Patent Publication Number: US-2023133189-A1

Title: Panel installation system and method

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/079,130, entitled “Panel Installation System and Method,” filed on Oct. 23, 2020, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to construction, and more particularly to a panel installation system and method. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It may be desirable to attach one or more panels to a substrate. For example, structures, such as buildings and homes, include one or more walls. These walls may be interior and/or exterior walls. In certain instances, it may be desirable to install a covering on the wall. The covering may serve a variety of purposes. For example, the covering may enhance or otherwise alter the appearance of the wall. As another example, the covering may protect the wall from damage, such as weather-related damage. As another example, the covering may provide a layer of insulation for the structure. As another example, the covering may provide a combination of these and other advantages. Various types of objects, such as those formed from concrete, ceramic, stone, glass, fiberglass, photovoltaic panels, carbon fiber, steel, aluminum, or other suitable materials, may be used to provide the covering. In many instances, difficulties may be encountered in supporting and installing the desired wall covering. These difficulties may result in problems such as ill-fitting portions and an inefficient, time-consuming installation process that yields a less than desirable result. 
     SUMMARY 
     In certain embodiments, a curtain wall system includes first and second support anchors, a curtain wall member, an interlocking bracket, and a locking clip. The first support anchor is elongated and includes a base for attaching the first support anchor to a wall. A projection extends outwardly from the base of the first support anchor, and a tab extends upwardly from the projection of the first support anchor. The second support anchor is elongated and includes a base for attaching the second support anchor to the wall spaced apart from the first support anchor. A projection extends outwardly from the base of the second support anchor, and a prong extends from the base of the second support anchor. The curtain wall member is adapted to be mounted to the wall via the first support anchor and the second support anchor such that a first end of the curtain wall member is coupled to the first support anchor and a second end of the curtain wall member is coupled to the second support anchor. The interlocking bracket is configured to couple to the second end of the curtain wall member and to engage with the prong of the second support anchor for coupling the second end of the curtain wall member to the second support anchor. The locking clip is configured to be positioned in a gap between the interlocking bracket and the projection of the second support anchor. 
     In certain embodiments, a panel installation method includes attaching a first support anchor to a substrate. The first support anchor is elongated and includes a base for attaching the first support anchor to the substrate. A projection extends outwardly from the base of the first support anchor, and a tab extends upwardly from the projection of the first support anchor. The method further includes attaching a second support anchor to the substrate spaced apart from the first support anchor. The second support anchor is elongated and includes a base for attaching the second support anchor to the substrate. A projection extends outwardly from the base of the second support anchor, and a prong extends from the base of the second support anchor. The method further includes mounting a panel to the substrate via the first support anchor and the second support anchor. Mounting the panel includes coupling a first end of the panel to the first support anchor, coupling an interlocking bracket to a second end of the panel, and coupling the second end of the panel to the second support anchor by engaging the interlocking bracket with the prong of the second support anchor. The method further includes positioning a stabilizing insert in a gap between the interlocking bracket and the projection of the second support anchor. 
     In certain embodiments, a panel installation system includes first and second support anchors, a first panel, a first interlocking bracket, and a first stabilizing insert. The first support anchor is elongated and includes a base for attaching the first support anchor to a substrate. A projection extends outwardly from the base of the first support anchor, and a tab extends upwardly from the projection of the first support anchor. The second support anchor is elongated and includes a base for attaching the second support anchor to the substrate spaced apart from the first support anchor. A projection extends outwardly from the base of the second support anchor, and a prong extends from the base of the second support anchor. The first panel is adapted to be mounted to the substrate via the first support anchor and the second support anchor such that a first end of the first panel is coupled to the first support anchor and a second end of the first panel is coupled to the second support anchor. The first interlocking bracket is configured to couple to the second end of the first panel and to engage with the prong of the second support anchor for coupling the second end of the first panel to the second support anchor. The first stabilizing insert is configured to be positioned in a gap between the first interlocking bracket and the projection of the second support anchor. 
     Particular embodiments of this disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. For example, certain embodiments provide an efficient system and installation method for installing panels to create a panel field. Certain embodiments allow panels of a panel field to be removed (and replaced, if appropriate) individually and without damaging the panel, reducing or eliminating the need to remove (and replace, if appropriate) numerous panels to remove/replace an isolated panel, which may improve efficiency in producing a desired panel field, reduce materials costs (e.g., the cost of multiple replacement panels), and reduce the cost of labor (e.g., for the time spent removing, and possibly replacing, multiple panels). Furthermore, because in certain embodiments panels may be removed without breaking or otherwise damaging the panels, replacing a panel may involve reinstalling the same panel that was removed, which over time may reduce costs associated with purchasing new replacement panels and may reduce or eliminate delays associated with obtaining new replacement panels. 
     Certain embodiments allow large and/or heavy panels to be installed. For example, due to the manner of engagement of an interlocking bracket with a prong of a support anchor and/or the use of a locking clip to further secure a panel that is mounted to support anchors attached to a substrate (e.g., a wall), mounted panels may be more securely mounted in position on support anchors attached to the substrate. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components used mount panels to a substrate (e.g., a wall) may be made of a variety of materials including high-grade stainless steel, which may increase a reliability of a coupling of panels to support anchors mounted to the substrate. For example, one or more of the support anchors, the interlocking bracket, or the locking clip may be made of such high-grade stainless steel. In certain embodiments, the panel installation system of this disclosure can support panels of exceeding nine square feet, three inches thick and weighing thousands of pounds. 
     Although described primarily in the context of a curtain wall system (with the panels being curtain wall members and the substrate being a wall), the system and techniques described herein may be used in any of a variety of applications, and with the panels having any suitable size, shape, and weight. That is, the system and techniques described herein can be scaled up to accommodate extremely large and/or heavy panels (e.g., structural framing size or more) or scaled down to include small and/or light panels. As just one particular example, a very small version might be used to secure a thin panel (e.g., 4 mm thick) or glass panels for mounting on a system that can be made for very corrosive environments. As another particular example, a large version of the system might be used to secure panels that form a sea wall or that form a blast fence on a military aircraft launch area. The size and materials of the panels and the components of the system may be customized to accommodate the applicable installation. 
     For example, aside from curtain walls generally, the system and techniques described herein may be used for any type of cover panel that may benefit from a process for removal for access or replacement, particularly if in a field of numerous panels. Some examples may include: precast concrete, photovoltaic panels, dimensional stone, screening, reflectors, radio communication equipment mounting, antenna covers such as cellular or microwave antenna covers, jet wash deflection assemblies, blast mitigation panels, marine docks and buildings, sea walls, interior trim panels, solar panel attachment, light panel attachment, and others. 
     As one example, the panels may include lighting or one or more displays. As a particular example, the panels may include area lighting, accent lighting, and/or displays. In the case of displays, a panel that includes a display could be part of a field of panels that collectively make up one large display. 
     The components of the system can be created from any structurally sound material such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber, structural plastics and foams, fiberglass, magnesium, and titanium, as just a few examples. Some projects might require the system to be non-conductive both thermally and electrically, so materials that meet those needs may be selected. Another project might require extreme resistance to corrosion, such as a removable panel system on an aircraft carrier, so materials that meet those needs may be selected. 
     Certain embodiments of this disclosure may provide some, all, or none of these advantages. Certain embodiments may provide one or more other technical advantages, one or more of which may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To provide a more complete understanding of embodiments of this disclosure and the features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an environmental view of an example of a structure with curtain walls installed in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a portion of an example curtain wall system, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  illustrate a cross-sectional side view of example aspects of the example curtain wall system of  FIG.  2    in greater detail, as well as a process for mounting a panel, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  illustrate isometric views of an example locking clip, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates an isometric view of the example locking clip of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  in position and expanded, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates an example method for installing a panel, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates an example method for removing a panel, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure; and 
         FIG.  8    illustrates an example panel installation system in which panels are coupled to support anchors using mounting clips, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an environmental view of an example of a structure  100  with panel field  102  of panels  104  installed in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. For example, structure  100  may be a building, panel fields  102  may be curtain walls, and panels  104  may be curtain wall members. Panels  104  may include any suitable type of covering, including, for example, bricks, tiles, blocks, or any other suitable objects that may be mounted to a substrate. Furthermore, panels  104  may be made of any suitable type of material or combination of materials, including, for example, concrete, ceramic, stone, glass, fiberglass, photovoltaic panels, carbon fiber, steel, aluminum, wood, composite graphite, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. Particular examples of panels  104  are dimensional stone panels or precast concrete panels. Additionally, the types and materials of panels  104  may be mixed within a particular installation, if desired. Panels  104  may have any suitable dimensions. Furthermore, the dimensions of panels  104  may vary, as desired. 
     Panels  104  may be installed using a panel installation system and associated installation techniques described in this disclosure, and  FIG.  1    is included to provide just one example of an environment in which the panel installation system and associated installation techniques described in this disclosure may be used. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a portion of an example panel installation system  200 , according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. For example, panel installation system  200  illustrates an example of a system for installing a portion of panel field  102  of structure  100  in  FIG.  1   . 
     Panel installation system  200  includes, for purposes of illustrating the example, two panels  202  (in particular, panel  202   a  and panel  202   b ), which may be analogous to panels  104  of  FIG.  1   . Thus, the above-described features of panels  104  are incorporated by reference into the description of panels  202 . Panels  202  may have any suitable dimensions, according to particular implementations. Additionally, panels  202  may have any suitable shape, including flat or curved. As with  FIG.  1   , in one example, panel installation system  200  could be a curtain wall system and panels  104  could be curtain wall members. Panels  202  may be made of any suitable material. Panels  202  may be solid or may be open (e.g., grating, louvered panels, or metal foam panels). 
     In some instances, this disclosure adopts a naming/reference-numeral convention in which multiple elements are assigned a same number with a letter designating a particular instance of that element. In the above paragraph, for example, panels are assigned the reference numeral  202 , and particular panels  202  are assigned the reference numeral  202   a  and  202   b . Reference may be made to the element generally using only the number, or reference may be made to a particular instance using the number/letter combination. For example, panels may be referred to generally as panel  202  or panels  202 , and a particular panel of the illustrated panels may be referred to as panel  202   a  or panel  202   b.    
     Panel installation system  200  includes multiple support anchors  204  for mounting panels  202  to a wall. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  2   , panel installation system  200  includes support anchor  204   a  (which may be a top support anchor), support anchor  204   b  (which may be an intermediate support anchor), and support anchor  204   c  (which may be a bottom support anchor). 
     Support anchors  204  are attached to substrate  206 . In certain embodiments, substrate  206  is a wall of a structure; however, this disclosure contemplates substrate  206  being any suitable type of substrate, including, for example, a ceiling, soffit, or floor. Additionally, substrate  206  may be vertical, horizontal, or off-axis (e.g., angled) relative to horizontal and vertical axes. Furthermore, support anchors  204  may be attached to any suitable surface of substrate  206 , including a top surface, a bottom surface, or any side surface. 
     For purposes of this description, it should be understood that references to support anchors  204  being attached to a wall includes support anchors  204  being attached to the wall via any suitable types of intervening components, such as an insulation panel or other intermediate element. Support anchors  204  may be attached to substrate  206  using one or more fasteners  208 . Fasteners  208  may include screws, bolts, or any other suitable type of fastener. Support anchors  204  are elongated along an axis  210  such that support anchors  204  run in rail-like fashion along substrate  206  for mounting panels  202  to substrate  206 . Additionally, support anchors  204 , as attached to substrate  206 , may be spaced apart from and, in one example, generally parallel to one another to create areas in which rows of panels  202  may be installed. 
     Panels  202  may be mounted to substrate  206  via support anchors  204 . For example, to mount panel  202   a  to substrate  206 , end  212   a  of panel  202   a  is coupled to a support anchor  204   b  and another end  214   a  of panel  202   a  is coupled to support anchor  204   a . As another example, to mount panel  202   b  to substrate  206 , end  212   b  of panel  202   b  is coupled to a support anchor  204   c  and another end  214   b  of panel  202   b  is coupled to support anchor  204   b.    
     Each support anchor  204  includes a base  216  for attaching the support anchor  204  to substrate  206 . For example, support anchor  204   a  includes base  216   a , support anchor  204   b  includes base  216   b , and support anchor  204   c  includes base  216   c . In certain embodiments, base  216  is a plate-like element designed to lay flat against substrate  206 ; however, this disclosure contemplates base  216  having any suitable shape/design. Base  216  may include one or more openings for insertion of fasteners  208  to attach support anchor  204  to substrate  206 . 
     Each support anchor  204  includes a projection  218  that extends outwardly from base  216 . For example, support anchor  204   a  includes projection  218   a , support anchor  204   b  includes projection  218   b , and support anchor  204   c  includes projection  218   c . As just one example, for a given support anchor  204 , projection  218  may extend outwardly from base  216  in a direction away from substrate  206  and may be substantially perpendicular to base  216 . As will be described in greater detail below, projection  218  may act as a support shelf for supporting one or more panels  202 . 
     Support anchors  204  may include a tab  220  that extends upwardly from projection  218 . For example, tab  220  may extend upwardly from and substantially perpendicularly to projection  218  and may be substantially parallel to base  216  and substrate  206 . In certain embodiments, only certain support anchors  204  include tab  220 , such as support anchors  204  to which an end  212  (e.g., a lower end) of a panel  202  will be coupled, which may enhance the aesthetic appearance of the installed curtain wall at the top of the installed curtain wall. In the illustrated example of  FIG.  2   , support anchor  204   b  (e.g., an intermediate support anchor) and support anchor  204   c  (e.g., a bottom support anchor) include tabs  220   b  and  220   c , respectively, while support anchor  204   a  (e.g., a top support anchor) does not. Tabs  220  may be continuous or discontinuous along support anchor  204 . 
     Support anchors  204  may include a prong  222  that extends from base  216 . The prong  222  of a support anchor  204  may be located below the projection  218  of that support anchor  204 , for example. In certain embodiments, only certain support anchors  204  include prong  222 , such as support anchors  204  to which an end  214  (e.g., an upper end) of a panel  202  will be coupled, which may enhance the aesthetic appearance of the installed curtain wall at the bottom of the installed curtain wall. In the illustrated example of  FIG.  2   , support anchor  204   a  (e.g., a top support anchor) and support anchor  204   b  (e.g., an intermediate support anchor) include prongs  222   a  and  222   b , respectively, while support anchor  204   c  (e.g., a bottom support anchor) does not. 
     In the illustrated example, panels  202  include slots  224  formed in certain edge surfaces, which may facilitate coupling of panels  202  to support anchors  204 . For example, panel  202   a  includes a slot  224  that runs along a bottom edge surface at end  212   a  of panel  202   a  and a slot  224  that runs along a top edge surface at end  214   a  of panel  202   a . As another example, panel  202   b  includes a slot  224  that runs along a bottom edge surface at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  and a slot  224  that runs along a top edge surface at end  214   b  of panel  202   b . Slots  224  also may be referred to as kerfs. Slots  224  may be formed in any suitable manner, such as using a saw capable of cutting the material of panels  202 . 
     The slot  224  at the lower end  212  of a panel  202  is configured to receive the tab  220  of a support anchor  204  positioned at end  212  of the panel  202  to couple the panel  202  to the support anchor  204  at end  212  of the panel  202 . For example, the slot  224  at end  212   a  of panel  202   a  is configured to receive tab  220   b  of support anchor  204   b  positioned at end  212   a  of panel  202   a  to couple panel  202   a  to support anchor  204   b  at end  212   a  of panel  202   a . As another example, the slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  is configured to receive tab  220   c  of support anchor  204   c  positioned at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  to couple panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   c  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b.    
     An end  214  (e.g., an upper end) of a panel  202  may couple to a support anchor  204  positioned at end  214  of panel  202  using an interlocking bracket  226 . For example, end  214   a  (e.g., an upper end) of panel  202   a  may couple to support anchor  204   a  positioned at end  214   a  of panel  202   a  using an interlocking bracket  226   a . As another example, end  214   b  (e.g., an upper end) of panel  202   b  may couple to support anchor  204   b  positioned at end  214   b  of panel  202   b  using an interlocking bracket  226   b.    
     The slot  224  at end  214  (e.g., an upper end) of a panel  202  is configured to engage with the interlocking bracket  226 , and the interlocking bracket  226  is configured to engage with the prong  222  of the support anchor  204  to which end  214  of panel  202  is being coupled to thereby couple end  214  of panel  202  to support anchor  204 . For example, the slot  224  at end  214   a  (e.g., an upper end) of panel  202   a  is configured to engage with interlocking bracket  226   a , and interlocking bracket  226   a  is configured to engage with prong  222   a  of support anchor  204   a  to thereby couple end  214   a  of panel  202   a  to support anchor  204   a . As another example, the slot  224  at end  214   b  (e.g., an upper end) of panel  202   b  is configured to engage with interlocking bracket  226   b , and interlocking bracket  226   b  is configured to engage with prong  222   b  of support anchor  204   b  to thereby couple end  214   b  of panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   b.    
     It should be understood that for ease of illustration and visibility, interlocking brackets  226   a  and  226   b  are shown as extending laterally outwardly from side edge surfaces of panels  202   a  and  202   b , respectively, in slots  224 , but that in actual implementation interlocking brackets  226  may be flush with, extend out from, or be internal to the side edge surfaces of panels  202 . Additionally, taking panel  202   a  as an example, interlocking bracket  226   a  may extend the full length of slot  224  at end  214   a , less than the full length of slot  224  at end  214   a , or greater than the full length of slot  224  at end  214   a . Furthermore, and again taking panel  202   a  as an example, one or multiple interlocking brackets  226   a  may be used to couple panel  202   a  to support anchor  204   a . For example, a single interlocking bracket  226   a  may be inserted in slot  224  at end  214   a  (e.g., a top end) of a panel  202   a  or multiple interlocking brackets  226   a  may be inserted at spaced apart locations in slot  224  at end  214   a  of a panel  202   a.    
     Additional details of an example manner in which panels  202  are coupled to support anchors  204  for mounting the panels  202  to substrate  206  are shown in and described below with reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D . 
     In certain embodiments, as also will be shown in and described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D , as well as  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  and  FIG.  5   , one or more stabilizing inserts may be inserted in a gap between interlocking bracket  226  and projection  218  of the support anchor  204  to which end  214  of a panel  202  is attached. The one or more stabilizing inserts may further secure panels  202  in position on support anchors  204  over an extended period of time. 
     In certain embodiments, panel installation system  200  allows panels  202  to be removed (and replaced, if appropriate) individually, reducing or eliminating the need to remove (and replace, if appropriate) numerous panels  202 , which may improve efficiency, reduce materials costs (e.g., the cost of multiple replacement panels  202 ), and reduce the cost of labor (e.g., for the time spent removing, and possibly replacing, multiple panels  202 ). An example process for removing panels  202  from panel installation system  200  is described in greater detail below with reference to later figures. 
     Support anchors  204 , interlocking brackets  226 , and the one or more stabilizing inserts may be made of any suitable materials. As just a few examples, support anchors  204 , interlocking brackets  226 , and the one or more stabilizing inserts may be made of stainless steel, titanium, structural plastic, aluminum, carbon fiber, silicone, glass, or any other suitable material. Furthermore, support anchors  204 , interlocking brackets  226 , and the one or more stabilizing inserts may be made of the same materials or some or all of support anchors  204 , interlocking brackets  226 , and the one or more stabilizing inserts may be made of different materials. In one example, certain elements of panel installation system  200  that are made of stainless steel are made of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 316L stainless steel; however, it should be understood that this is just an example of the type of stainless steel and construction technique that may be used with this disclosure. 
     The particular material or combination of materials that is appropriate for a particular installation may be determined based on various factors, possibly including the material of panels  202 , the environment in which the curtain wall is being installed (e.g., indoors, outdoors on a single-story building, outdoors on a multi-story building), the budget for the project, applicable safety codes, and/or other factors. 
     In certain embodiments, using support anchors  204 , interlocking brackets  226 , and/or stabilizing inserts of stainless steel, in combination with the manner in which panels are coupled to support anchors  204 , allows panels  202  of heavier materials to be mounted to substrate  206 . For example, such heavier panels  202  could potentially include concrete panels  202  weighing many thousands of pounds. This should not be viewed as limiting, as this disclosure contemplates panel installation system  200  being used to install any suitable type of panels  202  in any suitable environment. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG.  2   , panel installation system  200  includes three support anchors  204  (support anchor  204   a , support anchor  204   b , and support anchor  204   c ), creating the possibility for two rows of panels  202  to be mounted to substrate  206 . This disclosure contemplates a particular installation of panel installation system  200  including any suitable number of support anchors  204 . Additionally, although a single top support anchor (e.g., support anchor  204   a ), a single intermediate support anchor (e.g., support anchor  204   b ), and a single bottom support anchor (e.g., support anchor  204   c ) are shown in respective rows, multiple support anchors  204  may be positioned (and attached to substrate  206 ) end-to-end to allow for extended rows of panels  202  to be mounted to substrate  206 . 
     Furthermore, this disclosure contemplates a particular installation of panel installation system  200  including any suitable number (and possibly zero) of each of top support anchors (e.g., like support anchor  204   a ), intermediate support anchors (e.g., like support anchor  204   b ), and bottom support anchors (e.g., like support anchor  204   c ). For example, a particular installation (or portion of an installation) may include one or more top support anchors (e.g., like support anchor  204   a ) and one or more bottom support anchors (e.g., like support anchor  204   c ), omitting intermediate support anchors (e.g., like support anchor  204   b ), for a single row of panels  202  to be installed. As another example, a particular installation (or portion of an installation) may include multiple parallel rows of intermediate support anchors (e.g., like support anchor  204   b ) between a row of top support anchors (e.g., like support anchor  204   a ) and a row of bottom support anchors (e.g., like support anchor  204   c ), creating the possibility for more than two rows of panels  202  to be installed. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  illustrate a cross-sectional side view of example aspects of panel installation system  200  in greater detail, as well as a process  300  for mounting a panel  202  to substrate  206  via support anchors  204 , according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. For purposes of this example, panel  202   b  is described as being mounted to substrate  206  via support anchor  204   b  (e.g., an intermediate support anchor) and support anchor  204   c  (a bottom support anchor); however, support anchor  204   b  could be replaced with support anchor  204   a  (e.g., a top support anchor) and/or support anchor  204   c  could be replaced with another support anchor  204   b  (e.g., another intermediate support anchor) and the mounting process would operate similarly. Furthermore, process  300  may be repeated to mount additional panels  202  to substrate  206  in the same row and/or in additional rows. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 A , support anchor  204   b  and support anchor  204   c  are attached to substrate  206  using fasteners  208  inserted through apertures  302  in the respective bases  216   b  and  216   c  of support anchor  204   b  and support anchor  204   c . Support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  may include any suitable number of apertures  302  for attachment of support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  to substrate  206  using fasteners  208 , as may be appropriate for particular implementations. Fasteners  208  may include bolts, screws, or any other suitable type of fastener. Support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  are spaced apart from one another and, in certain embodiments, are substantially parallel to one another. 
     Support anchor  204   b  includes base  216   b  for attaching support anchor  204   b  to substrate  206 , projection  218   b  extending outwardly from base  216   b  of support anchor  204   b , and tab  220   b  extending upwardly from projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b . In certain embodiments, projection  218   b  is substantially perpendicular to base  216   b  and tab  220   b  is substantially perpendicular to projection  218   b  and substantially parallel to base  216   b . In an example in which support anchor  204   b  is replaced with a top support anchor (e.g., support anchor  204   a ), the tab might be omitted. 
     Support anchor  204   c  includes base  216   c  for attaching support anchor  204   c  to substrate  206 , projection  218   c  extending outwardly from base  216   c  of support anchor  204   c , and tab  220   c  extending upwardly from projection  218   c  of support anchor  204   c . In certain embodiments, projection  218   c  is substantially perpendicular to base  216   c  and tab  220   c  is substantially perpendicular to projection  218   c  and substantially parallel to base  216   c.    
     Support anchor  204   b  further includes prong  222   b  that extends from base  216   b  and is positioned below projection  218   b . In the illustrated example, prong  222   b  is generally L-shaped and, with a portion of base  216   b , forms a channel  304  that is generally U-shaped. In another example, prong  222   b  may be a generally linear projection that extends substantially perpendicularly from base  216   b . The generally linear projection may include a surface (the surface that faces projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b ) that is designed to mate with another surface (as described further below). One example of such a mating surface is a serrated surface that is designed to mate with another serrated surface, though this disclosure contemplates the surfaces mating in any suitable manner. 
     End  212   b  (e.g., a bottom end) of panel  202   b  is configured to be coupled to support anchor  204   c . For example, end  212   b  (e.g., a bottom end) of panel  202   b  may be coupled to support anchor  204   c  by inserting tab  220   c  of support anchor  204   c  into slot  224  that runs along edge surface  306  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b . Slot  224  that runs along edge surface  306  is configured to receive tab  220   c  of support anchor  204   c . Although insertion of tab  220   c  of support anchor  204   c  into slot  224  that runs along edge surface  306  is illustrated and described, this disclosure contemplates coupling end  212   b  of panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   c  in any suitable manner. For example, end  212   b  of panel  202   b  may couple to support anchor  204   c  via one or more intermediate components. As a particular example, end  212   b  of panel  202   b  may couple to support anchor  204   c  via a mounting clip. The mounting clip may be coupled to end  212   b  of panel  202   b  and may include a channel into which tab  220   b  of support anchor  204   c  can be inserted. Although such a mounting clip may be implemented in any suitable manner, one particular example of such a mounting clip (mounting apparatus) is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,631,373 and another particular example of such a mounting clip (clip) is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017/0335564. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3 A , interlocking bracket  226   b  is coupled to panel  202   b  at end  214   b  (e.g., a top end) of panel  202   b . Interlocking bracket  226   b  includes leg  308 , leg  310 , and protrusion  312  at an end of leg  310 . In the illustrated example, leg  308  and leg  310  are perpendicular to one another and protrusion  312  has a square-shaped cross-sectional profile. Interlocking bracket  226   b  may be coupled at end  214   b  of panel  202   b  by inserting leg  308  of interlocking bracket  226   b  in slot  224  that runs along edge surface  314  at end  214   b  of panel  202   b.    
     End  214   b  of panel  202   b  is moved into position to couple end  214   b  of panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   b . For example, with interlocking bracket  226   b  coupled at end  214   b , panel  202   b  may be moved toward substrate  206  generally in direction  316  to engage interlocking bracket  226   b  with prong  222   b  of support anchor  204   b.    
     This disclosure contemplates coupling mounting panel  202   b  to substrate  206  via support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  in any suitable manner. That is, this disclosure contemplates coupling end  212   b  of panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   c  and end  214   b  of panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   b  in any suitable manner. 
     As a first example technique for coupling panel  202   b  to support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  (and as illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ), panel  202   b  may be lowered at an angle relative to substrate  206  to partially insert tab  220   c  of support anchor  204   c  into slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b . As panel  202   b  is lowered such that tab  220   c  of support anchor  204   c  is more fully inserted into slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b , panel  202   b  may be rotated toward substrate  206  until interlocking bracket  226   b  (coupled to end  214   b  of panel  202   b , as described above) engages with prong  222   b  (e.g., protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  is seated in channel  304 ) and tab  220   c  is fully inserted in slot  224  at lower end  212   b  of panel  202   b . It should be understood that tab  220   c  being fully inserted in slot  224  at lower end  212   b  of panel  202   b  might or might not include tab  220   c  contacting a bottom of slot  224  at lower end  212   b  of panel  202   b.    
     As a second example technique for coupling panel  202   b  to support anchors  204   b  and  204   c , with interlocking bracket  226   b  coupled to end  214   b  of panel  202   b  and panel  202   b  positioned substantially parallel to substrate  206 , panel  202   b  may be positioned such that interlocking bracket  226   b  (e.g., leg  310  and protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b ) is aligned with a gap between prong  222   b  and projection  218   b  and such that end  212   b  of panel  202   b  can clear tab  220   c  (e.g., is “higher” than tab  220   c ). Panel  202   b  then may be moved toward substrate  206  in a direction generally perpendicular to substrate  206  until protrusion  312  is above and aligned with channel  304  of prong  222   b  and slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  is “over” and aligned with tab  220   c . Panel  202   b  then may be “lowered” until interlocking bracket  226   b  engages with prong  222   b  (e.g., protrusion  312  is seated in channel  304  of prong  222   b ) and tab  220   c  is inserted in slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b . In certain embodiments, for this installation technique to be possible, certain components would be appropriately sized and arranged so that protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  can clear prong  222   b  and end  212   b  of panel  202   b  can clear tab  220   c  as panel  202   b  is moved toward substrate  206  prior to lowering panel  202   b  for interlocking bracket  226   b  to engage with prong  222   b  (e.g., protrusion  312  to be seated in channel  304 ) and tab  220   c  to be inserted in slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b.    
     Turning to  FIG.  3 B ,  FIG.  3 B  illustrates a state in which panel  202   b  is mounted to substrate  206 , with end  212   b  of panel  202   b  coupled to support anchor  204   c  and end  214   b  of panel  202   b  coupled to support anchor  204   b . As shown in  FIG.  3 B , tab  220   c  of support anchor  204   c  is inserted in slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b . In certain embodiments, slot  224  is sufficiently deep such that a portion of edge surface  306  that is located between tab  220   c  and base  216   b  rests on projection  218   c . In this way, projection  218   c  may function as a shelf on which panel  202   b  rests. Alternatively, if slot  224  is not sufficiently deep, a base of slot  224  may rest on tab  220   c . In either scenario, support anchor  204   c  supports at least a portion of the dead load of panel  202   b.    
     As shown in  FIG.  3 B , end  214   b  of panel  202   b  is coupled to support anchor  204   b , with interlocking bracket  226   b  engaged with prong  222   b  of support anchor  204   b . Interlocking bracket  226   b  may be engaged with prong  222   b  by seating protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  (e.g., at an end of leg  310 ) in channel  304  formed by prong  222   b . As described above with reference to  FIG.  3 A , in the illustrated example, channel  304  is generally U-shaped and protrusion  312  has a square-shaped cross-sectional profile. It should be understood that this is for example purposes only. In certain embodiments, the shape of channel  304  and the shape of protrusion  312  can be designed to be any complementary shapes such that channel  304  formed by prong  222   b  is able to receive protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  and protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  is able to be seated within channel  304 . 
     In another example, as described above, prong  222   b  may be a generally linear projection that extends substantially perpendicularly from base  216   b  and has a surface (the surface that faces projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b ) that is designed to mate with another surface. In such an example, protrusion  312  may have a surface (e.g., the surface that faces prong  222   b ) that is designed to mate with the mating surface of the generally linear projection of prong  222   b . As just one example, both surfaces may be complementarily serrated. As another example, protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  may be omitted and a surface of leg  310  that faces prong  222   b  may be designed to mate with the mating surface of the generally linear projection of prong  222   b  (e.g., with both surfaces being complementarily serrated). 
     Engagement of interlocking bracket  226   b  with prong  222   b  (interlocking bracket  226   b  also being coupled to panel  202   b  through the insertion of leg  308  in slot  224  at end  214   b  of panel  202   b ) facilitates holding panel  202   b  in position, mounted to substrate  206 , and inhibiting panel  202   b  from de-coupling from support anchor  204   b , and potentially from support anchor  204   c.    
     Although insertion of leg  308  of interlocking bracket  226   b  into slot  224  at end  214   b  of panel  202   b  is illustrated and described, this disclosure contemplates coupling end  214   b  of panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   b  via interlocking bracket  226   b  in any suitable manner. For example, end  214   b  of panel  202   b  may couple to interlocking bracket  226   b  via one or more intermediate components. As a particular example, end  214   b  of panel  202   b  may couple to interlocking bracket  226   b  via a mounting clip. The mounting clip may be coupled to end  214   b  of panel  202   b  and may include a channel into which leg  308  of interlocking bracket  226   b  can be inserted. Although such a mounting clip may be implemented in any suitable manner, one particular example of such a mounting clip (mounting apparatus) is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,631,373 and another particular example of such a mounting clip (clip) is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017/0335564. 
     With panel  202   b  mounted to substrate  206  via support anchors  204   b  and  204   c , a gap  318  is present between leg  310  of interlocking bracket  226   b  and projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b . In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to more securely hold panel  202   b  in position on support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  by positioning one or more stabilizing insert in gap  318 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D , a locking clip  320  may be inserted in gap  318 , which may further secure panel  202   b  in position on support anchors  204   b  and  204   c . That is, in the illustrated example, the one or more stabilizing inserts are implemented as locking clip  320 . Details of an example implementation of locking clip  320  are described below with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  before returning to  FIG.  3 B  to continue describing process  300 . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  illustrate isometric views of an example locking clip  320 , according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. In particular,  FIG.  4 A  illustrates an isometric view of locking clip  320  with portions of locking clip  320  being transparent to show an example of the internal construction of locking clip  320 , and prior to an expansion of locking clip  320 .  FIG.  4 B  illustrates an isometric view of locking clip  320  after expansion of locking clip  320 . It should be understood that locking clip  320  illustrates just one example of how locking clip  320  may be implemented. 
     Locking clip  320  includes body  400 . In certain embodiments, body  400  is a cuboid; however, body  400  may take other shapes suitable for fitting in gap  318 . Body  400  includes an articulation notch  402  running a length of body  400 , as best seen in  FIG.  4 A . Articulation notch  402  is open to a first edge surface  404  of body  400 , and along a portion of side surfaces of body  400 . 
     Body  400  as shown in  FIG.  4 A  includes narrowing cavities  406   a  and  406   b . Narrowing cavities  406   a  and  406   b  have respective apertures  408   a  and  408   b  in a second edge surface  410  of body  400 . Second edge surface  410  may be opposite first edge surface  404 . Although narrowing cavities  406   a  and  406   b  may have any suitable shape, in certain embodiments, narrowing cavities  406   a  and  406   b  are conical, which may be suitable for receiving a screw or other rounded elongated element. Although a particular number of narrowing cavities  406  are illustrated, body  400  may include any suitable number of narrowing cavities  406 . 
     Apertures  408   a  and  408   b  are configured to receive respective elongated elements  412 . Elongated elements  412  may be screws, for example. Insertion of elongated elements  412  in respective narrowing cavities  406  (e.g., narrowing cavities  406   a  and  406   b ) via respective apertures  408  (e.g., apertures  408   a  and  408   b ) causes articulation notch  402  to open and locking clip  320  to expand, generally in direction  414 .  FIG.  4 B  shows a state of locking clip  320  in which elongated elements  412  have been fully inserted in narrowing cavities  406   a  and  406   b  via apertures  408   a  and  408   b , respectively, and articulation notch  402  has opened causing locking clip  320  to expand in direction  414 . In the expanded state in this example, locking clip  320  becomes somewhat wedge shaped. 
     Locking clip  320  may include an insertion tool opening  416  and associated insertion tool cavity  418 , which are shaped for receiving an end portion  420  of an insertion tool  422  for positioning locking clip  320  in gap  318 . The shape of insertion tool opening  416  may extend at least partially into body  400 , such that insertion tool cavity  418  includes a portion having the shape of insertion tool opening  416 , allowing insertion tool  422  to be inserted into body  400 . Insertion tool cavity  418  also may include a portion that narrows in a generally similar manner to narrowing cavities  406   a  and  406   b , if desired. 
     Locking clip  320  includes tab  424 , which extends from body  400  and is configured to be oriented toward interlocking bracket  226   b  as locking clip  320  is positioned in gap  318 . Even with tab  424  extending from body  400 , locking clip  320  is adapted to fit in and slide through gap  318 . 
     Returning to  FIG.  3 B , locking clip  320  may be inserted in gap  318  and moved in direction  322  to a target position (shown in  FIGS.  3 C,  3 D, and  5   , described below), which may further secure panel  202   b  in position on support anchor  204   b , as well as on support anchor  204   c , inhibiting panel  202   b  from de-coupling from support anchor  204   b , as well as potentially from support anchor  204   c . As shown in  FIG.  3 B , locking clip  320  may be moved in direction  322  in gap  318  by sliding locking clip  320  in direction  322  in gap  318 , using insertion tool  422  for example. The target position of locking clip  320  in gap  318  may depend on the particular implementation of locking clip  320  (and possibly the particular implementation of interlocking bracket  226   b ), of which the illustrated example locking clip  320  is just one example. 
     In certain embodiments, leg  310  and protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  define a slot  324 . In the illustrated example, slot  324  is at an end of leg  310  between the end of leg  310  and base  216   b  of support anchor  204   b . Slot  324  is adapted to receive tab  424  of locking clip  320  once locking clip  320  is inserted into position in gap  318 . In certain embodiments, locking clip  320  is slid in gap  318  (e.g., using insertion tool  422 ) until tab  424  is received by slot  324 . Thus, slot  324  may serve as a locator for finding the target position of locking clip  320 , while also helping to maintain locking clip  320  in position in gap  318 . 
       FIG.  3 C  illustrates a state in which locking clip  320  is positioned in the target position, and in which locking clip  320  is in the process of being expanded. In particular, locking clip  320  has been moved through gap  318  until slot  324  has received tab  424  of locking clip  320 . With respect to both  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D , for ease of focusing on, in part, the engagement of interlocking bracket  226   b  with prong  222   b  and placement and operation of locking clip  320 , the lower portion of panel  202   b  and the engagement of panel  202   b  with support anchor  204   c  are omitted. In one example, the engagement of panel  202   b  with support anchor  204   c  remains in a state substantially similar to that shown in  FIG.  3 B  throughout the installation steps shown in  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 C , with locking clip  320  in the target position, a gap  326  is present between locking clip  320  and projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b . Thus, while locking clip  320  closed some of gap  318 , gap  326  remains. Locking clip  320  is configured to be expanded, which may close some or all of gap  326 . It should be noted that in the illustrated example, expansion of locking clip  320  already is underway, such that gap  326  illustrates only a portion of the gap that exists between locking clip  320  and projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b  after locking clip  320  is moved into the target position and prior to expansion of locking clip  320 . 
     An elongated element  412  is inserted into narrowing cavity  406   a  via aperture  408   a  (shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B ), causing articulation notch  402  to open and locking clip  320  to expand in gap  318  and also causing gap  326  to be reduced or eliminated (as described below with reference to  FIG.  3 D ). For example, elongated element  412  may be a screw and elongated element  412  may be driven into narrowing cavity  406   a  by twisting elongated element  412  using an appropriately-shaped screwdriver. Using a removable elongated element  412 , such as a screw, may provide certain advantages, as described below. As shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , multiple elongated elements  412  may be inserted into corresponding narrowing cavities  406  to facilitate expansion of locking clip  320 . 
       FIG.  3 D  illustrates a state in which elongated element  412  has been inserted to a desired depth (possibly fully inserted) in narrowing cavity  406   a  and locking clip  320  has expanded in gap  318 , reducing or eliminating gap  326 . In one example, locking clip  320  expands such that locking clip  320  contacts projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b.    
     In certain embodiments, engagement of tab  424  of locking clip in slot  324  and expansion of locking clip  320  in gap  318  between interlocking bracket  226   b  and projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b  inhibits removal of locking clip  320  from gap  318 , thereby further securing panel  202   b  in position on support anchor  204   b , and potentially from support anchor  204   c.    
     A filler material, such as silicone or another suitable substance, may be applied at various locations of curtain wall system and at various points of process  300 . For example, the filler material may be deposited in slot  224  at end  212   b  (e.g., a lower end) of panel  202   b  prior to inserting tab  220   c  in slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b . As another example, the filler material may be deposited in slot  224  at end  214   b  (e.g., an upper end) of panel  202   b  prior to inserting leg  308  of interlocking bracket  226   b  in slot  224  at end  214   b  (e.g., an upper end) of panel  202   b . As another example, the filler material may be deposited in prong  222   b  prior to engaging interlocking bracket  226   b  with prong  222   b . As another example, the filler material may be deposited in gap  318  prior to positioning locking clip  320  in gap  318 . As another example, the filler material may be deposited in gap  318  after positioning locking clip  320  in gap  318 . 
     The filler material may serve a variety of purposes. For example, the filler material may serve as a sealant, where applied, to facilitate moisture control in panel installation system  200 . As another example, the filler material may serve as an adhesive, helping to stabilize panel installation system  200 . As another example, the filler material may be sufficiently flexible to allow for thermal expansion in panel installation system  200  and to accommodate vibration/shifting of panel installation system  200  due to seismic activity. It should be understood, however, that the filler material might or might not be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  illustrate an example in which the one or more stabilizing inserts of panel installation system  200  are implemented as one or more locking clips  320 . This disclosure, however, contemplates implementing the one or more stabilizing inserts of panel installation system  200  in any suitable manner. The one or more stabilizing inserts may be implemented as any suitable component or components that are configured to partially or completely close gap  318  to further secure panel  202   b  in position on support anchor  204   b  and support anchor  204   c . As a first example, the above-described filler material could serve as the one or more stabilizing insert in certain implementations. As another example, the one or more stabilizing inserts may be one or more screws inserted in gap  318 , potentially screwed into substrate  206  through support anchor  204   b , with the screw head substantially closing gap  318 . As yet another example, the one or more stabilizing inserts may be one or more locking clips that have a different design that locking clips  320 . As just one alternative locking clip design, a locking clip may include two stacking and interlocking bars that have threaded cavities (e.g., similar to narrowing cavities  406   a  and  406   b ) that cause a top plate to spread apart from a bottom plate in a parallel fashion rather than opening in the wedge-like fashion of locking clip  320 . In this alternative example, the interaction of the alternative locking clip with a support anchor (e.g., support anchor  204   b ) and interlocking bracket (e.g., interlocking bracket  226   b ) are similar to the interaction described with respect to locking clip  320 . 
     Additionally, certain embodiments of interlocking brackets  226  (and, to continue with the above-described example, interlocking bracket  226   b  might omit slot  324  or might include a differently-shaped slot  324 . For example, whether or not to include slot  324  in interlocking bracket  226   b  (and, to the extent included, the shape of slot  324 ) may depend on the particular implementation of the one or more stabilizing inserts. For example, if the filler material will serve as a stabilizing insert, it may be possible to omit slot  324 , if desired. As another example, if one or more screws will serve as the one or more stabilizing inserts, it also may be possible to omit slot  324 , if desired. As yet another example, if the one or more stabilizing inserts are implemented as a locking clip that has a different design that locking clip  320  (e.g., that has a differently-shaped tab  424 , then slot  324  may have a different shape than the shape illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D . 
     Process  300  may be used to install multiple panels  202 , potentially in a field of panels  202  (e.g., panel field  102 ). Furthermore, process  300  may allow panels  202  to be installed in a non-sequential manner, as the installation of one panel  202  does not depend on the installation of any other panel  202  in the field of panels  202 . 
     In certain embodiments, panel installation system  200  allows individual panels  202  to be removed, even after a panel  202  is surrounded by other installed panels  202 , possibly without breaking or otherwise damaging panels  202 . An example technique for removing panel  202   b  is described below. 
     In an example embodiment, elongated elements  412  are removed from locking clip  320 , which is in position and expanded in gap  318 . Elongated elements  412  may be accessed through gap  318 . In an example in which elongated elements  412  are screws, elongated elements  412  are unscrewed using a screwdriver of sufficient length to reach elongated elements  412  through gap  318 . To the extent multiple locking clips  320  are used to secure panel  202   b , the elongated elements  412  for all such locking clips  320  are removed. 
     Locking clip  320  may then be removed via gap  318 . In certain embodiments, locking clip  320  is at least somewhat resilient such that if elongated elements  412  are removed, articulation notch  402  closes at least partially, allowing locking clip  320  to be moved (e.g., slid) back through gap  318  to remove locking clip  320 . Again, to the extent multiple locking clips  320  are used to secure panel  202   b , each of the locking clips  320  is removed via gap  318 . 
     This disclosure contemplates removing locking clip  320  in any suitable manner. In one example, a screw of sufficient length to be secured to locking clip  320  through gap  318  may be inserted in insertion tool opening  416  (or another suitable opening in first edge surface  410  of body  400  of locking clip  320 ) through gap  318 . Using a screwdriver, the screw may be rotated a suitable number of turns to be secured to locking clip  320  (e.g., in insertion tool cavity  418 ), and then the screw may be pulled to remove locking clip  320 . As another example, insertion tool  422  may be configured to also act as a removal tool and may be used to remove locking clip  320 . For example, insertion tool opening  416  and insertion tool cavity  418  may have a suitable shape such that end portion  420  of insertion tool may be inserted and rotated to lock in position, allowing insertion tool  422  to be used to both push and pull locking clip  320 , as desired. 
     To the extent another type of stabilizing insert is used in place of or in addition to locking clip(s)  320 , the stabilizing insert is removed. If more than one stabilizing insert is used, the additional stabilizing inserts also are removed. 
     With the one or more locking clips  320  removed, panel  202   b  may be dismounted from substrate  206 . That is, end  214   b  of panel  202   b  may be decoupled from support anchor  204   b  by disengaging interlocking bracket  226   b  from prong  222   b  and end  212   b  of panel  202   b  may be decoupled from support anchor  204   c.    
     As a first example technique for decoupling panel  202   b  from support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  (and essentially a reversal of the above-described first example technique for coupling panel  202   b  to support anchors  204   b  and  204   c , as illustrated example of  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ), panel  202   b  may be lifted vertically such that tab  220   c  is partially removed from slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  and interlocking bracket  226   b  disengages from prong  222   b . For example, panel  202   b  may be lifted vertically at least a sufficient amount for protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  to, in a subsequent act, clear the gap between prong  222   b  and projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b  (e.g., the physical attributes of this gap and interlocking bracket  226   b  being configured to allow protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  to clears this gap), or for complementary mating surfaces of prong  222   b  and interlocking bracket  226   b  (e.g., protrusion  312 ) to disengage. 
     Continuing with this first example technique for decoupling panel  202   b  from support anchors  204   b  and  204   c , panel  202   b  then may be rotated away from substrate  206  until panel  202   b  may be lifted at an angle vertically and away from substrate  206  such that tab  220   c  is fully removed from slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  to dismount panel  202   b . For example, panel  202   b  first may be rotated away from substrate  206  until protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  clears the gap between prong  222   b  and projection  211   b  of support anchor  204   b  (e.g., the physical attributes of this gap and interlocking bracket  226   b  being configured to allow protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  to clears this gap) and until panel  202   b  is able to be lifted at an angle vertically and away from substrate  206  to fully remove tab  220   c  from slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b . Panel  202   b  then may be lifted at an angle vertically and away from substrate  206  such that tab  220   c  is fully removed from slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  to dismount panel  202   b.    
     As a second example technique for decoupling panel  202   b  from support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  (and essentially a reversal of the above-described second example technique for coupling panel  202   b  to support anchors  204   b  and  204   c ), panel  202   b  may be lifted vertically such that tab  220   c  is removed from slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  and interlocking bracket  226   b  disengages from prong  222   b , and panel  202   b  may be pulled in a direction generally perpendicular to substrate  206  to dismount panel  202   b.    
     In either example decoupling process, in certain embodiments, panel  202   b  is able to be decoupled from support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  without breaking or otherwise damaging panel  202   b . Furthermore, panel  202   b  may be a panel  202  that is in a field of panels  202  (e.g., panel field  102 ), including in the middle of the field of panels  202 , and in certain embodiments panel  202   b  may be removed not only without damaging panel  202   b , but also without damaging and with little to no impact on other panels  202  in the field of panels  202 . Additionally, depending on the type of installation, the ability to remove and replace/reinstall individual panels  202  may allow items covered by panels  202  to be serviced efficiently and at relatively low cost. 
     If a replacement panel  202  is to be installed in place of removed panel  202   b , process  300  may be followed to install the replacement panel  202 . Furthermore, because panel  202  may be removed without breaking or otherwise damaging panel  202 , replacing panel  202  may be reinstalling the same panel  202  that was removed, which over time may reduce costs associated with purchasing new replacement panels  202  and may reduce or eliminate delays associated with obtaining new replacement panels  202 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an isometric view of locking clip  320  in position and expanded in gap  318 , according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.  FIG.  5    generally corresponds to the installation state shown in and described with respect to  FIG.  3 D . To simplify the view shown in  FIG.  5   , various elements are not shown, including for example, substrate  206 . Although a single locking clip  320  is illustrated, one or multiple locking clips  320  may be positioned in gap  318  for a particular panel  202 . Furthermore, locking clip  320  may be wider or narrower than the illustrated locking clip  320 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates an example method  600  for installing a panel  202 , according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. For purposes of this example, the panel being installed is panel  202   b , which is being mounted to support anchors  204   b  and  204   c . The method begins at step  602 . 
     At step  604 , support anchor  204   c  is attached to substrate  206  (e.g., a wall). Support anchor  204   c  is elongated and includes base  216   c  for attaching support anchor  204   c  to substrate  206 . Projection  218   c  extends outwardly from base  216   c  and tab  220   c  extends upwardly from projection  218   c . Support anchor  204   c  may be attached to substrate  206  by one or more fasteners  208  inserted through corresponding apertures  302  in base  216   c  of support anchor  204   c.    
     At step  606 , support anchor  204   b  is attached to substrate  206  (e.g., a wall) spaced apart from and, in certain embodiments, substantially parallel to support anchor  204   c . Support anchor  204   b  is elongated and includes base  216   b  for attaching support anchor  204   b  to substrate  206 . Projection  218   b  extends outwardly from base  216   b  of support anchor  204   b , and prong  222   b  extends from base  216   b . Support anchor  204   b  may be attached to substrate  206  by one or more fasteners  208  inserted through corresponding apertures  302  in base  216   b  of support anchor  204   b.    
     At step  608 , panel  202   b  is mounted to substrate  206  (e.g., a wall) via support anchor  204   c  and support anchor  204   b . Mounting panel  202   b  may include coupling end  212   b  of panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   c . In certain embodiments, coupling end  212   b  of panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   c  includes inserting tab  220   c  of support anchor  204   c  into slot  224  that runs along edge surface  306  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b.    
     Mounting panel  202   b  also may include coupling interlocking bracket  226   b  to end  214   b  of panel  202   b , and coupling end  214   b  of panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   b  by engaging interlocking bracket  226   b  with prong  222   b  of support anchor  204   b . In certain embodiments, coupling interlocking bracket  226   b  to end  214   b  of panel  202   b  includes inserting the leg  308  into slot  224  that runs along edge surface  314  at end  214   b  of panel  202   b . In certain embodiments, engaging interlocking bracket  226   b  with prong  222   b  includes seating protrusion  312  at the end of leg  310  in channel  304  formed by prong  222   b.    
     At step  610 , one or more locking clips  320  (and/or one or more other types of stabilizing inserts) are positioned in gap  318  between interlocking bracket  226   b  and projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b . For example, locking clip  320  may be inserted (e.g., slid) in gap  318  until tab  424  of locking clip  320  is received by slot  324 . In certain embodiments, positioning locking clip  320  in gap  318  includes inserting a portion (e.g., an end portion  420 ) of insertion tool  422  in insertion tool cavity  418  via insertion tool opening  416  and sliding locking clip  320  in gap  318  by pushing on insertion tool  422 . 
     At step  612 , locking clip  320  is expanded in gap  318 . For example, one or more elongated elements  412  are inserted into respective narrowing cavities  406  via corresponding apertures  408 , causing articulation notch  402  to open and locking clip  320  to expand in gap  318 . In certain embodiments, the one or more elongated elements  412  are screws and inserting the one or more elongated elements  412  into respective narrowing cavities  406  via corresponding apertures  408  includes twisting the screws (e.g., using a screwdriver) into the respective narrowing cavities  406 , causing articulation notch  402  to open and locking clip  320  to expand. Engagement of tab  424  of locking clip in slot  324  (at step  610 ) and expansion of locking clip  320  in gap  318  (at step  612 ) inhibits removal of locking clip  320  from gap  318 , thereby further securing panel  202   b  in position on support anchors  204   b  and  204   c.    
     At step  614 , method  600  ends. 
     Example method  600  has been described using panel  202   b  and support anchors  204   b  and  204   c ; however, method  600  may be used to install any suitable panels  202  using any suitable support anchors  204 . 
     Additionally, some or all of method  600  may be repeated to install additional support anchors  204  and/or panels  202 . For example, additional panels  202  may be mounted using the already-attached support anchors  204   b  and  204   c , additional support anchors  204  may be positioned end-to-end with already-attached support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  to create longer rows of mounted panels  202 , and/or additional support anchors  204  may be attached to substrate  206  above or below the already-attached support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  to create additional rows of mounted panels  202 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates an example method  700  for removing a panel  202 , according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. For purposes of this example, the panel being removed is panel  202   b , which is being removed from support anchors  204   b  and  204   c . The method begins at step  702 . 
     At step  704 , elongated elements  412  are removed from locking clip  320 , which is in position and expanded in gap  318 . Elongated elements  412  may be accessed through gap  318 . In an example in which elongated elements  412  are screws, elongated elements  412  are unscrewed using a screwdriver of sufficient length to reach elongated elements  412  through gap  318 . To the extent multiple locking clips  320  are used to secure panel  202   b , the elongated elements  412  for all such locking clips  320  are removed. 
     At step  706 , locking clip  320  is removed via gap  318 . In certain embodiments, locking clip  320  is at least somewhat resilient such that if elongated elements  412  are removed, articulation notch  402  closes at least partially such that locking clip  320  may be slid back through gap  318  to remove locking clip  320 . To the extent multiple locking clips  320  are used to secure panel  202   b , each of the locking clips  320  is removed via gap  318 . As described above, locking clip  320  may be removed in any suitable manner, including the above-described manners. 
     At step  708 , with the one or more locking clips  320  removed, panel  202   b  may be dismounted from substrate  206  by decoupling panel  202   b  from support anchors  204   b  and  204   c . In particular, end  214   b  of panel  202   b  may be decoupled from support anchor  204   b  by disengaging interlocking bracket  226   b  from prong  222   b  and end  212   b  of panel  202   b  may be decoupled from support anchor  204   c.    
     As a first example technique for decoupling panel  202   b  from support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  (and essentially a reversal of the above-described first example technique for coupling panel  202   b  to support anchors  204   b  and  204   c , as illustrated example of  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ), panel  202   b  may be lifted vertically such that tab  220   c  is partially removed from slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  and interlocking bracket  226   b  disengages from prong  222   b . For example, panel  202   b  may be lifted vertically at least a sufficient amount for protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  to, in a subsequent act, clear the gap between prong  222   b  and projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b  (e.g., the physical attributes of this gap and interlocking bracket  226   b  being configured to allow protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  to clears this gap), or for complementary mating surfaces of prong  222   b  and interlocking bracket  226   b  (e.g., protrusion  312 ) to disengage. 
     Continuing with this first example technique for decoupling panel  202   b  from support anchors  204   b  and  204   c , panel  202   b  then may be rotated away from substrate  206  until panel  202   b  may be lifted at an angle vertically and away from substrate  206  such that tab  220   c  is fully removed from slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  to dismount panel  202   b . For example, panel  202   b  first may be rotated away from substrate  206  until protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  clears the gap between prong  222   b  and projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b  (e.g., the physical attributes of this gap and interlocking bracket  226   b  being configured to allow protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b  to clears this gap) and until panel  202   b  is able to be lifted at an angle vertically and away from substrate  206  to fully remove tab  220   c  from slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b . Panel  202   b  then may be lifted at an angle vertically and away from substrate  206  such that tab  220   c  is fully removed from slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  to dismount panel  202   b.    
     As a second example technique for decoupling panel  202   b  from support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  (and essentially a reversal of the above-described second example technique for coupling panel  202   b  to support anchors  204   b  and  204   c ), panel  202   b  may be lifted vertically such that tab  220   c  is removed from slot  224  at end  212   b  of panel  202   b  and interlocking bracket  226   b  disengages from prong  222   b , and panel  202   b  may be pulled in a direction generally perpendicular to substrate  206  to dismount panel  202   b.    
     In either example decoupling process, in certain embodiments, panel  202   b  is able to be decoupled from support anchors  204   b  and  204   c  without breaking or otherwise damaging panel  202   b.    
     At step  710 , method  700  ends. 
     Although in describing or illustrating certain processes and methods, this disclosure describes or illustrates particular steps as occurring in a particular order, this disclosure contemplates the steps being performed in any suitable order. Moreover, this disclosure contemplates any suitable steps being repeated one or more times in any suitable order. Although this disclosure describes or illustrates particular steps as occurring in sequence, this disclosure contemplates any suitable steps occurring at substantially the same time, where appropriate. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates an example panel installation system in which panels are coupled to support anchors using mounting clips, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. In particular,  FIG.  8    illustrates a first panel  202  (e.g., panel  202   a ) having an end  212   a  (e.g., a lower end) coupled to a tab  220  (e.g., tab  220   b ) of a support anchor  204  (e.g., support anchor  204   b ) and a second panel  202  (e.g., panel  202   b ) having an end  214   b  (e.g., an upper end) coupled to support anchor  204   b  via engagement of interlocking bracket  226   b ′ with prong  222   b  of support anchor  204   b.    
     In contrast to the example illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D , in the example illustrated in  FIG.  8   , mounting clips  800  are used to couple panels  202   a  and  202   b  to support anchor  204 . Each mounting clip  800  includes oppositely facing channels  802  and  804 , a first channel  802  for engaging with a panel  202  and a second channel  804  for facilitating engagement with a support anchor  204 . An adhesive  806  may be applied between a mounting clip  800  and a panel  202  to secure the mounting clip  800  to the panel  202 . 
     In particular, a mounting clip  800   a   2  is coupled to end  212   a  of panel  202   a  in a first channel  802  of mounting clip  800   a   2 , and tab  220   b  of support anchor  204   b  is inserted in a second channel  804  of mounting clip  800   a   2  for coupling panel  202   a  to support anchor  204   b . Adhesive  806  has been applied between mounting clip  800   a   2  and panel  202   a . In this example, another mounting clip  800   a   1  (not shown for panel  202   a ) may be attached to end  214   a  of panel  202   a  and used to facilitate engagement of panel  202   a  with another support anchor  204  (e.g., support anchor  204   a ). Coupling of panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   b , as described below, illustrates an example of how such a mounting clip  800   a   1  may be implemented and used to couple panel  202   a  to support anchor  204   a.    
     A mounting clip  800   b   1  is coupled to end  214   b  of panel  202   b  in a first channel  802  of mounting clip  800   b   1 , and leg  308  of interlocking bracket  226   b ′ is inserted in a second channel  804  of mounting clip  800   b   1  to facilitate coupling panel  202   b  to support anchor  204   b . In this example, another mounting clip  800   b   2  (not shown for panel  202   b ) may be attached to end  212   b  of panel  202   b  and used to facilitate engagement of panel  202   b  with another support anchor  204  (e.g., support anchor  204   c ). Mounting clip  800   b   2  may be implemented in a similar manner to mounting clip  800   a   2 , and may couple to support anchor  204   c  in a similar manner to how mounting clip  800   a   2  couples to support anchor  204   b.    
     In this example, a stabilizing insert is inserted between interlocking bracket  226   b ′ and projection  218   b  of support anchor  204   b , and this stabilizing insert is implemented as locking clip  320 ′. As illustrated, interlocking bracket  226   b ′ has a different design that interlocking bracket  226   b , including in relation to projection  312 ′ of interlocking bracket  226   b ′ and protrusion  312  of interlocking bracket  226   b . Additionally, locking clip  320 ′ has a different design than locking clip  320 . Furthermore, the interface between locking clip  320 ′ and interlocking bracket  226   b ′ includes opposing sloped faces rather than the interface illustrated and described with respect to locking clip  320  and interlocking bracket  226   b . These design variations are not due to the use of mounting clips  800 , but instead demonstrate another example of how an interlocking bracket and a locking clip may be designed. 
     Although in the example of  FIG.  8    a mounting clip  800  is described as being included at each end (ends  212  and  214 ) of a panel  202 , this disclosure contemplates a mounting clip  800  being used at one end (e.g., either end  212  or  214 ) to couple a panel  202  to a support anchor  204 , and the other end (e.g., the other of either end  212  or  214 ) of the panel  202  being coupled to another support anchor  204  in another manner (e.g., in a manner similar to that described above with reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D ). 
     Particular embodiments of this disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. For example, certain embodiments provide an efficient system and installation method for installing panels to create a panel field. Certain embodiments allow panels of a panel field to be removed (and replaced, if appropriate) individually and without damaging the panel, reducing or eliminating the need to remove (and replace, if appropriate) numerous panels to remove/replace an isolated panel, which may improve efficiency in producing a desired panel field, reduce materials costs (e.g., the cost of multiple replacement panels), and reduce the cost of labor (e.g., for the time spent removing, and possibly replacing, multiple panels). Furthermore, because in certain embodiments panels may be removed without breaking or otherwise damaging the panels, replacing a panel may involve reinstalling the same panel that was removed, which over time may reduce costs associated with purchasing new replacement panels and may reduce or eliminate delays associated with obtaining new replacement panels. 
     Certain embodiments allow large and/or heavy panels to be installed. For example, due to the manner of engagement of an interlocking bracket with a prong of a support anchor and/or the use of a locking clip to further secure a panel that is mounted to support anchors attached to a substrate (e.g., a wall), mounted panels may be more securely mounted in position on support anchors attached to the substrate. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components used mount panels to a substrate (e.g., a wall) may be made of a variety of materials including high-grade stainless steel, which may increase a reliability of a coupling of panels to support anchors mounted to the substrate. For example, one or more of the support anchors, the interlocking bracket, or the locking clip may be made of such high-grade stainless steel. In certain embodiments, the panel installation system of this disclosure can support panels of exceeding nine square feet, three inches thick and weighing thousands of pounds. 
     Although described primarily in the context of a curtain wall system (with panels  202  being curtain wall members and substrate  206  being a wall), the system and techniques described in this disclosure may be used in any of a variety of applications, and with panels  202  having any suitable size, shape, and weight. That is, the system and techniques described in this disclosure can be scaled up to accommodate extremely large and/or heavy panels  202  (e.g., structural framing size or more) or scaled down to include small and/or light panels  202 . As just one particular example, a very small version might be used to secure a thin panel  202  (e.g., 4 mm thick) or glass panels  202  for mounting on a system that can be made for very corrosive environments. As another particular example, a large version of the system might be used to secure panels  202  that form a sea wall or that form a blast fence on a military aircraft launch area. The size and materials of panels  202  and the components of system  200  may be customized to accommodate the applicable installation. 
     For example, aside from curtain walls generally, the system and techniques described in this disclosure may be used for any type of cover panel that may benefit from a process for removal for access or replacement, particularly if in a field that includes numerous panels  202 . Some examples may include: precast concrete, photovoltaic panels, dimensional stone, screening, reflectors, radio communication equipment mounting, antenna covers such as cellular or microwave antenna covers, jet wash deflection assemblies, blast mitigation panels, marine docks and buildings, sea walls, interior trim panels, solar panel attachment, light panel attachment, and others. 
     As one example, panels  202  may include lighting or one or more displays. As a particular example, panels  202  may include area lighting, accent lighting, and/or displays. In the case of displays, a panel  202  that includes a display could be part of a field of panels  202  that collectively make up one large display. 
     The components of the system can be created from any structurally sound material such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber, structural plastics and foams, fiberglass, magnesium, and titanium, as just a few examples. Some projects might require the system to be non-conductive both thermally and electrically, so materials that meet those needs may be selected. Another project might require extreme resistance to corrosion, such as a removable panel system on an aircraft carrier, so materials that meet those needs may be selected. 
     Although throughout this disclosure support anchors  204  have generally been described as being parallel to one another when mounted to substrate  206 , support anchors  204  may be mounted in other suitable arrangements relative to one another. For example, support anchors  204  may be mounted in an arrangement relative to one another that is appropriate for mounting the panel  202  to be installed. As discussed above, panels  202  may have any suitable shape. In a particular installation, one or more panels  202  may be triangularly shaped, and the support anchors to which those triangularly-shaped panels  202  are to be mounted may be arranged relative to one another at an angle that substantially matches an angle of the triangularly-shaped panel  202 . 
     Although this disclosure has been described with several embodiments, a myriad of changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that this disclosure encompass such changes, variations, alterations, transformation, and modifications as they fall within the scope of the appended claims. 
     Use of directional terms such as horizontal, vertical, upward, downward, above, below, top, bottom, upper, lower, and the like are used for ease of description only. Although the figures and accompanying description may describe a system in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure that is oriented in a particular direction, this disclosure contemplates the components of the system being oriented in different directions than those described, according to particular needs.