Patent Publication Number: US-11642762-B2

Title: Architectural panel assembly and tools

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/897,207 filed on Jun. 9, 2020. 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/285,626 filed on Feb. 26, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,675,737. 
     Application U.S. Ser. No. 16/285,626 is a continuation of Ser. No. 15/284,193 filed on Oct. 3, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,213,905. 
     Application U.S. Ser. No. 15/284,193 is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 14/531,054 filed on Nov. 3, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,482,006. 
     Application U.S. Ser. No. 14/531,054 claims priority benefit of U.S. Ser. Nos. 62/038,262 filed on Aug. 16, 2014 and 61/899,132 filed on Nov. 1, 2013, and; each of these is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     This application relates to the field of reveal style architectural panels along with tools and methods for making the same. Several examples of which are disclosed. Also disclosed is a tool/clamp for assembly thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an end cutaway view of a prior art pair of reveal style panels and a mounting assembly. 
         FIG.  1   a    is an end cutaway view of another prior art pair of reveal style panels and a mounting assembly. 
         FIG.  2    is a cutaway isometric view of one example of the disclosed architectural panel assembly and tool. 
         FIG.  3    is an isometric view of one example of a tool (clamp) component shown in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a top isometric view of a stage of production of the disclosed architectural panel assembly. 
         FIG.  5    is a top isometric view of a second stage of production of the disclosed architectural panel assembly. 
         FIG.  6    is a top isometric view of a third stage of production of the disclosed architectural panel assembly. 
         FIG.  7    is a top isometric view of a fourth stage of production of the disclosed architectural panel assembly and a tool (clamp) used to aid in assembly. 
         FIG.  8    is a detail enlarged view of a region  8  of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a bottom sectional isometric view of the architectural panel assembly and tool shown in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  10    is a sectional isometric view of a second example of the architectural panel assembly and tool shown in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  11    is a side isometric view of another example of the tool (clamp) shown in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  12    is a top isometric view of a stage of production of another example of the disclosed architectural panel assembly and tool. 
         FIG.  13    is an enlarged view of one region  13  of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    is a cutaway view of a region of  FIG.  12    taken along line  14 - 14 . 
         FIG.  15    is a rear isometric view of a set of 4 architectural panel assemblies as they may be attached to a wall (not shown) in one example. 
         FIG.  16    is a cutaway view of the example shown in  FIG.  15    taken along line  16 - 16 . 
         FIG.  17    is a cutaway view of one example of the frame extrusion taken along line  17 - 17 . 
         FIG.  18    is a view of internal components of the example shown in  FIG.  15    taken along line  18 - 18 . 
         FIG.  19    is an end view of internal components of the example shown in  FIG.  15    at region  19  with several components removed to better illustrate the remaining components. 
         FIG.  20    is an isometric view of a filed clip component shown in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  21    is an end view of internal components of the example shown in  FIG.  15    with a side panel removed to better illustrate the remaining components. 
         FIG.  22    shows one example of an angle spear component as shown in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  23    shows another example of the angle spear component. 
         FIG.  24    is a cross sectional view of the region  24  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical base attachment. 
         FIG.  25    is a cross sectional view of the region  25  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a horizontal joint detail. 
         FIG.  26    is a cross sectional view of the region  26  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical joint. 
         FIG.  27    is a cross sectional view of the region  27  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical inside corner. 
         FIG.  28    is a cross sectional view of the region  28  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical outside corner detail. 
         FIG.  29    is a cross sectional view of the region  29  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical sill installation at a window. 
         FIG.  30    is a cross sectional view of the region  30  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical head installation at window. 
         FIG.  31    is a cross sectional view of the region  31  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical jamb installation at window. 
         FIG.  32    is a cross sectional view of the region  32  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical head installation at a louver. 
         FIG.  33    is a cross sectional view of the region  33  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical jamb installation at louver. 
         FIG.  34    is a cross sectional view of the region  34  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical sill installation at louver. 
         FIG.  35    is a cross sectional view of the region  35  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical head installation at a door. 
         FIG.  36    is a cross sectional view of the region  36  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical jamb installation at a door. 
         FIG.  37    is a cross sectional view of the region  37  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical parapet coping installation option. 
         FIG.  38    is a cross sectional view of the region  38  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical parapet coping installation option. 
         FIG.  39    is a cross sectional view of the region  39  shown in  FIG.  46    showing an end wall installation. 
         FIG.  40    is a cross sectional view of the region  40  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical wall-to-soffit transition installation. 
         FIG.  41    is a cross sectional view of the region  41  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical base installation option. 
         FIG.  42    is a cross sectional view of the region  42  shown in  FIG.  46    showing typical wall to soffit transition option. 
         FIG.  43    is a cross sectional view of the region  43  shown in  FIG.  46    showing placement of caulking behind gasket. 
         FIG.  44    is a cross sectional view of the region  44  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a step of pushing a composite panel into extrusion pocket. In this step the panel face and extrusion are typically flush. 
         FIG.  45    is a cross sectional view of the region  45  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a step of using a self-tapping fastener (screw) though a plastic shim to hold the architectural panel assembly in position until the adhesive cures or dries. 
         FIG.  46    is a stylized example of several installed examples of the claimed apparatus. 
         FIG.  47    is a cutaway end view of an assembled pair of panel assemblies. 
         FIG.  48    is a cutaway end view of one end of an assembled panel assembly. 
         FIG.  49    is a cutaway end view of the opposing end of an assembled panel assembly from that shown in  FIG.  48   . 
         FIG.  50    is a corner view of and assembled panel assembly. 
         FIG.  51    is a cutaway end view of an assembled panel assembly and seal. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Disclosed herein is a novel method for assembling a composite architectural face panel assembly in several examples. Several wall attachment clips, panel members, and frame extrusions are disclosed for different applications. The frame members may be extruded components, although they may be cast machined, or otherwise produced. Also disclosed is a novel clamp/tool to be used in assembly of such a composite architectural face panel. 
     An axes system  10  is shown in  FIGS.  2  and  10    including a transverse axis  12 , lateral axis  16 , and frontal axis  14  each orthogonal to the others. 
     Looking to  FIG.  1    is shown a prior art composite (reveal style) panel generally including an outer panel  20  fixed to a frame  22  by way of a plurality of fasteners  24 . Although the example in  FIG.  1   a    is slightly different than that shown in  FIG.  1   , the same style of outer panel  20 , frame  22  and fasteners  24  are utilized. 
     During construction of these prior art panels, an operator would generally bend the outer panel  20  to form a face panel  26  and a plurality of side panels  28 . The outer panel  20  is then affixed to the frame  22  by way of the fasteners  24 . The individual frame components  32  are often (tack) welded or otherwise fixed to each other. The combination of the outer panel  20  and frame components  32  form a panel assembly  30 . As these panel assemblies  30  are often custom-fit to a particular installation, it is generally not convenient to fit the frames  22  within the outer panel  20  prior to construction. Once assembled, a structure frame  32  is attached to a building  34  generally by way of fasteners  36  and a support frame  38 . The support frame  38  mounted to the building  34  and the panel assembly  30  hanging from the support frame  38 . 
     In most common examples, the frame  22  has surfaces comprising mounting locations which allow for hidden (inner seam surface) fastening of the panel assembly  30  onto the building  34  via support frame  38  without visible (face surface) fasteners on the face panel  26 . However, the fasteners  24  provided through this side panel  28  (not on the face panel  26 ) are generally visible and may provide a water conduit for rain, etc. to the detriment of the overall assembly. 
     Looking to  FIG.  2    is a modified and improved panel assembly  40 . As can be seen, the outer panel  42  comprises a face panel  44  and a plurality of side panels  46  (see  FIG.  4    for another view of the panel assembly  40 ). Fitted within the outer panel  42  is a frame extrusion  48  having a perimeter side  92  adjacent and facing the side panels  46  and a face side  50  adjacent and facing the face panel  44 . A volume of adhesive  54  may be used between the face side  50  and the outer panel  44 . As one desired outcome of this assembly is to significantly avoid the outwardly visible fasteners  24  previously used; in one example adhesive  54  may be used between the face side  50  of the frame extrusion  48  and the inner surface of the face panel  44 . A volume of adhesive  54  may be used to attach the face side  50  and face panel  44 .  FIG.  2    shows only a cutaway section of the outer panel  42  and the frame extrusion  48 . 
     Looking to  FIG.  4   , the face panel  44  can be seen in a stage of assembly where the side panels  46  ( a - d ) have been defined and the side panels  46   a  and  46   b  have been bent from a planar position (see side panels  46   c  and  46   d ) to a position substantially perpendicular to the face panel  44  thus forming an outer panel  42 .  FIG.  5    shows all of the side panels  46   a - c  in a bent position, substantially perpendicular to the face panel  44 . In  FIG.  6   , an inner frame  58  comprising four frame extrusions  48   a - c  which have been cut and positioned inside the side panels  46  with optionally a layer of adhesive  54  to secure the outer panel  42  to the inner frame  58 . Once in position, a specially designed clamp  60  or plurality of clamps  60  is used to temporarily hold the frame extrusions  48  in place on the outer panel  42 . It is shown in  FIG.  3    that each clamp  60  of this design comprises a face arm  62  which is generally perpendicular to a side arm  64 . The face arm  62  having an inner surface  65  with a vertical (downward) protrusion  66  extending therefrom generally parallel to the side arm  64 . The vertical protrusion  66  has an inner surface  68 ″. Similarly, the side arm  64  has an inner surface  70  with a horizontal protrusion  72  extending therefrom with an inner surface  74  generally parallel to the face arm  62  thereupon. 
     In use as shown in  FIG.  9   , the inner surface  68  is positioned to engage an upper surface  76  of the frame extrusion  48  and the side arm  64  is rotated past a distant corner  78  of the outer panel  42 . In the example shown, the side arm  64  comprises a tapered surface  80  to facilitate repositioning of the clamp  60  past the corner  78  in a snap fit. 
     In one form, the clamps  60  of each design are formed as a uniform construct body such as by extrusion followed by a step of cutting the extrusion along sides  82  and  84  to form the clamps  60  shown herein. The term uniform construct intended to mean a homogeneous structure which is cast, machined, extruded, or otherwise formed from a single structure such that all portions are fixed to each other. In one form, the clamps  60  of each design are formed of a relatively rigid polymer. 
     During assembly of a panel assembly  40  (outer panel  42  and frame extrusions  48 ), the clamps  60  hold the frame extrusions  48  in proper position relative to the corner  78  by flexing outward slightly along the side arm  64  (see  FIG.  3   ) and or face arm  62  to form a force vector  86  pressing the frame extrusion  48  against the inner surface of the face panel  44  and against the inner surface of the side panel  46 . 
     Once the frame extrusions are properly positioned, the independent frame extrusion components  48  may be connected by (tack) welding, brazing, adhering or other methods (such as at connecting surfaces  88  shown in  FIG.  7   ). Such attachment processes can be accomplished once the clamps are positioned and held in place by the outer panel  42  and clamp  60 . 
     In one form, the clamps  60  may be maintained in place while the panel assemblies  40  are prepared for storage or transport during a curing period of the adhesive  54  and during shipment or storage. Using prior art assembly techniques, once assembled the panel assemblies required additional padding so as to avoid scratching or damaging the face panels  44  and or side panels  46  during movement, shipping, and storage. In the architectural panel assembly disclosed herein, the clamps may provide this function during storage and shipping. One significant improvement is that the clamps  60  in most designs herein have no moving parts as the term is commonly used. 
     Testing of the disclosed architectural panel assembly has shown that it may take up to 48 hours or more for the adhesive to cure. This time delay increases the advantages of allowing the clamps  60  to remain in place while the panel assemblies are assembled and stored, even in a vertical orientation. Prior art examples of constructing these panel assemblies without the fasteners  24  involved maintaining the frame extrusions  48  in a proper relative position by gravity which is not advantageous as these panel assemblies must be held in a planar position for the full cure time of the adhesive. This prior art process without the disclosed clamps requires significant floor space and or workspace during the curing process. Currently, the clamps  60  are well-suited to temporarily perform the function of the fasteners  24  while the adhesive cures or dries, as well as optionally perform the function of the prior art padding used in shipping, movement, and storage. 
     To remove the clamps  60 , the clamps  60  may be cut off, or potentially may be forcibly removed. However, either of these methods may be detrimental to the face panel  44  and/or side panels  46 . It is therefore provided in one example, to provide cutaway portions  90  ( FIG.  8   ) in the surfaces  76  of the frame extrusions  48  such that the clamps  60  may be slid (slid: to move along in continuous contact with a smooth or slippery surface) laterally to overlap the cutaway portion  90  facilitating easy removal of the clamp  60  from the frame assembly  40 . 
     Testing has shown that when the clamps  60  are formed of a polymer material, such as for example ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polymers, or plastics such as polyethylene; sliding removal of the clamps  60  in this way does not damage the face panel  44  nor side panel  46  and is easily accomplished. 
     As the face panel  44  and/or side panel  46  may be an aluminum composite material with a polymer (polyurethane) core; the overall assembly is quite light, especially when the fasteners  24  are eliminated from the construction. 
     Once the panel assembly  40  is properly constructed, it may be stored, shipped, and attached to a building  34  by way of support frames  38  previously disclosed. In one form, the cutaway portions  90  may be used to attach the assemblies  40  to the support frames  38  in a similar manner to that disclosed relative to removal of the clamps  60 . 
     Looking to  FIG.  10    is shown a second example of a frame extrusion  48 ′ and a second example of a clamp. In this example the same numerical identifiers will be used as the first example with a single quote mark “′” indicator. For example, the clamp shown in  FIG.  3    is labeled  60  whereas the modified clamp shown in  FIG.  10 - 14    is labeled  60 ′. This labeling system should assist in describing the examples without unnecessary repetition. 
     Still looking to  FIG.  10    it can be understood that this example shows several modifications to the previous example which can be used independent of or combined with the example shown in  FIG.  9   . For example, the frame extrusion  48 ′ shown in  FIG.  10    includes surfaces defining at least one vent/weep conduit  94  in one or more frame extrusions  48 ′. This vent/weep conduit  94  allows for water passage through at least a portion of the frame extrusion  48 ′. Generally, the face panel  44  is in a vertical orientation when installed and it is less than desirable neither for water to accumulate either between the outer panel  42  and the building  34  nor within any portion of the frame extrusion  48 ′. Thus, the conduit  94  allows for water passage through the panel assembly  40 ′ by entering one of the conduits  94  in the upper or side frame extrusion components and then exiting through a conduit  94  in the vertically lower or side frame extrusion components after installation on a wall. In one form, a weep channel  96  may facilitate water conduction around the frame components  48 ′. 
     In this example, referring to the axes system  10  previously described the frontal edge  98  of the side panel  46  does not extend frontally to the surface  76 ′ of the frame extrusion  48 ′. This arrangement will result in a gap of at least the offset distance between the upper edge  98  and the surface  76 ′ when the panel assembly is installed. Assuming that the surface  76 ′ is closely adjacent or contacting the outer surface of the building  34  when the panel assembly is installed. This gap may allow water and wind to enter inner components of the frame extension  48 ′ which may necessitate the conduit  94 . Testing has also shown that allowing for wind passage around the edge  98  and through the panel assembly  40 ′. This gap also reduces wind shear effects of the panel assembly  40 ′ which allows for installations in higher wind applications than previously possible. 
     Referring to the axes system previously described, in this example a lateral edge  100  of the frame extrusion  48 ′ does not extend laterally  16  outward to the side panel  46 . This arrangement results in an additional (lateral  16 ) offset. These two offsets disclosed above are accounted for in the clamp  60 ′ by way of a detent  102 . The detent  102  in this example has a frontal surface  104  facing the inner surface  74  of the horizontal protrusion  72  and a lateral surface  106  facing the inner surface  68 ′ of the vertical protrusion  66 ′ of the face arm  62 . The frontal surface  104  contacts the front edge  98  of the frame extrusion  48 ′. The lateral surface  106  contacts the surface  76 ′ of the frame extrusion  48 ′. 
     Due in part to the shapes and dimensions of the frame protrusion  48 ′ as can be seen in  FIG.  10   , the inner surface  68 ′ may be angled at a relative angle  108  as more clearly shown in  FIG.  11    to the inner surface  70  of the side arm  64 . In one example this angle may be between 20° and 70°. In one example this angle may be substantially 45°. 
     Looking to  FIG.  12    is shown in assembly method and a panel assembly with a slight modification to that shown in the previous Figs. To distinguish components of this example which are similar but different from those shown in the previous examples will use the same numeric label with a double quote “ ” indicator. For example, in example shown in  FIG.  12    three of the side panels  46  are the same as/of a frontal height equivalent to that shown in  FIG.  10    relative to the frame extrusion  48 ′. One of the side panels is substantially extended in a frontal direction  14  and is thus labeled  46 ″. The clamps  60 ′ used to connect the frame extensions  48 ′ to the shorter side panels  46  will not be functional in this configuration with the frontally extended side panel  46 ″. Thus, to enable easy construction of this or other examples of the architectural panel assembly, a suction cup clamp assembly  110  is disclosed. The suction clamp assembly  110  can be seen in the cross-sectional view of  FIG.  14    system with several interoperating components. For example, in this example the suction clamp assembly  110  comprises a plurality of suction cup assemblies  114 . Each suction cup assembly includes a suction cup  112  with a perimeter edge  116  forming a suction seal to the inner surface of the face panel number  44 . Each suction cup assembly may also comprise a rigid housing  122  with an actuator assembly. As an actuator rod  118  is moved by way of an actuator  120  away from the panel  44 , the rigid housing  122  will be drawn toward the suction cup  112  creating a vacuum in the gap  124  between the suction cup  112  and the face panel  44  provided that there is an airtight seal at the perimeter edge  116 . This action will draw/move the rigid housing  122  frontally downward  126  along with any components rigidly attached thereto. Looking to  FIG.  13    it can be understood that each actuator  120  may have an engagement surface  128  thereon to facilitate the user exerting (rotational) force upon the actuator  120 . In this example, the actuator rod  118  slides linearly in a frontal direction  14  and the actuator  120  pivots about a transversely aligned pivot through a plurality of extensions  130  from the rigid housing  122 . 
     In the example shown, a bracket  132  is affixed to the rigid housing(s) to align and temporarily secure the frame extrusion  48 ′ the side panel  46 ′ so as to hold the frame extrusion  48 ′ in place while the adhesive between the frame extrusions  48 ′ and panel  44  cures. In this example, the bracket  132  may be fixed to the rigid housing(s)  122  such as by way of (removable) mechanical fasteners such as screws, or other less removable methods such as, welding, brazing, or adhesives. This example shown in  FIG.  12 - 14    has a first lateral extension  134  extending therefrom toward the frame extrusion  48 ′. The bracket  132  also has a first vertical extension  136  extending from the first lateral extension  134  in contact with and pressing against the frame extrusion  48 ′ at contact surface  138 . In this example the bracket  132  also has a second lateral extension  140  which contacts the surface  76 ′. As the actuator  120  is utilized, the rigid housing  122  along with the bracket  132  repositions frontally inward  126 . This movement presses the second lateral extension  140  against the surface  76 ′ maintaining the frame extrusion  48 ′ against the outer panel  42  until the adhesive is sufficiently cured to safely remove the suction clamp assembly  110  without movement of the frame extrusion  48 ′ relative to the outer panel. In addition, the bracket  132  has a second vertical extension  142  adjacent the side panel  46 ′ with a third lateral extension  144  extending therefrom and a third vertical extension  146  extending in a frontally inward correction  126  and against the outer perimeter surface of the side panel  46 ′. 
     Looking to  FIG.  46    is shown a highly stylized building  34  having a panel  42  attached thereto. In this stylized example  148 , several different inside corners, outside corners, doorways, windows, louvers, etc. are shown. To follow below is a description of several different frame extrusions and attachment devices which may be utilized to satisfy all the needs of the customer using the disclosed panels for buildings (structures) including the building  34  shown. 
     In  FIG.  24    is shown a cross sectional view of the region  24  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical attachment of a panel assembly to a base component starter track. 
       FIG.  25    is a cross sectional view of the region  25  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a horizontal joint detail. 
       FIG.  26    is a cross sectional view of the region  26  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical vertical joint. 
       FIG.  27    is a cross sectional view of the region  27  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical inside corner. 
       FIG.  28    is a cross sectional view of the region  28  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical outside corner detail. 
       FIG.  29    is a cross sectional view of the region  29  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical sill installation at a window. 
       FIG.  30    is a cross sectional view of the region  30  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical head installation at window. 
       FIG.  31    is a cross sectional view of the region  31  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical jamb installation at window. 
       FIG.  32    is a cross sectional view of the region  32  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical head installation at a louver. 
       FIG.  33    is a cross sectional view of the region  33  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical jamb installation at louver. 
       FIG.  34    is a cross sectional view of the region  34  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical sill installation at louver. 
       FIG.  35    is a cross sectional view of the region  35  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical head installation at a door. 
       FIG.  36    is a cross sectional view of the region  36  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical jamb installation at a door. 
       FIG.  37    is a cross sectional view of the region  37  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical parapet coping installation option. 
       FIG.  38    is a cross sectional view of the region  38  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical parapet coping installation option. 
       FIG.  39    is a cross sectional view of the region  39  shown in  FIG.  46    showing an end wall installation. 
       FIG.  40    is a cross sectional view of the region  40  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical wall-to-soffit transition installation. 
       FIG.  41    is a cross sectional view of the region  41  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a typical base installation option. 
       FIG.  42    is a cross sectional view of the region  42  shown in  FIG.  46    showing typical wall to soffit transition option. 
       FIG.  43    is a cross sectional view of the region  43  shown in  FIG.  46    showing placement of caulking behind gasket. 
       FIG.  44    is a cross sectional view of the region  44  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a step of pushing a composite panel into extrusion pocket. In this step the panel face and extrusion are typically flush. 
       FIG.  45    is a cross sectional view of the region  45  shown in  FIG.  46    showing a step of using a self-tapping fastener (screw) though a plastic shim to hold the architectural panel assembly in position until the adhesive cures or dries. In  FIG.  15   , several architectural panels  20  are shown attached to a slightly different framework comprised of frame extrusions  150  which are attached to the building  34  by way of a starter track  152  or other attachments such as angle spear clip  154 , field clip  156 , or zee clip  158  ( FIG.  27   ). A spline  160  may be placed between frame panel components. 
     It can be appreciated that as shown, the assembly of  FIG.  16    comprises four panel assemblies  40 . In  FIG.  46    is shown an assembly of approximately 38 panel assemblies. Returning to  FIG.  15   , it can be seen how the starter track  152  may be attached by way of fasteners  36  to a building  34 . Normally, the starter track  152  is attached to the lowermost portion of the building  34 . Another length of starter track  152  may be attached at a transverse end of the building. During installation, a protrusion  162  of the frame extrusion  150  is fitted into surfaces defining a channel  164  of the starter track  152 . This is also shown in  FIG.  41   . The first panel assembly  40   a  is then slid within the channel  164  until the adjacent starter track  152  is engaged in the same manner. This installation step holds the first panel assembly  40   a  in position while the other sides of the panel assembly  40   a  are attached to the building  34 . 
     In the assembly shown in  FIG.  15    a plurality of field clips  156  have been attached to the first panel assembly  40   a  for attachment to an adjacent panel assembly. As can be seen in  FIG.  20   , the field clips  156  each have a first side  166  which can be slid into surfaces defining a lateral channel  168  in the frame extrusion  150  prior to installation into the starter track  152 . Using fasteners  36  (see  FIG.  15   ) positioned through surfaces defining voids  170 , the field clips  156  are fixed to the building. In this way, all four sides of the panel assembly  40   a  are attached to the building. This assembly method can be repeated until the desired wall coverage is achieved. 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  20   , the first side of the field clip  156  has an outer tang  172  and an inner tang  174 ; although these tangs  172 / 174  could be formed as a unitary structure. The inner tang  174  in one example engages a detent  176  in the channel  168  in such a way as to allow easy insertion, removal and sliding along the channel  168 . This installation method generally holds the field clip  156  within the channel  168  during installation to the building as shown in  FIGS.  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45   . The second side  178  of the field clip  156  comprises an outer tang  180  and may not include the inner tang  174 . This absence of the inner tang  174  allows a user to attach another panel assembly  40   b  by engaging the channel  168  on to the second side  178  after the field clip  156  is attached to the wall and then pivoting the panel assembly  40   b  into position on the building  34  either with another field clip  156  or other assemblies. 
     Looking to  FIG.  19    and  FIG.  40   , it can be seen how once installed, a spline  160  generally comprising a flat stock length of material may be fitted into a spline receiving channel  182  (see  FIG.  21   ). So as to further reinforce, provided whether resistance, and to improve aesthetic appeal. In  FIG.  36    an installation is shown wherein the spline  160  is fitted between the frame extrusion  150  and a door jamb  192  again to improve aesthetic appeal as well as to keep a rein and other weather elements out of the assembly. In this example, a malleable seal  194  is provided in a seal receiver  194  of the channel  182 . 
     In one example, such as when the end of the wall is reached, it may not be convenient to utilize the field clip&#39;s  156 . Thus, spear clips  154  may be utilized. As seen in  FIG.  18   , these spear clips  154  may be attached to the building by way of fasteners  36  at the correct position so that as the panel assembly  40   b  is rotated into position, the spear point  180  is positioned into spear receiving channel  183  past a detent  184 . Once the detent  186  of the spear  180  passes the detent  184 , the panel assembly  40   b  snaps into position. In this position, the mounting surface  188  and fasteners  136  are hidden from view by the panel assembly  40   b . As understood to one of ordinary skill in the art, the detent  184  may also be provided on the protrusion portion  162 . 
     It may be desired to allow for different positioning of the panel assembly  40   b  relative to the spear point  180 . Thus, as shown in  FIG.  23    rather than a single detent  186  it may be desired to have a serrated surface  190  which engages the detent  184  at various positions, including at the detent  186 . 
     Looking to  FIG.  37    is an installation utilizing the Z-clip  158 . In this attachment, the Z-clip  158  is attached to the building  34  by way of fastener  36 . The panel assembly  40  is then attached to the Z-clip such that a protrusion  196  of the frame extrusion  150  rests upon a surface  198  of the Z-clip. In addition, a protrusion  200  of the Z-clip fits within a channel  202  of the frame extrusion  150 . A fastener  36  may then be screwed through the outer panel  42  and engages a protrusion  204  of the Z-clip  158  to keep the panel assembly  40  and the correct position. Looking then to  FIG.  38   , it can be seen that flashing  206  may then be fitted over this assembly so as to keep water from entering at the fastener  36  which otherwise may provide water entry through the outer panel  42 .  FIG.  27    also shows an installation utilizing the Z-clip  158 . 
     Looking to  FIG.  47 - 50    is shown a reversible frame extrusion  208  which comprises a channel  210  into which may be disposed a volume of adhesive upon which the frame extrusion  208  is attached to the side panel  46  of an outer panel  42 . The reversible frame extrusion  208  of this example comprises a wall attachment protrusion  212  and a channel engagement protrusion  214  both extending orthogonal to the channel  210  in opposing directions. During assembly, the reversible frame extrusions  208  are attached in reversed orientations on opposing sides of the outer panel number  42  for example,  FIG.  48    shows the wall attachment protrusion  212  extending outward of the outer panel  42 . In this position, a user may attach fasteners through the wall attachment protrusion  212  to directly connect this reversible frame extrusion  208  to the building. Looking to  FIG.  49    is shown the opposing side of the outer panel  42  wherein the channel engagement protrusion  214  extends outward of the outer panel  42 . This allows attachment of this side of the panel assembly to an adjacent panel assembly at a receiving channel  216 . 
     The starter track  152  and similar apparatuses of previous examples may be utilized in combination with this example. 
     This the understood that in some examples, such as the bottommost and uppermost or leftmost and rightmost panels of a wall installation may utilize panel assemblies wherein the wall attachment portion  208 . 
     This example omits the need for attachment of an inner frame assembly to the building wall prior to installation of the panel assemblies. 
     Looking to  FIG.  48   , can be understood that the bottom portion of the channel  210  is formed by a plurality of protrusions  220  each ending in a flared portion  222 . Looking to  FIG.  51   , it can be seen that a malleable seal may be fitted between adjacent panel assemblies or in this instance between a panel assembly and a starter track  226  of a slightly different construction the not previously shown. The malleable seal  224  may be formed of rubber, silicone, closed cell foam or similar constructions so as to compress as a bulbous portion  228  of the seal  224  passes the flared portions  222  and expand there past. This installation method and apparatus holds the malleable seal number  224  in place and may be removed by force. Likewise, surfaces  230  of the seal  224  compress to engage outer surfaces of the side panels  46 . These surfaces  230  are much further apart when non-compressed as shown. It may be desired to have the outer/visible surface substantially flat/planar when the apparatus is compressed. To facilitate perpendicular contact with another seal  224 , such as at the corner shown in  FIG.  51    when adjacent panel assemblies are installed. 
     In example shown, flashing  232  has been fitted into a channel  234  such as at the bottom edge of a wall. While the present invention is illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants&#39; general concept.