mounting wall panels over an existing wall while concealing exterior

insulation.

Exterior decorative works of an existing wall are exposed to elements, in particular, to

moisture. Although caulking and other gap remediation techniques abound and are well known,

moisture may still penetrate. Despite moisture penetration, good airflow will wick away water

before mold and other destructive consequences set in. For this reason, sound construction

practices, and in some instances, building code, require that exterior wall panels are separated

from insulation material by a gap to facilitate air circulation and water drainage.

This gap is also highly desirable to promote conservation of energy inside building

structures. Due to the principal of conduction, even insulation will transfer hot or cold onto a

surface it is insulating and thus eventually lose some of its effectiveness. To overcome the loss of

insulating efficiency caused by conduction, sound construction practices recommend creating an

air gap between an exterior layer of exterior insulation and the layer of exterior wall paneling.

This air gap creates a reflective barrier, where the hot or cold air radiating from the exterior wall

panel is reflected by the insulation layer due to the presence of the air gap.

Enforcement of the air gap between the insulation layer and the exterior wall paneling is

a known practice that is often dictated by the building code. However, there is presently no

standard and failsafe compliance method. Instead, contractors attempt to comply by inserting a

separate strip of material between the exterior paneling and the insulation. Existing methods have

several serious shortcomings. The first one is higher cost and length of installation. The cost is

increased due to the requirement of purchasing, stocking and components required in ensuring

that a gap is present. Secondly, installation requires a separate step involving a non-standard

component. Third, it is often difficult to keep the thickness of the air gap uniform when utilizing

non-standard and disparate components. Finally, the presence of an additional structural component adds to the complexity of a project and increases the risk of mistake or accident occurring due to the additional level of complexity.

Furthermore, just the presence of a gap may not be sufficient in some situations. For

example, certain facades will permit a small amount of water to trickle through and behind wall

cladding. This moisture needs to have a drainage outlet and must be completely ventilated to

discourage accumulation of damaging moisture, mold, or mildew. Existing solutions do not

adequately address the problems identified above.

Practically, the technological disclosures of this application are mounted onto exterior

facades of buildings and represent an external or first line of installation that is installed outside

of waterproof later of wall sheeting. It is therefore important to ensure that installation of

insulation used at this level does not undermine the waterproofing qualities of water membranes

used. Under the existing methodologies, insulation paneling is often stapled of fastened to the

wall sheeting to keep it in place, which inevitably perforates the waterproof membrane. An

optimal deployment would require that that both rigid, semi-rigid and flexible insulation

solutions at this level can be fixed into place without having to be bolted to the wall. The

solution is an attachment to the same girts that are used to attach exterior wall panels.

It is therefore desirable to provide a system that creates a single structural component

which form a frame for attaching exterior insulation to an existing wall, which also serves as a

point of attachment of exterior paneling, and which enforces a uniform air gap between the

exterior paneling and the layer of insulation.

Summary of the Invention

It is an aim of the present invention to provide for a simple and uniform means of

ensuring that an air gap exists between an exterior or cladding covering and a layer of exterior

insulation.

It is another aim of the present invention to provide a sustainable and adequate airflow

between cladding panels and insulation, which among other benefits, prevents unchecked

moisture buildup.

It is still another aim of the present invention to provide a first moisture gap that is

enforceable by the shape of the Z-girt or Z-shaped component holding the insulation panels and

exterior wall panels.

It is still another aim of the present invention to provide a wide first moisture gap above

the insulation panels and below the cladding panels, and a second moisture gap between the

insulation panels and an existing wall of the structure.

It is still another aim of the present invention to provide way of retaining insulation

panels between two neighboring Z-shaped components by use of a rod spanning the two Z

shaped components.

It is still another aim of the present invention to enable the use of insulation panels of

varying thickness, where the panels are nonetheless securely retained between the Z-shaped

components through use of rods of various thicknesses or diameters.

varying thicknesses where a plurality of holding pegs fitted within retention slots securely retain

insulation panels of varying thickness between Z-shaped components irrespective of whether

moisture draining openings are also present.

In one aspect, there is provided a system of securing insulation between an existing wall

and exterior wall panels comprising:

a plurality of Z-shaped components;

each of said plurality of said Z-shaped components having a first wall, said first wall

having a first end and a second end, said first wall being parallel to and mounting on an existing

wall;

a second wall extending outwardly at an angle from said second end, said second wall

having first side and a second side;

wherein said second wall further comprising a plurality of elongated air slots;

wherein said elongated air slots being in a parallel spaced apart orientation with each

other; wherein said elongated air slots further comprising mount points for a holding element;

a rearwardly extending wall, said rearwardly extending wall extending from a free end of

said second wall, wherein said rearwardly extending wall facing in an opposite direction from

said first wall;

wherein said rearwardly extending wall further comprising a first portion, said first

portion being in parallel orientation with said first wall, a first portion configured to have a wall

panel fastened thereto;

a second portion extending rearwardly from said first portion in a spaced apart relation to

said second wall;

said Z-shaped component configured to retain at least one of a plurality of insulation

panels, each one of said plurality of insulation materials configured to be mounted between two

of said plurality of Z-shaped components; wherein a bottom surface of each of said insulation

panels configured to be adjacent to said first wall and a top surface of each of said plurality of insulation panels configured to be adjacent to the free end of said rearwardly extending wall; and wherein a first end of each of said plurality of insulation panels configured to be adjacent to said second side of a first of said two of said plurality of Z-shaped components and wherein the second end of each of said insulation panels configured to be adjacent to said first side of a second of said two of said Z-shaped components.

In another aspect there is provided a -shaped component comprising; a first wall, said

first wall having a first end and a second end, said first wall being parallel to and mounting on an

existing wall;

having first side and a second side;

wherein said second wall further comprising a plurality of air slots; said plurality of

elongated air slots having mount points for at least one holding element, each one of said at least

one holding element configured to secure an insulating material;

a J-shaped wall, said J-shaped wall extending from a free end of said second wall,

wherein said J-shaped wall facing in an opposite direction from said first wall;

wherein said J-shaped wall further comprising a first portion, said first portion being in

a parallel orientation with said first wall, a first portion configured to have a wall panel fastened

thereto;

and a second portion extending rearwardly from said first portion in a spaced apart

relation to said second wall.

In yet another aspect, there is provided a method of mounting insulation panels unto an

existing wall comprising the steps of, installing at least two Z-shaped components onto an

existing wall; wherein each of said at least two Z-shaped components is comprised of a first wall, a second wall extending forwardly from said first wall and a rearwardly extending wall extending from a free end of said second wall; wherein said second wall further comprising a plurality of elongated air slots, said elongated air slots being in a spaced apart orientation with each other; wherein each of said elongated air slots in a plurality of elongated slots having a mount point, each of said mount points configured to hold a holding element; wherein a length of elongated air slot extends between said mount point and an A of said second wall; said at least two Z-shaped components being in a spaced apart configuration with each other; inserting at least one insulation panel between said at least two Z-shaped components, wherein said at least one insulation panel being held in place between a second wall of said one of the at least two Z-shaped components and beneath the rearwardly extending all of another of said at least two Z-shaped components; attaching wall panels onto said rearwardly extending wall of said at least two Z-shaped components, wherein said step of attaching said wall panels onto said rearwardly extending wall creating an air gap between said at least one insulation panel and said wall panels; and wherein said air gap ensuring unobstructed air circulation and moisture drainage flowing through said plurality of elongated air slots of said at least two Z-shaped components.

In embodiments of the invention and in other embodiments, there is provided a system

for ensuring that exterior insulation is installed at a desired distance from shell or cladding

panels, includes a plurality of Z-shaped components. The plurality of Z-shaped components

attaching in a parallel and spaced apart association with each other along the exterior of an

existing wall. Each Z-shaped component can be made of a first wall, a second wall and a J

shaped third wall. The first wall can have a first end and a second end. The first wall being preferably parallel to an existing wall and is mounted either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally thereon.

The second wall extends forwardly at an angle, preferably a right angle, from the first

wall. The free end of the second wall can contain the J-shaped wall. The J-shaped wall is made

of two portions. The first portions is parallel to the first wall but extends in the opposite direction

from the first wall. The second portion extends rearwardly from the free end of the first portion,

with a free end of the second portion being located at a distance above the first wall. The first

portion of the J-shaped wall is configured to accept an exterior or cladding paneling bolted

thereto.

The J-shaped wall can extend for the entire length of the Z-shaped component and forms

a hollow channel that is open on one side, namely between the free end of the second portion and

the second wall. In an alternative embodiment an insert is configured to serve as a strength

element and to receive the mounting bolts. The strength element is inserted into the hollow

channel formed by the J-shaped portion. Additional durability cladding may in the form of a

protective bracket be placed on the surface of the first wall and which may include a front lip to

further shield the first wall. The protective bracket configured to receiving the fastening bolt.

In another embodiment, the second wall of the Z-shaped component also comprises an

upper lip. The protruding upper lip extending obliquely and at an angle, preferably a right angle,

to the first side of the second wall. The upper lip is set off from the free end of the first side and

is co-planar to the free end of the second portion. In an embodiment in which the second wall is

not oriented perpendicularly to the first wall, the upper lip will preferably be disposed parallel to

the first wall, which would translate to an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the second wall.

In another embodiment the second wall of the Z-shaped component contains a flared

section along its height. The concave section may exist throughout the length of the second wall

and appear on both or one of the first and second sides of the second wall. The flared section is

intended to burrow into the first end of an insulation panel adjacent to the second side and the

second end of the next insulation panel that is adjacent to the first side, to induce a greater

moisture seal between the adjacent components. The next insulation panel's first end will

similarly be encased against a flared protrusion of the second side of the next Z-shaped

component.

An edge component is disclosed. The edge component being in a spaced apart parallel

relation to at least one Z-shaped component in the plurality of Z-shaped components deployed in

parallel to each other along an existing wall. The edge component terminating a section of

insulating panels. An edge component is comprised of a first wall, a second wall extending

forwardly at an angle, preferably a right angle, from the first wall, and a J-shaped wall on the

free end of the second wall extending in the same direction as the first wall in a parallel and

spaced apart configuration with the first wall. The J-shaped wall of the edge component formed

from first portion and second portion. The first portion being parallel to the first wall and

configured to accept an external or cladding panel bolted to the exterior surface of the first

portion. The second portion extending rearwardly from the free end of the fist portion and having

a free end that terminates at a distance above the first wall. The free end of the second portion on

the edge component being co-planar with the free end of the second portion of a contiguous Z

shaped component. Meaning that the free ends of the second portion being at the same distance

relative to the first wall of their respective first walls. The free end of either the Z-shaped

component or the edge component forming and enforcing the desired air gap between the exterior surface of an insulation panel and the bottom surface of an exterior panel. It should be noted that both the Z-shaped components and edge components are girt components described in this disclosure, both are intended to form a support system for installing wall cladding unto an existing facade or wall of a structure. Furthermore, the disclosed girt components of the disclosed system support securing of insulating material in the space between two adjacent girts, which is also the space between an existing wall and wall cladding. The insulating material is secured using the girts themselves, with or without utilization of holding elements, and in embodiments, does not require fastening of the insulating material directly unto the existing wall.

The J-shaped wall of the edge component forms a hollow channel that is open on one

side, namely the side between the free end of the second component and the second wall. An

insert forming a strength element is disclosed for the hollow channel of the edge component.

This insert being interchangeable with the insert for any of the other Z-shaped components. The

insert may be placed into the hollow channel by inserting it into the opening on the either side of

the hollow channel or by wedging the insert into the open side of the hollow channel.

In another embodiment of the disclosed system of supporting wall cladding presents Z

shaped components having a plurality of openings to allow air to move freely between Z-shaped

components. Preferably this means that each second wall further comprises a plurality of

elongated air gaps and in embodiments the second portion of the J-shaped wall also comprises

air openings.

The opening or retaining slots may be in any shape and may be placed anywhere along

the second wall of the Z-shaped component. The retaining slots are configured to receive a

holding element that is configured to secure an insulation material. The holding element may be,

but not limited to, a bar, rod, peg, clip or a length of cable, or any combination thereof. The holding element may be securely attached to one Z-shaped component or may span the gap between a Z-shaped component and another adjacently placed Z-shaped component, or between the Z-shaped component and an edge component or between two adjacent edge components. It is important to note that the Z-shaped components may be placed in parallel or may be installed parallelly and horizontally to form a grid like deployment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiment of the invention and other embodiments will now be described with reference to the

accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the Z-shaped component.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of a Z-shaped component.

Fig. 3A - 3H demonstrating various different shapes of the second portion of the J

shaped wall of either the Z-shaped component or the Edge component.

Fig. 4 is another sideview of the Z-shaped component showing insulation panels installed

adjacently to first and second sides of the second wall.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the Z-shaped component shown in Fig. 4, which also

shows the concave section along the height of the second wall.

Fig. 6 is the perspective view showing the second side of the Z-shaped component shown

in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a sideways view of the Z-shaped component showing concave section and an

external panel bolted to the outer surface of the first portion of the J-shaped wall.

Figs. 8 and 9 demonstrated the concave section along the height of the second wall.

Figs. 10 and 10A are perspective views of the edge component, with Fig. 10 having the

flared section along the second wall.

Fig. 11 showing the sideways views of the Z-shaped component and Edge component.

Fig. 12 is a view of a plurality of Z-shaped components with insulation panels installed

therebetween.

Fig. 13 demonstrates an alternative embodiment of Z-shaped components with an

insulation panel installed therebetween and secured with intersecting rods.

Fig. 14 is a closer view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 demonstrates an alternative embodiment of Z-shaped components with an

insulation panel installed therebetween and secured with intersecting rods.

Fig. 16 is a closer view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 14.

Fig. 17 is a perpendicular view of the alternative embodiment of the Z-shaped component

shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 18 is another perpendicular view of the alternative embodiment of the Z-shaped

component shown in Fig. 13, shown from another angle.

Figs. 19 and 20 is an embodiment of a rod for retaining insulation panels between two

adjacent Z-shaped components.

Figs 20A and 21 are detailed diagrams of an alternative embodiment of the edge

component having a plurality of air slots and air openings.

Fig.22 is another diagram of a rod for retaining insulation panels between two adjacent Z

shaped components.

Fig. 23 demonstrates a combination of the Z-shaped component together with an edge

component as shown in fig. 13.

Fig. 24 and 25 demonstrate the method of insulating and placing wall cladding on an

existing wall utilizing the Z-shaped components and the edge components shown in

present invention.

Fig. 26 is a contextual perspective of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the Z-shaped member showing air openings and retention

openings containing a holding peg.

Fig. 28 shows the opposing side of the Z-shaped member shown in Fig. 27.

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional figure of the Z-shaped member.

Fig. 30 is a perspective of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the holding peg in context of preferred usage.

Fig. 32 is a contextual perspective of another alternative embodiment of the present

invention.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 32.

Fig. 33 is a cross sectional view of the Z-shaped member shown in fig. 32.

Figs. 34 and 35 are views of the holding peg.

Fig. 36 diagrams the process of deploying clips or a rod into retaining slots that are

between Z-shaped components, to secure insulation paneling.

Fig. 37 is a diagram of deployed clips and rods, that secure insulation paneling.

Figs. 38 - 40 demonstrate various embodiments of the Z-shaped component having

retaining slots, with the retaining slots having different shapes.

Fig. 41 is detailed contextual representation of usage of Z-shaped components as a

method of securing insulation and as mount points for the attachment of wall paneling.

Figs. 42 and 43 are contextual detailed diagram of the clip device.

Figs. 44 and 45 are contextual detailed diagram of a rod device.

Figs. 46 and 47 are detailed diagrams of the clip devices.

Figs. 48 and 49 are detailed diagrams of the rod device.

Figs. 50 and 51 is an additional contextual representation of the Z-shaped components

and structures used therewith.

Fig. 52 demonstrates a girt system demonstrating various applications of holding

elements.

Figs. 53A and 53B demonstrate several embodiments of rods serving as holding

elements.

Figs. 54A, 54B and 54C demonstrate several variations of Z-shaped girts having an

alternative grouping of retaining slots.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The preferred embodiments of the present invention and other embodiments will now be

described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified

with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiment of the present invention and other

embodiments. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention

and other disclosure, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in

the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings

that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, shown in Fig. 1 is one embodiment of the Z

shaped component 10, having a first wall 20, the second wall 30 and the J-shaped wall 34. The first wall 20, having the first end 22 and the second end 24. The second wall 30 extends forwardly, at an angle, preferably a right angle, from the second end 24, or slightly offset from the second end 24, of the first wall 20. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the second wall 20 is set off from the second end 24, and this set off creating a lower lip 28 that is coplanar with the rest of the first wall 20. The set off creating the lower lip 28 is preferably uniform for the entire length 48.

The free end 41 contains the J-shaped wall 34. The J-shaped wall is also referred to as the

rearwardly extending wall, which may assume any shape depending on application. The J-shaped

wall 34 is further comprised of the first portion 36, which is substantially plane and in parallel

orientation with the lower lip 28 of the first wall 20 but extends in the direction opposite to the

first wall 20. The first portion 36 contains an outer surface 40, which as will be demonstrated in

figures below, is configured to accept exterior wall cladding, such as the wall panels 90. Wall

cladding may be in form of a plurality of planks, strips tile or panels or a combination thereof,

and may be manufactured from wood, stone, polymer or metal or a composite material. The

second portion 38 extends rearwardly from the free end 38b of the first portion 36.

Approximately halfway down along the height of the second portion 38, the second portion 38

bends towards the fir side 33, with the free end 39 terminating at a distance from the second side.

The structure of the J-shaped wall 34 creates a hollow channel 42, which may admit an insert 55.

While only one Z-shaped component 10 is shown in fig. 1, preferably a plurality of Z

shaped components 10 are fastened to the exterior surface of an existing wall, in a parallel

spaced apart orientation to each other, with an insulation panel 72 (fig. 5) fitting between each

two parallel Z-shaped components. The length 48 of the Z-shaped component 10 is variable and

commensurate to the wall of the building or with a deployment plan of insulating panels or exterior panel. The height 53 of each Z-shaped component 10, and in particular, the second wall

30, in the plurality of such Z-shaped components, may be uniform or variable from one

component to the next to support an uneven surface design of exterior wall panels, or wall panels

of varied thickness.

Fig. 2 demonstrates a perspective top view of the Z-shaped component 10. Shown in

figure is the first wall 20, the second wall 30, the J-shaped wall 34. The upper lip 26 juts out

laterally from the first side 32, at an angle, preferably a right angle, to the second wall 30. The lip

24 is set off from free end 41 creating a gap 25. The height of the gap 25 may be equal to or

different from the depth of the hollow channel 42.

A protective bracket 46 may be used to cover the surface of the first wall 20. The

protective bracket 46 may additionally contain a flange 48 extending rearwardly. The flange 48

being adjacent to the first end 22. The protective bracket 46 accepts a fastener pierced

therethrough and offers a stronger anchor location than the first wall 20. The first wall 20, as

well as the overall Z-shaped component, may made from a polymeric compositions which may

be fibrous for strength as well as insulating. These components may also be made from metal

alloys as well as wood and wood based composites.

Visible in Fig. 2 is the removable insert 50. The removable insert 50 is comprised of a

first wall 50a. The first wall 50a is adjacent to the second wall 30. Extending laterally from the

first wall 50a is a second wall 50b. The second wall 50b being adjacent to the first portion 36 of

the J-shaped wall 34. Extending rearwardly from the second wall 50b is the third wall 50c. The

third wall 50c being adjacent to the second portion 38 and having a shape conforming to the

shape of the second portion 38. The corner 50e between the first and second walls 50a and 50b is

adjacent to the angle formed by the second wall 30 and the J-shaped wall 34. The corner 50d is adjacent to the corner formed by the first portion 36 and second portion 38. The insert 50 may be introduced into the hollow channel 42 through the side openings 52 or through the gap between the free end 39 and the second side 33.

It should be appreciated that the insert 50 need not be shaped in the fashion demonstrated

in fig. 2 but can be shaped as a solid rod or cuboid. The insert 50 is intended additional strength

to J-shaped wall 34 and serve as an anchor point for a fastener that carries the exterior wall

paneling. The insert 50 need not be the same length as the hollow channel 42.

The J-wall 34 enforces the first moisture gap between an insulation panel and exterior

decorative panel. It should be appreciated however, that the J-wall wall 34 need assume the

shape of a "J" but may be executed in a plurality of other shapes. Figs. 3A - 3H demonstrate

some of the alternative designs for the J-wall 34. The first portion 36 may be at a right angle with

the second portion 38, with the second portion 38 not bending laterally towards the first side 33

but remaining substantially straight until the free end 39, as shown in Fig. 3A, or the free end

may bend laterally for form a wall 38b that is coplanar with the lip 24 (Fig. 3d). Alternatively,

the first portion 36 may meet the second portion 38 at an acute angle 38c (Fig. 3B) or an obtuse

angle (Fig. 3e). The J-shaped wall 34 may assume a substantially trapezoidal shape (Fig. 3C),

with the first wall 35 bending slightly laterally, and meeting the first portion 36 at an obtuse

angle, with the first portion 36 connecting to the second portion at an obtuse angle and to wall

38b at an acute angle, with the wall 38b being co-planar with the upper lip 26. The second

portion 38 may be extend rearwardly from the free end of the first portion 36 but set off at a

distance from the free end, creating an overhanging extension 38f (Fig. 3F).

As shown in Fig. 3G, the second portion 38 may be replaced by the removable insert 50.

The third wall 50c of the insert 50 fulfilling the function of the second portion 38. The free end

39 of the insert 50 now enforcing the thickness of the first moisture gap 79 (fig. 11). The second

wall 30 may be at an angle 25a to the first wall 20, that is more of an obtuse angle. The same

obtuse angle 25b would then preferably be present at free end 41 of the second wall 30 if it is

desirable that the first portion 36 remain parallel to the plane of the first wall 20. The upper lip

26 would preferably remain parallel to the plane of the first wall 20, creating an acute angle 26a.

Fig. 4 demonstrates the Z-shaped component 10 mounted onto an existing wall 60 with a

fastener 64. The fastener 64 is shown perforating the protective bracket 46 and the first wall 20.

In this respect the protective bracket 46 functions as a washer and anchor point to ensure that the

first wall 20 does not fracture under the strain of the fastener 64. The insert 50 and the protective

bracket 46 permit the Z-shaped component to be manufactured out of polymers or other

composite materials to minimize cost of manufacturing or weight of the overall construction,

with insert 50 and the protective bracket 46 adding strength to the arrangement.

The second end 74 of each insulation panel 70 is adjacent to the second side 32 of the

second wall 30 and the first end 76 is adjacent to the second side 32. The orientation of the

insulation material with respect to the first or second side 32 or 33 respectively is stated here for

a mere contextual purpose and is entirely reversible, such that the second end 76 is adjacent to

the first side 32, and the first end 74 is adjacent to the second side 33. Each insulation panel 70 is

secured in place along its top surface 72 by the lip 25 of one Z-shaped component 10 and the free

end 39 of the next Z-shaped component 10. The space 79 then represents the first moisture gap.

The bottom surface 78 of each insulation panel 70 rests on the lip 24 of the first wall 20

of one Z-shaped component 10 and the first wall 20 of an adjacent Z-shaped component 10. The

thickness of the first wall 20 creates the second moisture gap 62 between an existing wall 60 and

each insulation panel 70.

Fig. 5 demonstrates the general deployment of Z-shaped component 10 that is shown

between two panels of insulating material 70. The insulating material or insulation panels 70 are

shown contained between the upper lip 26 and J-wall 34 and the lower lip 28 and first wall 20.

Figs. 5 and 6 demonstrate and embodiment featuring a concave section 80 along the height of the

second wall 30. The concave section 80 may contain a flared section on at least one side of the

second wall 30 and is intended to immobilize and seal the point of contact between the second

wall 30 and the first and second ends 76 and 74 of the insulating panels 70.

Fig. 7 demonstrates the full deployment of one of a plurality of Z-shaped components 10.

The first wall 20 is shown attached to the existing wall 60 with a fastener 64. Extending

forwardly at an angle, preferably a right angle, from the first wall 20 is the second wall 30. The

second wall 30 is injoined communication with first and second ends 76 and 74 of the insulating

panels 70, which are further immobilized by the flared section 80. An upper lip 26 captures the

top surface 72 of one of the insulation panels. The set off 25 of the upper lip 26 from the free end

41 of the second wall enforces along the first side 32 the required first moisture gap 79,

otherwise known as thermal gap. The wall panel 90 representing an external or cladding paneling

90 is fastened to the outer surface 40 of the J-wall 34. The free end 39 of the J-wall 34 enforces

the air or moisture gap 79 along the second side 33 of the Z-shaped component 10. The insert 50,

if deployed within the hollow channel 42 and is also used as the anchor point for the fastener 92.

The preferred thickness of the moisture gap 79 may be preferably between 1.5 and 2.5

centimeters.

Figs. 8 and 9 further demonstrate the flared section 80 shown here to be disposed along

the entire length of the second wall 30 and on both sides thereof. Alternatively, the flared section

80 may be placed in one or several locations along the length 48 or on only one of the two sides of the second wall 30. There may be a flared section 80a and 80b on either side of the second wall 80 or just on one of the sides.

Fig. 10 demonstrates an edge component 110. Shown is the first wall 120, having a first

end 122 and a second end 124. The first wall 120 being parallel with an existing wall 60 (fig. 11)

and being fastened thereon. Extending forwardly at an angle, preferably a right angle, from the

free end, otherwise known as the second end 124, is the second wall 130. Extending from the

free end 141 of the second wall 130 is the J-wall 134. The first portion of the J-wall 136 extends

in the same direction, and in a parallel orientation as the first wall 120. The second portion 138

extends downward from the free end of the first portion 136, with the free end 139 bending

toward the second wall 130 and stopping at a distance therefrom, thus creating a gap 143. The

curvature of the J-wall 134 forming a hollow channel 142.

The insert 150 is preferably present and is removably inserted into the hollow channel

142 either through the side opening 132 or through the gap 143. The insert 150 having the first

wall 150a, shown substantially as a stub wall adjacent to the second wall 130. Extending laterally

at an angle, preferably a right angle, from the first wall 150a, is the second wall 150b that is

adjacent with and parallel to the first portion 136. Extending downwardly from the free end of

the second wall 150b is the third wall 150c, which in this embodiment is adopted to mirror the

curvature of the second portion 138. It should be appreciated that the walls 150a-150c may be

shaped differently and not be completely or actually adjacent to the outer walls forming the

hollow channel 142. It should also be appreciated that the insert 150 may be a solid rod or cuboid

or extending part of the way within the length of the hollow channel 142. It should further be

appreciated that figures 3A - 3E depicting various shapes of the J-wall 134 of the Z-shaped

component 10 may be implemented with the Edge component 100 with equal effectiveness. The embodiment shown in Fig. 10 demonstrates the protective bracket 146, further having the flange

148.

Fig. 11 demonstrates the implementation of the edge component 110 along with the Z

component 10. The edge component 100 is deployed along an existing wall 60 in a parallel,

spaced apart configuration with one of a plurality of the Z-shaped components 10. An insulation

board is retained between the edge component 100 and the adjacent Z-shaped component 10.

Where the first end 76 is adjacent to the second wall 30 and the second end 74 is adjacent to the

second wall 130. The embodiment shown further comprises flared section 80 on the second wall

30 and the flared section 180 on the second wall 130. However, as shown in fig. 10A, the second

wall 130 need not include the flared section 180. Either or both the Z-shaped component 10 and

the edge component 100 may be deployed with the second wall thereof not featuring a flared

section.

It is preferred that the free end 39 of the Z-shaped component 10, the free end 139 of the

Z-shaped component 100 and the upper lip of the Z-shaped component 10 are coplanar, to

enforce a uniform, or minimum, moisture or thermal gap 79 between the top surface of the

insulation panel and the exterior or cladding paneling 90. The exterior panel 90 is fastened to the

J-wall 34 and the J-wall 134. The second moisture gap 62 is enforced by the first wall 20 and the

first wall 120 of the Z-shaped component 10 and the edge component 100, respectively.

Fig. 12 demonstrates the plurality Z-shaped components 10, deployed in a parallel and

spaced apart configuration along an existing wall 60. The plurality of insulation panels 70, with

each panel retained within the space between two adjacent Z-shaped components 10, or adjacent

Z-shaped component and an Edge component. A plurality of exterior wall panels 90 fastened to

the J-walls 34 of the Z-shaped components 10 or/and the edge components. The J-wall 34 is shown creating the first moisture gap 79, and the first wall 20 is shown creating the second moisture gap 62.

Fig. 13 demonstrates an alternative embodiment of the system of securing insulation

panels using the Z-shaped component 10. Each Z-shaped component 10 shown contains a

plurality of elongated air slots 160. The elongated slots 160 are in a parallel and spaced apart

relation to each other. At least one intersecting slot 162 intersects each of the elongated slots 160.

The intersecting slot 160 is configured to admit the base wall 182 of the rod 180 inserted

therethrough. The rod 180 spans the distance between two adjacent Z-shaped components 10 and

is used to lock the insulation panel in place with respect to the wall 60 and the first moisture gap

79. One rod 180 may intersect two or more adjacent Z-shaped components in a series of

adjacently placed Z-shaped components 10 or a separate rod 180 may span each distance

between any two Z-shaped components 10.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 13 is demonstrated in fig. 14 in greater detail. Shown is a

Z-shaped component 10, having a first wall 20, a second wall 30 and a rearwardly extending wall

40a. The rearwardly extending wall 40a that has also been referred to as the J-shaped wall but

may be of any shape or angles with respect to second wall 30. The shape and structure of the

rearwardly extending wall 40a may vary, as provided in previous drawings. Also shown in fig.

14 is a plurality of elongated air gaps 160 disposed at intervals throughout the third wall 30. The

elongated air gaps 160 are shown to be perpendicular to the axis of the first wall 20 but may be

offset at an angle thereto. Each elongated air gap 160 having an A end 164 oriented proximally

or near to the free end 38a of the second wall 30, and a B end 166, oriented proximally, or near,

to the first wall 20. An intersecting slot 162 intersecting the elongated air gap 160 at a distance

from the A end. As shown in Fig. 14, it is preferred that all intersecting slots 162 are located at the same level and parallel with each other. Additional intersecting slots may be made along the length of the elongated air gap 160 (not shown) to accommodate thinner insulation panels 70.

Still referring to fig. 14, shown is the rod 180. The rod 180 preferably has at least one

second wall 184 extending at angle, preferably a right angle, from the base wall 182. The first

end 186 of the base wall 182 is inserted into one of the intersecting slots 162 and the second end

187 is inserted beneath the free end 41 of an adjacent Z-shaped component or continues through

to the intersecting slot 162a of the adjacent Z-shaped component. The second wall 184 abuts the

second wall 30 of one Z-shaped component 10 and the second portion 38 of the rearwardly

extending wall 40a of the adjacent Z-shaped component 10 to maintain a certain degree of

insertion of first and second points 186 and 187, respectively, with respect to the slots 162 and

162a. Appreciably there may be a separate rod inserted into each intersecting slot 160 and a

corresponding slot 162a. Or there may be fewer rods 180 than the number of elongated slots 160.

Figs. 15 and 16 demonstrate how the width of the gap 79 can be regulated using the rod

180. In Fig. 14, the second wall 184 was shown pointing away from the top surface 72, therefore,

the first air gap 79 was the distance between the free end 41 and the wall panel 90 (Fig. 11). In

Figs 15 and 16, the second wall 184 is pointing toward the top surface 72 of the insulation panel

70. Thus, the first air gap 79 has increased to account for the width of the wall 184.

Figs. 17 and 18 demonstrate the alternative embodiments of the Z-shaped component 10

featuring a plurality of parallel elongated air gaps 160. The function of the air 160 is to permit a

constant flow of air flowing through the Z-shaped components. This air flow provides the

necessary ventilation to keep insulation panels 70 dry and free of mold and other harmful

buildup that would otherwise result from ever-present moisture. Working together and in concert

with the elongated air gaps 160 is a plurality of air openings 190 made through the second portion 38 of the J-shaped wall 40. The air openings 190 are designed to let air through even though the rest of the length of the second wall 30 may be blocked due to the presence of the insulation panel 70. The air openings 190 are preferably co-axial to or being in line and parallel with the elongated air gaps 160 but may be offset in other embodiments.

Figs. 19 and 20 demonstrate the rod 180. Shown is the base wall 182, at least one second

wall 184, a first end 186 and a second end 187. The width 185 of the second wall 184 may vary

based on preference, the thickness of the insulation panel used or the air gap desired, with the

greater width 185 resulting in a greater air gap if the second wall 184 is pointed toward the top

surface 72 of a panel 70. The shape of the second wall 184 may be rounded. The second walls

184 is shown to extend perpendicularly from free sides of the base wall 182. Alternatively, the

angle of the second wall 184 with respect to the base wall 182 may be different and the second

wall 184 may be disposed towards the middle of the base wall 182, or not be presented as a solid

wall, but a series of protrusions.

Fig. 20 demonstrates the edge component having a slightly different embodiment than

shown in prior figures. Shown is the edge component 110 having a first wall 120, a second wall

130 and a forwardly extending wall 140a. The forwardly extending wall 140a is comprised of a

first portion 136, which originates from at an angle, preferably a right angle, from a free end 141

of the second wall 130. The first portion is parallel to and spaced apart from the first wall 120.

The second portion 138 extends downward and toward the first wall 120 and is in a parallel

spaced apart arrangement with the second wall 130. The free end 139 is the most distal end of

the second portion 138 and preferably is coaxial or co-planar (meaning, on the same level) as a

free end 39 of a Z-shaped component 10 that is mounted adjacently to the edge component 110.

There is a plurality of elongated air gaps 160 shown running across the second wall 130,

with the A end 164 being adjacently located to the forwardly extending wall 140a and the B end

being adjacently located to the first wall 120. At least one intersecting slot 162 intersects each

one of the elongated air gaps 160 preferably perpendicularly. There may be additional

intersecting slots 162 on each of the air gaps 160. Fig. 21 shows a plurality of air openings 190

along the second portion 138 above the free end 139.

Figs. 22 and 23 demonstrate how the edge component 110 works in concert with a Z

shaped component 10. The edge component 110 is deployed along an edge of an existing wall 60

or at an end of a section of wall cladding, where one section of a wall cladding 90 (fig. 12) must

be interrupted.

As shown in fig. 22. The first end 186 of the rod 180 is mounted within one of the

intersecting slots 162 of the edge component 110 and the second 187 is mounted in the

intersecting slot 162 of the nearest adjacent Z-shaped component 10. The width 189 and the

orientation of the second wall 184 of the rod 180 determines the width of the air gap 79. Thus in

fig. 22, the second wall is pointing towards and abuts against the top surface 72 of the insulation

panel 70. This configuration is required to widen the air gap 79, or when using a thinner

insulation panel 70. If the rod 180 is used to secure a section of the insulation panel 70 a

configuration shown in fig. 23 is utilized. Here the second wall 184 of the rod 180 points away

from the top surface 180 and the thickness of the air gap 79 is counted from the free end 39 or

139 of the Z-shaped component 10 or the edge component 110, respectively, or from the desired

level of intersecting slots 162. While the air gaps 160 are shown to be elongated, these may be

formed in any shape, such as plurality of round openings, or more elliptical openings, or gaps

that run across the second wall 30 or 130, and in parallel with the second wall 20 or 120.

Figs. 24 and 25 describe the method of installing wall cladding over an existing wall

using the disclosed system of girts. The method is preferably utilized along an exterior facade of

a building but may also be utilized for interior walls. Shown in figs 24 and 25 are steps of

mounting insulation panels unto an existing wall comprising the step of installing at least two Z

shaped components onto an existing wall 310, or one or more Z-shaped components in

combination with at least one edge component. Installation of Z-shaped components and edge

components is performed by keeping the Z-shaped components and edge-components in a

spaced apart orientation with each other, creating a space for installation of insulating material.

This is followed by the step of inserting insulation material between the Z-shaped components

(or between the Z-shaped component and edge component, or between two adjacent edge

components) 320. Steps 310 and 320, result locking the mounted insulation panel into place

between a second walls of adjacent Z-shaped components, whether two components or a series

of Z-shaped components. Steps 310 and 320 work in concert with the step 330 by creating gaps

between insulation material and wall cladding, and the step 350 of installing wall cladding onto

the Z-shaped components while preserving the air circulation and water drainage.

The disclosed method further augmented with the step 335 where air circulation and

water drainage are further enhanced by having a plurality of elongated slots or retaining slots in

the Z-shaped components or edge components. These slots may be introduced during production

of the Z-shaped components or edge components or may be opened during mounting of the Z

shaped and edge components at a job site. The slots are used to further immobilize the insulating

material using a holding element in step 345. The holding element may be at least one clip, at

least one rod, a length of cable spanning the space between two adjacent girts or intersecting rods

or cabling between two adjacent girts.

Fig. 26 discloses an additional alternative embodiment demonstrating an alternative to the

rod 180. Shown is a holding peg 240 that is configured to keep a section of an insulation panel

70. At least one holding peg is inserted into retaining slots 220. Retaining slots 220a are all on

the same level and are preferably just above the top surface 72 of the insulation panel 70, such

that when a plurality of holding pegs are placed withing the plurality of retaining slots 220, in a

one to one relationship, the holding peg 240 will adjacent to the top surface 72 and retaining the

section of the insulation panel 70 securely in place. Just above the retaining slots 220a is a

plurality of second air openings 202 which are located substantially near the free end 31 of the

second wall 30. The plurality of second air openings 202 are shown disposed across the entire

width in a single row. Alternatively, or as required, the second air openings 202 may be disposed

sporadically cross some portions of the second wall 30 or in multiple rows. The retaining slots

220 are preferably grouped together to extend their utility, such as in a co-planar fashion shown

in figs. 26, 27 and others.

Also shown in Fig. 26 is a rearwardly extending wall 40a, which in fig. 26 is shown

substantially assuming a "J" shape, comprising the first portion 36 and the second portion 38,

with the free end 39 enforcing the first air gap 79. The second moisture gap 62 is an air gap that

is enforced by the first wall 20 and lower lip 28 which support ends of sections of insulating

panels 70.

Figs. 27 and 28 demonstrate the embodiment of the Z-shaped component 10 shown in fig.

26. Shown disposed substantially across the width of the second wall is a plurality of second air

openings 202. At least an additional plurality of air openings may be disposed at another area of

the second wall 30. In fig. 27, the additional plurality of air openings is the plurality of the third

air openings 206 which are disposed in proximity to the first wall 20, or on the other side, in proximity to the lower lip 28. The plurality of third openings 206 is shown to be comprised of openings that are substantially larger then and more sparsely positioned than the plurality of second air openings 202. Alternatively, the second and third pluralities of air openings may be of equal or variably size, shape, and concentration.

Clearly demonstrated along fits. 27 and 28 are a plurality of retaining slots 220, which are

grouped into stratified groups of coaxial retaining slots 220a, 220b, 220c and further levels, as

necessary. Each strata of retailing slots 220 retains below it an insulating panel 70 of a particular

thickness.

As shown in fig. 28, the second or third plurality of air openings 202 or 206, respectively

of the second wall 20 work in concert with air openings 190 disposed as plurality across the

second portion 38 of the rearwardly extending wall 40a.

Figs. 27 and 28 demonstrates the operational function of the holding peg 240. The first

portion 246 is inserted into and through one of the retaining slots 220, until it juts out

substantially on the other side of the second wall 30. The second portion 242 remains jutting out

on the first side of the second wall 30 and is prevented from being inserted further by the lip 244.

It is preferable that the first portion 246 fits snugly within an opening 220 and is not easily

dislodged therefrom. Appreciably, when no holding peg 240 encumbers an opening 220, the free

opening(s) 220 serve as another set of moisture wicking and ventilating openings.

The Z-shaped components shown in figs. 27 and 28 are intended to be used together with

similarly airflow enabled components positioned adjacently, parallelly and in a spaced apart

configuration from each other in a group featuring a plurality of parallel Z-shaped components.

However, it is possible that ventilated Z-shaped components 10 may be used with non-ventilated

Z-shaped components, or components ventilated in a differing configuration. Further, it should be appreciated that the second portion 242 retains an end of one insulating panel 70, while the first portion 246 retains an end of another insulating panel 70.

Shown in fig. 29 is a cross sectional view of the Z-shaped component 10 showing the

first wall 20, the lower lip 28, the second wall 30 and the rearwardly extending wall 40,

comprised of the first portion 36 and the second portion 38 and having the free end 39.

Fig. 30 demonstrates yet another variation of the Z-shaped component 10 featuring a

plurality of air openings. Fig. 30 demonstrates the use of multiple adjacent rows or groupings of

first plurality of second openings 202 disposed in the area 30c. At the same time, the area 30d is

shown not having any air openings, with heavier concentration of air openings in another area,

namely, the area 30c, intended to compensate for lack of air openings in another area.

Fig. 31 contextually demonstrates yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Shown is the holding peg 240 that is placed within openings 220 that are located adjacently to,

but just below the rearwardly extending wall 40a. The rearwardly extending wall 40a shown in

this embodiment features no second portion 38 as in other figures, with the first air gap 79 being

provided by the thickness of the holding peg 240. While openings 220 are shown to be adjacent

to the rearwardly extending wall 40, the embodiment shown may utilize thinner insulation panels

70, with retaining openings 220 positioned accordingly just above such panels 70.

Fig. 32 demonstrates that the embodiment shown in fig. 31 has no other ventilating gaps

than the retaining gaps 220. Alternatively, additional gaps may be disposed on the surface of the

second wall 30. Shown on the first wall 20 are openings 23, that may be used for fastening

means for attaching the Z-shaped component to a wall, or for additional ventilation capability.

Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional drawing of the embodiment of the Z-shaped component 10

shown in fig. 32. Shown is the first wall 20, the lower lip 28 co-planar with the first wall 20. A second wall extending upwardly from the first wall 20 at an angle, preferably a right angle, to the first wall 20. A rearwardly extending wall 40a, connecting at an angle, preferably a right angle, at the free end 31. The rearwardly extending wall 40a comprised of the first section 39 and terminating in a free end 39.

Figs. 34 and 35 illustrate the features of the holding peg 240. Shown are the first portion

246, the second portion 242. The first and second portions co-extensive or unitary with each

other and interrupted with a lip 244. A tapered portion 248 assists with the placement of the

holding peg 240 within a retaining gap 220. The bottom surface 249 is shown to be uniform.

Alternatively, the bottom surface 249 may instead have the lip 244 or contain a lip in addition to

the lip 244. Appreciably, the retaining slots 220 are configured to retain distal ends of a rod 180

and intersecting slots 162 may accommodate the holding pegs 240.

The height 53 of the second wall 30 (Fig. 37) is made in accordance with the intended

insulation paneling 70 and is preferably slightly longer than the thickness 53a of an insulation

panel 70, to enforce the presence of the first air gap 79. The adjacent Z-shaped members 10a and

1Ob shown in fig. 36 are in a parallel and spaced apart configuration with each other, capable of

having one of a plurality of insulation panels installed in the space between the parallel Z-shaped

members 10a and 1Ob. Additional of the plurality of the insulation panels 70 are mounted in

spaces 30a and 30b, and span the distance to additional adjacent Z-shaped members (not shown)

or edge components (see 110 in fig. 10).

Also shown in figs 36 and 37 is a plurality of retaining slots 220. The retaining slots 220

are preferably coaxial and arranged in rows, such as a coaxial first row 220a and coaxial second

row 220b. Each of the retaining slots 220 is configured to accept and hold, in a removable, but

substantially snug association, the first portion 246 of a holding peg 240 (Fig. 35), or as disclosed in figs. 36 and 37, the first end 410 of the clip 400 or the first or second ends 460 or

470, respectively, of the rod 450. The holding element or holding peg can interchangeably be the

peg 240, the clip 400 or the rod 450. Each of the insulation panels 70 rests on the lower lip 24 of

one adjacent Z-shaped member 10a and the first wall 20 of the opposing adjacent Z-member 10b,

thus preserving the second air gap 62, and beneath the pegs 240, clips 400, rods 180 (Fig. 13) or

rods 450 (alternative embodiment).

Fig. 38 is a detailed diagram of the Z-component embodiment shown in fig. 36. The Z

component 10 having a first wall 20 that is mounted against an existing wall 60, which may be a

waterproof membrane or exterior sheeting. A second wall 30 extending outwardly at an angle

from the second end, preferably a right angle, said second wall having first side 32 and a second

side 33. A lower lip 24 extending from the second end of the first wall 20 and is coplanar with

the first wall 20. A rearwardly extending wall 40a extending from the free end 31. The

rearwardly extending wall 40a extending in a co-axial but opposite direction from the first wall

20. The rearwardly extending wall 40a may be parallel to the first wall 20 or at an acute or at

obtuse angle thereto. The end of the rearwardly extending wall 40a forming a free end 39. The

height 53 of the second wall 30 may vary depending on the desired thickness of insulation 70.

The plurality of retaining slots 220 may be placed anywhere in the area of the second wall 30,

but preferably placed in rows of retaining slots such as first row 220a and second row 220b and

so forth.

The retaining slots 220 may be in any shape. For example, elongated and elliptical 220e

(fig. 38), these may also be rectangular or parallelogrammical. Retaining slots 220 may be

circular 220f (fig. 39) or triangular 220g (fig. 40), or any combination of shapes. It should be

noted that any retaining slot 220 that is unobstructed by an insulation panel 70 or not holding a peg 240, clip 400 or rod 180 or 450, functions as an opening for air and moisture circulation, which promotes drying in the event of moisture penetration and thus resists buildup of mold and mildew.

Fig 41 demonstrates a contextual assembly that utilizes the Z-shaped components 10 to

house exterior insulation, promote air gaps and as mount points for exterior wall paneling.

Shown is the existing wall 60, which may be concrete, brick or composite wood or synthetic wall

sheeting. A plurality of parallel and spaced apart studs 60b are mounted onto the wall sheeting

60. An additional layer of paneling 60c is then attached to the studs 60b, after the spaces 60a are

filled with soft or sprayed insulation. A waterproof membrane 60d is spread on the exterior of

the additional paneling 60c. The Z-shaped components 10 are then fastened onto the waterproof

paneling 40. The Z-shaped components 10 are preferably molded of thermally exclusionary and

insulating materials, which isolate the surfaces that attached to the Z-shaped components from

each other, and thereby complement the waterproofing of the membrane 60d. Furthermore, the

completely flush and snug coupling between the membrane surface 60d and the first wall 20 of

the Z-shaped components 10 forms a watertight seal that compensates for the perforation of the

membrane surface 60d during installation of the Z-shaped components 10. The plurality of clips

400 and/or plurality of rods 450 secure rigid, soft or semi-rigid insulation paneling 70 that is then

installed between each of the adjacent Z-shaped components 10 (or in some cases, between the

Z-shaped components 10 and adjacent edge components 110). The protruding wall 430 of the

clips 400 or the protruding wall 480 of the rods 450 enforces the first air gap 79 between the top

surface 72 of the panels 70 and the wall paneling 90 (Fig. 7), which are mounted onto the

rearwardly extending walls 40a. It should be noted that the layout of components diagramed in

fig 41 may represent the Z-shaped components 10 that are on the exterior of a wall, or alternatively, on the interior of a wall, with rearwardly extending wall 40 a mounting interior wall panels, such as plywood or composite panels or sheetrock.

The clip 400 shown in fig. 42 is comprised of the first portion 410 and a second portion

420. The second portion 420. The first portion 410 configured to be lodged into a retaining slot

220. The second portion is comprised of a protruding wall 430 extending from the first side 422

of the second portion 420. The extension of the protruding wall 430 is preferably equal to the

minimum width of the first air gap 79. While one protruding wall 430 is shown disposed

substantially lengthwise along the middle of the second portion 420, additional protruding walls

430 may be used, and may further be disposed closer to the edges of the second portion 420. The

proximal end 430a abuts the first side 32 of the second wall 30 and prevents the clip 400 from

sinking further then the optimal level of insertion, as shown in fig. 43. The first portion 410 may

contain a tapered section 415 and is configured to be in a substantially snug association with the

retaining slots 220. Just like the peg 240 (fig. 35), the clip 400 may be used to look rigid

insulation panels 70 in to place.

Figs. 44 and 45 demonstrate a rod 450 having a second portion 482 that spans the

distance between two parallel and adjacent Z-shaped members 10. Each rod is comprised of a

second portion 482 and at least one first portion 460 configured on each of the distal ends of the

rod 450. The protruding wall 480 extends from the first side 452 of the rod 450. The protruding

wall preferably runs throughout the length of the second portion 482 or may instead run-in

segments with gaps in between each segment. The protruding wall 480 is shown to be

substantially extending from the middle of the first side 452 but may also be disposed closer to

the edges as shown in fig. 20. The proximal end 430a terminates the protruding wall 480 and

marks the optimal insertion point of the first end 460. The proximal end 430a abuts the first side

32. The rod 450 is optimally suited to secure semi-rigid or flexible insulation paneling 70, and

may be used in conjunction with or as a replacement for the clips 400 or the holding pegs 240.

Figs. 46 and 47 demonstrates the detailed features of the clip 400. The clip 400 is comprised of a

first portion 410, the second portion 420, the first side 422 and the second side 433. At least one

protruding wall 430 extends from the proximal end 430a until the distal end 430b. The first

portion 410 may further comprise a tapered section 415, with the slope of the taper originating

from the second side 433, which is the side that is adjacent to the top surface 72 of insulation

paneling 70. The tapered section enables an installer to introduce the clip 400 at a slight angle

away from the surface of insulation paneling 70, so as to permit a more comfortable and secure

grip of the device, and then work the clip 400 into the retaining slot 220. Both the clip 400 and

the rod 450 are preferably made from composite and/or thermally insulating materials.

Figs. 48 and 49 demonstrate the rod 450, which is an alternative embodiment to the rod

180 shown in fig. 20. The rod 450 is comprised of an elongated section portion 482 and

preferably two first portion 460 and 470 on each end of the elongated second portion 482. The

first surface 452 along the second portion 482 further comprises at least one protruding wall 480

that is shown to be disposed along the length of the second portion 482. The protruding wall

terminates at points 450a and 450b, which mark the optimal insertion points of the first portions

460 and 470. At least one of thefirst portions 460 may further comprise a tapered surface 465,

where the slope of the taper begins on the second side 453 to enable an angled introduction of the

rod 450 during installation into a retaining slot 200.

Figs. 50 and 51 are contextual diagrams demonstrating the deployment of the Z-shaped

component 10 along the wall paneling 60c. As shown, the Z-shaped components 10 may be

deployed coaxially or co-planarly with the wall studs 60b or at an angle thereto, such as at a right angle, as shown in fig. 50. The insulation panels may be retained between adjacent and parallel

Z-shaped components 10 or between the Z-shaped component 10 and an adjacent edge

component 110. The Z-shaped component 10 and the edge component 110 are fastened to the

wall sheeting 60c with fasteners 64. However, no further perforations of the waterproofing

membrane 60d is required to secure the paneling 70 as these can be secured using holding pegs

240 inserted into the retaining slots 220.

Fig. 52 is a further demonstration of the disclosed system featuring at least two girt

components. In this case the girt components are adjacent Z-shaped components 10b and 10c,

which are in a spaced apart configuration with respect to each other, forming a space 1Oe. The

system of girt components may be a plurality of plurality of spaced apart Z-shaped components

or a plurality of Z-shaped components with edge components 110 (fig. 50). The girt components

need not be parallel to each other, but may be mounted at an angle to each other, including a

right angle.

Shown in fig. 52 are several examples of a plurality of holding elements, which are not

intended to be limiting of holding elements. Any holding element that is capable of retaining

insulating material 72 within the space l0e may be used. This includes, but is not limited to a peg

240, a clip 400, a flat rod 450a, a tubular rod 450b, a cable or string 397 or any combination

thereof. The cable 397 contains the first portion 398 which is inserted into a retaining slot 220,

and a second portion 399, which may be a length of wire, cable, string, rope or ribbon. The

holding elements may be deployed horizontally, vertically, diagonally or in an overlapping

manner through the retaining slots 200. It should be noted further that while the girts 1Oa and 1Ob

are shown having a plurality of retaining slots 200, these retaining slots 200 may be created

during production of these girts or introduced at will by an installer or distributer of the girts.

Figs. 53A and 53B demonstrate additional variations of the holding element that is a rod

450. Shown is the tubular rod 450b and semi-tubular rod 450c. Each contains at least one first

portion 460 contiguously connected with a second portion 482. The first side 453 usually abuts

against the top surface of an insulating material 72, while the second side 452 faces a wall

cladding. However, this orientation may be reversed for a particular application.

Figs. 54A - 54C demonstrate additional variations of the Z-shaped component. Shown in

fig. 54A is a first wall 20, having the first end 22 and the second end 24. Extending forwardly

from the second end 24 is the second wall 30. Extending from the free end 41 of the second wall

30 is the rearwardly extending wall 40a, which terminates with a free end 38b. Depending on an

embodiment, the rearwardly extending wall 40a may contain one or more additional portions

designed to orient the free end 38b in a particular fashion. As shown in figs. 54A - 54C, the

slots, which may be the elongated slots 180 or the retaining slots 220, as shown, may be in any

shape and may additional form or create an outline of a letter or a geometric shape, which may

intersect a substantial portion of the width or length of the send wall, as shown in a z-shaped slot

220e, which may be shaped in a form or outline of any other letter or geometric shape.

Further shown fig. 54A is a protective bracket 46 fitting over the first wall 20. Figs. 54A

and B further demonstrate the lower lip 28 that may extend at an angle, preferably a straight

angle, from the second end 24 of the first wall 20. It should be noted that the girt components

and holding elements may be made from thermally insulating (isolating) materials, such as

plastics, polymers, rubber or resin, they can be made from non-thermally isolating, or semi

isolating materials, such as stone, metal alloys, glass or wood.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to

be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be

described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments,

these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments,

either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly

excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope

of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various

aspects, concepts and features of the inventions--such as alternative materials, structures,

configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and

so on--may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or

exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later

developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects,

concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present

inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even

though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a

preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is

required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values

and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such

values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values

or ranges only if so expressly stated. Parameters identified as "approximate" or "about" a

specified value are intended to include both the specified value and values within 10% - 20% of

the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims, as currently written or as amended or added in the future. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference

does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general

knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except

where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word

"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e.

to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of

further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels comprising:

a plurality of Z-shaped components; each of said plurality of said Z-shaped components having a first wall, said first wall having a first end and a second end, said first wall being parallel to and mounting on an existing wall; a second wall extending outwardly at an angle from said second end, said second wall having first side and a second side; wherein said second wall further comprising a plurality of elongated air slots; wherein said elongated air slots being in a parallel spaced apart orientation with each other; wherein said elongated air slots further comprising mount points for a holding element; a rearwardly extending wall, said rearwardly extending wall extending from a free end of said second wall, wherein said rearwardly extending wall facing in an opposite direction from said first wall; wherein said rearwardly extending wall further comprising a first portion, said first portion being in parallel orientation with said first wall, a first portion configured to have a wall panel fastened thereto; a second portion extending rearwardly from said first portion in a spaced apart relation to said second wall; said Z-shaped component configured to retain at least one of a plurality of insulation panels, each one of said plurality of insulation panels configured to be mounted between two of said plurality of Z-shaped components; wherein a bottom surface of each of said plurality of insulation panels configured to be adjacent to said first wall and a top surface of each of said plurality of insulation panels configured to be adjacent to a free end of said rearwardly extending wall; and wherein a first end of each of said plurality of insulation panels configured to be adjacent to said second side of a first of said two of said plurality of Z-shaped components and wherein the second end of each of said insulation panels configured to be adjacent to said first side of a second of said two of said plurality of Z-shaped components.

2. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of elongated air slots have an A end oriented proximately to a free end of said second wall; and wherein a B end of each of said plurality of elongated air slots is oriented proximately to said first wall.

3. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of air slots are oriented perpendicular to said first wall.

4. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 2, wherein each of said mount points comprise at least one intersecting slot, wherein said at least one intersecting slot being at a predetermined distance from said A end; and wherein said predetermined distance of said at least one slot being equal for each one of said elongated air slots.

5. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 4, wherein said holding element is at least one rod; said at least one rod having a base wall; said base wall having a first end and a second end; wherein said first end configured to be inserted into one of said at least one intersecting slot of one of said Z-shaped components and wherein said second end of said at least one rod configured to be inserted into one of said intersecting slot of an adjacent Z-shaped component; and wherein said at least one rod is configured to lock at least one of said plurality of insulation panels in place between two adjacent Z-shaped components and wherein said rod is configured to regulate a width of afirst air gap formed between said wall panel and one of said plurality of insulation panels.

6. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 5, wherein said at least one rod is capable of being inserted through a plurality of said at least one intersecting slots of a series of Z-shaped components; wherein said series having two or more Z-shaped components being adjacent to each other.

7. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of air openings; wherein each of said plurality of air openings being in a coaxial orientation with said elongated air slots.

8. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 5, wherein said at least one rod has at least one second wall extending at an angle to said base wall.

9. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 8, wherein said at least one second wall configured to control the distance between said top surface of said one of said plurality of insulation panels and said free end.

10. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 5, further comprising an edge component, said edge component being in a spaced apart parallel relation to at least one of said plurality of said Z-shaped components; wherein said edge component having a first wall, said first wall being parallel with an existing wall and configured to be fastened thereto; a second wall extending at an angle from a free end of said first wall of the edge component, said second wall of the edge component having first side and a second side; a forward extending wall extending from a free end of said second wall of the edge component, said forward extending wall further comprising a first portion extending from a free end of said second wall of said edge component; a second portion of said forward extending wall of the edge component extending downwardly from said first portion in a spaced apart relation to said second wall of the edge component; wherein an outer surface of said first portion of the edge component configured to have a wall panel fastened thereto; wherein a free end of said second portion of the edge component being co-planar with the free end of the rearwardly extending wall of one of the plurality of Z-shaped components that is adjacent to said edge component; and wherein one of said plurality of said insulation panels configured to fit in a space between said edge component and one of said Z-shaped components that is adjacent to said edge component.

11. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 10, wherein said second wall of said edge component further comprising a plurality of air slots; wherein said air slots being in a parallel spaced apart orientation with each other; wherein each of said plurality of air slots having an A end oriented proximately to a free end of said second wall; and wherein a B end of each of said plurality of air slots oriented proximately to said first wall; each of said plurality of parallel air slots further comprising mount points; wherein said mount points being at a predetermined distance from said A end; and wherein said predetermined distance of said at least one slot being equal for each one of said elongated air slots; and wherein a second end of said rod configured to be inserted beneath said free end of the second portion of the edge component or one of mount points of the edge components and wherein the second end of said rod configured to be inserted through one of said one of said mount points of the Z-shaped component, such that said rod locks into place one of a plurality of insulation panels, wherein said one of said plurality of insulation panels is configured to be inserted between said Z-shaped components and said edge components; wherein said one of said Z-shaped components and said edge component are in an adjacent and spaced apart relation to each other.

12. The system of securing insulation between an existing wall and exterior wall panels of claim 11, wherein the second portion of said edge component further comprising a plurality of air openings.

13. A Z-shaped component for use in the system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the Z-shared component comprising; a first wall, said first wall having a first end and a second end, said first wall being parallel to and mounting on an existing wall; a second wall extending outwardly at an angle from said second end, said second wall having first side and a second side; wherein said second wall further comprising a plurality of elongated air slots; said plurality of elongated air slots having mount points for at least one holding element, each one of said at least one holding element configured to secure an insulating material; a J-shaped wall, said J-shaped wall extending from a free end of said second wall, wherein said J-shaped wall facing in an opposite direction from said first wall; wherein said J-shaped wall further comprising a first portion, said first portion being in a parallel orientation with said first wall, a first portion configured to have a wall panel fastened thereto; and a second portion extending rearwardly from said first portion in a spaced apart relation to said second wall.

14. The Z-shaped component of claim 13, wherein said air slots being in a parallel spaced apart orientation with each other; wherein each of said plurality of air slots having an A end oriented proximately to a free end of said second wall; and wherein a B end of each of said plurality of air slots is oriented proximately to said first wall.

15. The Z-shaped component of claim 14, wherein each of said of air slots are oriented perpendicular to said first wall.

16. The Z-shaped component of claim 14, wherein each of said mount points comprise at least one intersecting slot; wherein said at least one intersecting slot being at a predetermined distance from said A end; and wherein said predetermined distance of said at least one slot being equal for each one of said elongated air slots; and wherein said at least one slot configured to receive the holding element inserted therethrough.

17. The Z-shaped component of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of air openings; wherein each of said plurality of air openings being in a coaxial orientation with said elongated air slots.

18. A method of mounting insulation panels unto an existing wall using the Z-shaped component according to any one of claims 13 to 16, the method comprising the steps of, installing at least two Z-shaped components onto an existing wall; ; said at least two Z-shaped components being in a spaced apart configuration with each other;

inserting at least one insulation panel between said at least two Z-shaped components, wherein said at least one insulation panel being held in place between a second wall of said one of the at least two Z-shaped components and beneath the rearwardly extending wall of another of said at least two Z-shaped components; attaching wall panels onto said rearwardly extending wall of said at least two Z shaped components, wherein said step of attaching said wall panels onto said rearwardly extending wall creating an air gap between said at least one insulation panel and said wall panels; and wherein said air gap ensuring substantially unobstructed air circulation and at least some moisture drainage flowing through said plurality of elongated air slots of said at least two Z-shaped components.

19. The method of mounting insulation panels of claim 18, further comprising the step of placing at least holding element in the form of a one rod through said mount point in one of Z-shaped components, wherein said rod spans the distance between said at least two Z-shaped components.

20. The method of mounting insulation panels of claim 19, further comprising a step of deploying at least one edge component at an end of a section of Z-shaped components; and wherein the step of installing wall panels further comprises a step of installing wall panels over the edge component(s).