Patent ID: 9080331
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: E04F

Abstract:
1. A wall panel system installed on a first wall or ceiling, the system comprising: a plurality of panels arranged in a plurality of rows and columns within a common plane wherein: a plurality of clips defining either clip grooves or clip tongues, the clips attached to the back surfaces of the panels adjacent to both the upper edges and the lower edges so that the clip grooves or clip tongues are oriented in a first vertical direction generally parallel to the common plane, wherein the clips are fixed and stationary to the back surfaces of the panels, each clip extending partially across the back surface of the panel so that air is allowed to flow up and down between the clips to mitigate detrimental effects of moisture buildup; a plurality of elongate joints attached to the first wall for securing the plurality of panels to the first wall, a first joint of the plurality of elongate joints attached on the first wall parallel and adjacent to the upper edges of the lower row of panels and the lower edges of the upper row of panels, the plurality of elongate joints having a joint tongue or a joint groove which are oriented in a second vertical direction generally parallel to the common plane which is opposite the first vertical direction for receiving either of the clip grooves or the clip tongues, respectively, the plurality of elongate joints sufficiently spaced away from the back surface of the panels to permit sufficient air flow between adjacent upper and lower panels to mitigate detrimental effects of moisture buildup; a plurality of horizontal trims disposed within the horizontal gaps between upper and lower edges of adjacent panels so that the horizontal trims are flush with the upper and lower edges of adjacent panels to mitigate movement of the panels for securing the panels in place when the horizontal trims are disposed within the gaps and the horizontal trims are flush with the upper and lower edges of adjacent panels, the horizontal trims being removably attachable to the plurality of elongate joints with a tongue and groove connection therebetween; a plurality of vertical splines disposed between adjacent left and right panels, the vertical splines attached to adjacent left and right panels with a tongue and groove connection, the vertical splines spaced away from the first wall to permit sufficient airflow between left and right panels to mitigate detrimental effects of moisture buildup; wherein any one of the panels from the lower row of panels is removable from the first wall independent of the upper row of panels and panels to the left and right of the panel to be removed by removing only a trim of the plurality of trims which is disposed above a panel of the plurality of panels to be removed to provide for replacement of a damaged panel; wherein air is allowed to flow up and down across the plurality of elongate joints through spaces defined by the plurality of elongate joints and the back surfaces of the panels.