Patent Publication Number: US-10787817-B1

Title: System for mounting adjustable covering panels to a wall

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/916,826 filed Mar. 9, 2018 to the same inventor herein, and entitled SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING WALL PANELS TO A WALL, which in turn, is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/655,278 filed Jul. 20, 2017 to the same inventor herein, and entitled SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING WALL PANELS TO A WALL, which in turn, is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/488,897 filed Apr. 17, 2017 to the same inventor herein, and entitled SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING WALL PANELS TO A WALL, the entire disclosures 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. 
     In order to enhance the look of a wall structure, it is known to secure wall panels to the wall structure. However, the securement of wall panels to the wall structure is generally a long and tedious job since it entails using fastening devices such as nails and/or screws to secure the walls panels directly to the wall structure. 
     When securing the wall panels to an existing wall, precise measurements must be taken and the wall panels must be precisely positioned over the existing wall. This is time consuming and tedious. Further, if a mistake is made as to the positioning of one wall panel, this will affect the positioning of the remaining wall panels, and may result in removing the misaligned wall panels and re-securing these wall panels correctly in position. In addition, no consideration is taken for any unevenness in the existing wall. 
     It would therefore be desirable to provide wall panels that can be positioned and adjusted on the existing wall during assembly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for easily mounting wall panels over an existing wall that overcomes the aforementioned problems. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for easily mounting wall panels over an existing wall, while permitting adjustment of the position of the wall panels in three dimensions. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for mounting wall panels over an existing wall with exact precision. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for easily mounting wall panels over an existing wall which easily captures and restrains ends of the wall panels. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system and method for easily mounting wall panels over an existing wall which allows for thermal expansion of the wall panels. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a system for mounting wall panels to an existing wall, includes a plurality of base assemblies adapted to be secured to the existing wall; a plurality of sliding support members slidably received in the base assemblies and adapted to be fixed therein by fastening members; and a plurality of adjustment support members connected with the sliding support members for mounting the wall panels to the existing wall, the adjustment support members including an end adjustment support member at an end of the existing wall, the end adjustment support member including a closure member to close an end face of the system. Preferably, the closure member includes an L-shaped wall. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system for mounting wall panels to an existing wall, includes a plurality of base assemblies adapted to be secured to the existing wall; a plurality of sliding support members slidably received in the base assemblies and adapted to be fixed therein by fastening members; a plurality of adjustment support members connected with the sliding support members for mounting the wall panels to the existing wall; and a plurality of connecting panels connecting together spaced apart adjustment support members, with the connecting panels adapted to mount the wall panels to the existing wall, the connecting panels including an end connecting panel bent at an angle to connect adjustment support members oriented at different angles at a corner of the existing wall. 
     Specifically, each adjustment support member includes at least one U-shaped track extending along at least one side edge thereof, each U-shaped track including a lower wall having an upper exposed surface arranged parallel to the existing wall when a respective adjustment support member is secured to the existing wall and first and second end walls extending at an angle from opposite sides of the lower wall so as to define a channel therebetween; and wherein each connecting panel includes a main panel wall and at least one side wall extending from a side edge of the main panel wall and adapted to be positioned in the channel. Preferably, the angle is 90 degrees. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a system for mounting wall panels to an existing wall, includes a plurality of base assemblies adapted to be secured to the existing wall; a plurality of sliding support members slidably received in the base assemblies and adapted to be fixed therein by fastening members; a plurality of adjustment support members connected with the sliding support members for mounting the wall panels to the existing wall; and a plurality of connecting panels connecting together spaced apart adjustment support members, with the connecting panels adapted to mount the wall panels to the existing wall, the connecting panels including, at each corner of the existing wall, two end connecting panels at an angle to each other and which connect adjustment support members oriented at different angles at the corner of the existing wall. 
     Preferably, free ends of the two end connecting panels are in close proximity to each other. 
     Each adjustment support member includes at least one U-shaped track extending along at least one side edge thereof, each U-shaped track including a lower wall having an upper exposed surface arranged parallel to the existing wall when a respective adjustment support member is secured to the existing wall and first and second end walls extending at an angle from opposite sides of the lower wall so as to define a channel therebetween; and wherein each connecting panel includes a main panel wall and at least one side wall extending from a side edge of the main panel wall and adapted to be positioned in the channel. Preferably, the angle is 90 degrees. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a system for mounting panels to an existing surface, includes a plurality of base assemblies adapted to be secured to the existing surface; a plurality of sliding support members slidably received in the base assemblies and adapted to be fixed therein by fastening members, each sliding support member including a central member slidably received within a respective base assembly, and at least one capture member extending from the central member; and a plurality of adjustment support members connected with the sliding support members for mounting the panels to the existing surface, wherein each adjustment support member arrangement includes an adjustment positioning member adjustably connected to a respective capture member; and wherein capture members of adjacent sliding support members have different heights, so that panels mounted to the adjustment support members are oriented at different angles to impart a three-dimensional outer surface of the panels on the existing surface. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a system for mounting panels to an existing surface, includes a plurality of base assemblies adapted to be secured to the existing surface; a plurality of sliding support members slidably received in the base assemblies and adapted to be fixed therein by fastening members, each sliding support member including a central member slidably received within a respective base assembly, and at least one capture member extending from the central member; and a plurality of adjustment support members connected with the sliding support members for mounting the panels to the existing surface, wherein each adjustment support member includes an adjustment positioning member adjustably connected to a respective capture member; and wherein either the at least one capture member or at least one adjustment positioning member includes a tubular member, and the other of the at least one capture member or at least one the adjustment positioning member includes a rod member adjustably received in the tubular member. 
     In one embodiment, each rod member includes external threads and each tubular member includes internal threads for threadedly receiving a respective rod member therein. In another embodiment, each rod member is slidably received in a respective tubular member. 
     In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a system for mounting wall panels to an existing wall, includes a plurality of base assemblies adapted to be secured to the existing wall; a plurality of sliding support members slidably received in the base assemblies and adapted to be fixed therein by fastening members; a plurality of adjustment support members connected with the sliding support members for mounting the wall panels to the existing wall, each adjustment support member including at least one elongated slot therein; and a plurality of hooks, each hook having a base and an extension for hanging a wall panel thereon, each base have a first profile in a first cross-section and a second different profile in a second cross-section, with the first cross-section permitting sliding of the base in an elongated slot, and the second cross-section locking the base in the elongated slot when the base is rotated in the slot. 
     Preferably, each slot has a dovetail shape, the first cross-section has a rectangular shape and the second cross-section has the dovetail shape. 
     The above and other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the base support and sliding support member of a system for easily mounting wall panels over an existing wall; 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a first modified base support with sliding support member; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a second modified base support with sliding support member; 
         FIG. 1C  is a cross-sectional view of the base support of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 1D  is a cross-sectional view of the sliding support member of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 1E  is a perspective view of a modified sliding support member; 
         FIG. 1F  is a plan view of the modified sliding support member of  FIG. 1E ; 
         FIG. 1G  is a cross-sectional view of a further modified sliding support member; 
         FIG. 1H  is a cross-sectional view of a further modified sliding support member; 
         FIG. 1I  is a perspective view of a modified base support and sliding support member; 
         FIG. 1J  is a cross-sectional view of another modified base support and sliding support member; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an adjustment support member with the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the adjustment support member of  FIG. 2 , assembled with wall panel sliding supports; 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of arrangement of  FIG. 5 , assembled with wall panels and connecting panels; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the adjustment support member of  FIG. 2 , assembled with a modified wall panel sliding support; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the adjustment support member of  FIG. 2 , assembled with a further modified wall panel sliding support; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of the assembly of  FIG. 7  with wall panels and a cover; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of modified wall panel sliding supports assembled with the adjustment support member of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of further modified wall panel sliding supports similar to those of  FIG. 9 , assembled with the adjustment support member of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of still further modified wall panel sliding supports similar to those of  FIG. 9 , assembled with the adjustment support member of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a yet further modified wall panel sliding support, assembled with the adjustment support member of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 12 , assembled with modified wall panels; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of still further modified wall panel sliding supports for connection with a 2×4 framing stud, and assembled with the adjustment support member of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a wall panel sliding support which is the same as that of  FIG. 9 , assembled with a modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of wall panel sliding supports which are the same as that of  FIG. 10 , assembled with a modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a wall panel sliding support which is the same as that of  FIG. 11 , assembled with a modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a modified wall panel sliding support assembled with the adjustment support member of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the assembly of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a further modified wall panel sliding support assembled with the adjustment support member of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a wall panel sliding support which is the same as that of  FIG. 18 , assembled with a modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a wall panel sliding support which is the same as that of  FIG. 20 , assembled with a modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a modified adjustment support member and a wall panel support; 
         FIG. 24  is a plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 23 , assembled with wall panels and connecting panels; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 23 , used with a carpenter level; 
         FIG. 26  is a plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a modified carpenter level; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a modified adjustment support member and modified wall panel sliding support for adjustment in a single direction; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 28 , showing the sliding arrangement of the parts; 
         FIG. 30  is a plan view, similar to the arrangement of  FIG. 28 , with a further modified wall panel sliding support; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a plan view, similar to  FIG. 32 , showing connection with different wall panels; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of two adjustment support members connected together by connecting panels, with a first arrangement on the connecting panels for supporting wall panels; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 33 , with a modified arrangement on the connecting panels for supporting wall panels; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 33 , with a further modified arrangement on the connecting panels for supporting wall panels; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 33 , with a still further modified arrangement on the connecting panels for supporting wall panels; 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 33 , with a yet further modified arrangement on the connecting panels for supporting wall panels; 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 33 , with another modified arrangement on the connecting panels for supporting wall panels; 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of two adjustment support members connected together by connecting panels, with a second arrangement on the connecting panels for supporting wall panels; 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a portion of a modified arrangement similar to  FIG. 39  for supporting wall panels according to the second arrangement 
         FIG. 41  is a first exploded perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a second exploded perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 40 ; and 
         FIG. 43  is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the modified arrangement of  FIG. 40 , in assembled condition; 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of a modified adjustment support member according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 44A  is a cross-sectional view of a modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 44B  is a cross-sectional view of another modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 44C  is a cross-sectional view of a further modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 44D  is a cross-sectional view of a further modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 45  is a top plan view of the modified adjustment support member of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 46  is an end elevational view of the modified adjustment support member of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of a modified connecting panel for use with the modified adjustment support member of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 48  is another perspective view showing assembly of modified connecting panels of  FIG. 47  with modified adjustment support members of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 48A  is another perspective view showing assembly of modified connecting panels of  FIG. 47  with modified adjustment support members of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view of a modified adjustment support member according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 49A  is a perspective view of a modified adjustment support member according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 49B  is a perspective view of a modified adjustment support member according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 50  is a top plan view of a modified connecting panel according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 51  is a cross-sectional view of the connecting panel of  FIG. 50 , taken along line  51 - 51  thereof; 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of a hook for use with the modified connecting panel of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 53  is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the hook assembled in a slot of the modified connecting panel of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 54  is a perspective view of a wall panel having hook assemblies mounted thereto and hung on connecting panels; 
         FIG. 55  is a side elevational view of the arrangement of  FIG. 54 ; 
         FIG. 56  is a top plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 54 ; 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of a wall panel having modified hook assemblies mounted thereto and hung on connecting panels; 
         FIG. 58  is a side elevational view of the arrangement of  FIG. 57 ; 
         FIG. 59  is a top plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 57 ; 
         FIG. 60  is a perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 57 , showing a modification of securement of the hook assembly to the wall panel; 
         FIG. 61  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention for securing the wall panels to the connecting panels; 
         FIG. 61A  is a side elevational view of a modification of the embodiment of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 62  is a side elevational view of the further embodiment of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 63  is a top plan view of the further embodiment of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 64  is a perspective view of the further embodiment of  FIG. 61 , with the connecting panel removed; 
         FIG. 65  is a perspective view of a modification of the further embodiment of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 66  is a side elevational view of the further embodiment of  FIG. 66 ; 
         FIG. 67  is a top plan view of the further embodiment of  FIG. 66 ; 
         FIG. 68  is a perspective view of the further embodiment of  FIG. 66 , with the connecting panel removed; 
         FIG. 69  is a perspective view of a modification of the further embodiment of  FIG. 65 ; 
         FIG. 70  is a side elevational view of the further embodiment of  FIG. 69 ; 
         FIG. 71  is a top plan view of the further embodiment of  FIG. 69 ; 
         FIG. 72  is a perspective view of the further embodiment of  FIG. 69 , with the connecting panel removed; 
         FIG. 73  is a perspective view of a hanging member that can be used to assembly a wall panel with a connecting panel; 
         FIG. 74  is a side elevational view of the hanging member of  FIG. 73 ; 
         FIG. 75  is a front elevational view of the hanging member of  FIG. 73 ; 
         FIG. 76  is a perspective view of a hanging member that can be used to assembly a wall panel with a connecting panel; 
         FIG. 77  is a top plan view of the hanging member of  FIG. 76 ; 
         FIG. 78  is a side elevational view of the hanging member of  FIG. 76 ; 
         FIG. 79  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 76 , taken along line  79 - 79  thereof; 
         FIG. 80  is a perspective view of the hanging member of  FIG. 76  assembled with a wall panel; 
         FIG. 81  is a perspective view of the hanging member of  FIG. 76  assembled with a wall panel having a bracket; 
         FIG. 82  is a perspective view of a modified hook assembly; 
         FIG. 83  is a side elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 82 ; 
         FIG. 84  is a rear elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 82 ; 
         FIG. 85  is a perspective view of another modified hook assembly; 
         FIG. 86  is a side elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 85 ; 
         FIG. 87  is a perspective view of still another modified hook assembly; 
         FIG. 88  is a side elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 87 ; 
         FIG. 89  is a perspective view of the L-shaped hook wall of the hook assembly of  FIG. 87 ; 
         FIG. 90  is a perspective view of a further modified hook assembly; 
         FIG. 91  is a top plan view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 90 ; 
         FIG. 92  is a side elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 90 ; 
         FIG. 93  is a perspective view of a still further modified hook assembly; 
         FIG. 94  is a front elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 93 ; 
         FIG. 95  is a side elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 93 ; 
         FIG. 96  is a top, rear perspective view of a yet further modified hook assembly; 
         FIG. 96A  is a top, rear perspective view of modified hook assembly similar to that of  FIG. 96 ; 
         FIG. 97  is a top, front perspective view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 96 ; 
         FIG. 98  is a top plan view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 96 ; 
         FIG. 99  is a side elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 96 ; 
         FIG. 99A  is a side elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 96A ; 
         FIG. 100  is a rear elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 96 ; 
         FIG. 101  is a top, front perspective view of a yet further modified hook assembly; 
         FIG. 101A  is a top, rear perspective view of another modified hook assembly; 
         FIG. 102  is a top, rear perspective view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 101 ; 
         FIG. 102A  is a rear elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 101A ; 
         FIG. 103  is a top plan view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 101 ; 
         FIG. 103A  is a top plan view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 101A ; 
         FIG. 104  is a side elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 101 ; 
         FIG. 104A  is a side elevational view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 101A ; 
         FIG. 105  is a perspective view showing the hook assembly of  FIG. 101  assembly with connecting panels; 
         FIG. 106  is a side elevational view of the arrangement of  FIG. 105 ; 
         FIG. 107  is a perspective view of modified adjustment support members and modified connecting panels; 
         FIG. 108  is a side elevational view of the arrangement of  FIG. 107 ; 
         FIG. 109  is a perspective view of other modified adjustment support members and modified connecting panels; 
         FIG. 110  is a top plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 109 ; 
         FIG. 111  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the of the arrangement of  FIG. 109 ; 
         FIG. 112  is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of  FIG. 110 , taken along line  112 - 112  thereof; 
         FIG. 113  is a perspective view of a modified connecting panel of  FIG. 109 ; 
         FIG. 114  is a top plan view of the modified connecting panel of  FIG. 113 ; 
         FIG. 115  is a front elevational view of the modified connecting panel of  FIG. 113 ; 
         FIG. 116  is a perspective view of a further modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 117  is a perspective view of a still further modified adjustment support member; 
         FIG. 118  is a perspective view of other modified adjustment support members and modified connecting panels; 
         FIG. 119  is a perspective view of other modified adjustment support members and modified connecting panels; 
         FIG. 120  is a top plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 119 ; 
         FIG. 121  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the of the arrangement of  FIG. 119 ; 
         FIG. 122  is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of  FIG. 120 , taken along line  122 - 122  thereof; 
         FIG. 123  is a perspective view of the adjustment support member of  FIG. 119 ; 
         FIG. 124  is a perspective view of the connecting panel of  FIG. 119 ; 
         FIG. 125  is a perspective view of another arrangement for securing wall panels to an existing wall, using hooks and annular disks; 
         FIG. 126  is a perspective view of the annular disk of  FIG. 125 ; 
         FIG. 127  is top plan view of the annular disk of  FIG. 126 ; 
         FIG. 128  is a perspective view of the support post of  FIG. 125  in a dovetail shaped slot; 
         FIG. 129  is a side elevational view of the support post of  FIG. 128  in the dovetail shaped slot; 
         FIG. 130  is a perspective view of the annular disk and support post of  FIG. 125  in the dovetail shaped slot; 
         FIG. 131  is a side elevational view of the annular disk and support post of  FIG. 130  in the dovetail shaped slot; 
         FIG. 132  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a support post; 
         FIG. 133  is a perspective view of an arrangement similar to  FIG. 125 , but with a rectangular plate in place of the annular disk; 
         FIG. 134  is a side elevational view of the arrangement of  FIG. 133 ; 
         FIG. 135  is an and elevational view of the arrangement of  FIG. 133 ; 
         FIG. 136  is a perspective view of an arrangement similar to  FIG. 125 , but with a cylinder in place of the annular disk; 
         FIG. 137  is a side elevational view of the arrangement of  FIG. 136 ; 
         FIG. 138  is a perspective view showing the present invention used for hanging ceiling panels; 
         FIG. 139  is a side elevational view of a modified embodiment of the present invention, with an L-shaped closure wall at one end; 
         FIG. 140  is a side elevational view of a modified embodiment of the present invention, with another L-shaped closure wall at one end; 
         FIG. 141  is a side elevational view of a modified embodiment of the present invention, with a modified connecting panel for use at an outside wall corner; 
         FIG. 142  is a side elevational view of a modified embodiment of the present invention, with a another modified connecting panel for use at an outside wall corner; 
         FIG. 143  is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the present invention, with a three-dimensional wave-like wall panel; 
         FIG. 144  is a side-elevational view of the modified embodiment of  FIG. 142 ; 
         FIG. 145  is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the present invention, with an adjustment support member that is threadedly adjustable in a sliding support member; 
         FIG. 146  is a perspective view of the modified sliding support member of  FIG. 145 ; 
         FIG. 147  is a perspective view of the modified adjustment support member of  FIG. 145 ; 
         FIG. 148  is a side elevational view of a modified hook of the present invention, in a first orientation; and 
         FIG. 149  is a side elevational view of the modified hook of  FIG. 148  in an orientation turned 90 degrees. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to  FIG. 1  thereof, there is shown a portion of a system  10  for easily mounting wall panels over an existing wall. System  10  includes a base assembly including an elongated base support  12  that is adapted to be secured to an existing wall (not shown). Base support  12  includes an elongated base plate  14  having measuring gradations  15  along the upper surface thereof and openings  16  therealong through which screws (not shown) are adapted to extend to secure base plate  14  to the existing wall. L-shaped retaining walls  18  and  20  extend outwardly from opposite side edges of base plate  14 . Specifically, each L-shaped retaining wall  18 ,  20  includes a first wall  18   a ,  20   a  that extends at a right angle from a side edge of base plate  14  and an inwardly extending second wall  18   b ,  20   b  that extends toward the opposite side edge of base plate  14  in parallel spaced apart relation to base plate  14  with a space  22  therebetween. Preferably, inwardly extending second wall  20   b  has a greater width than inwardly extending second wall  18   b , as show best in  FIG. 10 , although the present invention is not limited thereto. 
     An adjustment arrangement for adjustably securing the wall panels to base support  12  at a position with at least two degrees of freedom, includes a sliding support member  24  slidably retained within base support  12 . Sliding support member  24  includes a central member formed by an inverted U-shaped plate  26  that fits in the space between the spaced-apart free edges of second walls  18   b ,  20   b . Inverted U-shaped plate  26  thereby includes an upper plate  26   a  and two downwardly extending leg plate  26   b ,  26   c  at opposite ends thereof that position upper plate  26   a  in parallel, spaced apart relation from the upper surface of base plate  14 . A plurality of threaded openings  27   a  and at least one slot  27   b  extend through upper plate  26   a.    
     Wing plates  28   a ,  28   b  extend outwardly from opposite free ends of leg plates  26   b ,  26   c  at the side edges of inverted U-shaped plate  26 , with wing plates  28   a ,  28   b  slidably retained in spaces  22 . It will be appreciated that the distance between the free end edges of wing plates  28   a ,  28   b  is less than the distance between first walls  18   a ,  20   a  of L-shaped retaining walls  18 ,  20  so as to permit lengthwise sliding adjustment of sliding support member  24  along a first lengthwise direction of base support  12 , while also permitting transverse, side to side sliding adjustment of sliding support member  24  within base support  12  along a second transverse direction, thereby providing two degrees of freedom. 
     In this manner, adjustment bolts  25  ( FIG. 1A ) are adapted to be threadedly received within threaded openings  27   a  to engage the upper surface of base plate  14  in order to adjust the height of sliding support member  24  relative thereto. In other words, as bolts  25  are rotated, with the free ends of bolts  25  in contact with the upper surface of base plate  14 , sliding support member  24  moves up or down on bolts  25 , depending upon the direction of rotation of bolts  25 , to thereby raise or lower sliding support member  24 . This also causes the upper surfaces of wing plates  28   a  and  28   b  to tightly engage against the underside of second walls  18   b  and  20   b , respectively, to lock sliding support member  24  in that position. Thereafter, a screw (not shown) can be inserted through each slot  27   b  into base plate  14  and, if desired, into the existing wall, to further lock sliding support members  24  in position. Thus, sliding support member  24  can be locked to base plate  14  after sliding support member  24  has been moved and adjusted in the first lengthwise direction and second transverse direction. Further, slots  27   b  permit further later transverse adjustment by loosening any screws therein, transversely adjusting sliding support member  24  and re-tightening the screws. 
     Two parallel, spaced apart capture walls  30 ,  32  extend upwardly at the center of upper plate  26   a , preferably along the entire length of upper plate  26   a . The upper end of capture wall  30  includes an inwardly directed lip  30   a , as best shown in  FIG. 10 . Each capture wall  30 ,  32  preferably includes at least one slot  34  oriented in a third direction which is orthogonal to the first lengthwise direction and second transverse direction, at least one slot  36  oriented in the first lengthwise direction and at least one circular threaded will opening  38 . 
     Although base support  12  has been shown with L-shaped retaining walls  18  and  20 , second walls  18   b  and  20   b  can be eliminated. 
     A first modified base support  12 ′ is shown in  FIG. 1A , in which second walls  18   b ′,  20   b ′ and a portion  18   a ′,  20   a ′ of the first walls of L-shaped retaining walls  18 ′,  20 ′ are formed separate from base plate  14 ′, and are secured to base plate  14 ′ by screws  17 ′ that provide a small height adjustment of second walls  18   b ′,  20   b ′ relative to base plate  14 ′ in the aforementioned third direction in order to accommodate different thickness wing plates  28   a ,  28   b  and/or allow for further height adjustment of wing plates  28   a ,  28   b  in a third direction by adjustment bolts  25 . 
     A second modified base support  12 ″ is shown in  FIG. 1B , in which L-shaped retaining walls  18 ″,  20 ″ are formed separate from base plate  14 ″. In this modification, base plate  14 ″ is provided with lengthwise slots  14   a ″ along each side edge, and first walls  18   a ″,  20   a ″ of L-shaped retaining walls  18 ″,  20 ″ fit within slots  14   a ″. Each first wall  18   a ″,  20   a ″ has a plurality of elongated slots  19 ″ extending in the third direction and screws  17 ″ extend through openings in side edges of base plate  14 ″ and extend through elongated slots  19 ″ and are tightened so as to hold L-shaped retaining walls  18 ″,  20 ″ at a small desired adjusted height in the third direction. 
     As shown best in  FIG. 1C , second wall  18   b  is preferably shorter in the second transverse direction than the other second wall  20   b , and the free ends of each second wall  18   b ,  20   b  are preferably upturned slightly. 
     It will be appreciated that, although sliding support member  24  is shown as a single piece, unitary member, it can be formed from a plurality of parts, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 1E and 1F . Specifically, inverted U-shaped plate  26  and wing plates  28   a  and  28   b  are formed as a single, unitary member. Another single, unitary member is formed by capture walls  30 ′ and  32 ′ connected at the lower ends to an elongated hollow rectangular bar  33 ′ that seats in the first lengthwise direction centrally on the upper surface of upper plate  26   a . Capture wall  30 ′ includes a central arc shaped opening  30   b ′, and aligned through openings  33   a ′ extend through the upper and lower portions of rectangular bar  33 ′ and which are aligned with an opening  26   a ′ through U-shaped plate  26 . A bolt  35 ′ extends upwardly through opening  26   a ′ and openings  33   a ′, and a nut  37 ′ is threateningly connected to bolt  35 ′ so as to secure rectangular bar  33 ′ to U-shaped plate  26 . It will be appreciated that this arrangement provides a further degree of adjustment, that is, an angular or rotating adjustment of capture walls  30 ′ and  32 ′ relative to the lengthwise direction of U-shaped plate  26 . 
     As another example, as shown in  FIG. 1G , wing plates  28   a  and  28   b  are eliminated, and the underside of leg plates  26   b  and  26   c  are provided with elongated part circular openings  26   d . In such case, L-shaped retaining walls  18  are eliminated from base support  12 , with the upper surface of base plate  14  being provided with bulbous projections  13  that are adapted to snap or slide into part circular openings  26   d . With such arrangement, after projections  13  have been snap or slid fit into openings  26   d , inverted U-shaped plate  26  can either be permanently fixed, or alternatively, slid, relative to base plate  14 . In addition, as shown, retaining walls  30  and  32  are positioned immediately over leg plate  26   c , rather than being centered on inverted U-shaped plate  26 . 
       FIG. 1H  shows a modification in which the part circular openings  26   d  and bulbous projections  13  are replaced with dovetail shaped openings  26   d ′ and dovetail shaped projections  13 ′. 
       FIG. 1I  shows a modification of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in which base support  12  is replaced by a modified base support  112 . Base support  112  includes an elongated base plate  114  having measuring gradations (not shown) along the upper surface thereof and openings (not shown but the same as openings  16 ) therealong through which screws (not shown) are adapted to extend to secure base plate  114  to the existing wall. L-shaped retaining walls  118  and  120  extend outwardly from opposite side edges of base plate  114 . Specifically, L-shaped retaining wall  118  is identical to L-shaped retaining wall  18 , and includes a first wall  118   a  that extends at a right angle from one side edge of base plate  114  and an inwardly extending second wall  118   b  that extends toward the opposite side edge of base plate  114  in parallel spaced apart relation to base plate  114  with a space  122  therebetween. However, in place of second wall  20 , L-shaped retaining wall  120  includes a first wall  120   a  that extends at a right angle from the upper surface of base plate  114  and spaced slightly inwardly from the opposite side edge of base plate  114 , and an outwardly extending second wall  120   b  that extends outwardly from the upper end of first wall  120   a  in parallel spaced apart relation to base plate  114  with a space  123  therebetween. 
     Sliding support member  24  is replaced by a modified sliding support member  124  slidably retained within base support  112 . Sliding support member  124  includes a central member that differs from inverted U-shaped plate  26  of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Specifically, sliding support member  124  includes an upper plate  126  formed by a first rectangular plate section  126   a  and a second smaller rectangular plate section  126   b  that is stepped down from one side edge of first rectangular plate section  126   a  so as to be parallel thereto. A plurality of threaded openings  127   a , only one of which is shown, and at least one slot (not shown but the same as slot  27   b ) extend through first rectangular plate section  126   a.    
     The free end of second smaller rectangular plate section  126   b  slides beneath second wall  118   b . An L-shaped retaining wall  128  extends downwardly and inwardly from the free end of first rectangular plate section  126   a . Specifically, L-shaped retaining wall  128  includes a first wall section  128   a  downwardly extending at a right angle from first rectangular plate section  126   a , to the outside of second wall  120   b , and a second wall section  128   b  that extends inwardly from the lower free end of first wall section  128   a , into sliding engagement in space  123 . In this manner, as in the first embodiment, lengthwise sliding adjustment of sliding support member  124  is permitted along a first lengthwise direction of base support  112 , while also permitting transverse, side to side sliding adjustment of sliding support member  124  within base support  112  along a second transverse direction, thereby providing two degrees of freedom. 
     In this regard, L-shaped retaining wall  118  and L-shaped retaining wall  128  constitute wrap-around capture walls, with L-shaped retaining wall  118  wrapping about and capturing second smaller rectangular plate section  126   b  of sliding support member  124  and L-shaped retaining wall  128  wrapping about and capturing outwardly extending second wall  120   b  of base support  12 . 
     In this manner, adjustment bolts ( 25  in  FIG. 1A ) are adapted to be threadedly received within threaded openings  127   a  to engage the upper surface of base plate  114  in order to adjust the height of sliding support member  124  relative thereto. In other words, as bolts  25  are rotated, with the free ends of bolts  25  in contact with the upper surface of base plate  114 , sliding support member  124  moves up or down on bolts  25 , depending upon the direction of rotation of bolts  25 , to thereby raise or lower sliding support member  124 . This also causes the upper surfaces of second smaller rectangular plate section  126   b  and second wall section  128   b  to tightly engage against the underside of second walls  118   b  and  120   b , respectively, to lock sliding support member  124  in that position. Thereafter, a screw (not shown) can be inserted through each slot ( 27   b  shown in  FIG. 1 ) into base plate  114  and, if desired, into the existing wall, to further lock sliding support members  124  in position. Thus, sliding support member  124  can be locked to base plate  114  after sliding support member  124  has been moved and adjusted in the first lengthwise direction and second transverse direction. Further, slots  27   b  permit further later transverse adjustment by loosening any screws therein, transversely adjusting sliding support member  24  and re-tightening the screws. 
     Two parallel, spaced apart capture walls  130 ,  132  extend upwardly from the upper surface of upper plate  126 , preferably along the entire length of upper plate  126 . Specifically, capture wall  132  extends upwardly from the edge of first rectangular plate section  126   a  where it meets with second smaller rectangular plate section  126   b , and capture wall  130  extends upwardly from the upper surface of second smaller rectangular plate section  126   b . It will therefore be appreciated that, unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , capture walls  130 ,  132  are not centered, but rather, are positioned to one side of sliding support member  124 , similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1G and 1H . The upper end of capture wall  130  includes an inwardly directed lip  130   a . Each capture wall  30 ,  32  preferably includes at least one slot (the same as slot  34  in  FIG. 1 ) oriented in a third direction which is orthogonal to the first lengthwise direction and second transverse direction, at least one slot (the same as slot  36  in  FIG. 1 ) oriented in the first lengthwise direction and at least one circular threaded will opening (the same as opening  38  in  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 1J  shows a modification of the embodiment of  FIG. 1I  in which all elements are identical and denoted by the same reference designator, where applicable. The only difference is that first wall  120   a  extends at a right angle from the upper surface of base plate  114  at the opposite side edge of base plate  114 , rather than being spaced slightly inwardly from the opposite side edge of base plate  114 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in order to provide large adjustment in the third direction which is orthogonal to the first lengthwise direction and second transverse direction, an adjustment support member  40  is connected with sliding support member  24  and can be adjusted relative thereto in the third direction which is orthogonal to the first lengthwise direction and second transverse direction. Preferably, sliding support member  24  is made of a thermal blocking material, such as polyamide, to thermally block heat transfer between base  12  and adjustment support member  40 . 
     Specifically, adjustment support member  40  includes an elongated rectangular plate  42  that is dimensioned to fit snugly between capture walls  30  and  32 , such that retaining lip  30   a  applies pressure to plate  42 . It will be appreciated that plate  42  can be moved in the first lengthwise direction, as well as the third direction which is orthogonal to the first lengthwise direction and second transverse direction, and once positioned at the desired location, is secured in that position by screws extending through at least one of slots  34 ,  36  and openings  38 . Although there are no fixed openings in plate  42 , the screws can still pass therethrough. Alternatively, openings can also be provided in plate  42 . Further, at any time, the screws can be loosened, plate  42  is then adjusted in position and the screws are retightened. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that slots  34 ,  36  and openings  38  can be provided in plate  42  instead of, or in addition to, capture walls  30  and  32 . 
     Adjustment support member  40  includes a U-shaped track  44 , with an elongated rectangular lower plate  46  and two upstanding, parallel, spaced apart walls  48  extending in the third direction from opposite lengthwise edges of lower plate  46 . The opposite free lengthwise edge of rectangular plate  42  is fixed centrally to the lower surface of lower plate  46  in the lengthwise direction thereof, such that when plate  42  is captured between capture walls  30  and  32 , lower plate  46  of track  44  is preferably oriented in parallel spaced relation from base plate  14 . 
     U-shaped track  44  further includes inwardly directed walls  50  extending inwardly toward each other from the lengthwise edges of spaced apart walls  48 , in parallel, spaced apart relation to lower plate  46 . A further elongated stub wall  52  extends in the third direction from the free lengthwise edge of each inwardly directed wall  50 . Finally, an elongated retaining wall  54  is connected to the free end of each stub wall  52  and extends in a direction in parallel, spaced apart relation to inwardly directed walls  50 . Specifically, each stub wall  52  is connected to each retaining wall  54  at a position slightly spaced from the inner edge thereof such that a first inner portion  54   a  of each retaining wall  54  extends inwardly of the respective stub wall  52  so as to be in parallel, spaced apart relation from lower plate  46 , and such that a larger second outer portion  54   b  of each retaining wall  54  extends outwardly of the respective stub wall  52  so as to be in parallel, spaced apart relation from the respective inwardly directed wall  50  with an elongated gap  56  therebetween. 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 2 , lower plate  46  of adjustment support member  40  preferably includes measuring gradations thereon similar to the measuring gradations  15 . In this regard, reference is made to measuring gradations  715  in  FIG. 37 . Further, although not shown in  FIG. 2 , each retaining wall  54  preferably also includes measuring gradations thereon similar to the measuring gradations  15 . In this regard, reference is made to measuring gradations  719  in  FIG. 37 . 
     Preferably, base support  12 , sliding support member  24  and adjustment support member  40  are made of a thermally isolated material such as polyamide, an equivalent thereof or any other suitable material. 
     With the above arrangement, it will be appreciated that adjustment of the position of the wall panels on an existing wall can occur in the first lengthwise, second transverse and third orthogonal directions by adjustment of sliding support members  24  in base support  12 , and in the third orthogonal direction as well as the first lengthwise direction by adjustment of plates  42  in sliding support member  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a modified adjustment support member  140  which is identical to adjustment support member  40 , and the same numerals are provided, except for any differences. Modified adjustment support member  140  provides a second elongated rectangular plate  142  that extends from the underside of lower plate  46  in parallel, spaced apart relation from elongated rectangular plate  42 . In this manner, while elongated rectangular plate  42  is positioned between retaining walls  30  and  32 , second elongated rectangular plate  142  is positioned to the outside of one of retaining walls  30  and  32 , to provide additional securement and stability. 
       FIG. 4  shows another modified adjustment support member  240  which is identical to adjustment support member  40 , and the same numerals are provided, except for any differences. Modified adjustment support member  240  provides an L-shaped wall connected to elongated rectangular plate  42  at a position spaced slightly below the underside of lower plate  46 , and thereby includes a transverse connecting wall  241  and a second elongated rectangular plate  242  that extend from the free end of transverse connecting wall  241  in parallel, spaced apart relation from elongated rectangular plate  42 . This arrangement provides additional height adjustability of adjustment support member  40 . 
     One manner of connecting wall panels over an existing wall with the above arrangement, will now be discussed. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , wall panel sliding supports  66  are slidably retained in each U-shaped track  44 . Each wall panel sliding support  66  includes a U-shaped slide  68  that fits slidably within U-shaped track  44 , and includes an elongated rectangular lower plate  70  positioned in sliding engagement on lower plate  46 , and two upstanding, parallel, spaced apart walls  72  positioned in parallel, sliding engagement within upstanding walls  48  and extending from opposite lengthwise edges of lower plate  70 . Measuring markings or gradations  115  are provided on the upper surface of elongated rectangular lower plate  70  similar to measuring gradations  15 . 
     U-shaped slide  68  further includes inwardly directed walls  74  extending inwardly toward each other from the lengthwise edges of spaced apart walls  72  and positioned in parallel, sliding engagement beneath inwardly directed walls  50 , so as to slidably capture U-shaped slide  68  within U-shaped track  44 . 
     Extension walls  76  extend in the third direction from the free lengthwise edge of each inwardly directed wall  74  at a position inwardly of the first inner portion  54   a  of retaining walls  54  such that the opposite lengthwise edges of walls  76  terminate inwardly and are spaced above in the third orthogonal direction from the inner edge of first portion  54   a  of retaining walls  54 . A retaining wall  78  is connected to the outer free end of each wall  76  and extends in a direction in the second transverse direction in parallel, spaced apart relation to the respective retaining wall  54  with a space  80  therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , connecting panels  60  can be provided to connect together spaced apart adjustment support members  40 . Specifically, each connecting panels  60  has one end inserted in a gap  56  of one adjustment support member  40  and the opposite end in a gap  56  of another spaced apart adjustment support member  40 . 
     With this arrangement, wall panels  86  to be secured over an existing wall, include an outer exposed main panel section  88  and inwardly extending L-shaped connecting walls  90  at each edge of outer exposed panel section  88 . Outer exposed main panel section  88  is preferably a planar, rectangular panel, although the present invention is not limited thereby, and outer exposed main panel section  88  can have any suitable shape, including a three dimensional shape. Each L-shaped connecting wall  90  includes an inwardly extending bent end wall  92  that extends from an outer edge of a main panel section  88  in the third direction and a securing wall  94  that extends from the opposite free end of inwardly extending wall  92  in a direction parallel but opposite from main panel section  88 . Securing wall  94  is inserted within the space  80  between retaining walls  54  and  78 . Screws  96  are then inserted through retaining wall  78 , securing wall  94 , retaining wall  54 , connecting panel  60  and inwardly directed wall  50  to secure these elements together, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Accordingly, with this arrangement, each wall panel  86  can be adjusted easily in three dimensions to take into account any unevenness in the existing wall or any repositioning that may be required. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a modified wall panel sliding support  66   a  in which one extension wall  76  and its corresponding retaining wall  78  are eliminated. Modified wall panel sliding support  66   a  is provided at a corner where only one retaining wall  78  is required. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , modified wall panel sliding supports  66 ′ are shown. Specifically, extension walls  76  are replaced by V-shaped extension walls  76 ′. More importantly, catch walls  98  extend outwardly from the exposed surface of each retaining wall  78  in the third direction at a position slightly spaced inwardly from the outer free edge thereof. Each catch wall  98  includes an outwardly facing V-shaped catch  100  at the upper end thereof. 
     A cover  102  having a central section  104  is adapted to be secured in covering relation to wall panel sliding support  66 ′, and includes capture walls  106  at opposite ends thereof, with each capture wall  106  having an inwardly facing V-shaped latch  108  at the free end thereof for engaging with a respective V-shaped catch  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown modified wall panel sliding supports  166  which are slidably retained in U-shaped track  44 . Each wall panel sliding support  166  includes a U-shaped slide  168  that fits slidably within U-shaped track  44 , and includes an elongated rectangular lower plate  170  positioned in sliding engagement on lower plate  46 , and two upstanding, parallel, spaced apart walls  172  positioned in parallel, sliding engagement within upstanding walls  48  and extending from opposite lengthwise edges of lower plate  170 . U-shaped slide  168  further includes inwardly directed walls  174  extending inwardly toward each other from the lengthwise edges of spaced apart walls  172  and positioned in parallel, sliding engagement beneath inwardly directed walls  50 , so as to slidably capture U-shaped slide  168  within U-shaped track  44 . 
     A single extension wall  176  extends in the third direction from the center of the elongated rectangular lower plate  170 , and a rectangular securing plate  171  is mounted centrally to the free end of extension wall  176  so as to define tabs  173  extending to opposite sides of single extension wall  176 . 
     Each wall panel  186  is formed from a single panel member  188  having slots  189  at opposite side edges thereof. With this arrangement, each single panel member  188  has an end thereof seated on top of a respective retaining wall  54 , with a tab  173  inserted into a slot  189  in a side wall thereof, in order to retain wall panels  186  in position. 
     Thus, wall panel sliding supports  166  are slid to desired positions with tabs  173  inserted into slots  189 , and screws  175  are screwed through upstanding walls  48  of U-shaped track  44  and upstanding walls  172  of U-shaped slide  168  to lock slides  168  in the desired positions. 
     It will further be appreciated that each wall panel  186  can be made as a solid panel, or alternatively, as a hollow panel with bent down side walls  186   a  through which slots  189  are provided. It will further be appreciated that, although not shown, there will be measuring markings or gradations on the upper surface of elongated rectangular lower plate  170  similar to measuring gradations  15 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a modification of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  in which adjustability of rectangular securing plate  171  is provided relative to elongated rectangular lower plate  170  of U-shaped slide  168  in the third orthogonal direction. 
     Specifically, two parallel, spaced apart extension walls  177   a  and  177   b  extend outwardly in the third direction from the center of elongated rectangular lower plate  170 , and have aligned openings  181 . A single extension wall  176  is slidably positioned between extension walls  177   a  and  177   b , and includes a plurality of spaced apart openings  183  therealong. Single extension wall  176  can be selectively secured at a desired height by adjusting the position of single extension wall  176  between extension walls  177   a  and  177   b , and then secured in that position by a bolt  185  extending through aligned openings  181  and  183 . Rectangular securing plate  171  is mounted centrally to the free end of single extension wall  176  so as to define tabs  173  extending to opposite sides of single extension wall  176 . 
     It will be appreciated that other means for connecting the wall panels to the wall panel sliding supports can be provided. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , a wall panel sliding support  266  is shown which is identical to wall panel sliding support  166  of  FIG. 9 , except that rectangular securing plate  171  is replaced with a rod  271  at the upper end of single extension wall  276 , with rod  271  extending in the first lengthwise direction. With this arrangement, the wall panels would include circular openings (not shown) in place of rectangular slots  189  for receiving the ends of rod  271 . It will be appreciated that the wall panels  186  will therefore be oriented perpendicular to the arrangement shown in  FIG. 9  in order for the ends of the rod  271  to be inserted into the circular openings. 
       FIG. 12  shows a modified wall panel sliding support  366  which is identical to wall panel sliding support  66  of  FIG. 5 , except that one extension wall  76  and its corresponding retaining wall  78  are eliminated. In place thereof, an extension wall  367  extends in the third orthogonal direction from the free end of the single retaining wall  378 , and an inclined wall  369  connects the free end of extension wall  367  and the free and of inwardly directed wall  374  at the opposite side of wall panel sliding support  366 . 
     In this manner, as shown in  FIG. 13 , modified wall panels  386  can be secured thereto in an angled manner to provide a three-dimensional appearance. Specifically, each wall panel  386  includes an outer exposed panel section  388  having an inwardly extending L-shaped connecting wall  390  secured to one end thereof. Specifically, L-shaped connecting wall  390  includes an inwardly extending wall  392  that extends from an outer edge of main panel section  388  in the third orthogonal direction and at an acute angle relative to main panel section  388 , and a securing wall  394  that extends from the opposite free end of inwardly extending wall  392  in the same direction as main panel section  388  but spaced therefrom. Securing wall  394  is inserted within the space between retaining walls  54  and  378 , with inwardly extending wall  392  overlying extension wall  367 . 
     The opposite end of main panel section  388  is slightly bent to define a bent end  389  which is inserted in the gap  56  between inwardly directed wall  50  and retaining wall  54 . Screws (not shown) are then inserted through bent end  389 , retaining wall  54 , securing wall  394  and retaining wall  378  to secure these elements together. 
     It will be appreciated that, with this arrangement, because inclined wall  369   h  foul as one end raised relative to the other end due to extension wall  367 , one and of each wall panel  386  is raised relative to the other hand so as to present a three-dimensional arrangement. 
       FIG. 14  shows a further modified wall panel sliding support  466  which is identical to wall panel sliding support  66  of  FIG. 5 , except that an extension wall  467  extends in the third direction from the free end of each retaining wall  478  in a direction away from adjustment support member  40 , with the free end of each extension wall  467  having a slightly inturned lip  465 . With this arrangement, a 2×4 framing stud  487  (or any other size framing stud) or the like can be positioned between adjacent extension walls  467  and held by inturned lips  465 . Planar wall panels can then be secured on top of the 2×4 framing studs  487 , and secured thereto by screws. Of course, it will be appreciated that, in such case, the screws will be exposed on the outer facing surface of the wall panels. 
       FIGS. 15-17  show embodiments which are identical to the embodiments of  FIGS. 9-11 , respectively, except that retaining walls  54  include elongated dovetail shaped slots  55  therein extending in the first lengthwise direction. Retaining bars  57  having at least one dovetail shaped end  57   a  fit within each dovetail shaped slot  55 . Retaining bars  57  function as water locking panels to prevent water ingress. Retaining bars  57  can be inserted after wall panels  86  are assembled with adjustment support members  40 , or alternatively, can be inserted prior to assembly of wall panels  86  and, in such case, wall panels  86  would be angled when assembled to pass by retaining bars  57 . 
     It will be appreciated that, while wall panel sliding supports  66  have been disclosed as being slidable on the inside of U-shaped track  44  of adjustment support member  40 , the wall panel sliding supports can be slidably positioned on the outside of adjustment support member  40  as well, as will now be disclosed. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , wall panel sliding supports  566  each include a T-shaped wall  571  formed by a wall  573  extending in the third orthogonal direction and a transverse wall  575  bisected by and connected at the upper end of wall  573  so as to form first and second wall sections  575   a  and  575   b  on opposite sides of transverse wall  575 . An extension wall  576  extends in the third orthogonal direction from the free end of second wall section  575   b  in a direction away from wall  573 . A rectangular retaining wall  578  has one edge connected to the upper end of extension wall  576 . With this arrangement, first wall section  575   a  is inserted within elongated gap  56  of adjustment support member  40  sliding movement therein. In such position, wall  573  is positioned flush against the outer surface of the respective upstanding wall  48  of adjustment support member  40 . Further, in such position, rectangular retaining wall  578  is positioned in parallel, spaced relation from the respective retaining wall  54  of adjustment support member  40 . 
     With this arrangement, wall panels (not shown) which are identical to wall panels  86  of  FIG. 6  are provided, except that securing wall  94  is oriented 180° from that shown in  FIG. 6 , that is, securing wall  94  is positioned in parallel spaced relation directly beneath outer exposed panel section  88 . Thus, securing wall  94  is positioned between retaining walls  54  and  578 . Wall panel sliding supports  566  are secured to upstanding walls  48  by screws  596  extending therethrough. 
       FIG. 20  shows a modification of the embodiment of  FIGS. 18 and 19  in which adjustability of rectangular retaining wall  578  is provided relative to retaining wall  54 . 
     Specifically, two parallel, spaced apart extension walls  577   a  and  577   b  extend outwardly in the third orthogonal direction from the free end of second wall section  575   b  in a direction away from wall  573 , and have aligned openings  581 . A single extension wall  576  is slidably positioned between extension walls  577   a  and  577   b , and includes a plurality of spaced apart openings (not shown) therealong. Single extension wall  576  can be selectively secured at a desired height by adjusting the position of single extension wall  576  between extension walls  577   a  and  577   b , and then secured in that position by a bolt  585  extending through aligned openings  581  and one of the openings in single extension wall  576 . Retaining wall  578  has one edge connected to the upper end of extension wall  576 . 
       FIGS. 21 and 22  show embodiments which are identical to the embodiments of  FIGS. 18-20 , respectively, except that retaining walls  54  include elongated dovetail shaped slots  55  therein extending in the first lengthwise direction. Retaining bars  57  have at least one dovetail shaped end  57   a  which fits within each dovetail shaped slot  55 . Retaining bars  57  function as water locking panels to prevent water ingress. Retaining bars  57  can be inserted after wall panels  86  are assembled with adjustment support members  40 , or alternatively, can be inserted prior to assembly of wall panels  86  and, in such case, wall panels  86  would be angled when assembled to pass by retaining bars  57 . 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 22 , a rectangular parallelepiped connecting member  61  is slid within track  44  to connect together in line, abutting or near abutting, adjustment support members  40 . 
     A further modification is shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24  in which a modified adjustment support member  40 ′ includes an elongated rectangular plate  42 ′ that is dimensioned to fit snugly between capture walls  30  and  32 , such that retaining lip  30   a  applies pressure to plate  42 ′. The opposite free lengthwise edge of rectangular plate  42 ′ is fixed centrally to the lower surface of a platform wall  54 ′. Two L-shaped walls  50 ′ extend from the underside of platform wall  54 ′ on opposite sides of rectangular plate  42 ′ and face away from rectangular plate  42 ′, whereby a gap  56 ′ is defined between each L-shaped wall  50 ′ and platform wall  54 ′ for receiving an end of a connecting panel  60  therein. 
     A wall panel support  66 ″ is mounted on each modified adjustment support member  40 ′ and includes a U-shaped support  68 ″ having an elongated rectangular lower plate  70 ″ and two upstanding, parallel, spaced apart walls  72 ″ extending in the third direction from opposite lengthwise edges of lower plate  70 ″. Rectangular lower plate  70 ″ is secured centrally to the upper surface of platform wall  54 ′ by screws  55 ″. A retaining second wall  78 ″ is connected to the outer free end of each wall  72 ″ and extends in a direction in the second transverse direction in parallel, spaced apart relation to lower plate  70 ″ but extending outwardly in a direction away from lower plate  70 ″. A third retaining wall  79 ″ extends outwardly from the outer surface of each wall  72 ″ in parallel, spaced relation from second retaining wall  78 ″ so as to provide a space  80 ″ therebetween for capturing securing wall  94  of a wall panel  86 . Of course, screws are then inserted between the elements to secure them together. 
     Catch walls  98 ″ extend outwardly from the exposed surface of each retaining wall  78 ″ in the third direction at a position slightly spaced inwardly from the outer edge thereof. Each catch wall  98 ″ includes an outwardly facing V-shaped catch  100 ″ at the upper end thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 24 , a heating pipe  101  can be positioned between inwardly extending walls  92  of adjacent wall panels  86 . Accordingly, a modified cover  102 ′ is provided having a central wall  104 ′ adapted to be secured in covering relation to heating pipe  101 , and capture walls  106 ′ at opposite ends thereof which extend in parallel adjacent relation to respective inwardly extending walls  92 , with each capture wall  106 ′ having an inwardly facing V-shaped latch  108 ′ at the free end thereof for engaging with a respective V-shaped catch  100 ′. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , in order to level each modified adjustment support member  40 ′, a carpenter level  602  is provided which includes an elongated rectangular parallelepiped body  604  with a cylindrical grasping member  606  along an elongated edge thereof. Elongated rectangular parallelepiped body  604  includes a conventional bubble level  608  therein at a visible sign edge thereof. Thus, when assembling modified adjustment support member  40 ′ with sliding support member  24 , elongated rectangular parallelepiped body  604  of carpenter level  602  is inserted within space  80 ″ and adjustment is made in accordance with the reading of the bubble level  608  to achieve a desired level and orientation. Thereafter, grasping member  606  is grabbed and carpenter level  602  is removed from space  80 ″, whereupon the wall panels can then be assembled therewith. 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 27 , bubble level  608  can be provided in cylindrical grasping member  606 . 
     It will be appreciated that carpenter level  602  can be used with any of the embodiments in the present application, and instead of being positioned within space  80 ″, it can be positioned in spaces  56 ,  56 ′ as well. 
     It will be appreciated that the invention described above has permitted adjustment in at least three orthogonal directions. However, the present invention can also be provided with fewer degrees of freedom or adjustment, for example, adjustment in a single direction such as the first lengthwise direction. 
     In this regard, in all of the above embodiments, elongated rectangular plate  42  can be removed from adjustment support member  40 , and lower plate  46  of adjustment support member  40  can be secured directly to an existing wall. In such case, wall panel sliding supports  66  would provide the only adjustment in the first lengthwise direction. 
     One example of this arrangement, corresponding to  FIG. 5 , is shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29  in which a modified adjustment support member  640  is provided, with a lower plate  646  adapted to be secured by screws  642  to an existing wall. A modified wall panel sliding support  666  is slidably retained by adjustment support member  640 . It will be appreciated that elongated rectangular lower plate  670  of wall panel sliding support  666  has an inverted U-shape so as not to engage with the screws used to secure lower plate  646  to the existing wall. As with the aforementioned embodiments, the securing walls  94  of wall panels  86  are inserted in the space  680  between retaining wall  654  of adjustment support member  640  and retaining wall  678  of wall panel sliding support  666 . A cover  682  is also shown which engages over retaining walls  678 . 
     As another example, reference is made to  FIG. 30  which corresponds to the arrangement shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , but with elongated rectangular plate  42  removed.  FIG. 32  is similar to  FIG. 30 , except that planar wall panels  686  are provided. 
     It will be appreciated that, with all of the above embodiments, wall panels  86  have been connected to adjustment support member  40  and/or wall panel sliding supports  66 . However, wall panels  86  can alternatively be connected with connecting panels  60  which connect spaced apart adjustments support members  40 . 
     Thus, for example, a rectangular securing plate  771 , as shown in  FIG. 33 , and which is similar to rectangular securing plate  171 , is connected to the upper end of an extension wall  776  having a dovetail shaped lower end  776   a  which fits within a dovetail shaped slot  755  extending in the first lengthwise direction in a connecting panel  60 . As with rectangular securing plate  171 , rectangular securing plate  771  defines tabs  773  extending to opposite sides of extension wall  776 , for insertion into slots  189  in a side wall of a single panel member  188  of a wall panel  186  in order to retain wall panels  186  in position. With this arrangement, rectangular securing plate  771  can be moved to provide adjustment of wall panels  86 . Further, with this arrangement, wall panel sliding supports  66  are eliminated. 
     While only one dovetail shaped slot  755  has been shown in  FIG. 33 , more than one dovetail shaped slot  755  can be provided, as shown in  FIG. 34 . Further, while dovetail shaped slots  755  has been shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34  extending the first lengthwise direction, it can alternatively extend in the second transverse direction, as shown in  FIG. 35 . 
     Still further, multiple dovetail shaped slots  755  can be provided, as shown in  FIG. 36 , in both the first lengthwise direction and second transverse direction. In addition, since the wall panels will be secured to rectangular securing plates  771 , there is no longer a need for U-shaped track  44 , and accordingly, an arrangement similar to that shown in  FIG. 24  can be used, with platform wall  54 ′ and L-shaped walls  50 ′. Further, measuring markings or gradations  715  are provided on the upper surface of platform wall  54 ′. 
       FIG. 37  shows another modification in which connecting panel  60  of the type shown in  FIG. 36  is connected to adjustment support members  40 , with measuring markings or gradations  715 ,  717  and  719  provided on elongated rectangular lower plate  46 , connecting plate  60  and elongated retaining walls  54 , respectively. 
     A further modification of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 34  is shown in  FIG. 38 , in which rectangular securing plates  771  can be adjustably moved in the third orthogonal direction, in the same manner as previously described in regard to  FIG. 10 . 
     Alternatively, instead of providing rectangular securing plates  771  with tabs  773  that fit within slots  189  in a side wall of a single panel member  188  of a wall panel  186  in order to retain wall panels  186  in position, one or more brackets can be secured on the exposed surface of each connecting panel  60 , with a wall panel secured to each bracket in a hanging manner, similar to a picture frame. For example, as shown in  FIG. 39 , a single Z-shaped bracket  62   a  is mounted to each connecting panel  60 . Similar brackets would then be provided on the rear surface of each planar wall panel for mounting the wall panel on brackets  62   a.    
     In this regard, a preferred embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 40-43  in which each Z-shaped bracket  862  has a Z-shaped wall  863  having one end  865  formed in a bulbous or dovetail shape for slidable insertion in a correspondingly shaped slot  755  of a connecting panel  60 . Specifically, each Z-shaped wall  863  includes a first wall  863   a  having the bulbous end  865  and extending orthogonally out from the outer surface of the respective connecting panel  60 , a second wall  863   b  extending orthogonally up from the free end of first wall  863   a , and a third top wall  863   c  extending orthogonally out from the free end of second wall  863   b . Z-shaped brackets  862  further include side walls  867  on opposite sides thereof. 
     Complementary hook assemblies  900  are secured to the rear surface of a planar wall panel  986  for connection with Z-shaped brackets  862 . Specifically, each hook assembly  900  includes an inverted J-shaped wall  902  formed by a first rectangular wall  904  which seats flush against the rear surface of wall panel  986 , and an inverted L-shaped wall  906  which extends out from the upper edge of first rectangular wall  904 . L-shaped wall  906  includes a first top wall  906   a  which extends orthogonally out from the top edge of rectangular wall  904  and a downwardly extending wall  906   b  which extends down from the free edge of top wall  906   a  in parallel spaced apart relation from first wall  904 . Rectangular side walls  908  are connected to and close off both sides of J-shaped wall  902 . The width of rectangular wall  904  is greater than the width of J-shaped wall  902 , such that rectangular wall extensions  910  extend to the sides of side walls  908 , while also seating flush against the rear surface of wall panel  986 . Openings  912  are provided in wall extensions  910  in order to receive screws  914  therein to secure each hook assembly  900  to the rear surface of wall panel  986 . 
     With this arrangement, hook assemblies  900  are positioned over Z-shaped brackets  862  for mounting wall panels  986  to connecting panel  60 . In such case, top wall  906   a  seats on top wall  863   c , and side walls  908  encompass and surround side walls  867 . Further, downwardly extending wall  906   b  is positioned behind second wall  863   b  to prevent pullout of wall panels  986 . 
     In order to provide vertical adjustment of wall panels  986  relative to connecting panels  60 , upper wall  906   a  includes a first circular threaded opening  916  and an adjacent slot  918 . An adjustment bolt  920  is threaded within the threaded opening  916  and engages the upper surface of top wall  863   c  for moving each hook assembly  900  up and down relative to the respective connecting panel  60 . 
     In order to provide side to side adjustment of wall panels  986  relative to connecting panels  60 , at least one side wall  908  includes a first circular threaded opening  922  and an adjacent slot  924 . An adjustment bolt  926  is threaded within the threaded opening  922  and engages the adjacent side wall  867  for moving each hook assembly  900  side to side relative to the respective connecting panel  60 . 
     In this regard, it will be appreciated that hook assemblies  900  are positioned near the edges of wall panel  986  in order to permit access to adjustment screws  920  and  926 . 
     After adjustment bolts  920  and  926  have been rotated to provide adjustment of hook assemblies  900  relative to Z-shaped brackets  862 , and thereby adjustment of wall panel  986  relative to the corresponding connecting panel  60 , securing screws  928  which extend through slots  918  and  924  into threaded engagement with top wall  863   c  and side wall  867 , respectively, are rotated to fix hook assemblies  900  relative to Z-shaped brackets  862 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 44-46 , there is shown a modified adjustment support member  1040  which includes an elongated rectangular plate  1042  that is dimensioned to fit snugly between capture walls  30  and  32 , such that retaining lip  30   a  applies pressure to plate  1042 . As with adjustment support member  40 , it will be appreciated that plate  1042  can be moved in the first lengthwise direction, as well as the third direction which is orthogonal to the first lengthwise direction and second transverse direction, and once positioned at the desired location, is secured in that position by screws extending through at least one of slots  34 ,  36  and openings  38 . Although there are no fixed openings in plate  1042 , the screws can still pass therethrough. Alternatively, openings can also be provided in plate  1042 . Further, at any time, the screws can be loosened, plate  1042  is then adjusted in position and the screws are retightened. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that slots  34 ,  36  and openings  38  can be provided in plate  1042  instead of, or in addition to, capture walls  30  and  32 . 
     The upper edge of plate  1042  is connected centrally in the lengthwise direction thereof to the underside of an elongated rectangular platform wall  1054 . Measuring markings or gradations  1115  are provided on the upper surface of elongated rectangular platform wall  1054 . Two U-shaped tracks  1044  are provided, each track  1044  connected to one lengthwise end edge of platform wall  1054 . Each U-shaped track  1044  includes elongated, parallel, spaced apart walls  1048   a  and  1048   b  connected together by an elongated lower plate  1046 . Specifically, the upper edge of each wall  1048   a  is connected to a respective lengthwise end edge of platform wall  1054 , and extends downwardly therefrom, in parallel, spaced apart relation to plate  1042 . Accordingly, lower plates  1046  are parallel to platform wall  1054 , but positioned lower relative thereto. An elongated, inwardly turned lip  1050  extends inwardly from the upper edge of each wall  1048   b.    
     Measuring markings or gradations can also be provided anywhere on any wall of U-shaped tracks  1044 . 
       FIG. 44A  shows a modified adjustment support member  1040 ′ which is similar to adjustment support member  1040  of  FIG. 44 . The same reference designators are used in  FIG. 44A , except that any differences have a prime (′) appended thereto. The differences presented in adjustment support member  1040 ′ are that inwardly turned lip  1050 ′ extends inwardly to a greater extent, and each planar wall  1048   a  is replaced by a U-shaped wall  1048   a ′. In this manner, hanging members similar to hanging members  1562  in  FIGS. 76-80  can be better slidably retained within the U-shaped tracks  1044 ′. 
       FIG. 44B  shows a modified adjustment support member  1040 ″ which is similar to adjustment support member  1040  of  FIG. 44 . The same reference designators are used in  FIG. 44B , except that any differences have a double prime (″) appended thereto. Specifically, elongated rectangular platform wall  1054 ″ includes two elongated dovetail shaped slots  1075 ″, similar to those shown in  FIGS. 50 and 51 , but extending along the lengthwise direction of elongated rectangular platform wall  1054 ″, for receiving hooks  1062  of the type shown in  FIG. 52 . 
       FIG. 44C  shows a modified adjustment support member  1040 ′″ which is similar to adjustment support member  1040  of  FIG. 44 . The same reference designators are used in  FIG. 44B , except that any differences have a triple prime (′″) appended thereto. Specifically, elongated lower plates  1046 ′″ are each provided with an elongated dovetail shaped slot  1075 ′″ extending in the lengthwise direction thereof, for receiving hooks  1062  of the type shown in  FIG. 52 . 
       FIG. 44D  shows a modified adjustment support member  1040 ″″ which is similar to adjustment support member  1040 ″ of  FIG. 44B . The same reference designators are used in  FIG. 44B , except that any differences have a quadruple prime (″″) appended thereto. Specifically, elongated rectangular platform wall  1054 ″″ includes two elongated dovetail shaped slots  1075 ″″ on either side of elongated rectangular plate  1042 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 47, 48 and 48A , connecting panels  1060  are provided with short downwardly turned walls  1061  at opposite end edges thereof. Rectangular slide walls  1063  are connected to the free ends of downwardly turned walls  1061 . Preferably, the free end of each downwardly turned wall  1061  is connected to a respective slide wall  1063  at a position about one-fourth of the distance from the inner edge  1063   a  of each slide wall  1063 . The portion of each slide wall  1063  to the outside of the respective downwardly turned wall  1061  is provided with elongated openings  1065 , each having its longer axis extending in the widthwise direction of each slide wall  1063 . Further, measuring markings or gradations  1117  are provided at the opposite ends of connecting panel  1060 , adjacent downwardly turned walls  1061 . 
     With this arrangement, it becomes much easier to assemble connecting panels  1060  with modified adjustment support members  1040 , while enabling adjustment of each connecting panel  1060  relative to modified adjustment support member  1040  in two orthogonal directions. Specifically, it is only necessary to lay each slide wall  1063  in a respective U-shaped track  1044 , with slide wall  1063  seating on elongated lower plate  1046  thereof, rather than sliding into the connecting panel as with prior embodiments. In this position, measuring markings or gradations  1115  and  1117  are adjacent each other, so that connecting panel  1060  can be accurately positioned in the lengthwise direction of modified adjustment support member  1040 . Then, screws  1096  ( FIG. 48 ) are inserted through elongated slots  1065  into lower plate  1046 , but not finally tightened. It will be appreciated that inwardly turned lip  1050  aids in preventing escape of slide walls  1063  during this procedure. The connecting panel  1060  is then adjusted in the widthwise direction by reason of elongated slots  1065 , and screws  1096  are fully tightened to secure the connecting panel  1060  in position. Further, screws  1096  can be loosened and connecting panels  1060  can be adjusted in position, for example, to allow adjustment for expansion and contraction of materials. Also, with this arrangement, connecting panels  1060  can be removed at any time and replaced, whereas in prior embodiments where there is a sliding in arrangement, this cannot occur. 
     Further, in  FIG. 48A , there are shown a rain screen starter  1069 , rain screen stiffener  1070  and rain screen base connector  1071 . The rain screen system allows air and water behind the panels. 
     Of course, as shown in  FIG. 49 , it will be appreciated that elongated rectangular plate  1042  of the adjustment support member can be eliminated, with lower plates  1046  and/or rectangular platform wall  1054  secured directly to an existing wall, in a similar manner as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 28 and 29 . 
     It will be appreciated that, preferably, connecting panels  1060  are provided with dovetail shaped slots  1075  extending transversely across the upper surface thereof in the widthwise direction thereof, as shown in  FIGS. 50, 51 and 53 . 
       FIG. 49A  shows a modification of the adjustment support member of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 49 , in which a single dovetail shaped slot  1075 ″, similar to that shown in  FIG. 440  and extending along the lengthwise direction of elongated rectangular platform wall  1054 ″, is provided for receiving hooks  1062  of the type shown in  FIG. 52 . 
       FIG. 49B  shows a further modification of the adjustment support member in which two parallel, spaced apart dovetail shaped slots  1075 ″, similar to those shown in  FIG. 44B  and extending along the lengthwise direction of elongated rectangular platform wall  1054 ″, are provided for receiving hooks  1062  of the type shown in  FIG. 52 . 
     Thus, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 52 and 53 , hooks  1062  are slidably inserted into slots  1075 . As shown, each hook  1062  includes a dovetail shaped base  1066 , with an L-shaped wall  1067  extending outwardly from dovetail shaped base  1066 . Once a hook  1062  is slid into a slot  1075  at a desired location, it can be fixed in place by any suitable means. For example, screws (not shown) can be screwed into slots  1075  on opposite sides of the slid-in hook  1062 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 53 , screws  1076  can be screwed through the upper surface of connecting panel  1060  adjacent a slot  1075  and into dovetail shaped base  1066 . Still further, screws (not shown) can be screwed through the undersurface of connecting panel  1060  into dovetail shaped base  1066 . As a further alternative, stops (not shown) can be inserted into slots  1075  on opposite sides of hooks  1062  to temporarily hold hooks  1062  in position until they are secured in position by screws. 
     With this arrangement, similar brackets or hooks would be mounted on the rear surface of each planar wall panel for mounting the wall panel on hooks  1062  in the manner discussed above with respect to  FIG. 39 . For example, complementary hook assemblies  900  ( FIGS. 40-42 ) can be secured to the rear surface of a planar wall panel for connection with hooks  1062  in order to hang the wall panels on hooks  1062 . 
     As a further alternative, short downwardly turned walls  1061  and rectangular slide walls  1063  can be eliminated. In such case, the lengthwise side edges of connecting panel  1060  to the outside of slots  1075  would slide into elongated gap  56  of adjustment support member  40 , in the manner described with the previous embodiments. 
     It will be appreciated that, with the above embodiments, slots  1075  need not be dovetail shaped. For example, they can have any bulbous cross-sectional shape, such as circular, T-shaped, triangular, etc., and in such case, bases  1066  would have complementary shapes. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 54-56 , a wall panel  1286  having only an outer exposed panel section  1288 , that is, with the inwardly extending L-shaped connecting walls eliminated, includes elongated transverse cylindrical grooves  1289  therein which open to the rear surface  1286   a  of wall panel  1286  and to at least one side edge  1286   b  thereof, and preferably to both side edges thereof. 
     Hook assemblies  1200  are mounted to the rear surface of wall panel  1286 . Specifically, each hook assembly  1200  includes an elongated rectangular wall  1204  that lies flush against the rear surface  1286   a  of wall panel  1286 . The lower surface of elongated rectangular wall  1204  includes an elongated cylindrical projection  1275  that fits within elongated transverse cylindrical grooves  1289  so as to secure hook assemblies  1200  to the rear of wall panels  1286 . An L-shaped hook wall  1206  extends rearwardly from one free lengthwise edge of elongated rectangular wall  1204  so as to define an open area  1205  between elongated rectangular wall  1204  and L-shaped hook wall  1206 . L-shaped hook wall  1206  includes a first wall  1206   a  that extends rearwardly from the free lengthwise edge of elongated rectangular wall  1204  and a second wall  1206   b  that extends in parallel, spaced apart relation to elongated rectangular wall  1204 . 
     With this arrangement, L-shaped hook walls  1206  are shown positioned over connecting panels  60  in order to hang wall panels  1286  thereon. In order to lock wall panels  1286  thereon, screws  1296  are screwed through first wall  1206   a  to a position between second wall  1206   b  and connecting panel  60  positioned in open area  1205  in order to wedge lock wall panels  1286  to hook assemblies  1200 . 
     It will be appreciated that, although projections  1275  have been described as cylindrical, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any other suitable cross-sectional shape can be used, such as dovetail shaped, T-shaped, triangular, etc. 
     Further, although hook assemblies  1200  have been described as hanging directly from connecting panels  60 , they can also hang from hooks or brackets of the type previously described, which are mounted to connecting panels  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 57-60 , a modification of the arrangement of  FIGS. 54-56  is shown. 
     Specifically, elongated cylindrical projections  1275  and elongated transverse cylindrical grooves  1289  are eliminated. Instead, elongated rectangular wall  1204  is provided with countersunk openings  1204   a  for receiving screws  1276  therein in order to secure the hook assembly  1200  to the rear surface of wall panel  1286 . In such case, the upper surface of the head of each screw  1276  is flush with the outer surface of elongated rectangular wall  1204 . 
     In addition, adjustment screws  1297  are screwed through first wall  1206   a  to a position onto the top surface of the connecting panel  60  but merely function to adjust the vertical position of hook assemblies  1200 , and thereby, of wall panels  1286 , relative to connecting panels  60 . Thereafter, securing screws  1296  are screwed into position to wedge lock the wall panel  1286  to the connecting panel  60  in the manner described in the previous embodiment. 
     Alternatively, in place of countersunk openings  1204   a , screws  1276  can just be screwed into the front surface of wall panel  1286  into elongated rectangular wall  1204  to secure the two together. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 61-64 , there is shown another embodiment for securing walls panels to an existing wall. Specifically, each wall panel  1386  includes two elongated transverse dovetail shaped grooves  1389  therein which open to the rear surface  1386   a  of wall panel  1386  and to one side edge  1386   b  thereof, and extends for about one-quarter of the width of wall panel  1386 . 
     Connecting panel  1360  is bent to form two parallel, spaced apart, dovetail shaped bent wall sections  1361 . The spacing between dovetail shaped bent wall sections  1361  is the same as the spacing between transverse dovetail shaped grooves  1389  so that, when wall panel  1386  is positioned against connecting panel  1360 , dovetail shaped bent wall sections  1361  align and open up to transverse dovetail shaped grooves  1389 . 
     With this arrangement, a locking bar  1391  is slid into dovetail shaped bent wall sections  1361  and transverse dovetail shaped grooves  1389 , to secure wall panel  1386  to connecting panel  1360 . In this regard, locking bar  1391  has a generally hourglass shaped cross-section with a first dovetail shaped section  1391   a  for fitting within transverse dovetail shaped grooves  1389 , and a second connected dovetail shaped section  1391   b  for fitting within dovetail shaped bent wall sections  1361 . Screws  1393  are then screwed through dovetail shaped bent wall sections  1361  and locking bar  1391  to lock these elements in place relative to each other. Preferably, locking bar  1391  is made of a material, such as polyamide, that is not thermally conductive, that is, that does not transfer heat and cold between the wall panel and the connecting panel. 
     Of course, it will be appreciated that connecting panels  1360  are connected at their ends to adjustment support members in any of the arrangements previously described, and which is not shown herein. 
     Further, although grooves  1389  and bent wall sections  1361  have been described as being dovetail shaped, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any other suitable cross-sectional shape can be provided, for example, circular, T-shaped, triangular, etc. Rather, it is only important that a width of each locking bar  1391  at a connecting area between first section  1391   a  and second section  1391   b  be of a lesser dimension than at other areas of portions of first section  1391   a  and second section  1391   b . For assembly purposes, wall panel  1386  can be positioned with connecting panel  1360 , and then locking bar  1391  is slid into dovetail shaped bent wall sections  1361  and transverse dovetail shaped grooves  1389 . Alternatively, first dovetail shaped sections  1391   a  of locking bars  1391  are slid into transverse dovetail shaped grooves  1389 , and then dovetail shaped bent wall sections  1361  are slid onto second dovetail shaped sections  1391   b  of locking bars  1391 . As a further alternative, second dovetail shaped sections  1391   b  of locking bars  1391  are slid into dovetail shaped bent wall sections  1361 , and then, transverse dovetail shaped grooves  1389  are slid onto first dovetail shaped sections  1391   a  of locking bars  1391 . 
     A further modification is shown in  FIG. 61A  in which first dovetail shaped sections  1391   a  and second dovetail shaped sections  1391   b  are connected together by a spacer section  1391   c  to separate connecting panel  1360  from wall panel  1386  by an air gap therebetween. Again, in such case, locking bars  1391  are made of a thermally isolated material such as polyamide, an equivalent thereof or any other suitable material. 
       FIGS. 65-68  show a modification of the further embodiment of  FIG. 61 . Specifically, a parallel, spaced apart pair of transverse dovetail shaped grooves  1389  is provided on each side of wall panel  1386 , and two narrower, spaced apart connecting panels  1360  are mounted thereto in the manner described above. 
     Further, the free lower surface of each first dovetail shaped section  1391   a  of locking bar  1391  is provided with an elongated recess  1395   a  therein, and the free upper surface of each second dovetail shaped section  1391   b  of locking bar  1391  is provided with an elongated recess  1395   b  therein. Therefore, locking bar  1391  has an essentially H-shape in cross-section. This enables screws  1393  to more easily be screwed through locking bar  1391  into wall panel  1386  before being assembled with connecting panels  1360 . 
       FIGS. 69-72  show a modification of the further embodiment of  FIG. 65 . Specifically, there is only one pair of parallel, spaced apart transverse dovetail shaped grooves  1389 , but they extend almost the entire width of wall panel  1386 , and the length of locking bars  1391  is thereby also increased accordingly. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 73-75 , there is shown another embodiment for securing walls panels to an existing wall. Specifically, in place of hooks  1062 , hanging members  1462  are provided. Each hanging member  1462  includes a dovetail shaped base  1466 , which continues outwardly with a center rectangular extension wall section  1467  and terminating at a bulbous extension wall section  1468 , having a through opening  1469  extending therethrough. 
     With this embodiment, dovetail shaped base  1466  is slid into a slot  1075  of a connecting panel  1060  to a desired location, and it can be fixed in place by any suitable means, for example, as previously described relative to hooks  1062 . A rod  1471  is then inserted through opening  1469 . Rod  1471  can be secured in position by any suitable means. For example, each opening  1469  can have a rubber grommet  1477  to hold rod  1471 . Alternatively, a tightening set screw  1473  extends through bulbous wall section  1468 , as shown in  FIG. 75 . 
     With this embodiment, the wall panels would have through openings  1487  therethrough, as shown in wall panels  1286  in  FIG. 57 , through which rods  1471  would extend for mounting the wall panels. Of course, set screws can extend through the wall panels for securing the rods  1471  therein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 76-80 , there is shown another embodiment for securing walls panels to an existing wall. Specifically, in place of hanging members  1462 , hanging members  1562  are provided. Each hanging member  1562  includes a dovetail shaped base  1566 , which continues outwardly with a peripheral rectangular wall housing  1567 . An elongated slot  1569  is provide along the length of rectangular wall  1567  at one side, although this is not required by the present invention. Further, a threaded opening  1570  is provided in one side of rectangular wall  1567 . 
     A T-shaped securing member  1571  is provided and includes a rectangular slide member  1576  slidably positioned within rectangular wall  1567 , and a rectangular securing plate  1572  mounted centrally to the free end of rectangular slide member  1576  so as to define tabs  1573  extending to opposite sides of rectangular slide member  1576 . Rectangular slide member  1576  can be selectively secured at a desired height within rectangular wall  1567  by adjusting the position of rectangular slide member  1576  therein, and then securing the position by a bolt or screw  1585  extending through threaded opening  1570  into engagement with a side of rectangular slide member  1576 . To aid in such securement, rectangular slide member  1576  preferably has a plurality of spaced depressions  1576   a  along the length thereof. 
     Each wall panel  1586  is formed from a single panel member  1588  having slots  1589  at opposite side edges thereof. As a result, with dovetail shaped bases  1566  secured in dovetail shaped slots  1575  of a connecting panel  1560 , and with the height of rectangular slide member  1576  adjusted and secured in rectangular wall  1567 , tabs  1573  are inserted within slots  1589 . 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 81 , instead of slots  1589  in single panel member  1588 , U-shaped brackets  1591  can be secured to the rear surface of single panel member  1588  to create slots  1589 . 
     It will be appreciated that slots  1575  can be oriented vertically, and in such case, a bottom wall panel  1586  is first provided, following by tabs  1573  inserted into slots  1589  in the upper facing edge of bottom wall panel  1586 . Then, another wall panel  1586  is positioned to receive the opposite facing tabs  1573  in slots  158  in the lower facing edge of the next wall panel  1586 , and so on. Alternatively, slots  1575  can be positioned horizontally, and the same process is performed horizontally. 
     It will be appreciated that slots  1575  need not be dovetail shaped. For example, they can have any bulbous cross-sectional shape, such as circular, T-shaped, triangular, etc., and in such case, bases  1566  would have complementary shapes. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 82-84 , modified hook assemblies  2200  are mounted to the rear surface of wall panel  1286  in the manner shown in  FIG. 57 . Specifically, each hook assembly  2200  includes an elongated rectangular wall  2204  that lies flush against the rear surface  1286   a  ( FIG. 54 ) of wall panel  1286 . As with the embodiment of  FIG. 57 , elongated rectangular wall  2204  can be provided with countersunk openings (not shown) for receiving screws  1276  therein in order to secure the hook assembly  2200  to the rear surface of wall panel  1286 . In such case, the upper surface of the head of each screw  1276  would be flush with the outer surface of elongated rectangular wall  2204 . 
     A support ledge  2208  extends outwardly at a right angle from the upper edge of elongated rectangular wall  2204  and includes two parallel, spaced apart grooves  2210   a  and  2210   b  formed in the upper surface of support ledge  2208  and extending in the lengthwise direction thereof. Although not limited thereto, grooves  2210   a  and  2210   b  preferably have a rectangular cross-section. 
     An L-shaped hook wall  2206  is mounted on support ledge  2208 . Specifically, L-shaped hook wall  2206  includes a first wall  2206   a  that is supported on the upper surface of support ledge  2208  and a second wall  2206   b  that extends from the free edge of first wall  2206   a  in parallel, spaced apart relation to elongated rectangular wall  2204 , so as to define an open area  2205  between elongated rectangular wall  2204  and L-shaped hook wall  2206 . First wall  2206   a  is provided with two parallel, spaced apart projections  2212   a  and  2212   b  at the lower surface thereof, and extending in the lengthwise direction thereof, for engagement within grooves  2210   a  and  2210   b , respectively. In this regard, projections  2212   a  and  2212   b  preferably have the same shape and dimensions as grooves  2210   a  and  2210   b.    
     With this arrangement, L-shaped hook walls  2206  are positioned over connecting panels  60  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 57-60 , in order to hang wall panels  1286  thereon. It will be appreciated that, for wall panels  1286  having a greater thickness, projection  2212   a  can fit within groove  2210   b , and in such case, projection  2212   b  would be positioned adjacent the free end surface of support ledge  2208 . 
     Further, to enable easy entry of a connecting panel  60  within open area  2205 , the upper end of the inner surface of elongated rectangular wall  2204  includes an arcuate projection  2214 . Arcuate projection  2214  also serves to wedge lock connecting panels  60  to hook assemblies  2200 . 
     With the above arrangement, L-shaped hook wall  2206  can be adjusted in the widthwise and lengthwise directions of support ledge  2208 . 
     In addition, L-shaped hook wall  2206  can also be adjusted in the heightwise direction relative to support ledge  2208 . Specifically, set screws  2216  extend through first wall  2206   a  for engaging the upper surface of support ledge  2208 , so as to adjust the height of first wall  2206   a  relative to support ledge  2208 . Once the desired height is achieved, locking screws  2218 , which also extend through first wall  2206   a , are positioned within openings  2220  of first wall  2206   a , and threadedly received within threaded openings  2222  of support ledge  2208  to fix L-shaped hook wall  2208  in a desired position relative to support ledge  2208 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 85 and 86 , for wall panels  1286  having a greater thickness, with projection  2212   a  fit within groove  2210   b , a wedge  2224  is secured to the underside of first wall  2206   a  by screws  2226 . Wedge  2224  has an upper section  2224   a  of a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration which functions to wedge wall panel  1286  between arcuate projection  2214  and upper section  2224   a  of wage  2224 , and a lower section  2224   b  of a generally triangular cross-sectional configuration which functions to provide access of the end of a connecting panel  60  into space  2205 . 
       FIGS. 87-89  show a hook assembly  2300  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hook assembly  2300  is mounted to the rear surface of wall panel  2386 . Specifically, each hook assembly  2300  includes an elongated rectangular wall  2304  that lies flush against the rear surface  2386   a  of wall panel  2386 . 
     The rear surface of elongated rectangular wall  2304  includes elongated projections  2375 , each having a trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration that fits within elongated transverse grooves  2389  in rear surface  2386   a  of wall panel  2386  and also having a trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration, so as to secure hook assemblies  2300  to the rear of wall panels  2386 . It will be appreciated that, although projections  2375  have been described as having a trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any other suitable cross-sectional shape can be used, such as T-shaped, triangular, circular, etc. 
     Two parallel, spaced apart support ledges  2308   a  and  2308   b  extend outwardly at right angles from the upper end of elongated rectangular wall  2304  so as to define a space  2308   c  therebetween. 
     An L-shaped hook wall  2306  is mounted to support ledges  2308   a  and  2308   b . Specifically, L-shaped hook wall  2306  includes a first wall  2306   a  that is positioned between and supported by support ledges  2308   a  and  2308   b , and a second wall  2306   b  that extends from the free edge of first wall  2306   a  in parallel, spaced apart relation to elongated rectangular wall  2304 , so as to define an open area  2305  between elongated rectangular wall  2304  and L-shaped hook wall  2306 . It will be appreciated that second wall  2306   b  extend slightly above the upper surface of first wall  2306   a , such that when first wall  2306   a  is fully inserted between support ledges  2308   a  and  2308   b , a portion of second wall  2306   b  that extends above first wall  2306   a , abuts against the free edge of support ledge  2308   a.    
     First wall  2306   a  includes an elongated slot  2307  therein. A guide bolt  2316  is secured within openings in support ledges  2308   a  and  2308   b , and extends through the elongated slot  2307 , in order to guide first wall  2306   a  at different positions between support ledges  2308   a  and  2308   b . Once the desired position is attained, locking screws  2318  are secured through support ledge  2308   a , first wall  2306   a  and support ledge  2308   b  to fix L-shaped hook wall  2306  in position. 
     Further, to enable easy entry of a connecting panel  60  within open area  2305 , the upper end of the inner surface of elongated rectangular wall  2304  includes an arcuate projection  2314 . Arcuate projection  2314  also serves to wedge lock connecting panels  60  to hook assemblies  2300 . 
       FIGS. 90-92  show a hook assembly  2300 ′ which is identical to hook assembly  2300  except as where indicated below. However, the same reference numerals are used to identify the identical parts. 
     Hook assembly  2300 ′ differs from hook assembly  2300  by a reversal of parts of first wall  2306   a  and a support ledges  2308   a  and  2308   b . Specifically, first wall  2306   a ′ of hook assembly  2300 ′ is formed by two parallel, spaced apart walls  2306   a   1 ′ and  2306   a   2 ′ which extend outwardly at right angles from the upper end of second wall  2306   b ′, so as to define a space  2306   c ′ therebetween. A single support ledge  2308 ′ extends at a right angle from the upper end of elongated rectangular wall  2304 . Accordingly, the elongated slot (not shown) similar to elongated slot  2307 , is formed in single support ledge  2308 ′. 
     Further, as with the embodiment of  FIG. 57 , elongated rectangular wall  2304  can be provided with countersunk openings (not shown) for receiving screws  1276  therein in order to secure the hook assembly  2300  to the rear surface of wall panel  2386 . In such case, the upper surface of the head of each screw  1276  would be flush with the outer surface of elongated rectangular wall  2304 . 
     In all other respects, hook assembly  2300 ′ is constructed and operates in a similar manner to assembly  2300 . 
       FIGS. 93-95  show a hook assembly  2400  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hook assembly  2400  is mounted to the rear surface of wall panel  1286 . Specifically, each hook assembly  2400  includes an elongated rectangular wall  2404  that lies flush against the rear surface  1286   a  of wall panel  1286 . As with the embodiment of  FIG. 57 , elongated rectangular wall  2404  can be provided with countersunk openings (not shown) for receiving screws  1276  therein in order to secure the hook assembly  2400  to the rear surface of wall panel  1286 . In such case, the upper surface of the head of each screw  1276  would be flush with the outer surface of elongated rectangular wall  2404 . 
     A support ledge  2408  extends outwardly at a right angle from the upper edge of elongated rectangular wall  2404  and includes an end face  2410  having a vertical zig-zag configuration. 
     An L-shaped hook wall  2406  is mounted on support ledge  2408 . Specifically, L-shaped hook wall  2406  includes a first wall  2406   a  that is supported on by support ledge  2408  and a second wall  2406   b  that extends from the free edge of first wall  2406   a  in parallel, spaced apart relation to elongated rectangular wall  2404 , so as to define an open area  2405  between elongated rectangular wall  2404  and L-shaped hook wall  2406 . First wall  2406   a  includes an end face  2412  also having a vertical zig-zag configuration which matches the configuration of end face  2410  so as to mesh therewith. It will be appreciated, however, that any suitable configuration of the end faces can be provided, and the present invention is not limited to zig-zag faces. 
     A channel  2415  is provided in the outer surface of second wall  2406   b  at a position corresponding to first wall  2406   a  and also extends into first wall  2406   a . Locking bolts  2418  extend within channel  2415 , through a threaded opening  2420  in first wall  2406   a  and into a threaded opening  2422  in the end face of support ledge  2408 . Therefore, as locking bolts  2418  are rotated, first wall  2406   a  is move toward or away from support ledge  2408 , in order to adjust the position of L-shaped hook wall  2406  relative to support ledge  2408 . 
     Further, to enable easy entry of a connecting panel  60  within open area  2405 , the upper end of the inner surface of elongated rectangular wall  2404  includes an arcuate projection  2414 . Arcuate projection  2414  also serves to wedge lock connecting panels  60  to hook assemblies  2400 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 96-100 , there is shown a hook assembly  1200 ′ which is very similar to hook assembly  1200  of  FIGS. 57-60 , and the same reference designators are used. Specifically, the width of hook assembly  1200 ′ is narrower than hook assembly  1200  of  FIGS. 57-60 . Further, there is an opening  1298  for one adjustment screw  1297  and only one opening  1299  for a wedging securing screw  1296 . 
       FIGS. 96A and 99A  shown a hook assembly  1200   a ′ which is very similar to hook assembly  1200 ′ of  FIGS. 96-100 , and the same reference designators are used. Specifically, hook assembly  1200   a ′ differs from hook assembly  1200 ′ by positioning first wall  1206   a  of L-shaped hook wall  1206  spaced below the upper end of elongated rectangular wall  1204 , and further, by including thermal blockers  1207  mounted to the inner surfaces of elongated rectangular wall  1204 , first wall  1206   a  and second wall  1206   b . This is because hook assembly  1200   a ′ and connecting panels  1060  are preferably made from aluminum which is a heat transferring material. Thermal blockers  1207  block the heat transfer between hook assembly  1200   a ′ and connecting panels  1060 . As a result, openings  1298  and  1299  are eliminated as well. However, it will be appreciated that the thermal blocker  1207  at the inner surface of first wall  1206   a  can be eliminated, and in such case, openings  1298  and  1299  can be provided in the manner previously discussed. 
       FIGS. 101-104  show a hook assembly  1200 ″ which is a variation of hook assembly  1200  of  FIGS. 54-56  and hook assembly  1200 ′ of  FIGS. 96-100 . Specifically, hook assembly  1200 ″ is effectively the same as hook assembly  1200 ′, except that it also includes a trapezoidal projection  1275 ′ that fits within trapezoidal grooves (not shown) in wall panel  1286 , in a dovetail manner, so as to secure hook assemblies  1200 ′ to the rear of wall panels  1286 . 
       FIGS. 101 a -104 a    show a hook assembly  1200   a ″ which is a variation of hook assembly  1200 ″ of  FIGS. 101-104 . Specifically, hook assembly  1200   a ″ differs from hook assembly  1200 ″ by positioning first wall  1206   a  of L-shaped hook wall  1206  spaced below the upper end of elongated rectangular wall  1204 , and further, by replacing trapezoidal projections  1275 ′ with angled projections  1275   a ″ that fit within corresponding angled grooves  1286   a ″ in wall panel  1286  to allow sliding in of hook assemblies  1200   a ″, so as to secure hook assemblies  1200   a ″ to the rear of wall panels  1286 . 
       FIGS. 105 and 106  show the hook assemblies  1200 ″ mounted to connecting panels  60  and wall panels  1286  secured to hook assemblies  1200 ″. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 107 and 108 , there are shown modified adjustment support members  1040   a  and modified connecting panels  1060   a.    
     Specifically, each adjustment support member  1040   a  is identical to adjustment support member  1040  of  FIGS. 44-46  so that the same reference designators are used, except for where indicated. Adjustment support member  1040   a  differs from adjustment support member  1040  by providing U-shaped tracks  1044   a  which are much narrower, that is, elongated lower plates  1046   a  have a much smaller width. In addition, each wall  1048   ba  is of a lesser height than the respective wall  1048   aa  so that the upper and of each wall  1048   ba  is spaced slightly below platform wall  1054   a . Further, elongated, inwardly turned lips  1050  are eliminated. In addition, the inner surface of wall  1048   ba  has an angled recess  1049   a  extending therealong. 
     Each connecting panel  1060   a  is identical to connecting panel  1060  of  FIGS. 50 and 51  so that the same reference designators are used, except where indicated. Connecting panel  1060   a  differs from connecting panel  1060  by eliminating rectangular slide walls  1063 , and increasing the height of downwardly turned walls  1061   a  which are adapted to fit within narrower U-shaped tracks  1044   a  of adjustment support member  1040   a . Further, the inner surface of each downwardly turned wall  1061   a  is provided with at least one barb  1061   aa  which engages within the respective recess  1049   a  to lock the downwardly turned wall  1061   a  in the respective narrower U-shaped track  1044   a.    
     It will be appreciated that, because of the lesser height of wall  1048   ba , the upper surface of connecting panel  1060   a  is coplanar with the upper surface of platform wall  1054   a . This provides a zero sightline concept with no setback. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 109-115 , there are shown further modified adjustment support members  1040   b  and modified connecting panels  1060   b  to provide zero sightline with no setback. 
     Specifically, each adjustment support member  1040   b  is identical to adjustment support member  1040  of  FIGS. 44-46  so that the same reference designators are used, except where indicated. Adjustment support member  1040   b  differs from adjustment support member  1040  by providing elongated spaced apart slots  1051   b  in each wall  1048   b.    
     Each connecting panel  1060   b  is identical to connecting panel  1060  of  FIGS. 50 and 51  so that the same reference designators are used, except where indicated. Connecting panel  1060   b  differs from connecting panel  1060  by eliminating openings  1065  in rectangular slide walls  1063   b  and providing elongated slots  1065   b  open at one edge  1063   b   1  of rectangular slide walls  1063   b  centrally thereof and extending about one-half the widthwise dimension thereof. As a result, elongated slots  1065   b  divide rectangular slide walls  1063   b  into an inner slide wall section  1063   b   2  and an outer slide wall section  1063   b   3 . 
     In this manner, outer slide wall sections  1063   b   3  are inserted through respective slots  1051   b  in walls  1048   b , and slid down, as shown in  FIG. 111 , to removably lock connecting panels  1060   b  to adjustment support members  1040   b.    
     It will be appreciated that, because of this arrangement, the upper surfaces of connecting panels  1060   b  are coplanar with the upper surfaces of platform walls  1054 . This provides a zero sightline concept with no setback. 
     The opening or width a ( FIG. 114 ) of elongated slots  1065   b  can also be varied. For example, the width a can be made larger to compensate for expansion and contraction of the aluminum connecting panels  1060   b.    
     It will further be appreciated that elongated lower plate  1046  and outer wall  1048   b  can be eliminated, and slots  1051   c  can be provided in inner wall  1048   a , as shown in  FIG. 116  of modified adjustment support member  1040   c.    
     Further, adjustment support member  1040   c  can be modified, as shown by modified adjustment support member  1040   d  in  FIG. 117 , by adding an inwardly turned lip  1050   d  at the free end of inner wall  1048   a , and further providing that elongated rectangular platform wall  1054   d  includes two elongated dovetail shaped slots  1075   d , similar to those shown in  FIGS. 44B and 49B , extending along the lengthwise direction of elongated rectangular platform wall  1054   d , for receiving hooks  1062  of the type shown in  FIG. 52 . 
     In  FIG. 118 , modified adjustment support members  1040   d  of  FIG. 117 , are shown connected by connecting panels  1060   b  of  FIGS. 113-115 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 119-124 , there are shown further modified adjustment support members  1040   e  and modified connecting panels  1060   c  to provide zero sightline with no setback. 
     Specifically, each adjustment support member  1040   e  is identical to adjustment support member  1040  of  FIGS. 45 and 46  so that the same reference designators are used, except where indicated. Adjustment support member  1040   e  differs from adjustment support member  1040   b  by providing elongated spaced apart slots  1051   e  in elongated lower plate  1046  adjacent each wall  1048   b , instead of in each wall  1048   b  as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 109-116 . 
     Each connecting panel  1060   e  is identical to connecting panel  1060   a  of  FIGS. 107 and 108  so that the same reference designators are used, except where indicated. Connecting panel  1060   c  differs from connecting panel  1060   a  by eliminating barbs  1061   aa , and instead, providing elongated slots  1065   e  open at one edge  1061   e   1  of downwardly turned walls  1061   a  centrally thereof and extending about one-half the widthwise dimension thereof. As a result, elongated slots  1065   e  divide downwardly turned walls  1061   a  into an upper wall section  1061   e   2  and a lower wall section  1061   e   3 . 
     In this manner, lower wall sections  1061   e   3  are inserted through respective slots  1051   e  in elongated lower plates  1046 , and slid down, as shown in  FIG. 121 , to removably lock connecting panels  1060   e  to adjustment support members  1040   e . It will be appreciated that, because of this arrangement, the upper surfaces of connecting panels  1060   e  are coplanar with the upper surfaces of platform walls  1054 . This provides a zero sightline concept with no setback. 
     It will further be appreciated that outer wall  1048   b  can also be eliminated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 125-131 , a further modification is shown which uses adjustment support members  1040  of  FIG. 44  and connecting panels  1060  of  FIG. 50 . Specifically, hooks  1062   a  are slidably inserted within dovetail shaped slots  1075  of connecting panels  1060 . Each hook  1062   a  includes a dovetail shaped base  1066   a  with a trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration. Two spaced apart threaded openings  1068   a  and  1068   b  extend from the upper surface of each dovetail shaped base  1066   a , an entirely through dovetail shaped base  1066   a.    
     A set screw  1072  is threadedly received within opening  1068   a  and has a hexagonal recess  1072   a  in the upper surface thereof by which set screw  1072  can be turned within threaded opening  1068   a . When set screw  1072  is turned so as to extend past the lower surface of dovetail shaped base  1066   a , the lower end of set screw  1072  contacts the lower surface  1075   a  of the respective dovetail shaped slot  1075 , so as to move dovetail shaped base  1066   a  upwardly such that the side surfaces  1066   b  of dovetail shaped base  1066   a  contact the respective side surfaces  1075   b  of dovetail shaped slots  1075 , so as to releasably lock dovetail shaped base  1066   a  into the respective dovetail shaped slot  1075 . 
     A threaded post  1073  is threadedly received within opening  1068   b . Threaded post  1073  has an enlarged head  1073   a  with a hexagonal recess  1073   b  in the upper surface thereof by which threaded post  1073  can be turned within threaded opening  1068   b  to adjust the height of threaded post  1073  extending out from dovetail shaped base  1066   a.    
     A wall panel connecting member in the form of an annular disk  1078  having a center threaded opening  1078   a  threadedly receives threaded post  1073  therein. Accordingly, annular disk  1078  is constrained between the upper surface of connecting panel  1060  and an enlarged head  1073   a . The height of annular disk  1078  above the upper surface of connecting panel  1060  is thereby adjustable by rotating annular disk  1078  on threaded post  1073 , and also, by rotating threaded post  1073  within dovetail shaped base  1066   a.    
     With this arrangement, each wall panel  1286  includes arcuate slots  1286   c  inside openings  1286   b  thereof for receiving a portion of each annular disk  1078 , in order to align and restrain wall panels  1286  relative to each other, as shown in  FIG. 125 . It will be appreciated that the portion of threaded post  1073  and its enlarged head  1073   a  are omitted from these figures for ease of illustration. 
     With this arrangement, any irregularities in the existing wall can be compensated by adjusting the height of annular disk  1078  relative to the upper surface of the respective connecting panel  1060 . 
       FIG. 132  shows a threaded post  1073 ′ which includes an enlarged head  1073   a ′ of a parallelepiped configuration, with a slot recess  1073   b ′ for rotating threaded post  1073 ′ with a conventional screwdriver. 
       FIGS. 133-135  show a further modification of the arrangement of  FIGS. 125-131  in which annular disk  1078  is replaced by a rectangular plate  1078 ′ as the wall panel connecting member, having a threaded central opening  1078   a ′. Accordingly, openings  1286   c  in wall panel  1286  would have correspondingly shaped openings for receiving ends of rectangular plate  1078 ′. 
       FIGS. 136 and 137  show a further modification of the arrangement of  FIGS. 125-131  in which annular disk  1078  is replaced by a cylinder  1078 ″ as the wall panel connecting member, having a threaded central opening  1078   a ″. Accordingly, openings  1286   c  in wall panel  1286  would have correspondingly shaped openings for receiving ends of cylinder  1078 ″. 
     It will be appreciated that any shaped element can be threaded on threaded post  1073 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 138 , there is shown an arrangement utilizing the above described elements for hanging ceiling tiles from a ceiling. Specifically, the arrangement shown in  FIG. 38  utilizes the adjustment support member of  FIG. 49B  inverted by 180° and with the difference being an inward extension of elongated lower plate  1046  that forms inturned lips  1047 . In this regard, rectangular plates  1052  are slidably positioned in the space created between elongated walls  1048   a , the walls defining dovetail shaped slots  1075 ″ and inturned lips  1047 . Each rectangular plate  1052  includes a central opening  1052   a  with a backing plate  1053  position in the aforementioned space behind each rectangular plate  1052 . A cable  1053   a  has one end attached to backing plate  1053  and extends out of central opening  1052   a , with the opposite end of the cable attached to a ceiling (not shown) for supporting the adjustment support member in a hanging manner. With this arrangement, because of the sliding nature of each rectangular plate  1052  in the adjustment support member, the adjustment support member can be adjusted to a desired position on the rectangular plates  1052 . 
     Although the embodiment of  FIG. 138  discussed hanging ceiling tiles, the present invention can be used to hang any item, such as a lighting fixture, etc. 
     Of course, it will be appreciated that connecting panels  1060  would be connected in the matter shown in FIG.  125  to connect together the different adjustment support members. Further, hooks would be positioned within dovetail shaped slots  1075 ″, with ceiling panels secured to the hooks in the manner previously described. 
     Further, it will be appreciated that hooks can be connected with the connecting panels  1060  in such arrangement, in the manner previously described, with the ceiling panels secured to the hooks. 
     Of course, any of the different aspects of the above embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired. 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention, in all of the above embodiments, provides a zero sightline concept with no setback, such that the upper surfaces of connecting panels  1060  are coplanar with the upper surfaces of the platform walls  54  and  1054 . 
       FIG. 139  shows a modified embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, base member  12  is secured to an existing wall W by screws  13 , and sliding member  24  is slidably inserted into base member  12  and adjusted to a desired position, whereupon screws  15  secure sliding member  24  and base  12  to the existing wall W. An adjustment support member  1040 ″ ( FIG. 44B ) is secured to sliding member  24 , in the manner previously discussed. 
     However, at the end of a wall, it is necessary to provide closure thereat. In this regard, as shown in  FIG. 139 , a modified end adjustment support member  1040   f  is provided at the end of the wall. Modified end adjustment support member  1040   f  is identical to adjustment support member  1040 ″, except that, in place of elongated walls  1048   a  and  1048   b , and elongated lower plate  1046 , at the far side of modified end adjustment support member  1040   f , an L-shaped closure wall  1047  is provided, with one wall section  1047   a  thereof having one end connected to the free end of the wall structure that defines the dovetail shaped slot  1075 ″ thereat, and the other wall section  1047   b  thereof extending inwardly at a right angle from the free end of wall section  1047   a , in covering relation to the end of the wall panel securement arrangement. It will be appreciated that wall section  1047   a  is provided in a coplanar arrangement with connecting panel  1060  that connects together modified end adjustment support member  1040   f  with adjustment support member  1040 ″. 
     In addition, an extra dovetail slot  1075 ″ can be provided in wall section  1047   a.    
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 140 , the respective dovetail shaped slot  1075 ″ can be eliminated and, in such case, as shown, the free and of wall section  1047   a  can be connected directly to the upper end of elongated rectangular plate  1042 . 
       FIG. 141  shows a modified connecting panel  1060   d  for use at an outside wall corner. Connecting panel  1060   d  is effectively the same as connecting panel  1060  of  FIG. 51 , except that it is bent at a right angle along a line  1060   d ′ to create a first connecting panel wall  1060   d ′ and a second connecting panel wall  1060   d ″ at right angles to each other. 
       FIG. 142  shows a modified connecting panel  1060   e  which is identical to modified connecting panel  1060   d , except that first connecting panel wall  1060   e ′ corresponding to first connecting panel wall  1060   d ′ is a separate and distinct element from second connecting panel wall  1060   e ″ corresponding to second connecting panel wall  1060   d ″ by reason of a break  1060   e ′ at the position of line  1060   d′.    
     Although the wall panels previously discussed have all been planar, and generally extending in parallel spaced apart relation in the same plane with each other, except for the modification of  FIG. 13 , it will be appreciated that any arrangement of the wall panels can be provided. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 143 and 144 , wall panels  2586  having a wave-like shape can be used. In such case, retaining walls  30  and  32  of alternate sliding support members  24   a  have a greater height then the remaining sliding support members  24   b . In such case, modified connecting panels  2560  are provided, with each connecting panel  2560  having a bent L-shaped end  2560   a  that slidably fits within a U-shaped track  1044 ″ of an adjustment support member  1040 ″, and which is secured therein by screws  2588 . 
     In such case, wall panels  2586  are connected to connecting panels  2560  by any suitable means, such as the aforementioned brackets, screws or the like. 
     It will be appreciated that wall panels  2586  can be formed as a continuous sheet that is rolled out over connecting panels  2560 , or can be formed in sections, for example, separated at dashed lines  2590  shown in  FIG. 144 . In such case, each wall panel  2586  would have a main section  2592  and two angled end sections  2594 . 
     However, the present invention is not limited to wall panels with the embodiment of  FIGS. 143 and 144 . For example, the arrangement can be used for holding solar panels in place of the wall panels. As another alternative, the arrangement can be used on a floor or a roof, to hold flooring panels or deck panels in place of the wall panels. In such case, as shown in  FIG. 143 , openings  2596  are provided in the flooring panels or deck panels for water drainage. 
     In the above embodiments, sliding support member  24  is provided with parallel, spaced apart retaining walls  30  and  32  to engage elongated rectangular plate  1042  of adjustment support member  1040  therebetween.  FIGS. 145-147  show a different arrangement. 
     Specifically, a modified sliding support member  2624  to be retained within base support  12  includes a central member formed by an inverted U-shaped plate  2626  that fits in the space between the spaced-apart free edges of second walls  18   b ,  20   b  of the base support  12 . Inverted U-shaped plate  2626  thereby includes an upper plate  2626   a  and two downwardly extending leg plates  2626   b ,  2626   c  at opposite ends thereof that position upper plate  2626   a  in parallel, spaced apart relation from the upper surface of base plate  14 . A plurality of threaded openings  2627  extend through upper plate  2626   a.    
     Wing plates  2628   a ,  2628   b  extend outwardly from opposite free ends of leg plates  2626   b ,  2626   c  at the side edges of inverted U-shaped plate  2626 , with wing plates  2628   a ,  2628   b  slidably retained in spaces  22  of base support  12 . It will be appreciated that the distance between the free end edges of wing plates  2628   a ,  2628   b  is less than the distance between first walls  18   a ,  20   a  of L-shaped retaining walls  18 ,  20  so as to permit lengthwise sliding adjustment of sliding support member  2624  along a first lengthwise direction of base support  12 , while also permitting transverse, side to side sliding adjustment of sliding support member  2624  within base support  12  along a second transverse direction, thereby providing two degrees of freedom. A screw (not shown) can be inserted through each opening  2627  into base plate  14  and, if desired, into the existing wall, to lock sliding support members  2624  in position. Thus, sliding support member  2624  can be locked to base plate  14  after sliding support member  2624  has been moved and adjusted in the first lengthwise direction and second transverse direction. 
     An annular tube  2630  extends upwardly from the upper surface of upper plate  2626   a , and has an internal helical thread  2632 . 
     A modified adjustment support member  2040  is provided for engagement with sliding support member  2624 . Adjustment support member  2040  includes a generally rectangular platform wall  2054 . Two U-shaped tracks  2044  are provided, each connected to one lengthwise end edge of platform wall  2054 . Each U-shaped track  2044  includes elongated, parallel, spaced apart walls  2048   a  and  2048   b  connected together by an elongated lower plate  2046 . Specifically, the upper edge of each wall  2048   a  is connected to a respective lengthwise end edge of platform wall  2054 , and extends downwardly therefrom. Accordingly, lower plates  2046  are parallel to platform wall  2054 , but positioned lower relative thereto. An elongated, inwardly turned lip  2050  extends inwardly from the upper edge of each wall  2048   b.    
     It will be appreciated that lower plate  2046  has a generally arcuate shape, whereby the length of wall  2048   b  is generally less than the length of wall  2048   a . As a result, adjustment support member  2040  has a generally circular or oval configuration. 
     Elongated rectangular platform wall  2054  includes two elongated dovetail shaped slots  2075 , similar to those shown in  FIG. 44B , and extending along the lengthwise direction of elongated rectangular platform wall  2054 , for receiving hooks  1062  of the type shown in  FIG. 52 . 
     A rod  2042  extends downwardly from the underside of platform wall  2054  and has external threads  2056  along the outer surface thereof, whereby rod  2042  can be threadedly received within threaded annular tube  2630 . In this manner, the height and orientation of platform wall  2054  can be adjusted. When connecting panels  60  are secured to spaced apart platform walls  2054 , platform walls  2054  are fixed in position. However, if desired a screw or set screw can be inserted through annular tube  2630  to further lock the position of each platform wall  2054 . 
     It will be appreciated that threads  2632  and  2056  can be eliminated, whereby rod  2042  would freely slide and turn within annular tube  2630 . In such case, a screw or set screw through annular tube  2630  would be required to lock the position and orientation of rod  2042  therein. 
     With the embodiment of  FIGS. 145-147 , the wall panels can be coplanar with each other. Alternatively, by threadedly adjusting the heights of different modified adjustment support members  2040  to different heights, an angled arrangement of the wall panels can be achieved, similar to that shown in  FIGS. 143 and 144 . 
     Of course, as with the embodiment of  FIGS. 143 and 144 , the present invention is not limited to wall panels with the embodiment of  FIGS. 145-147 . For example, the arrangement can be used for holding solar panels in place of the wall panels. As another alternative, the arrangement can be used on a floor or a roof, to hold flooring panels or deck panels in place of the wall panels. 
       FIGS. 148 and 149  show a modification of the embodiment of  FIGS. 50-53 . As shown therein, hooks  2762  are slidably inserted into slots  1075 ″ of adjustment to support member  1040 ″. Each hook  2762  includes a base  2766  having a dovetail shaped cross-section in one direction ( FIG. 149 ) and rectangular cross-section in a direction at right angles thereto ( FIG. 148 ), with a T-shaped wall  2767  in cross-section extending outwardly from dovetail shaped base  2066 . Base  2766  is slid into a slot  1075 ″ with the orientation shown in  FIG. 148 , that is, with the rectangular sidewalls parallel to the walls of the dovetail shaped slots  1075 ″, to a desired location. Then, hooks  2762  are rotated 90° to the position shown in  FIG. 149 . In this position, the angled dovetail shaped sidewalls of  2766  frictionally engage with the angled dovetail shaped sidewalls of slot  1075 ″ in order to lock hooks  2762  in slots  1075 ″. Alternatively, or in addition to, screws (similar to screws  1076  in  FIG. 53 ) can be used to lock each base  2766  in a slot  1075 ″. 
     With this configuration, a hook attached to the rear surface of a wall panel can be used to hang the wall on T-shaped wall  2767 . Any suitable hook can be used, for example, any of the hooks of  FIG. 40-43, 54-59 or 82-104 . 
     It will be appreciated that, with the above embodiments, slots  1075 ″ need not be dovetail shaped. For example, they can have any bulbous cross-sectional shape, such as circular, T-shaped, triangular, etc., and in such case, bases  1066  would have complementary shapes. 
     Having described specific preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.