Method and apparatus for providing metal clad facade

Abstract

An apparatus and method for a metal clad facade includes a thin metal cladding having at least one edge. The facade or the object with which it is associated has at least one edge around which the metal cladding edge can be wrapped. The wrapped edge could optionally be crimped. Optionally, exposed edges of the cladding could be covered by raised bosses or ribs on the facade. Optionally, a projection or extension of the cladding, oblique to other parts of the cladding, could extend into an opening in or near a surface of the facade or its underlying object. Wrapping of at least one edge with the metal cladding provides the appearance of a more substantial metal part than if the edge were not wrapped and provides for a more securement and durable attachment between the cladding and the underlying object.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of metal cladding the facade of an object comprising:
 a. providing an underlying object having outer and inner surfaces separated by a thickness;   b. covering a portion of the outer surface with metal cladding; and   c. bending or forming a portion of the cladding to wrap or extend across the thickness and then back around the inner surface of the object.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising crimping the wrapped portion of cladding around the thickness of the object to further resist movement of the cladding relative the object. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising wrapping a second portion of the cladding around another part of the object, the second wrapped portion positioned to resist movement of the cladding relative to the object in a different direction than the first wrapped portion to further enhance fastening of the cladding to the object. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising crimping the second portion of the cladding around a portion of the object. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising extending a portion of the cladding obliquely from another portion of the cladding such that the oblique portion abuts the object in a manner which restrains or resists movement of the cladding relative the object in one or more directions. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the oblique portion can have more than one side that abuts different parts of the object to resist movement of the cladding relative to the object in more than one direction. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising wrapping the oblique portion around another portion of the object. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising adhering at least one portion of the cladding to the object. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the at least one portion of the cladding is adhered to the facade of the object. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising forming a boss or rib on the object which covers at least a portion of an exposed edge of the metal cladding when the cladding is positioned on the facade of the object. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the boss or rib extends in a different direction on the facade than the wrapped edge. 
     
     
         12 . A method of metal cladding the facade of an object having an edge positioned away from the facade comprising:
 a. bringing the metal cladding into position relative the facade;   b. wrapping a portion of the cladding around the edge of the object so that the portion of the cladding provides both mechanical resistance to movement of the cladding relative to the object in one or more directions and enhances the appearance of the facade by covering the said edge with metal cladding.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising wrapping a second portion of the cladding around another portion of the object. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising extending another portion of the cladding obliquely to provide mechanical resistance to movement of the cladding relative the object in one or more directions. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the object comprises an opening and another portion of the cladding extends into the opening. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising hiding at least a portion of an edge of the cladding with a rib or boss on the object. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the object comprises a faceplate with mounting structure to mount the faceplate to an appliance. 
     
     
         18 . A method of cladding in metal a facade piece having a facade, opposite sides, and an internal opening comprising:
 a. covering the facade of the facade piece with metal cladding but leaving a portion of the facade exposed;   b. bending portions of a metal cladding around the opposite sides of the facade piece;   c. crimping the bent portions to the facade piece;   d. inserting an ear of the metal cladding into the internal opening of the facade piece; and   e. covering an edge of the metal cladding with a raised portion or boss on the facade piece.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the edge extends in a different direction than the opposite sides. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the facade piece comprises a faceplate with mounting structure to mount to an appliance.