Patent Publication Number: US-2018051471-A1

Title: Panel

Description:
FIELD 
     The present invention relates to panels, panel systems and panel sealing elements, and may be useful for panels used in building. The invention may be particularly useful for panels used on existing walls to provide a desired structural appearance or effect. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Panels are used in building to provide a structural appearance or effect, for example, a weather board wall can be made to look like a brick wall by attaching panels having a brick or brick-like appearance or effect. Such panels may have a substrate onto which there is attached a number of brick or brick-like elements which are arranged to resemble a laid brick wall. In other examples, the appearance or effect may be for a regular or irregular stone wall, or other types of wall structure. Other types of panels may have a structural appearance or effect printed on them, or represented some other way. Often the structural appearance or effect can seem artificial as the material used for appearance or effect or the technique of applying the material can be inferior. An artificial looking appearance or effect is undesirable as many people want to have something closely approximating the real appearance of a particular structure. 
     Such panels are typically regularly shaped, for example, squarely or rectangularly shaped, to allow a number of panels to be readily used together to cover a wall surface. The panels abut each other so as to try to form a continuous structural pattern. However, the seams between each of the panels are usually readily visible so that the appearance or effect is negatively impaired. This may be particularly problematic where the structural appearance or effect is for a brick pattern, for example, an alternating off-set row pattern, such as a stretcher bond laid brick pattern. At the juncture of two half bricks along the seam, there will be an appearance of a “split” brick. 
     A similar problem arises where the panels meet at a corner. For example, the corner bricks will appear as if they have a “split” due to the seam between a panel on the wall on one side adjacent the corner and another panel on the wall on the other side adjacent the corner. The split appearance can worsen with time, as the gap along the seam can widen or become uneven. 
     Another problem with existing panels is that the substrate and the elements making the structural appearance or effect have different thermal expansion and contraction rates. The substrate may be subject to faster expansion in hot conditions, or may be subject to greater overall expansion in such conditions than the structural elements. Conversely, the substrate may be subject to faster contraction in cold conditions, or may be subject to greater overall contraction in such conditions than the structural elements. This can lead to cracking and other failures in the panels. 
     A further problem with existing panels is a lack of structural integrity, or a weak attachment to the wall. In harsh weather conditions, such as very high winds, the panels can snap, delaminate, bend, or become partially or fully detached from the wall. This lack of structural integrity can be due to inferior materials, or inferior structure of materials. The detachment from the wall may be due to poor attachment mechanisms, poor adhesive, or adhesive being poorly applied to the panels. 
     Some existing panels have tried to solve problems with strength by using stronger materials, but this may unacceptably increase the weight of such panels, thus limiting their use in many circumstances. 
     Some methods of attaching panels have problems, including lack of strength and/or durability. Some attachment methods can be difficult to use, unreliable or messy. Further, the existing attachment methods may have the problem that the panels are subject to reproducing defects in the wall to which they are attached. Such defects include unevenness of the wall surface or curvature. The panels are attached to the wall using means that are independent of attachment means for others of the panels. This results in the panels being subject to local defects in the wall. This can cause the panel to be misaligned from other adjacent panels. Where the wall has sufficiently localized curvature, the panels may also repeat this defect, and this can also cause misalignment. 
     Yet another problem in existing panels is the inability to choose an alternative appearance for the structural appearance or effect in a given panel. The panels will be provided in a given colour and pattern, but this colour and pattern is not alterable by a user at time of installation. This can be limiting where it is desired to have new and varied structural appearances or effects where using a given panel. 
     Other problems with some existing panels include flammability (or lack of ability to retard fire), colour fading, corrosion, lack of resistance to scratching, lack of resistance to impact damage, and lack of resistance to other physical damage, lack of flexibility (not appropriate for areas prone to seismic activity or high wind), or too much flexibility (these panels have a tendency to bend in high wind conditions, and do not provide any structural strengthening to a wall), along with other structural and aesthetic defects and shortcomings. 
     Further problems exist with panel systems, for example panel systems for forming wall structures in buildings, where the seals between the panels in the structure are prone to leak when subjected to precipitation, or are not sufficiently wind-tight, and therefore cannot provide adequate wind protection. Moreover, unsealed or inadequately sealed panels may not provide thermal and/or sound insulation, which may be required in areas where a building is located, such as particularly hot or cold areas, or areas subject to a lot of noise. 
     Previously, panels used, for example, to form structures in buildings, may have seals between those panels which are obvious to an observer when the panels have been installed. Such obvious seals between panels may create an unacceptable and unsightly appearance to a building. It may therefore be desirable to have a sealing system, suitable for panels, which allows for panels to be adequately sealed for protection against, for example, precipitation, wind, thermal leaking, and noise, and wherein the sealing system for the panels is not obvious to an observer looking at the installed panel system. 
     There is a need to overcome, or at least ameliorate, at least one of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and/or to overcome, or at least ameliorate, at least one problem in the prior art, which has not been mentioned above and/or to provide at least useful alternative to prior art devices, systems and/or methods. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an aspect, the present invention provides a panel for providing a selected structural appearance, the panel comprising a support layer formed from a rigid material, an outer layer comprising elements which provide the selected structural appearance, the outer layer formed from a material different from the support layer material, and a mid-layer between the support layer and the outer layer, wherein the mid-layer allows for different thermal expansion and contraction rates of the support layer material and the outer layer material. 
     In an embodiment, the support layer includes a honeycomb substrate and a backing sheet for the honeycomb substrate. 
     In an embodiment, the backing sheet and honeycomb substrate are formed from aluminum. 
     In an embodiment, the mid-layer includes a fiberglass sheet. 
     In an embodiment, the mid-layer includes an aluminum sheet. 
     In an embodiment, the selected structural appearance comprises a plurality of regular shaped elements having a periodic tessellated pattern. 
     In an embodiment, the elements are rectangular brick-like shapes and the pattern comprises an alternating off-set row brick pattern. 
     In an embodiment, the pattern comprises a brick stretcher bond pattern. 
     In an embodiment, two opposing sides of the panel comprise complementary toothed shapes such that, when one panel is placed next to another like panel the shape of adjacent sides of the panels form a finger joint to provide a continued alternating off-set row brick pattern. 
     In an embodiment, the panel is configured so that the finger joint comprises a gap, wherein the gap is adapted to be fillable to produce a grout-like or mortar-like line. 
     In an embodiment, the grout-like or mortar-like lines comprise a polymer. 
     According to an aspect, the present invention provides a panel including at least a support layer and an outer layer comprising elements which provide a selected structural appearance, the selected structural appearance comprising a plurality of regular shaped elements having a periodic tessellated pattern, a first side of the panel comprises at least one row where, at least a part of an end element of the row protrudes outwardly, and at a second side of the panel opposite the first side, an end element of the row forms a part element space, such that, when two panels are to be placed side-by-side, the protruding end element of one panel is to be placed in the corresponding part element space of the other panel. 
     In an embodiment, alternating rows of elements include at least a part of an end element of each row protruding outwardly of the first side, and an end element of each row forming a part element space, wherein at the first side of the panel the support layer is shaped to correspond with the end elements of each row. 
     According to an aspect, the present invention provides a panel system including at least a first panel and a second panel each configured according to the panel of paragraph [0026], wherein the first panel and second panel are placed side-by-side such that the protruding end element of one panel is to be placed in the corresponding part element space of the other panel to form a finger joint. 
     In an embodiment, the first panel is a wall panel and the second panel is an adjacent wall panel. 
     In an embodiment, the first panel is a wall panel and the second panel is a corner piece for use at a junction between two walls, the corner piece being configured similarly to said first wall panel in that the corner piece also includes at least a support layer and an outer layer comprising elements which provide the selected structural appearance of a plurality of regular shaped elements having a periodic tessellated pattern. 
     According to an aspect, the present invention provides a panel including at least a support layer and an outer layer comprising elements which provide a selected structural appearance, the selected structural appearance comprising a plurality of regular shaped elements having a periodic tessellated pattern, wherein alternating rows of elements include at least a part of an end element of each row protruding outwardly of the first side, and an end element of each row forming a part element space, wherein the support layer includes a straight side edge along at least one side of the panel which is aligned with an outer edge of the end elements that protrude outwardly of the side, thereby exposing the support layer in each of the part element spaces. 
     In an embodiment, when two panels are to be placed side-by-side so as to cause abutment between the straight side edge of each panel, end elements in alternate rows of each panel form two adjacent part element spaces to accommodate a separate element which substantially corresponds to the size and shape of the adjacent part element spaces such that the separate element spans across adjacent panels when affixed to the exposed support layer. 
     In an embodiment, a first side of the panel includes the support layer having a straight side edge aligned with an outer edge of the end elements that protrude outwardly of the first side, and a second side of the panel includes a support layer having a straight side edge aligned with an outer edge of the end elements that form a part element space such that the end elements which protrude outwardly of the second side protrude beyond the support layer straight side edge. 
     According to an aspect, the present invention provides a panel system including at least a first panel and a second panel each configured according to the panel of paragraph [0031], wherein the first panel and second panel are placed side-by-side to cause abutment between the support layer straight side edge of each panel. 
     In an embodiment, one or more separate elements for affixing to the exposed support layer across the adjacent first and second panels. 
     In an embodiment, the first panel is a wall panel and the second panel is an adjacent wall panel. 
     In an embodiment, the first panel is a wall panel and the second panel is a corner piece for use at a junction between two walls, the corner piece being configured similarly to said first wall panel in that the corner piece also includes at least a support layer and an outer layer comprising elements which provide the selected structural appearance of a plurality of regular shaped elements having a periodic tessellated pattern. 
     According to an aspect, the present invention provides a panel system including at least a first panel and a second panel each panel configured according to the panel of paragraph [0032], wherein the first panel and second panel are placed side-by-side such that the protruding end element of one panel that extends beyond the support layer straight side edge is to be placed in the corresponding part element space of the other panel and affixed to the exposed support layer to form a finger joint. 
     In an embodiment, the first panel is a wall panel and the second panel is an adjacent wall panel. 
     In an embodiment, the first panel is a wall panel and the second panel is a corner piece for use at a junction between two walls, the corner piece being configured similarly to said first wall panel in that the corner piece also includes at least a support layer and an outer layer comprising elements which provide the selected structural appearance of a plurality of regular shaped elements having a periodic tessellated pattern. 
     In an embodiment, the pattern includes a grout-like or mortar-like line between each of the elements. 
     In an embodiment, the grout-like or mortar-like lines comprise a polymer. 
     In an embodiment, the panel system according to each of the above aspects comprises one or more rails for attachment to a surface to be panelled, wherein the panels include clips for attachment to the one or more rails. 
     In an embodiment, if the surface is a substantially vertical wall, the one or more rails are attached horizontally to the surface. 
     In an embodiment, the panel system further includes one or more backer rods for placement between adjacent panels, the backer rods having a shape and size to maintain a selected separation between the adjacent panels. 
     In an embodiment, the panel according to each of the above aspects including a mid-layer which allows for different thermal expansion and contraction rates of the support layer material and the outer layer material. 
     According to an aspect, the present invention provides a sealing element adapted to be fixed to at least one side of an object, and so as to present a sealing surface outwardly facing with respect to the object, wherein the sealing surface has a periodic non-planar shape. 
     In an embodiment, the periodic non-planar shape is a sinusoidal or sinusoidal-like curved shape. 
     In an embodiment, the sinusoidal or sinusoidal-like curved shape includes more than half of one sinusoidal or sinusoidal-like cycle. 
     In an embodiment, the sealing surface is adapted to meet with a corresponding sealing surface of at least one other sealing element to form a seal. 
     In an embodiment, the object is a panel adapted to be used with other like panels to form a structure. 
     In an embodiment, a bracket for fixing the sealing element to an object. 
     In an embodiment, the bracket is elongate and has an L-shape cross-section. 
     In an embodiment, the object is a panel adapted to be used with other like panels to form a structure, each panel including an elongated edge to which the L-Shaped bracket is to be attached. 
     In an embodiment, at least a part of the sealing element is formed from a rubber or rubber-like compound. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be performed, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only and with reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a part of a panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mid-layer and outer layer are shown as cut away to more clearly reveal the structure of the panel; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a panel attached to a wall, along with a corner piece, the panel and corner piece forming an embodiment of one as aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a similar view to  FIG. 2  showing the corner piece joined to the panel; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of a panel including clips according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view of two panels configured as per the panel of  FIG. 1  attached to a wall with rails mounted, the panels forming an embodiment of one as aspect of a system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of  FIG. 5  of two panels joined and mounted on a wall; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of two panels each configured according to an embodiment, joined and using a separate element to fill spaces in the outer layer of the joined panels; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a corner piece in a panel system; 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed perspective view of the part of  FIG. 8  circled in a dashed line and labelled nine ( 9 ); 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a panel of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of a part panel and a full panel configured as per the panel of  FIG. 10  and a corner configured as per the corner of  FIG. 8 , in an embodiment of an aspect of a system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear side elevation view of a panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a side cross-sectional view of two vertically disposed panels including a sealing element in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for sealing objects; and 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective and partial cross-sectional view of corner edges of two sealed panels configured as per the panels in  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION 
     For a better understanding of the invention it will now be described in some of its aspects and embodiments. This detailed description is intended to be non-limiting, and there are other aspects and embodiments which fall within the scope of the invention defined in the claims. 
       FIG. 1  shows a part of a panel  10  according to an embodiment including a support layer  12 , a mid-layer  14  and an outer layer  16 . The support layer may include a rigid material comprising a honeycomb patterned substrate  22 , which may be made from a metal such as aluminum. Advantages of using aluminum include it being light weight and non-corrosive. It is to be understood that whilst reference is made to a “layer” throughout this document, any one of the support layer  12 , mid-layer  14  and outer layer  16  may themselves comprise two or more layers or sub-layers. For example, the honeycomb substrate  22  may have a backing sheet  23  which together with the substrate  22  forms the support layer  12 . In one embodiment, the panel  10  includes a 1.0 mm anodized sheet of aluminum  23  as a backing, on the back face of the honeycomb  22 . 
     The honeycomb structure  22  allows the support layer  12  to be rigid. It will be understood that the rigidity is sufficient to support the panel  10  with its layers, but the rigidity is limited so that the support layer has some flexibility in circumstances such as when the panel is in a high speed and variable direction wind. It will also be understood that the rigidity can be selectively altered by varying the structure of the panel, such as using a thicker honeycomb substrate or using a more rigid material to form same. 
     The outer layer  16  comprises the selected structural appearance, which, in this embodiment, is a brick wall having off-set alternating rows, also known as a stretcher bond brick laying pattern. The brick wall includes brick elements  18 , which may be formed from various materials. 
     In this embodiment, the brick elements  18  are formed from a porcelain or ceramic type material. In other embodiments, the bricks elements  18  may be formed from a material more closely resembling real bricks, such as baked clay. In yet other embodiments, different structural appearances or effects can be achieved by using real or artificial sandstone elements, so as to resemble a dressed sandstone wall. It is also possible to use irregularly shaped materials such as stone or the like to produce the effect of rustic constructions. 
     In different weather conditions, the panels will be subject to hot and cold conditions, and transitions between the two temperature extremes. It will be understood that an aluminum substrate  22  in the support layer  12  and a ceramic or porcelain brick-like element  18  in the outer layer  16  will have different rates of expansion or contraction in hot or cold conditions. The present invention provides a mid-layer  14  to negate or ameliorate the effects of this differential expansion and contraction between the support layer  12  and the outer layer  16 . In an embodiment, the mid-layer  14  may be formed from fiberglass in the form of a fiberglass sheet. In an alternate embodiment, the mid-layer  14  may be formed from an additional sheet of metal (not shown), such as aluminium, which together with the aluminium backing sheet encloses the honeycomb substrate  23  in a sandwich configuration. Due to its physical properties, the fiberglass sheet will stop or substantially lessen the risk of cracking of the outer layer elements  18  due to a more rapid expansion in the aluminum substrate  22  of the support layer  12  in hot or increasing temperature weather conditions. Accordingly, the fibreglass sheet is appropriate as a middle layer  14  when the panel is used in warmer outdoor environments. In indoor environments, it may be sufficient to use an additional aluminum sheet (not shown) in the middle layer  14 , in place of the fibreglass, as an aluminium sheet (on its own or in combination with the substrate) will still allow for different thermal expansion and contraction rates of the support layer material and the outer layer material. The present invention is not limited to the use of any one particular material in the middle layer  14 , or in any of the support or outer panel layers for that matter. 
     The elements  18  of the outer layer  16  have gaps between them, which may be filled with a polymer  20  to mimic the appearance of grout or mortar. The grout-like or mortar-like effect can be achieved with a polymer substance. The polymer has the added benefit that it can maintain elasticity when cured, and this elasticity allows for a certain amount of expansion and contraction between the elements and also assists with negating or ameliorating the effect of differential expansion between the outer layer  16  and the support layer  12 . 
     In one technique of manufacturing a panel  10  according to the embodiment, the porcelain brick elements  18  are directly adhered to the middle layer sheet  14  using an epoxy under an industrial vacuum table for a minimum of four hours and up to eight hours, depending on environmental conditions and temperature. In some embodiments, the middle layer sheet  14  is already bonded to the honeycomb substrate  22  before the brick elements  18  are attached to it. 
     Although the invention may have a considerable number of variations and changes without effecting its essential nature, it has been found that using different backing panels instead of the aluminium honeycomb  22  may result in a lower performance rating for the impact and flexural strength. It has also been found that use of porcelain for the brick-like elements provides a superior performance over stone or masonry brick, as the porcelain is less subject to fading, discolouring, or an inconsistent colour range between the elements. 
     Furthermore, it has been found that using traditional grout or mortar results in cracking and inconsistent coverage in the spaces between the elements  18  of the outer layer  16 . Using the polymer mortar-like or grout-like substance  20  provides a superior performance in changeable weather condition and makes for easier manufacture, and is less likely to be damaged during transportation of panels from manufacture to installation. 
     Although there may be a number of adhesives to be used in bonding the porcelain brick to the fiberglass sheet, it has been found that an epoxy adhesive provides superior performance. 
     Further advantages of panels in accordance with the invention and its embodiments are easier installation as the panels are significantly lighter than other panelling/cladding options. Lighter panels also contribute to a reduction in cost for transportation. The panels have a high impact rating and have been tested to Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) and High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) ratings. Other advantages are that the porcelain used for the brick elements  18  is resistant to fading and staining. The porcelain is also graffiti resistant. 
     As mentioned above, the panels are rigid, but have sufficient flexibility so that they can be used in areas with regular and/or high seismic activity. The flexibility also allows for the panels to be made in larger sizes. This cuts down on installation costs as more area can be covered more quickly. The flexibility also allows for a high wind load capability. 
     Furthermore, due to the materials being used in such an embodiments, the panels are resistant to rust and corrosion. Moreover, the panels are suitable for a great range of climate conditions and have been tested from −40 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius. The panels are also non-combustible, which provide fire resistance and heat resistance. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown an embodiment of the panel  10  attached to a wall  40 . As previously described, the panel has a support layer  12 , which may include an aluminum honeycomb layer  22 , a mid-layer  14 , which may be formed from a fiberglass sheet, and an outer layer  16 , which may be formed from brick elements  18  and mortar-like or grout-like lines formed from a polymer  20 . 
     The particular panel  10  shown in  FIG. 2  has a first side  24  and a second side  26 , each side has a toothed shape, wherein a half-brick element size protrudes forming the teeth  32  with recesses  34  in between. The toothed shape  28  of the first side  24  is offset by one row of brick-like elements from the toothed shape  30  of the second side  26 . This allows adjacent panels to be easily fitted together so as to maintain a consistent laid brick pattern. 
     The panel  10  shown also has an upper straight side  36  and a lower straight side  38 , thus allowing the panel to abut adjacent upper and lower panels. The upper and lower straight sides  36 ,  38  may also have a lip formed from a protrusion of the support layer (and, optionally, the mid-layer). The lip may meet with a corresponding lip of an upper or lower panel to form a channel between corresponding brick-like elements  18 , and the channel can be filled with a polymer similar or same as the polymer  20  used in manufacture of the panel  10 . These features and construction techniques allow for a continued and consistent appearance or effect of the panels when forming a wall or other structure. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2  is a corner piece  42 . It will be understood that corner pieces can be formed at a variety of angles to suit corresponding angles on a structure to which the panels are attached. In  FIG. 2 , the corner piece  42  is shown as having an obtuse angle. In other embodiments, the angle may be acute or a right angle (90 degrees). 
     Similarly to the panel  10 , the corner piece  42  has a first side  44  with a toothed shape and a second side  46  with a toothed shape. The toothed shape of the first side  44  is offset from the toothed shape of the second side  46  by one brick-like row, such that the first side  44  cooperates with the second side  26  of the panel  10 , and the second side  46  of the corner piece  42  can cooperate with a first side  24  of another panel  10  (not shown). In these embodiments, the side edge of the support layer  12  and mid-layer  14  terminate at where each brick-like row terminates, but variations are possible where the support layer  12  (and also the middle layer  14  where appropriate extend further beyond or short of where each brick-like row terminates, and will become apparent from a reading of the further embodiments. 
       FIG. 3  shows the panel  10  and the corner piece  42  joined together in an installation on a wall  40 . The toothed shape  30  of the second side  26  of the panel  10  cooperates with the toothed shape of the first side  44  of the corner piece  42  so as to form a finger joint  48 . The panel  10  and corner piece  42  are formed so as to leave a gap  50  between the two, which may be filled with the mortar-like or grout-like polymer material  20 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a rear of a wall panel forming part of an embodiment of a wall panel system  58  shown in  FIG. 5  for attaching panels  10  to a wall. The system includes clips  52  which are affixed to the back of the panel  10 , and, in this embodiment, are affixed to the aluminum sheet  23  on the back of the honeycomb structure  22  in the support layer  12 . Each clip  52  has an upper hook  54  and a lower hook  56 , which are designed to cooperate with a rail  60  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     The clip and rail system  58  for attaching panels to walls has a number of advantages, including ease of installation. The clip and rail system may also provide an easily reversible installation, so panels  10  can be swapped out and in very readily. 
       FIG. 5  shows details of the clip and rail system  58  for attaching panels to walls. In a typical installation process, the rails  60  are mounted to the wall  40  and may also use a spacer  68 . In this embodiment, the rails consist of an upper bar  62  and a lower bar  64 , which cooperate, respectively with the upper hook  54  and lower hook  56  of the clip  52 . The rail  60  also has a back plate  66  which abuts the wall  40  or spacer  68  and it can be affixed thereto using screws  70 . The rails  60  and clips  52  form an embodiment of the mounting system  58 . 
     During installation, the clips  52  are moved towards the rails  60 , such that the upper hook  54  is able to move over and towards the rear side of the upper bar  62 , and the lower hook  56  is able to move over and towards the rear side of the lower bar  64 . The panel  10  is then moved downwardly so that the upper hook engages in a snug fit with the upper bar and lower hook engages in a snug fit with the lower bar. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 5  is a rod or backer rod  71 , which can be placed between panels  10  during installation. The rod may be formed from a material that allows for expansion and contraction of the panels in varying weather conditions. It should be understood that the rod is an alternative to having lips on the panels as previously described. In an installation process, a rod  71  is placed between adjacent panels and then the grout-like or mortar-like polymer  20  is placed between the adjacent panels and over the rod  71 . 
     The rod  71  may also be formed of a material or to have structures, such that it keys into the grout-like or mortar-like polymer  20 . This assists in maintaining structural integrity of the installation. 
       FIG. 6  show two laterally adjacent panels  10  installed on a wall  40  using the clip  52  and rail  60  of system  58 . The panels  10  join together to form a finger joint  72 , and in which there is formed a grout-like or mortar-like line  74  from a polymer at installation. 
       FIG. 6  shows that the rails  60  run continuously along the wall  40 , which provides a consistent and straight line attachment point for all the panels  10  along the rails. This can help to ameliorate or eliminate the effect of defects in the wall  40 , such as local or large curvatures in the wall or unevenness of other kinds on the surface. The spacers  68  used in cooperation with the clip and rail system  58  can be used selectively to “pad out” the wall so that the rail  60  is able to form a straight edge. The spacers  68  can be formed from a material which is able to be sanded back or otherwise altered, which enables a finer adjustment of curvatures or other defects in the wall to provide a straight line when attaching the rail  60 . 
     Although  FIG. 6  shows only an upper and lower rail  60 , it will be understood that the attachment system may have a greater number of rails to increase structural integrity of the panels. For example, having a mid-rail in such an installation would help to prevent flexing towards the centre of the panel between the two rails shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  shows panels  10 A and  10 B configured according to an alternate embodiment and an embodiment for joining two panels  10 A and  10 B together. In this embodiment, the left-most panel  10 A is shown with a first side  76  having a tooth pattern which is different from the tooth pattern shown in previous embodiments of the corresponding side  24  of panels  10 . In this regard, it will be noted that the tooth pattern of the side  76  has recesses  34  both at the top and bottom thereof. A similar tooth pattern appears at the side  78  of the right-most panel  10 B. 
     On the right side  78 A of the left-most panel  10 A, the support layer  12  (and optionally the mid-layer  14 ) include a straight side  79  instead of a tooth pattern as per the panel in  FIG. 6 . Instead of the tooth pattern, the support layer  12  and mid-layer  14  at this side  78 A of panel  10 A has spaces or gaps  82  corresponding to a half brick-like element shape and size in alternating rows in the outer layer  16  of the panel  10 A. There is a corresponding pattern of spaces on the left-most side  76 A of the right-most panel  10 B. The combined spaces  82 , in this embodiment, expose the mid-layer  14  in the panels  10 A and  10 B in the shape of a brick element. 
     During installation, the panels  10 A and  10 B are placed next to each other such that their straight sides  79  directly abut, or can be spaced with a rod  71 . When in place, the corresponding half spaces  82  will form a full size brick-like element space, which can then be filled with a separate brick-like element  84 , which may also be made of porcelain. The separate brick-like element  84  may be the same as the brick-like elements  18  in the panels  10 A,  10 B. Alternatively, to provide a special structural effect, the separate elements  84  can be of a different colour and/or texture, or could be of a different thickness, so as to provide a variation in the pattern of the structural appearance or effect produced by the panels. 
     When the panels  10 A and  10 B are installed, and the separate elements  84  are affixed to the panel (this can be by use of a same or similar epoxy as used in manufacture of the panels), there will be left a gap  80  forming a space for the grout-like or mortar-like line to be placed using a polymer substance. 
     The panels, in other embodiments, may have spaces in the outer layer  16  in different positions than those shown in  FIG. 7 . This can allow variations of the appearance or effect according to aesthetic taste. 
     In another use scenario, it may be desired to end a panel installation at the end of a wall  40 , or at an internal corner where it is desired to panel one wall adjacent the corner, but not the other wall adjacent the corner. For example, if a wall  40  ends on a left side, then a panel such as  10 B can be used so that the left-most side  79  of the panel  10 B corresponds with the end of the wall on its left side. In this scenario, the panel  10 B will have a series of alternating spaces  82 , which correspond approximately to the size and shape of a half brick-like element  18 . When the panel  10 B is installed, the spaces  82  can be filled with a separate half-size brick-like element so as to form a consistent appearance of the structural appearance or effect at the end of the wall  40  in the panel  10 B. 
     A corner piece  42  was detailed earlier with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in accordance with an embodiment.  FIG. 8  shows another embodiment of a corner piece  100  in a panel system that may be suitable for use at a wall corner having panels  10 A and/or  10 B affixed. The corner piece  100  has a first side  101  and a second side  103 . It will be understood that the corner piece  100  can be formed at a variety of angles to suit corresponding angles on a structure to which panels are to be attached. In  FIG. 8 , the corner piece  100  is shown as having an obtuse angle. In other embodiments, the angle may be acute or right angle (90 degrees). 
     The first side  101  of the corner piece  100  has a tooth-shaped pattern, including an outer layer  102  comprising a selected structural appearance, in this case brick pieces which protrude  104 , forming gaps  110  therebetween. Similarly, the second side  103  of the corner piece  100  has top layer brick elements, alternately protruding  104  so as to form gaps  110  therebetween. In this way, the corner piece  100  shown in  FIG. 8  is similar to the corner piece  42  depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     The corner piece  100  depicted in  FIG. 8  also includes a support layer (not shown) which may be configured in accordance with the previously described support layer  12 , and a mid- layer  105 , wherein the mid-layer  105  may be configured in accordance with the previously described mid-layer  14  and allow for different thermal expansion and contraction rates of the support layer material and the outer layer material. 
       FIG. 9  is a detail of  FIG. 8  towards the top of the corner piece  100 . More-clearly shown in  FIG. 9  is the configuration of brick elements comprising the outer layer  102  wherein, in alternate rows, a brick element has a half brick end  108  and a full brick end  106 . The top-most depicted brick element has the full-length brick end  106  protruding outwardly from the second side  103  of the corner piece  100  and the half brick end  108  located on the first side  101  of the corner  100 . The next brick row reverses the top brick row pattern, such that the brick element half end  108  is located on the second side  103  of the corner  100 , and the full length brick end  106  is located on and protrudes from the first side  101  of the corner piece  100 . The difference between corner piece  100  and that previously described is that the side edges of the corner piece  100  do not extend out with the protruding elements but fall short to form a straight line edge in alignment with the half-brick ends  108 . 
     Panels  10 ,  10 A and  10 B were described earlier, with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , in accordance with embodiments.  FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of a panel  120 . Similarly to the embodiment of the panel  10 , the panel  120  in  FIG. 10  includes a support layer  122  formed from a rigid material, and an outer layer  132  formed from a material different from the support layer material and comprising the selected structural appearance, which, in this case, is a stretcher bond brick pattern. The panel  120  also includes a mid-layer  124  between the support layer  122  and the outer layer  132 , wherein the mid-layer  124  allows for different thermal expansion and contraction rates of the support layer material and the outer layer material. 
     The panel  120  has a first side  125 , which includes brick elements at an end of each alternate row of bricks that protrude  130  from an edge  136  in alternate rows to form gaps  134  therebetween, such that the protruding brick elements and the gaps form a tooth shaped pattern. 
     The second side  123  of panel  120  is shown with the top row of bricks, for example, having the end brick  129  set back from an edge  137  the second side  123 . In the second row of bricks an end brick  131  on the second side  123  extends to the side line  137 . 
     The alternate rows of bricks that protrude  131  from the second side  123  of the panel  120  form gaps  126  between the bricks  131  which extend to the side edge. In some embodiments, the surface of the gap  126  is formed from the mid-layer  124 . In other embodiments, the surface of the gaps  126  is formed from the support layer  122  of the panel  120 . 
     It will be understood that, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , the sides  125  and  123  are defined by where the support layer  122  or a combination of support layer  122  and the mid-layer  124  of the panel  120  end. This panel  200  is thus similar to panel  10 A depicted in  FIG. 7 , except the top end brick  129  on the second side  123  is set back instead of protruding out, and likewise on the other side is protruding out instead of set back. 
       FIG. 11  shows a panel system including a partially-depicted face of a first panel  120 A and a fully depicted face of a second panel  120 B which are configured according to the previously described panel  120 .  FIG. 11  also shows a corner piece  100 , as previously described and depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     It should be readily understood that when installing a panel system as shown in  FIG. 11 , an installer may first install the first panel  120 A, and when the first panel is sufficiently secured, the installer can then position the second panel  120 B for installation. The protruding brick elements  130  associated with the first side  125  of the second panel  120 B will be located in the corresponding gaps  126  of the first panel  120 A. 
     When the second panel  120 B is sufficiently securely installed, the installer may then position the corner piece  100  for installation, wherein protruding brick elements  104  associated with the corner piece  100  are positioned into the gaps  126  associated with the second side  123  of the second panel  120 B. 
     It will be understood by those skilled in the art that there may be many different types of brick pattern that can be applied to embodiments of the panel, or the panel system in accordance with the present invention. The stretcher bond pattern of bricks is merely one example pattern used to exemplify the present invention. It will also be understood that the tooth shaped pattern depicted at the first side  125  of the panel  120  in  FIG. 10  may have a different kind of pattern to suit the brick laying pattern used on the panel. 
     Further, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that non-regular shape elements, such as rocks, could be used to form the selected structural appearance for the outer layer of the panel. In such cases where the structural appearance is made from irregularly shaped objects, it is possible to configure the first side  125  and second side  123  of the panel  200  so as to form joints between a first panel and a second panel which are adequately sealed. It will be understood that, though the pattern of the structural appearance may be composed of irregular elements, the joints will include irregular shaped protrusions on a first panel, with corresponding substantially same irregular shaped gaps or spaces on a second panel. 
       FIG. 12  shows the rear face  150  of a panel  120  having the first side  125  and the second side  123  reversed from the depictions in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     The panel  120  of  FIG. 12  is shown in use with another aspect of the invention, being the means and method for sealing between panels. 
     The panel  120  may have attached around the sides of the support layer  122  four sealing elements  152 , including a top, bottom, first side, and second side sealing element  152 . The sealing elements  152  will be described in more detail in the description below relating to  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 . 
     In this embodiment, the sealing elements include brackets  153  for assisting in attaching each sealing element to a side edge of the panel  200 , which can comprise the support layer  122 , or a combination of a support layer  122  and mid-layer  124 . In this embodiment, the brackets  153  have an L-shaped cross-section, and may be affixed to the support layer  122  by screws  154 . 
       FIG. 12  also shows positions  155  adapted to allow affixing of mounting brackets for the panel to allow the panel to be mounted to a wall using, for example, rails as depicted by feature  60  in  FIG. 6  for another embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 13  shows a first panel  120 C and a second panel  120 D where, when installed, panel  120 C is located vertically above panel  120 D. Each panel includes a support layer  122 , a mid-layer  124  and an outer layer  132 . The outer layer  132  may be a brick or brick stretcher bond pattern as previously depicted in various embodiments. 
     Panel  120 C has a sealing element  152  attached thereto via a bracket  153 . The bracket has an L-shaped cross-section, with a first arm  156  of the L-shape abutting the rear face of the support layer  122  and a second arm  158  of the L-shape abutting a side edge of the support layer  122 . The L-shaped bracket  153  may be affixed to the support layer  122  via a number of screws  154  which in the embodiment shown are inserted into the rear face of the support layer  122  but may equally be screwed into the side edge of the support layer  122 . 
     Each sealing element (one sealing element located on panel  120 C and the other corresponding sealing element located on panel  120 D) includes a part  160  which may be formed from a sufficiently flexible, yet sufficiently durable material, such as rubber or a rubber-like compound. 
     Each sealing part  160  has a sealing surface  162 . The sealing surfaces of the seal elements  152  may have a complementary shaping allowing the sealing surfaces of respective sealing parts  160  to meet and to form a sufficiently water and wind resistant seal. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 13 , for example, the shape of the sealing surface is sinusoidal or includes a sinusoidal-like curved shape. The sinusoidal or sinusoidal-like curved shape extends for approximately two sinusoidal or sinusoidal-like cycles on each respective sealing surface  162 . In other embodiments, the sinusoidal or sinusoidal-like curve shape may include different integer or non-integer sinusoidal or sinusoidal-like cycles. However, it will be appreciated that a greater number of sinusoidal or sinusoidal-like cycles may produce better precipitation and wind resistance, better noise and thermal resistance, and better structural integrity of objects to be sealed. 
       FIG. 14  shows the two panels depicted in  FIG. 13, 120C and 120D , moved together so that the respective sealing surfaces  162  of the sealing elements  152  meet with each other and form a seal  200 . 
     In various other embodiments, the sealing surfaces  162  may have other types of periodic non-planar shapes, such as saw toothed shaped, square-wave shapes, and periodic shapes having peaks and troughs in the periodicity, which are different from cycle to cycle. It will be readily appreciated that a vast number of shapes are contemplated within the scope of the term “periodic non-planar shape.” 
     Although, in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the seal elements are exemplified as being attached to panels  120 C and  120 D, it will be appreciated that in other circumstances a seal element may be attached to other objects or surfaces in a building structure. For example, an installer may wish to install a bottom row of panels to form a wall structure, and a sealing element  152  or row of sealing elements may be placed along a ground or a foundation (not shown) in order to form the bottom most seal of the wall structure between the bottom line of panels and the ground or foundation. Similarly, where panels are installed along a wall at a 2-wall corner junction, a sealing element or row of sealing elements may be placed along one of the walls in order to form the side seal of the wall structure between the side edge of panels mounted to the wall structure and the other wall. 
     The invention is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other those specifically described, and yet it to be understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions, which fall within the scope of the following claims. 
     Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 
     The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.