Ventilation Member with Holding Clip and Systems Incorporating the Same

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/046,897 filed on Oct. 14, 2022, the entire content of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

Stucco, plaster or other claddings are typically used for exterior surfaces of building structures defining substrates such as walls. Such claddings are applied over a wire mesh over felt paper which has been attached to underlying substrate, e.g. wall. This method of cladding installation often results in leak problems between the cladding and the substrate and often results in the collection of moisture between the cladding and substrate.

Weep screeds are often used with claddings over walls towards a top end of the wall, bottom end of the wall or mid-wall (as for example externally between floors) to act as a stop for the cladding applied to the wall. Weep screeds generally have a panel that abuts the wall and a leg that extends transversely outward to provide a surface for the cladding to contact. Weep screeds also allow moisture to be collected between the cladding and the substrate to drain. However, better drainage systems are desired that are easier to use and allow for venting of the moisture collected between the substrate and the cladding upwards and allow for drainage of moisture downwards.

In an example embodiment, a ventilation member includes a base panel for mounting on a substrate, a first panel extending transversely from the base panel, a second panel extending transversely from the base panel and spaced apart from the first panel at least one opening formed through the second panel proximate the base panel. A holding clip extends transversely from the second panel in a direction away from the first panel, and a space is defined between the holding clip and the base panel. The space has a first width and second width narrower than the first width. In one example embodiment, the holding clip is moveable for allowing for insertion of a drainage mat into the space and is biased for providing pressure against the drainage mat once inserted. In another example embodiment, the holding clip is a rigid member and includes a surface portion at the second width for engaging a drainage mat once inserted into the space. In a further example embodiment, the holding clip includes a base portion extending from the first panel and a head having a curved outer extending distally from the base portion. In yet another example embodiment, the space has a width as measured between a surface of the base panel facing the holding clip and a surface of the holding clip base portion facing the base panel, and the width decreases and then increases in a direction from the proximal end of the head adjacent the base portion to the distal end of the head. In a further example embodiment, the width at the distal end of the head is greater than the width at the proximal end of the head. In yet a further example embodiment, the second panel includes a first portion forming a shelf adjacent the base panel and a second portion extending distally from the first portion in a direction away from the base panel, and the at least one opening is formed through the shelf. In one example embodiment, the first panel forms a lower leg extending from, or proximate a lower end of the base panel, and inclining downward from the base panel and the second panel forms an upper leg above the lower leg, and the second portion of the second member inclines downward from the shelf. In another example embodiment, the first panel forms an upper leg extending from, or proximate, an upper end of the base panel and the second panel forms a lower leg, and the second portion of the second panel inclines downward from the shelf. In yet another example embodiment, the ventilation member also includes at least one of a first leg portion extending downward from the first panel and a second leg portion extending downward from the second panel. In a further example embodiment, the ventilation member is formed by extrusion. In yet a further example embodiment, the ventilation member base panel, first panel, second panel, and holding clip are integrally formed by bending a single sheet of material to sequentially define each of the base panel, first panel, second panel and holding clip.

In another example embodiment, a ventilation member includes a base panel for mounting on a substrate, a first panel extending transversely from the base panel, a second panel extending transversely from the base panel and spaced apart from the first panel, a third panel extending transversely from the base panel and spaced apart and between the first and second panels, at least one first opening formed through the first panel, at least one second opening formed through the second panel, and a holding clip extending transversely from one of the first and second panels in a direction away from the other two panels. A space is defined between the holding clip and the base panel, such that the space has a first width and second width narrower than the first width. In one example embodiment, the holding clip is moveable for allowing for insertion of a drainage mat into the space and is biased for providing pressure against the drainage mat once inserted. In another example embodiment, the holding clip is a rigid member and includes a surface portion at the second width for engaging a drainage mat once inserted into the space. In yet another example embodiment the holding clip includes a base portion extending from the one of the first panel and second panel and a head having a curved outer surface extending distally from the base portion. In a further example embodiment, the space has a width as measured between a surface of the base panel facing the holding clip and a surface of the holding clip facing the base panel, and the width decreases and then increases in a direction from the proximal end of the head adjacent the base portion to the distal end of the head. In yet a further example embodiment, the at least one of the first and second panels includes a first portion forming a shelf adjacent the base panel and a second portion extending distally from the first portion in a direction away from the base panel, and the at least one first opening or the at least one second opening is formed through the shelf. In one example embodiment, the holding clip is a first holding clip extending from the first panel in a direction away from the second and third panels, and the ventilation member includes a second holding clip extending from the second panel in a direction away from the first and third panels, and the space is a first space and a second space is defined between the second holding clip and the base panel. The second space has a first width and second width narrower than the first width of the second space. In one example embodiment, the second holding clip is moveable for allowing for insertion of a drainage mat into the space and is biased for providing pressure against the drainage mat once inserted. In another example embodiment, the second holding clip is a rigid member and includes a surface portion at the second width of the second space for engaging a drainage mat once inserted into the space. In another example embodiment, each of the first and second holding clips includes a base portion extending from its corresponding first or second panel and a head having a curved outer surface extending distally from its base portion. In yet another example embodiment, the first space has a first space width as measured between a surface of the base panel facing the first holding clip and a surface of the first holding clip facing the base panel, and the second space has a second space width defined between a surface of the base panel facing the second holding clip and a surface of the second holding clip facing the base panel, and each of the first space and second space widths decreases and then increases in a direction from the proximal end of its corresponding head adjacent its corresponding base portion to the distal end of its corresponding head. In a further example embodiment, the first space width at the distal end of the head of the first holding clip is greater than the first space width at the proximal end of the head of the first holding clip, and wherein the second space width at the distal end of the head of the second holding clip is greater than the second space width at the proximal end of the head of the second holding clip. In yet a further example embodiment, the first panel includes a first portion forming a first shelf adjacent the base panel and a second portion extending distally from the first portion in a direction away from the base panel, and the at least one opening formed through the first panel is formed through the first shelf, and the second panel includes a third portion forming a second shelf adjacent the base panel and a fourth portion extending distally from the third portion in a direction away from the base panel, and the at least one opening formed through the second panel is formed through the second shelf. In yet a further example embodiment, the second portion is inclined downward relative to the first portion and the fourth portion is inclined downward relative to the third portion. In one example embodiment, the third panel forms a leg extending from the base panel and inclining downward. In another example embodiment, the ventilation member includes a first member and a second member, and the first member includes the first panel, and the second member includes the second and third panels. In another example embodiment, the first and second members are each formed by extrusion. In yet another example embodiment, the first member is formed from a first single piece of material that is bent to define the first panel and the second member is formed a second single piece of material that is bent to define the second and third panels. In a further example embodiment, the ventilation member is formed by extrusion. In yet a further example embodiment, the ventilation member base panel, first panel, second panel, third panel, first holding clip and second holding clip are integrally formed by bending a single sheet of material to sequentially define each of the base panel, first panel, second panel, third panel, first holding clip and second holding clip. In one example embodiment, the third panel includes a first surface opposite a second surface, and the distance between the first surface and the second surface proximate the base panel is expandable whereby expanding the distance increases a distance between the first and second panels.

An example embodiment ventilation member(referred to herein as a “lower ventilation member”) for use at, or proximate, a lower end of a wallproximate a base or floor, as shown in, includes a base panel or nailing flangefor being mounted on a substrate(e.g., a wall of a structure such as a building, or a sheathing or other material attached to such wall). In the example embodiment shown in, the base panel is mounted on sheathing. A first or lower panelextends transversely from, or proximate, a lower endof the base panel forming a first or lower leg. A second or upper panelextends transversely from the base panelproximate the lower endof the base panel and spaced apart from, and above, the lower panel forming a second or upper leg. In an example embodiment the lower panel is inclined downward in a direction away from the base panel. In another example embodiment, the upper panel has a first portionadjacent to the base panel and a second portionextending distally from the first portion in a direction away from the base panel and inclined downward. The first portion defines a shelf, and in the shown example embodiment, a generally horizontal shelf. One or more drain openingsare formed through the shelf. A holding clipextends upward from the upper panelat a location proximate, or at, the intersectionbetween, the first and second portions of the upper panel. In one example embodiment, the holding clip is a spring clip, while in another example embodiment it is a rigid clip. The holding clip has a base portionand a head. The base portion extends from the upper panel and the head extends distally from the base portion. In the shown example embodiment, the head is a curved (i.e., radiused) member, or is a member having a curved outer surface, defining an arcextending in a spacedefined between a planeof the base panel along a base panel surface facing the holding clip and a generally parallel planealong a surfaceof the base portion facing the base panel. The spacehas a widthas measured between the generally parallel planes. The space is aligned with the one or more drain openings. The spaceis defined between the holding clipand the base panelto receive a lower end of a drainage mat. “Drainage mat” as used herein refers to any type of structure can cover a surface area and is capable of absorbing and draining or venting moisture, through its upper and lower ends. A rainscreen is an example of a drainage mat.

In a direction from base portion to the upper end of the head, the head outer surfacecurves extending in a direction toward the base panel, such that a widthbetween the outer surface of the head and the planeof the base panel, parallel to the widthbetween the generally parallel planes, is narrower than the width. Continuing in the same direction the outer surface of the head curves in a direction away from the base panel thereby increasing the width of the spacing between the base panel plane and the outer surface of the head. In an example embodiment, the distal end of the head extends in a direction away from the base panel such that a widthbetween outer surface of the head at its distal end and the base panel plane, parallel to the width, is greater than the widthof the space. The outer surface of the distal end portion of the head serves as a guide to receive and guide the lower end of the drainage mat into the spaceand the head serves to engage the drainage mat for holding it in place.

In an example embodiment, the distal end,of each of the upper and lower panels, respectively, may be rounded or blunt. In another example embodiment, a generally vertically and downwardly extending lip,, may extend from either or both of the distal ends of the upper and lower panels, respectively.

In an example embodiment, the lower ventilation member may be extruded from an extrudable material such as plastic or metal to be a unitary structure. In another example embodiment, one or more of the base panel, upper panel, lower panel, holding clip and any lips may be separate members that are connected or attached to each other. In further example embodiment the entire lower ventilation member is formed from a single or a unitary piece of material which is folded onto itself. In example embodiments, a single panelis used to form the lower ventilation memberby bending the panelat points A, or points B as shown in, respectively.

In an example embodiment, the lower ventilation memberis mounted at, or proximate, a lower end of a walland often extends beyond the lower end of the wall and over base structure, such a structure forming a base or a floor, as for example shown in. In an example embodiment a substratesuch as sheathing is mounted over the wall and may also extend over the base or floor. In another example embodiment, the substrate may be the wall itself. A water resistive barrier layeris mounted over the substrate over the wall and floor. Water resistive barriers are well known in the art. They are often barrier films or layers which resist penetration by water, moisture, or vapor. The base panelis mounted over the water resistive barrier and if a floor is present at a location such that the upper and lower panels,extend from a location within a height of the floor. A flashing layer (i.e., a layer of flashing material), is then placed over the base panel extending from a location at, or proximate, the upper paneland extending above the base panelso that it contacts the water resistive layerabove the base panel. Flashing layers are layers of a moisture impervious material and are well known in the art. A drainage matis then slid into position into the spacebetween the holding clipand base panelsuch that the lower endof the drainage mat contacts, or is proximate, the upper panel(or shelf) and in-line with the drain openings. The headof the holding clip provides for an extended outer surfacethat is contacted by the lower endof the drainage mat as it is slid into position. As the drainage mat is further pushed downward, it slides along the outer surfaceof the holding clip head causing the holding clip when it is a spring clip to move in a direction away from the base panel allowing the drainage mat to move into the space. The holding clip then due to its spring bias, returns to, or proximate, its original position, contacting or pinching upon the drainage mat for holding it into position. In an example embodiment, where the holding clip is a rigid clip, the drainage mat slides along the outer surfaceof the holding clip and as it gets pushed further down and into the space, through the narrowed widthof the space, the head of the holding clip exerts a pressure or pinches against the drainage mat holding it in place. With either of these embodiments, the widthis narrower than the width of the drainage mat. A lathmay then be placed over the drainage mat and cladding, such as stucco, siding, or any other type of cladding may be placed over the lath.

Another example embodiment ventilation member (referred to herein as a “upper ventilation member”)for use at or proximate an upper end of a wall, as for example proximate a roof or ceilingas shown in theincludes a base panel or nailing flangefor being mounted to the substrate(e.g., a wall of a structure such as a building, or a sheathing or other material attached to such wall). In the example embodiment shown in, the substrate is a sheathing. An upper panelextends transversely from the base panel. An optional vertically oriented legmay extend downward from a distal end of the upper panel. A lower panelforming a lower legextends transversely from the base panel and is inclined downward. In an example embodiment, a lipmay extend downward from the distal end of the lower leg.

In an example embodiment, the lower panelhas a first portionadjacent the base panel and a second portionextending from the first portion and in a direction away from the base panel. In an example embodiment, the first portion forms a shelfthat extends in a general horizontal orientation. The second portionextends distally from the shelf and is inclined downwards. One or more vent openingsare formed through the shelf. A holding clipextends downward from the leg at a location proximate, or at, the intersectionbetween the first and second portions,of the lower panel. In one example embodiment, the holding clipis a spring clip, while in another example embodiment it is a rigid clip. The holding clip has a base portionand a head. The base portionextends from the lower paneland the headextends distally from the base portion in a direction away from the lower panel. In the shown example embodiment, the head is a member having a curved (i.e., radiused) outer surfacedefining an arc extending in a space. The spaceis defined between a planeof a surfaceof the base panel facing the base portion of the holding clip and a generally parallel planeof a surfaceof the base portion of the holding clip facing the base panel, and is aligned with the one or more drain openings. The spacehas a widthas measured perpendicularly between the generally parallel planes,and is defined to receive an upper end portionof a drainage matbetween the holding clip and the base panel. In a direction from base portion to the lower end of the head, the outer surfaceof the head facing the base panel curves such that it extends into the spacesuch that a widthbetween the outer surface of the head and the plane of the base panel, parallel to the widthbetween generally parallel planes,, is smaller than the width. In an example embodiment, the distal end of the head extends in a direction away from the base panel such that a widthbetween outer surface of the head at its distal end and the base panel, parallel to the width, is greater than the width. The outer surface of the distal end portion of the head serves as a guide to receive and guide the upper end of drainage mat into the spaceand the head serves to engage the drainage mat to hold it in the space. As the drainage mat is further slid into the space, it contacts the outer surface of the head of the holding clip, and in the example embodiment where the holding clip is a spring clip, causing it to move in a direction away from the base panel so as to allow the drainage mat to further slip higher into the space. The head which is spring biased to its original position exerts a force or pinches against the drainage mat for keeping it in position. In the example embodiment, where the holding clip is a rigid clip, as the drainage mat contacts the outer surface of the head, it is directed into the narrowed widthsuch that it is engaged by the outer surface of the holding clip head.

In an example embodiment, the upper ventilation membermay be extruded from an extrudable material such as plastic or metal to be a unitary structure. In another example embodiment, one or more of the base panel, upper panel, lower pane, holding clip and any lips may be separate members that are connected or attached to each other. In further example embodiment the entire upper ventilation member is formed from a single or a unitary piece of material which is folded onto to itself. In example embodiments, a single panelis used to form the upper ventilation member by bending the panelat points C, or points D as shown in, respectively.

In an example embodiment, the upper ventilation memberis mounted at, or proximate an upper end of a wallproximate a ceiling or roof, as for example shown in. In an example embodiment as shown in, a substratesuch as sheathing is placed over the wall. In another example embodiment, the wall itself is the substrate. A water resistive barrier layeris placed over the substrate over the wall. The base panelof the upper ventilation member is mounted over the water resistive barrier. An upper end portionof a drainage matis then slid into position into the spacebetween the holding clipand base panel such that the upper endof the drainage mat contacts or is proximate the upper paneland in line with the vent openings. The headof the holding clip provides for an extended surface that is contacted by the upper end portionof the drainage mat as it is slid into position. As the drainage mat is further pushed upward, it slides along the surfaceof the holding clip head causing the holding clip in the example embodiment where it is a spring clip to move in a direction away from the base panel allowing the drainage mat to move into the space. The holding clip then due to its spring bias, returns to, or proximate, its original position, contacting or pinching upon the drainage mat for holding it into position. In the example embodiment, where the holding clip is a rigid clip the drainage mat slides along the outer surfaceof the holding clip and as it gets pushed further up and into the space, and through the narrowed width, the head of the holding clip exerts a pressure against the drainage mat holding it in place. With these example embodiments, the widthis narrower than the width of the drainage mat. A lathmay then be placed over the drainage mat and cladding, as for example stucco, siding, or any other type of cladding may be placed over the lath. The end of the upper panel and the lipif provided, provides a guide for the thickness of the applied cladding such as stucco.

A further example embodiment ventilation member(referred to herein as a “mid-wall ventilation member”) for use at or proximate a lower end of an upper wall and proximate an upper end of a lower wall, as for example between floors, as shown in the, includes a base panel or nailing flangefor being mounted on a substrate(e.g., a of wall of a structure such as a building, or another substrate such sheathing that may be mounted over such wall). A first or upper panelextends transversely from the base panel forming a first leg. A second or lower panelextends transversely from the base panel below the first panel proximate forming a second leg. A third panelextends from the base panel between the first and second panels forming a third leg. In an example embodiment, the third panel is inclined downward in a direction away from the base panel. In one example embodiment, the first panel has a first portionadjacent to the base panel and a second portionextending distally from the first portion in a direction away from the base panel and inclined downward. The first portion defines a first shelfand in the shown example embodiment, a generally horizontal shelf. One or more drain openingsare formed through the first shelf.

In the shown example embodiment, the second panelhas a first portionadjacent to the base panel and a second portionextending distally from the first portion of the second panel in a direction away from the base panel and inclined downward. The first portion of the second panel defines a second shelfand in the shown example embodiment, a generally horizontal second shelf. One or more vent openingsare formed through the second shelf.

A first holding clipextends upward from the first (upper) panel at a location proximate, or at the intersectionbetween the first and second portions,of the first panel. In one example embodiment, the first holding clip is a spring clip and in another example embodiment it is a rigid clip. The first holding clip has a first base portionand a first head. The first base portion extends from the upper panel and the first head extends from the distal end of the first base portion. In the shown example embodiment, the first head has a curved (i.e. radiused) outer surfacedefining an arc extending in a first space, defined between a planealong a surfacethe base panel facing the first base portion, and a generally parallel planealong a surfaceof the first base portion facing the base panel, and aligned with the one or more drain openings. The spacehas a width. In a direction from first base portion to the upper distal end of the first head, the first head outer surface curves such that its outer surfaceextends into the first spacebetween the generally parallel planes,, such that a widthbetween the base panel surface(i.e., plane) and the outer surfaceof the head is less than the parallel widthof the first space and then curves in a direction away thereby increasing the width of the spacing between the base panel and the outer surface of the first head. In an example embodiment, the distal end of the first head extends in a direction away from the base panel such that a widthof the spacing between outer surface of the first head at its distal end and the base panel surfaceis greater than a parallel widthof the first space. The outer surface of the distal end portion of the first head serves as a guide to receive and guide a lower endof a first drainage matinto the first spacebetween the first base portion and the base panel. As the first drainage mat is further pushed into the first space, it contacts the outer surface of the first head, and in the embodiment where the first holding clip is a spring clip, causing it to move in a direction away from the base panel so as to allow the first drainage mat to further slip lower into the first space. In the example embodiment where the first holding clip is a rigid clip, the outer surface of the first head guides the first drainage mat into the first spaceand through the narrowed widthand the outer surface of the head contacts the first drainage mat for holding it in position. With these embodiments, the width of the drainage mat is greater that the narrowed width. The first head which is biased to its original position will return towards its original position and exert a force against the first drainage mat for keeping it in position.

A second holding clipextends downward from the second (lower) panel at a location proximate or at the intersectionbetween the first and second portions,of the lower panel. In one example embodiment, the holding clip is a spring clip and in another example embodiment, the holding clip is a rigid clip. The second holding clip has a second base portionand a second head. The second base portion extends from the lower panel and the second head extends from the distal end of the second base portion. In the shown example embodiment, the second head has a curved (i.e. radiused) outer surfacedefining an arc extending in a second space, defined between a planealong a surfacethe base panel facing the second base portion and a generally parallel planeof a surfaceof the second base portion facing the base panel, and aligned with the one or more vent openings. The second spacehas width. In a direction from second base portion to the lower distal end of the second head, the second head outer surface curves such that its outer surfaceextends into the second spacebetween the generally parallel planes,, such that a widthbetween the base panel surfaceand the outer surfaceof the second head is less than a parallel widthof the second spaceand then curves in a direction away thereby increasing the width of the spacing between the base panel and the outer surface of the first head. In an example embodiment, the distal end of the second head extends in a direction away from the base panel such that a widthof spacing between outer surface of the second head at its distal end and the base panel surfaceis greater than a parallel widthof the second space. The outer surface of the distal end portion of the first head serves as a guide to receive and guide an upper endof a second drainage matinto the second spacebetween the second base portion and the b base panel. As the second drainage mat is further pushed into the second space, it contacts the outer surface of the second head, and in the embodiment where the second holding clip is a spring clip, causing it to move in a direction away from the base panel so as to allow the second drainage mat to further slip into the second space. The second head which is spring biased to its original position then returns towards its original position exerting a force against the second drainage mat for keeping it in position. In the example embodiment, where the second holding clip is a rigid clip, as the second drainage mat contacts the outer surface of the second head it is guided into the second spacethrough the narrowed widthof the second space, such that the second head pinches or exerts a pressure against the second drainage mat holding it in place.

In an example embodiment, the distal ends of any panel such as the distal free ends,of the upper and lower panels, respectively, may be rounded or blunt. In another example embodiment, a generally vertically and downwardly extending lip, such as lipmay extend from the distal end of any of the first, second and third panels.

In an example embodiment, the mid-wall ventilation member may be a extruded from an extrudable material such as plastic or metal to be a unitary structure. In another example embodiment, one or more of the base panel, first panel, second panel, third panel, first holding clip and the second holding clip, and any lips may be separate members that are connected or attached to each other. In further example embodiment the entire mid-wall ventilation member is formed from a single or a unitary piece of material which is folded onto to itself. In example embodiments, a single panelis used to form the upper ventilation member at locations E as shown in.

In another example embodiment, the mid-wall vent may be formed in two members, as shown for example in. A first memberA including a first base panelA from which extends the first paneland the first holding clipand a second memberB including a second base panelB from which extend the second paneland the third panel. The second base panelB includes a portionextending above the third panelthat is slid behind the first base panelA. In this regard the distance of the first panel and the third panel may be varied to a desired distance by varying the position of the first base panel relative to the second base panel.

To accommodate the portionof the second base panel, the first base panelA may include an offset. In the shown example embodiment, the first and second members are each formed from separate single or unitary panels,by being folded at locations F and G, respectively. In another example embodiment, as shown in, the first and second membersA,B are each formed from separate single or unitary panels,by being folded at locations H and I, respectively. In other example embodiments, each of the first and second membersA,B may be unitary structures formed by extrusion.

In any of the example embodiments shown formed by folding a sheet of material, a vertical distancebetween the first and third panels,at a location along the base panel may also be varied to a desired distance by varying an angleof the fold forming the third panelsuch that the portion of the material forming an upper surfaceA of the third panel is at an anglerelative to another portion of the material forming a lower surfaceB of the third panel as for example shown in. As such, the larger the anglethe larger the spacing between the first and second base panels.

In an example embodiment, the mid-wall ventilation member is mounted over wall and often over an upper wall, a lower walland a floorseparating the upper and lower walls as shown in. In an example embodiment, a substrate such as sheathingmay be mounted over the walls and floors. A water resistive barrieris mounted over the substrate. The water resistive barrier may extend over the lower wall and to a level up to, or including the floor. A first layer of flashingis mounted over the water resistive layer and extends over the upper wall. In embodiments where the water resistive layer only extends to a level, part of the first flashing above that level is mounted directly to the substrate. The mid-wall ventilation member base panelis mounted over the water resistive barrier and the first layer of flashing such the water resistive barrier and first layer of flashing are sandwiched between the base panel and the walls or sheathing. A second layer of flashingis placed over the base panel portion extending above the upper paneland extending from above the upper end of the base paneland over the first layer of flashingto, or proximate to, the at least one drain opening.

The first drainage matis slid downward into the first spacepast the first holding clipsuch that its lower endabuts or is proximate the first shelfin alignment with the at least one drain opening. As the first drainage mat is slid downward, the lower endof the first drainage mat contacts the outer surfaceof the first holding clip first head and due to the first head shape causes the first holding clip, in the embodiment where the first holding clip is a spring clip, to flex away from the base panel while at the same time it guides the first drainage mater into the first space. The first holding clip then flexes back toward its original position due to its spring bias providing a force against the first drainage mat for retaining the first drainage mat in the first space. In the embodiment where the first holding clip is a first rigid clip, the outer surface of the first head guides the first drainage mat into the first spaceand through the narrowed widthand the outer surface of the head contacts the first drainage mat for holding it in position. The second drainage matis slid upward into the second spacepast the second holding clipsuch that its upper endis at, or proximate, the second shelfin alignment with the at least one vent opening. As the second drainage mat is slid upward, the upper endof the second drainage mat contacts the outer surfaceof the second holding clip second head and due to the second head shape causes the second holding clip, in the embodiment where the second holding clip is a second spring clip, to flex away from the base panel while at the same time it guides the second drainage mater into the second space. The second holding clip then flexes back to its original position providing a force against the second drainage mat for retaining the second drainage mat in the second space. In the example embodiment, where the second holding clip is a second rigid clip, as the second drainage mat contacts the outer surface of the second head it is guided into the second spacethrough the narrowed widthof the second space, such that the second head pinches or exerts a pressure against the second drainage mat holding it in place. Laths,may then be placed over the upper and lower drainage mats and cladding, as for example stucco, siding, or any other type of cladding may be placed over the lath. The end of the upper panel, and the lipif provided, provides a guide for the thickness of the applied cladding such as stucco.

While this invention has been described in detail with particular references to exemplary embodiments thereof, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the exact forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of assembly and operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of this invention, as set forth in the following claims. For example, in shown exemplary embodiments each of the ventilation member panels extend along a predetermined width of a substate onto which they are mounted. In some example embodiments, the holding clips do not span the same width as any of the other panels. In addition, multiple shorter, minimal width spaced apart holding clips may be provided extending from their respective panels at locations along the width of such panels. In addition, the term “spring clip” as used herein does not necessarily mean that a spring is incorporated in the holding clip. Rather in example embodiments, it means that the clip after being moved from an initial position has the ability to spring back toward such initial position due a natural spring bias inherent in the material forming the holding clip and/or due to the thickness of the holding clip. Moreover, although relative terms such as “outer,” “inner,” “upper,” “lower,” “below,” “above,” and similar terms have been used herein to describe a spatial relationship of one element to another, it is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the various elements and components of the invention in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Additionally, as used herein, the term “generally,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, as used herein, when a component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, it can be directly on or over the other component, or components may also be present therebetween. Moreover, when a component is referred to as being “coupled” to another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or intervening components may be present therebetween. Furthermore “panel” as used herein refers to a single wall or a multi-wall panel such as a double wall panel that is formed by two adjacent back-to-back walls that can be formed for example by bending a layer of material onto to itself.