Abstract:
A method and apparatus for applying and removing a strip of tape to a surface. The tape having a width dimension and a longer length dimension wherein the tape has a greater tensile strength than a cured compound covering the tape. The tape applicable to panel surfaces and panel joints and removeable after the compound has cured on the tape.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/782,358, filed Mar. 15, 2006, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/777,188, filed Feb. 27, 2006, both of which are here incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and method for taping a surface and removing the tape. Particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing and removing tape from panel surfaces. More particularly still, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for taping a panel joint and or taping panel fasteners; and then removing the tape and fasteners during disassembly of the panels. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    In the erection of panels for use in homes, facilities and buildings, surface panels are often secured to support elements such as studs. The surface panels are typically prefabricated panels that vary in size. A common panel is four feet wide by eight feet in length. These panels are fastened to the support element in a manner that creates a substantially planar surface having joints at some of the panel edges. In order to finish the panel and create a smooth surface, it is often necessary to apply a tape over the joint and/or apply a tape over the fasteners and then cover the tape and fasteners with a compound such as mud. Once dry, the compound is often smoothed to a seamless surface. The panel is then ready for a finish such as paint. 
         [0006]    The most commonly used panel is gypsum board sheathing, which is also known as gypsum board, panelboard, plasterboard; gypboard, GYPROC®, SHEETROCK®, and rock. Gypsum board sheathing is composed of a sheet of gypsum covered on both sides with a paper facing. Gypsum is calcium sulfate dehydrate (CaSO4.2H2O). The removal and disposal of gypsum board sheathing and other panels is becoming an increased environmental problem. Hydrogen sulfide gas may be produced when gypsum is placed in a landfill, particularly in a wet climate. Hydrogen sulfide gas is toxic, even lethal to humans, and is detected by a foul, rotten-egg odor. The environmental concerns associated with gypsum board sheathing disposal have led several communities to ban gypsum board sheathing at landfills. Thus, the disposal of gypsum board sheathing, once removed, has become a problem. Further, with increased depletion of our natural resources, the increased demand on landfills, and the awareness of recycling; it is advantageous to reuse existing building materials. There is also a cost savings in reusing the existing materials. Reuse by way of relocation is far better than reuse by way of recycling because of the dramatic reduction in use of our natural resources due to the reduction in landfill needs, toxic waste, transportation to and from the factory and energy used during remanufacturing. Gypsum board accounts for 26% of the construction landfill waste (in Houston) and is the only survey listed element that is toxic and is the only one that currently has zero recycling and zero reuse score in the survey. Building construction accounts for 40% of our national energy consumption. Reducing this (along with auto energy consumption which is 40%) by over half is realistic and together they could eliminate our dependence on foreign energy. 
         [0007]    In an attempt to solve the problem of gypsum board sheathing disposal, some companies have started to recycle gypsum board sheathing. The removed gypsum board sheathing is taken to the recycling center and a portion of the gypsum is removed and combined with virgin gypsum to make new gypsum board sheathing. Currently, however, only 20-30% of the gypsum may be recovered from the used gypsum board sheathing. Further, the recycling of the gypsum board sheathing creates added cost in transporting it to a recycle center. Another barrier, in gypsum recycling, is economically separating the gypsum board panels from the support elements and other construction waste during the demolition process. Further, toxic mold is a major problem facing homes, apartments, hotels, and hospitals due to water overflow from fixture overflow and roof/envelope leaks. The water travels into the dark cavities behind and between panels and becomes trapped, thus creating a perfect breeding place for toxic molds. Removal of the panels allow the cavity behind panels to dry out and wet insulation to be easily removed. Once dry, the panels are reinstalled. 
         [0008]    The problem with taped joints in gypsum board sheathing or other panels is that the removal of the panel is difficult without destroying the panel. In order to remove the panel without destroying the panel, it is necessary to access the fasteners. The tape is provided on top of the fasteners but under the compound. The compound used to finish the joint is typically very durable and cures into a hard cement like substance over time. Curing continues for many years after it is dry enough to receive paint or other covering. Thus, accessing and removing the tape to access the fasteners is difficult. Current gypsum board sheathing tapes on the market are not designed for removal and thus will routinely break when pulled once the compound has cured near maximum strength. Currently the American Society of Testing and Materials ASTM, requires a performance for the width dimension of the tape; however, it does not regulate the performance of the length of the tape. Because ASTM does not regulate the performance or tensile strength of tape in the length direction, typical tapes have been made with minimal tensile strength in the length direction as the function of the length strands in joint tape is merely to carry or host the width strands. The weaker length strands save materials during manufacturing and thereby reduce the overall cost of the tape. Thus, some dry wall tapes on the market today have a weaker length dimension than width dimension. 
         [0009]    Therefore, there is a need for an efficient and economical apparatus and method for removing paneling for reuse in construction. There is a further need for a tape that is removeable once compound is applied and cured. There is a further need for the tape to withstand the stresses unique to its removal in order to prevent breaking during removal. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present disclosure generally relates to a strip of tape having a width dimension and a longer length dimension. The tape has a greater resistance to a pulling force than a cured compound. The tape may be more resistant to a pulling force along the length than the width. 
         [0011]    The present disclosure further relates to a method of removing a tape from a surface by applying the tape to the surface typically in one continuous length. Pulling the tape along the reinforced length dimension. Removing the tape without breaking the tape. The tape has a reinforced length dimension. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention may be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a panel joint, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a panel joint with a tape, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of a tape mesh, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a front view of a tape mesh, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a tape mesh, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of a tape mesh, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of a tape mesh, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a panel joint with a tape, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a completed panel joint, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5A  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a completed panel joint, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a tape, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a tape, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a panel joint, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7A  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a panel joint, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7B  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a panel joint, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a tape, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a tape, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a portion of a panel joint  100 . The panel joint  100 , as shown, has two panels  105  which are adjacent at edges  110 . The panels  105  connect to a support element, not shown, with fasteners  115 . The support element may be any element for supporting the panels  105  including, but not limited to, wood studs, metal studs, concrete blocks, or furring channels. The fasteners  115  may be any fastener including, but not limited to, screws, or nails, or an adhesive. In one embodiment, the panels  105  are gypsum board sheathing panels. Although it should be appreciated that any paneling may be used. With the panels  105  attached to the support element, a small gap  120  or discontinuity exists between the panels  105 . In order to finish the panel surface, a tape and a compound are applied to the panel joint  100 . The compound cures into a hardened material which covers the tape and the joint. The compound is then smoothed into a continuous surface as will be described in more detail below. The tape or tape system provided has a tensile strength along the length of the cured compound  500 . The compound will cure to a near maximum strength over time. The near maximum strength is herein referred to as “cured” as opposed to “sufficiently cured.” Sufficiently cured is a point beyond that required to cover, sand, paint and bond the panel joint but less than near maximum strength. Depending on the composition of the compound and humidity conditions, the compound may be sufficiently curing for up to two years. The tensile strength of the tape is greater than the tensile strength of the adhesion strength of the cured compound. A sufficiently cured compound is hard enough to be sanded and painted. Further, a sufficiently cured compound bonds the panel joints together. The compound continues to hardened until it becomes a cured compound. Further, as time goes on the compound will continue to cure to have an even higher resistance to a pulling force on the tape. As herein defined the adhesion strength of the compound refers to the tensile strength of the compound, the shear strength of the compound, the tensile strength of the bond between the compound and the panel, or any combination thereof. The tape disclosed herein may be removed at any point during the curing of the compound, including many years into the future. Therefore, the tape may be removed from the panel surface after the compound has cured. When the tape is removed, the compound is removed as well thereby exposing the fasteners as will be described in more detail below. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  depicts the panel joint  100  having a strip of tape  200  applied to the joint, according to one embodiment of the invention. The tape  200  has a width dimension  205  that is sufficient to cover the gap  120  and the fasteners  115 . In one embodiment, the width dimension is 2″; however, it should be appreciated that any dimension may be used as long as it covers the gap  120 . As shown, the tape  200  has a length dimension  210  that is sufficient to cover substantially the entire length of the panel joint  100 . Although shown as covering substantially the entire length of the panel joint  100 , it should be appreciated that the tape  200  may have any length dimension  210 . 
         [0032]    The tape  200 , according to one embodiment, comprises a mesh  220 . It should be appreciated; however, that the tape may be a paper tape. The paper tape may have holes punched in it to simulate the performance of a mesh tape. The mesh  220  has of a plurality of width strands  225 , which substantially traverse the width  205  of the tape  200  and a plurality of length strands  230  which substantially traverse the length  210  of the tape  200 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . The length strands typically run substantially parallel with the panel edge and the width strands typically run substantially perpendicular to the panel edge. The width strands and length strands are couple together by a glue, however, it should be appreciated that the strands may be coupled by any method known in the art including but not limited to interwoven together, crimped, glued, tied, chemically bonded, leno woven, weft inserted warp knitted, or melted. However, it should be appreciated that the strands may run at a diagonal to the panel edge. The width strands  225  may be referred to as the Weft, pick, and fill. These terms encompass strands that are substantially perpendicular to the joint  100 . The length strands  230  may be referred to as the Warp. This term encompasses strands that are substantially parallel to the joint  100 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2B  shows an alternative embodiment wherein each of the length strands  230  have a plurality of strands. The strands may be combined to one another by any method including, but not limited to, interwoven together, leno woven, weft inserted warp knitted, crimped, glued, tied, chemically bonded or melted. The plurality of strands increases the tensile strength of the length strands. 
         [0034]    The strands are made from fiberglass or fiberglass multi-filament strands. Although it should be appreciated that any material for making a tape may be used including but not limited to fiberglass yarns, paper, polymers, nylon, pvc, hemp, or cotton. One advantage of the fiberglass strand is that it resists mold and will not absorb moisture. Typical mesh tapes on the market today have an equal size width and length strand; however, at least one tape has a reinforced width strand when compared to the length. The latter type enables the tape to reinforce the panel joint  100  while saving material by supplying a weaker length strand. Typical width and length strands on the market today have a tensile strength of 75 LBS/inch. At least one manufacturer produces a tape having a length strand having a lower yield stress in order to save money during manufacturing. In this instance the length stand has a tensile strength of 50 LBS/inch while the width strands have a tensile strength of 105 LBS/inch. The length strands on the market today simply provide support for the width strands. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the mesh  220 , in one embodiment, includes a pull-strip  235  that is substantially the same length as the tape  200 . The pull-strip  235 , as shown is a reinforced strand which has an increased width for providing increased strength against a pulling force in the longitudinal direction. The pull-strip  235 , as shown, is made from the same material as the mesh  220 . However, it should be appreciated that any material that has substantial resistance to longitudinal forces including, but not limited to, cloth, metals, polymers may be used. The pull-strip  235  is manufactured integrally with the mesh  220  as shown in one embodiment. 
         [0036]    A cross sectional view of the tape  200 , shown in  FIG. 3 , which depicts the length strands  230  running substantially parallel to the pull-strip  235 . The width strands  225  attach to a top  240  of the length strands  230  and the pull-strip  235 . In this embodiment, the pull-strip  235  is provided under the width strands  225  in order to ensure that when a pulling force is applied to the pull-strip  235 , the pull-strip  235  is removed with the width strands. Although shown as the width strands  225  being on top of the length strands  230 , it should be appreciated that the strands  225  and  230  may be in any configuration, including interwoven, as shown in  FIG. 3A , or the length strands  230  on top of the width strands  225 , or the length strands  230  and width strands  225  may be in a diagonal relationship to the tape, or in any other configuration, so long as the pull-strip  235  removes the width strands  225 . Further, the tape may include a plurality of strands for each length strand as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the pull-strip  235  is a strip substantially in the middle of the width dimension  205  of the tape  200 . It should be appreciated, however, that the pull-strip  235  may be located at any location in the width dimension  205  so long as the pull-strip  235  runs in the length dimension. In an alternative embodiment, more than one pull-strip  235  may be used for each tape  200 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The two or more pull-strips  235  may be arranged in any configuration so long as the pull-strips  235  are adapted to remove the tape  200  from the panels  105 . Increasing the number of pull-strips  235  in the tape  200  will increase the amount of pulling force that may be applied to the tape  200 . 
         [0038]    Once the tape  200  is attached to the joint  100 , a compound  500  is applied to the joint  100  in order to cover the tape  200 , the fasteners  115 , and the joint  100 , as shown in a cross sectional side view of the joint  100  in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  shows the panel  105  attached to a support element  505  with the fasteners  115 .  FIG. 5A  shows the panel  105  as in  FIG. 5  having a tape  200  wherein each of the length strands includes the plurality of strands. The tape  200  has been applied to the joint  100  in an arrangement that covers the fasteners  115 . An optional handle  510 , for gripping and removing the tape  200 , may be included in the tape  200 . The handle  510  may be only the pull-strip  235  or the entire tape  200  extending from the panel  105 , or any feature that allows access to the pull-strip  235  and/or the tape  200 . Further, the handle may be at any location in the joint  100  so long as it is accessible for removing the tape  200 . With the tape  200  in place on the joint  100 , the compound  500  is applied. The compound  500  is typically mud, but it should be appreciated that it may be any joint compound including, but not limited to, an aqueous cementitious adhesive, caulking, epoxy, silicon, vinyl, a yucca based adhesive. As the compound  500  is applied to the joint  100 , the compound  500  fills in and encompasses any spaces in the mesh  220  while covering the joint  100 . With the compound  500  covering the joint  100 , it is smoothed into a substantially planar surface. The handle  510  may optionally be covered by trim, not shown, such as baseboards, crown molding, or any trim appropriate for the location of the handle  510 . Further, the handle  510  may be covered by flooring, such as carpet, wood floors, laminates, tile, etc, or covered by the ceiling covering, such as ceiling tiles, or panels. 
         [0039]    With the joint  100  complete, the panel may be finished by any method including, but not limited to, painting, texturizing, wallpapering, covering with fabric, wood, plastic, plastic laminate, or linoleum. The panel then remains in place until the panel is going to be demolished or demounted. Once the panel is ready for removal, the trim covering the handle  510  is removed for access to the handle. The handle  510  is gripped and pulled. As the handle  510  is pulled, the pull-strip  235 , and/or the tape  200 ; removes the tape  200  with the compound  500  on top of it and/or within the mesh  220 . The pull-strip  235  is of sufficient strength to remove the cured compound  500  without routinely breaking the tape  200 . With the tape  200  and the compound  500  removed from the joint  100 , the fasteners  115  are accessible. The fasteners  115  may then be taken out. This procedure is repeated for each joint  100 . With all of the fasteners  115 , removed the panel  105  may be taken off the support elements and used in the construction elsewhere or separated from other construction waste, during demolition or demounting, in order to comply with toxic waste land fill regulations. 
         [0040]    Although described in the context of a vertical panel assembly, it should be appreciated that the joint  100  may be on a roof panel, ceiling panel, insulation panel, floor panel, or any other surface that is covered with panels  105 . Further, the same tape may be used in substantially the same way to cover fasteners  115  located away from a joint  100 . Further, a handle  510  may be accessed simply by cutting into the joint  100  and accessing the pull-strip  235  and/or the tape  200 . 
         [0041]    In yet another embodiment, the compound may be applied to allow a portion of the tape  200  to be exposed while the tape is on the panel. That is, a portion of the tape is exposed on the panel after the compound has been applied. Thus, the completed panel has a portion of the tape  200  that is exposed after the compound has substantially cured. This exposed portion may be covered by a trim. Upon removal, the exposed portion is gripped and pulled thereby removing the compound covering the tape  200 . 
         [0042]    The tape  200  may have an adhesive applied to it in order to initially apply it to the panel. The adhesive may be applied to only the bottom side of the tape or it may be applied to both sides. Further, the adhesive may be applied to the pull strip  235 . The adhesive may be any adhesive including, but not limited to, an acrylic adhesive, rubber, a polymer. 
         [0043]    In an alternative embodiment the length strands may be the pull-strip and/or be integral therewith.  FIGS. 6 and 6A  depict an alternative embodiment of the tape  600 , wherein the length strands act as the pull strip. In this embodiment, the tape  600  has increased strength length strands  630 . The length strands  630  may have an increased cross-sectional area when compared to the width strands  625 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . This increase in cross-sectional area provides for increase pull force resistance. Thus, this tape  600  is used in the same way as describe above but without needing the pull-strip  235 . Although shown without a pull-strip  235 , it should be appreciated that a pull-strip may be incorporated in conjunction with the embodiment in  FIG. 6  in order to increase the resistance to a pulling force. Further, it should be appreciated that both the length strand  630  and the width strand  625  may be of the same cross-sectional area or substantially the same cross-sectional area, as shown in  FIG. 6A , as long as the length strands  630  have sufficient strength to remove the tape  600  in a steady pull, without routinely breaking. Further, in another embodiment length strands  630  have an increased strength, yield strength and/or ultimate strength. The increased strength is due to material or configuration changes. 
         [0044]    Traditionally the length strands  230 , of drywall joint tapes, were simply for supporting the width strands  225  and therefore had low tensile strength. In an alternative embodiment, the tensile strength of the length strands  630  is greater than 75 LBS/inch, which is greater than the tensile strength of the length strand of current tapes on the market. In yet another embodiment, the tensile strength of the length strands  630  is greater than 110 LBS/inch. In yet another, embodiment, the tensile strength of the length strands  630  is greater than 200 LBS/inch. In yet another alternative, the tensile strength strands  630  is greater than 230 LBS/inch. 
         [0045]    In yet another embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , a separate pull-strip  735  is used. The separate pull-strip  735  is configured in the same way as describe above; however, it is not manufactured as an integral part of strip of tape  700 . The separate pull-strip  735  is applied to the joint  100 , then covered by the tape  700 . The separate pull-strip  735  may be placed at any location on the joint  100 , such as over the gap  720 , or in the gap  720  as shown in  FIG. 7A , or over a fastener  715 , or any other configuration. Further, more than one separate pull-strip  735  may be used to increase the pull force that may be applied, and/or cover multiple rows of fasteners. The separate pull-strip  735 , may be used in conjunction with conventional gypsum board sheathing tapes or with any tape described herein. With the tape  700  covering the separate pull-strip  735 , the joint  100  is completed and removed in the same way as described above. 
         [0046]    In yet another alternative embodiment, the pull-strips  235 / 735  are adapted to cover the fasteners  115 / 715 , as shown in  FIG. 7B . With the pull-strips  235  covering the fasteners, the need for the width strand  225  to be on top of the pull-strip  235  is alleviated, due to the pull-strip protecting the fasteners from the compound. 
         [0047]    In yet another embodiment, one or more pull-strips  235  may be used in conjunction with the width strands  225 , and a reduced number of length strands  230  or no length strands  230  may be used, as shown in  FIG. 8 . The number of length strands  230  may be limited or eliminated because traditionally the length strands  230  were simply for supporting the width strands  225 . Thus, with the pull-strips  235  supporting the width strands  225 , the need for the length strands  230  is alleviated. 
         [0048]    In an alternative embodiment, the pull-strip  235 / 735  is used in conjunction with any tape, known in the art for gypsum board sheathing joints. Further, the pull-strips  735  may be used without tape at all, but only the compound. 
         [0049]    The one or more pull-strips  235 / 735  described above may be any configuration known in the art such as a ribbon, a string, a strand, fishing line, wire, etc. 
         [0050]    In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the one or more pull-strips  235 / 735  are configured to run the length of the tape in a substantially non linear manner. For example, the one or more pull-strips  235 / 735  may have a zigzag configuration as they extend on the length of the tape, or a wave configuration, etc. 
         [0051]    In yet another alternative embodiment, any or the mesh tapes described above. include a plurality of diagonal reinforcing strips, or pull strips. In this embodiment, the diagonally reinforcing strips traverse the width of the mesh tape at an angle to the length strands of the tape. Due to the diagonal arrangement of the reinforcing strips, the reinforcing strips do not extend the entire length of the length strands. The reinforcing strips may be located along the entire length of the length strands in the same manner as the width strands. Further, a second set of reinforcing strips may be placed above or below the reinforcing strips, thereby giving the reinforcing strips a criss-cross design in a diagonal relationship to the mesh of the tape. The reinforcing strips increase the overall strength of the tape by adding structural support to both the width and length strands of the mesh tape. The reinforcing strips may have any configuration so long as they increase the mesh tapes resistance to a pulling force in the length direction. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments described above, it is necessary to apply a top side of the tape  200  away from the panel surface. Due to the arrangement of the pull-strip  235  or the length strands  230 / 630 , it is necessary in some embodiments that they be situated on the panel side of the width strands  225 . Due to the small size of the width strands  225 , the length strands  230 / 630 , and the pull-strip  235 , it is difficult to see which side needs to be up. Thus, a mark  900  may be placed on the up side of the tape  200 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . The mark  900  may be anything that is quickly and easily identifiable to a user of the tape  200  including, but not limited to, a color on the top side, the manufactures trademark, a product name, an advertisement, or a symbol. The mark  900  may be painted or applied on the top side during manufacturing. In yet another alternative, the mark  900  is used to identify removable tape as described. Thus, a user who is removing a panel from a building would see the removable tape, as opposed to traditional tapes, and know that the tape may be removed, thus allowing him to access the fasteners. 
         [0053]    In yet another alternative, the tape  200  is placed on the panel joint  100 . A second strip of tape, not shown, is then placed substantially over the tape  200  creating a panel joint covered by two strips of tape. The panel joint  100  is then finished as described above. When removing the two strips of tape, the strips are pulled in conjunction with one another thereby increasing the tape&#39;s resistance to breaking. In this embodiment any known tape may be used. Further, additional layers of tape may be added. 
         [0054]    Typically the openings in the mesh must be small enough to keep sufficient amounts of compound out of the head of the fasteners so that the fasteners may be easily accessed for removal. In addition, the openings in the mesh must be large enough to allow sufficient amounts of compound into the joint between the panels. 
         [0055]    In yet another embodiment, fasteners having pull thru or snap off heads may be used on the panels. The pull through heads would be fasteners with heads near the same size as the fastener itself. Thus, when pulling the panel off of the support structure, the fastener heads will easily pull through the panel without damaging the panel. The pull thru head fasteners may be used at any location on the panels. The panels may be wedged from the support elements using any known method such as using a crowbar type tool, or by hand, etc. Further, the space in between the support structure and the panel may be accessed and the fastener may then be cut. 
         [0056]    In another embodiment the fasteners may be found using a mechanical, magnetic or electromagnetic device. Thus, the fasteners may be located before the compound or tape was removed. One example of a mechanical method would be shaking or vibrating the panel in order to expose the fastener. With the fasteners located, they may be easily removed from the wall either before or after removing the tape. 
         [0057]    In yet another alternative, with the screws removed from the panel edges, the entire panel may be moved by twisting, pulling, etc. in order to locate the remaining fastener or fasteners in the panel. With the last of the fasteners located, they may be easily removed from the wall either before or after removing the tape. 
         [0058]    In all of the embodiments discussed above, the cured compound may be moistened before or during, and/or when pulling the tape  200  covered by the compound, the removal process. This pulling of the tape may be performed at an angle of less than 155 degrees from the plane of the panel. This would facilitate the removal of the panels. 
         [0059]    In another embodiment, the support element need not be close to the panel edges. Further, in some cases the panel is not fastened to the vertical support elements. In addition, a cushion may be used between the panel and the support elements to reduce vibration due to atmosphere changes in pressure and the like. The cushion may be any material such as painter&#39;s caulk. Further, the panel may be fastened at all but one or more edges. 
         [0060]    While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.