Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to systems for protecting and beautifying the exterior of a building. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is known to provide covering systems to overlay the exterior surface of a building. Such systems may be utilized to provide protection, such as protection from weather as well as water resistance, to the exterior of the building and or to provide an aesthetically pleasing exterior appearance to the building. Exterior covering systems have been known to employ a number of panels mounted to the exterior of the building. 
         [0003]    Some prior art panel systems utilize panels that require the use of sealant during panel installation. The present inventor has recognized that the use of sealant during the installation of exterior panel system is disadvantageous, because sealants create addition work and expense during installation and repair, sealants deteriorate overtime and need replacing, sealants restrict the ability of the covering system to be partially dismantled for maintenance of the building or the panel system. In addition liquid or expandable sealants can be messy to deploy. Further systems that require the use of sealants introduce the possibility that the sealants will be incompletely or incorrectly applied or installed and as such will result in a system that has sub-optimal water and weather resistance. The present inventor recognized the need for a panel system the utilized dry joins that do not require seals or sealant to achieve water and weather resistance. The present inventor recognized the need for a dry joint system that prevents the infiltration of water behind the panel system. 
         [0004]    Some prior art panel systems utilize methods and mechanisms of connecting panels that does not allow a panel, which is not located at an edge of the system, to be removed without the necessity of removing all or some of the adjacent panels in a particular direction toward an edge. The present inventor has recognized a need for a system that provides panels that can be individually removed without the necessity of completely removing adjacent panels from the system. 
         [0005]    Some prior art panel systems utilize gutters that run behind panels for the vertical length of the building, or the vertical length of the panels utilized in the system. The present inventor recognized that the longer amount of time that water is spent behind the panels, such as by retaining the water behind the panels for the entire vertical length, or a substantial portion thereof, the more likely that water will improperly escape the gutter within the panel system. The present inventor has recognized the need to provide a system where the gutters quickly expel water from behind the panels. The present inventor has recognized the need for a system where the gutter runs the length of the adjacent panel and the gutter expels the water on to the exterior surface of the next lower panel or gutter thereby reducing the chance that water will improperly escape from the gutter and contaminate the area behind the panels. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    An exterior panel system is disclosed. The exterior panel system has at least one panel having a main surface and at least one panel side wall. The system has at least one gutter having a gutter surface and at least one gutter side wall. The system has a lower receiver configured to join the panel and the gutter to an exterior wall. The panel is located adjacent the gutter and the at least one panel side wall is located adjacent to the gutter surface and adjacent to at least one gutter side wall. 
         [0007]    The panel has a lower panel lip. The gutter has a gutter lower lip. The lower gutter lip and the bottom panel lip each are configured to be received in the lower receiver. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the panel is a first panel and the system has a second panel identical to the first panel. Each of the first and second panels have an upper recessed surface and a top lip receiver. The upper recessed surface extends above the main surface and is recessed from the main surface. The top lip receiver is located adjacent the recessed surface to create a receiving gap there between. The lower receiver is the top lip receiver of the second panel and the lower gutter lip and the bottom panel lip are received in the receiving gap. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the at least one panel side wall comprises at least two panel side walls on opposite sides of the main surface. The at least one gutter side wall comprises at least two gutter side walls on opposite sides of the gutter surface. At least one of the two panel side walls are located between the gutter side walls. At least one of the two gutter side walls is located between the panel side walls. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, an overlap space exists along the gutter surface between at least one panel side wall and one gutter side wall. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the panel has a bottom wall. The bottom wall has at least one weep opening. At least a portion of the gutter surface directs water to the weep opening. At least a portion of the gutter surface is angled forward to direct water to the weep opening and out from behind the panel. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments the gutter has at least one blocking wall extending from a rear surface of the gutter. The blocking wall is configured to disturb or stop the circulation of air behind the exterior panel system. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the panel has a bottom wall and a vent wall extending from the bottom wall. The vent wall has a pressure equalizing vent opening. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the panel is a first panel and the system comprises a second panel identical to the first panel. The gutter is configured to be positioned between the first and second panels. The at least one gutter side wall comprises at least two gutter side walls on opposite sides of the gutter surface. The at least one panel side wall of each of the first and second panels is located between the at least two gutter side walls to form a gutter path. 
         [0015]    A dry joint for an exterior panel system is also disclosed. The dry joint has a panel having a main surface, at least one panel side wall, a gutter having a gutter surface and at least one gutter side wall, and a lower receiver joining the panel and the gutter to an exterior wall. The panel is located adjacent the gutter and the at least one panel side wall overlaps the at least one gutter side wall. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the at least one panel side wall contacts the at least one gutter side wall at the point of overlap. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the at least one panel side wall is spaced apart from the at least one gutter side wall to create an overlap area between the at least one panel side wall and the at least one gutter side wall. 
         [0018]    A method of expelling water from behind a panel of an exterior panel system is disclosed. The method comprises providing a gutter located behind a portion of a first panel of an exterior panel system. Then directing water caught in the gutter behind the first panel through a panel weep hole in a bottom surface of the first panel on to an exterior surface of a second panel of the exterior panel system located below the gutter. 
         [0019]    It will be observed that any number of panels and gutters extending in either or both of the horizontal and vertical directions can be deployed in an arrangement of the panel system of the invention as more fully explained below. 
         [0020]    Further the panel system disclosed can act as a rain screen for the external surface or surfaces of a building. The panel system can also act as a pressure equalized rain screen for the external surface or surfaces of a building. The exterior panel system is capable of providing water proofing or water resistance to the exterior of a building utilizing dry joins that do not require the use of seals or expandable sealant during installation. 
         [0021]    Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a panel system of the invention in a first arrangement. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the panel system of  FIG. 1  in a second arrangement. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the panel system of  FIG. 2  with certain components shown in an exploded format and certain portions of components not shown. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the panel system of  FIG. 1  in a third arrangement. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a perspective transparent view of a first embodiment panel of the panel system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the panel of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the panel taken from  FIG. 6 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the panel of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a perspective transparent view of a first embodiment gutter of the panel system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the gutter of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the gutter of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the gutter of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the gutter of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the panel system shown mounted to an external wall. 
           [0036]      FIG. 15A  is an enlarged side section view of the connection of two panels of the panel system taken along line  15 A- 15 A from  FIG. 17 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 15B  is an enlarged side section view of the connection of two panels of the panel system taken along line  15 B- 15 B from  FIG. 17 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the two adjacent panels and a gutter of the panel system of the arrangement of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 17  is a top view of the two adjacent panels taken along line  17 - 17  from  FIG. 14   FIG. 1 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 18  is a side view of a portion of the panel system of  FIG. 1  with a cover system. 
           [0041]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the panel system with certain components shown in an exploded format and certain portions of components not shown. 
           [0042]      FIG. 20  is a side view of a second embodiment panel of the panel system of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 21  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the panel taken from  FIG. 20 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 22  is a perspective transparent view of a second embodiment gutter of the panel system of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 23  is a front view of the gutter of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the panel system having the second embodiment panels and second embodiment gutters shown mounted to an external wall. 
           [0047]      FIG. 25  is an enlarged side view of the connection of two panels of the panel system taken from  FIG. 24 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 26  is a side view of a third embodiment panel system having third embodiment panels and second embodiment gutters shown mounted to an external wall. 
           [0049]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a third embodiment gutter of the panel system. 
           [0050]      FIG. 28  is a side view of a fourth embodiment panel of the panel system. 
           [0051]      FIG. 29  is an enlarged side view of a portion of a fifth embodiment panel of the panel system. 
           [0052]      FIG. 30  is a rear perspective view of a portion of a sixth embodiment panel of the panel system. 
           [0053]      FIG. 31  is a side view of a portion of the panel of  FIG. 30 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 32  is a rear view of a portion of the panel of  FIG. 31 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0055]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0056]    An exterior panel system  100  for protecting and beautifying the exterior of a building is disclosed. The panel system  100  comprises at least one panel  110  and at least one gutter  160 . The panel system can be implemented as a dry joint system where a seal, such as a rubber or silicon seal, is not required between the panel and the gutter.  FIG. 1  shows one arrangement of the panel system having panels  110 ,  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114 ,  115 ,  116 ,  117 ,  118  and gutters  163 ,  164 ,  162 ,  160 ,  161 ,  165 ,  166 ,  167 ,  168 ,  169 ,  170 ,  171 . Each of the panels  110 ,  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114 ,  115 ,  116 ,  117 ,  118  are identical. Each of the gutters  160 ,  161 ,  162 ,  163 ,  164 ,  165 ,  166 ,  167 ,  168 ,  169 ,  170 ,  171  are identical. A gutter is located between each horizontally adjacent panel. Each panel is adjacent another panel in the horizontal direction. 
         [0057]      FIG. 2  shows a second arrangement of the panel system where the each laterally adjacent panel is located closer to the next laterally adjacent panel than in the arrangement of  FIG. 1 . Gutters  160 ,  161 ,  165 ,  166 ,  167 , and  168  are located between laterally adjacent panels  110  and  113 ,  111  and  114 ,  112  and  115 ,  113  and  116 ,  114  and  117 ,  115  and  118  respectively in the arrangement of  FIG. 2 . A partially exploded view of the arrangement of  FIG. 2  is shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 4  shows a third arrangement of the panel system. In the arrangement of  FIG. 4 , vertically adjacent gutters and panels are not aligned, but are offset laterally. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 5-8  show the first embodiment panel  110 .  FIG. 5  provides a transparent view of panel  110 . The panel  110  has a main face  132 , sides walls  130 ,  134 , a bottom wall  152 , a first step  138 , a first recessed face  136 , and wall mounting flange  140 . The sides  130 ,  134  extend reward from the main face  132  and from the recessed face  136 . The bottom wall  152  joins with the main face  132 , and the side  130 ,  134  to form a semi-enclosed space behind the main face  132  and the recessed face  136 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the main face  132  extends vertically to the first step  138 . The first step  138  extends rearward to the recessed face  136 . The recessed face  136  extends upward to the mounting flange  140 . The mounting flange comprises a second recessed surface  146  extending downward to a second step  148 . The second step  148  connects with an upper receiver lip  149 . 
         [0061]    The first recess face  136  extends upward to join with a lower step portion  142  that connects with a back plate portion  144 . The second recessed surface  146  is flush with the back plate portion  144 . In some embodiments, mounting openings are provided at the mounting marks  143  provided on the second recessed surface  146 . The second recessed surface  146  joins the back plate portion  144  at a top point  147 . In some embodiments, the lower step portion  142 , the back plate portion  144 , the top point  147 , the second recessed surface  146 , the second step  148 , and the upper receiver lip  149  are made of a unitary piece of material which is bent to form the various portions and surfaces. The upper receiver lip  149  is spaced apart from the recessed face  136  along an upper portion  137  of the recessed face  136  to provide a lip gap  150 . 
         [0062]    There is a gutter gap  141  between upper edge  130   a  of the side  130  and the lower step portion  142 . The same is provided on side  134  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0063]    At a bottom end of the main face  132 , opposite the first step  138 , is the bottom wall  152 . The bottom wall extends reward from the main face  132 . The bottom wall  152  has at least two weep holes  158  as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . At least one weep hole is located adjacent to each of the sides  130 ,  134 . A lower hook  154  extends upward from the rear edge of the bottom wall. The lower hook  154  has a panel emboss or recess  156  on the rear face of the lower hook  154  and a protrusion  155  on the front face of the lower hook  154  opposite the recess  156 . The protrusions  155  allow for a snug fit of the lower hook  154  into the lip gap  150 . 
         [0064]    The weep holes may also allow for pressure equalization between air on the outside of the panel system an air behind the panel system. In some embodiments, the weeps holes are provided in a sufficient number and size to achieve the desired rate or speed of pressure equalization. In some embodiments, weep hole are located at every 6 to 12 inches along the bottom wall  152  of the panel. In some embodiments, the weeps holes are slots. 
         [0065]    The panel  110  can be formed from a unitary piece of material, such as sheet metal, stainless steel, aluminum, composite aluminum or the like, which is cut, trimmed, and folded to form the panel  110 . In one embodiment, the panel is made of sheet metal having a thickness of or between 0.030 and 0.125 inches. In one embodiment, the panel is made of composite aluminum of or between 4 and 6 millimeters. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 9-13  illustrate a first embodiment of the gutter  160 . The gutter  160  has a gutter surface  183 . The gutter surface comprises an angled main surface  182  and an upper surface  192 . The angled main surface  182  is bounded on opposite lateral sides by lower gutter sides  180 ,  181 . The upper surface  192  is bounded on opposite lateral sides by upper gutter side  190 ,  191 . The main surface  182  is continuous with the upper surface  192  at a bend seam  193 . Similarly the lower gutter sides  180 ,  181  are continuous with the upper gutters side  190 ,  191  respectively at the side bends  194 ,  195 . In some embodiments, the upper surface  192  and the main surface  182  along with the respective sides are not bent from the same unitary piece of material, but instead or in addition, are mitered and welded. In some embodiments, the gutter sides  180 ,  181 ,  190 ,  191  extend outward one inch from the gutter surface  183 . 
         [0067]    The main surface  182  has an open bottom  184  adjacent the sides  180 ,  181 . The main surface  182  joints at the bottom with a rearward extending bottom foot  199 . The rear of the bottom foot  199  has upwardly extending tabs  197 ,  198  adjacent the sides  180 ,  181 , as is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 . The tabs are spaced apart from the back side of the main surface  182  a distance determined by the width of the bottom foot  199 . The tabs are configured to hook under the upper receiver lip  149  and into the lip gap  150  of panel vertically below the gutter. The bottom foot  199  may comprise openings  185 . These opening can be used during installation or removal to assist the installer in positioning or removing the gutter. 
         [0068]    The gutter  160  an upper shelf  188  adjacent an upper end  189  of the upper surface  192 . The upper shelf  188  extends the width of the upper surface  192  and joins the upper sides  190 ,  191  at opposite ends of the shelf  188  respectively. The upper shelf leave an upper back wall portion  186  of the upper surface exposed above the upper shelf. A mounting opening  196  is provided in the upper back wall portion  168 . In one embodiment, the upper shelf  188  extends forward beyond the front edge  190   a  of the side walls  190 ,  191 , as is shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0069]    As is show in  FIG. 3 , at a joinder area  201 , the upper shelf  188  and the portion of the gutter above the upper shelf are configured to be received in the gutter gap  141  of the panel  110  between upper edge  130   a  of the side  130  and the lower step portion  142 . The same is provided on side  134 . The height, width, and depth of the gutters and the panels can vary according to job requirements and esthetic desires. 
         [0070]      FIGS. 14 ,  15 A, and  15 B shows the panel system installed on a wall  50 . The panel system shown has two vertically arranged panels  110 ,  111 . In some embodiments, the top panel  110  may not include the receiver lip  149  as there are no panels or gutters above the top panels to be received into the receiver lip. The panels are positioned between a window trim  56  and a bottom wall flashing  54 . A rubber, silicon, or other suitable seal  206  is provided on second step  148  of panel  110 . The panel  110  is attached to the wall at the top by a fastener  104 , such as a screw. The lower hook  154  of the panel  110  and the tabs  197 ,  198  of the gutter  160  are both overlappingly received in the lip gap  150  of lower panel  111 . Lower panel  111  is secured thought the second recess surface  146  and back plate portion  144  to the wall  50  by fastener  102 . The lower hook  154  of the panel  111  and the tabs  197 ,  198  of gutter  161  are received into a lip gap of a lower wall flashing  206 . The lower wall flashing substantially mirrors the wall mounting flange  140  of the panel, but provides a protruding lip  209  that is extends further than the panel. The lower wall flashing  208  is attached to the wall  50  with fastener  103 . A vapor barrier  52 , such as non woven product comprising spunbond polyethylene, such as olefin, fibers sold under the commercial product name of Tyvek® by DuPont, asphalt paper, rubberized asphalt, or spray on waterproofing, is provided between the wall and the panel system. 
         [0071]      FIG. 15A  is an enlarged side section view taken along line  15 A- 15 A of  FIG. 17 . The tab  198  of the gutter is received in the lip gap  150  of panel  111  adjacent or in contact with the upper receiver lip  149 . The lower hook  154  of the panel  110  is received in the lip gap behind the tab  198  and in front of the upper portion  137 , The lower hook  154  may be adjacent to or in contact with each of the tab  198  of the gutter  160  and the upper portion  137  of the panel  111 . The panel is flexible so that lower hook  154  can be bent down and away in the direction B of  FIG. 15A  to remove the lower hook  154  from the lip gap  150 . This allows the upper panel to be removed without removing the lower panel  111  or the gutter  160 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 15B  is an enlarged side section view taken along line  15 B- 15 B of  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 15B  shows a section taken through the one of the recesses  156  and protrusions  155  of the panel  110 . Tab  197  of the laterally adjacent gutter (not shown in  FIG. 17 ), such as gutter  163  in the arrangement of  FIG. 1 , is visible behind the protrusion  155 . The protrusion  155  ensures a tight fit between the of the lower hook  154  in the lip gap  150  areas where the tabs of the gutter are not located. In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom wall  152  and the first step  138  is between 0.50 inches and 12 inches. In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom wall  152  and the first step  138  is greater than 12 inches. The side bends  194  of the gutter are generally horizontally aligned with the first step  138 . If the height of the recessed face  136  is reduced, then the height of the gutter from the side bends to the top is reduced a corresponding distance. A change in the height of the gutter above the side bends  194 ,  195  and the recessed face  136  changes the distance between the bottom wall  152  of the upper panel  110  and the first step of the lower panel  111 . This changes the overall appearance of the panel system providing by changing the height of the recess  153  between the bottom wall  152  of the upper panel  110  and the first step  138  of the lower panel  111 . 
         [0073]      FIGS. 16  shows section top view taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 16  shows that the sides  134 ,  130  of horizontally adjacent panels  110 ,  113  are positioned closer to one another than are the horizontally adjacent panels  110 ,  113  as shown in  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 16  shows the horizontal positioning of adjacent panels of the configuration shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 17  shows the horizontal positioning of adjacent panels of the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0074]    In some embodiments, there is no space between sides  134 ,  130  of horizontally adjacent panels  110 ,  113 , such that side  130  contacts side  134 . In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent sides  130 ,  134  is the width of a panel  110  then the gutter  160  is the width of a panel. The distance between the side  130 ,  134  can be as wide at the distanced between upper gutter sides  190 ,  191 , so that the inside surface of panel side  130  is in contact with the inside surface of upper gutter side  191  and the inside surface of panel side  134  is in contact with the inside surface of upper gutter side  190 . When the viable width of the gutter surface  183  is of sufficient width, the panel system will have an in-and-out appearance provided by alternating “out” portions comprising the panels and “in” portions comprising the gutters. Therefore, the side  130  may be in contact with side  134  or may be in contact with gutter side  191  or may be located any position between side  134  and gutter side  191 . The sides  130 ,  134  may overlap the upper gutter side walls  191 ,  190 , respectively a panel overlap distance  176 . If the sides  130 ,  134  are not in contact with each other, there is a panel gap  187  between adjacent sides  130 ,  134 . It will be appreciated that the panel system may be scaled up or down to have any number of panels and corresponding gutters extending horizontally and vertically. 
         [0075]    In some embodiments, the panel system comprises a cover system  205  shown in  FIG. 18 . The cover system include a top panel  210 . The top panel has a bottom portion (not shown) that is the same as a bottom portion of the panel  110  comprising the bottom wall  152 , the lower hook  154 , the protrusion  155 , the recess  156 , the weep holes  158 , and the mounting openings  159 . A top portion of the panel  210  is shown in  FIG. 18 . A front wall  211  of the panel  210  extends up to a top surface  212 . The top surface  212  extends rearward to a mounting lip  214 . The mounting lip has one or more mounting openings  216  through which a fastener  105  secures the top panel to the wall  50 . A top cap  220  covers an opening  108  between the top panel and a top  51  of the wall  50 . A front surface  224  of the top cap  220  overlays a portion of the front wall  211  of the top panel. The front surface  224  meets a top surface  222  of the top cap  220  at a right angle. The front surface  224  comprises a protruding lip  226 . The top surface  222  has a mounting opening  228  that receives a fastener  106  to secure the top cap to the top  51  of the wall  50 . 
         [0076]    A cover  230  is provided over the top cap. The cover has a front surface  234 , an engaging hook  236 , a top surface  231 , and a back surface  243 . An engaging hook  236  receives the protruding lip  226  of the top cap. The engaging hook  236  is located at a lower end of the front surface  234 . The front surface  234  may meet the top surface  231  at an angle other than a right angle creating an open space  246 . The back surface  243  is engagable with a back wall  54  by a fastener  107  extending though a mounting aperture  244  in the back surface. The back surface comprises a lower lip  242 . 
         [0077]    When deployed the panel system is a dry join system and does not require the application on sealant between the panels and adjacent gutters or between panels and adjacent panels. Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 16 , when water hits the main surface of the panel  110  it will fall downward. When water hits an exposed gutter surface  183  of the gutter  160 , the water will be angled forward by the angled main surface  182 . In the case of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 1 , the water will cascade from gutter  163  to gutter  164  to gutter  162  Likewise water hitting gutter  160  will cascade to gutter  161  and gutter  165 . Water traveling in gutter  160  will be confided by the side wall of the panels  110  and  113  respectively that are in the gutter. Most water will be retained on the exposed gutter surface  183  in the panel gap  187 . If water gets behind the side walls  130 ,  134  of either respective panel and within the panel overlap distance  176 , the water will be prevented from traveling further laterally by the gutter walls  180 ,  190 ,  181 ,  191 . Water on the gutter within the panel overlap distance will be directed out from behind the panels by the angled main surface  182  directing water to the weep holes  158  of the panel. The water will pass out the weep hole in the direct A shown in  FIG. 14 . The water exiting the weep holes will fall onto the first step  138  of the lower panel  111 . Wind or weather will then blow or evaporate the water from the first step  138  off the panel, down the front face of the panel and/or off the side of the panel into the gutter. The water may cascade from panel to panel or panel to gutter or gutter to gutter, in any combination to reach the bottom of the panel system or building. 
         [0078]    In the case of the offset arrangement of  FIG. 4 , no special components are necessary to achieve the offset arrangement. Panels and gutter are placed in the offset arrangement and inter-connected as shown in  FIG. 15 . Water within on the exposed gutter surface  183  in the panel gap  187  will be directed on to the first step  138  of the panel below the gutter. Wind or weather will then blow or evaporate the water from the first step  138  off the panel, down the front face of the panel and/or off the side of the panel into the gutter. The water may cascade from panel to panel or panel to gutter or gutter to gutter, in any combination to reach the bottom of the panel system or building. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 19-24  show a second embodiment of the panel system with a second embodiment panel  250  and a second embodiment gutter  260 .  FIGS. 19 ,  22  and  23  show the second embodiment gutter  260 .  FIG. 19-20 ,  24 , show the second embodiment panel  250 . The second embodiment panel  250  is identical to panel  110 , except as shown figures and described below. 
         [0080]    The second embodiment panel has a front main face  272  that connects to a bottom wall  252 . The bottom wall  252  is shorter in the rearward direction than the bottom wall  152  of the first embodiment panel  110 . The bottom wall  252  has at least two weep holes  258 , located in the same lateral locations along the width of the panel as those weep holes  158  of panel  110  shown in  FIG. 8 . The weep holes may also allow for pressure equalization between air on the outside of the panel system an air behind the panel system as was described above for panel  110 . 
         [0081]    The bottom wall  252  meets a vertical first rear wall  253 , which meets a horizontal first step wall  257 , which meets a vertical hook wall  254 . The first rear wall  253  has a vent opening  259  to allow for pressure equalization between air on the outside of the panel system an air behind the panel system. In some embodiments, the vent openings  259  are located adjacent each side wall of the panel on the first rear wall  253 . It will be recognized that any number of vent opening  259  or any variation in size can be provided along the first rear wall  253  to achieve the desired rate or speed of pressure equalization. In some embodiments, vent openings are located at every 6 to 12 inches along the first rear wall  253  of the panel. In some embodiments, the vent holes are slots. In some embodiments, pressure equalization occurs via both the weep holes  285  and the vent openings  259 . In some embodiments, the arrangement, number, and size of both vent openings  259  and weep holes  285  are provided so as to achieve the desired rate or speed of pressure equalization. 
         [0082]    The hook wall  254  has a panel emboss or recess  256  on a rear face of the hook wall and a panel protrusion  255  on a front face of the hook wall opposite the recess  256 . 
         [0083]    The wall mounting flange  213  of the panel is identical 
         [0084]    The second embodiment gutter  260  is identical to gutter  160 , except as shown and described. The gutter  260  has a gutter surface  283 . The gutter surface comprises an angled main surface  282  and an upper surface  292 . The angled main surface  282  is bounded on opposite lateral sides by lower gutter sides  280 ,  281 . The upper surface  292  is also bounded on opposite lateral sides by upper gutter sides  190 ,  191 . The main surface  282  is continuous with the upper surface  292  at the bend seam  293 . The lower gutter sides  280 ,  281  are continuous with the upper gutters sides  290 ,  291  respectively at side bends  294 ,  295 . 
         [0085]    The main surface has an open bottom adjacent the sides  280 ,  281 . The main surface  282  joints at the bottom with a rearward extending bottom foot  299 . The rear of the bottom foot  299  has upwardly extending hook tabs  297 ,  298  adjacent the sides  280 ,  281 .. The tabs are spaced apart from the back side of the main surface  282  a distance determined by the width of the bottom foot  299 . The tabs are configured to hook under the upper receiver lip  149  and into the lip gap  150  of panel  110  or lip gap  270  of panel  250 ,  251  or panels  410 ,  460  that are positioned vertically below the gutter  260 , such as shown in  FIG. 25  where panel  251  is positioned below gutter  260  although some overlap between the lower most portion of the gutter and the upper most portion of the panel  251 . The bottom foot  299  may comprise openings  285 . 
         [0086]    The gutter  260  has rear blocking walls  310 ,  320 . The blocking walls  310 ,  320  are spaced inward from the lower gutter sides  280 ,  281 , respectively toward a vertical centerline of the gutter defined along the midpoint between the lower gutter sides  280 ,  281 . The walls  310 ,  320  are mirror image identical about the vertical centerline of the gutter. The wall  310  has a blocking plate  312  that is perpendicularly attached to the back side of the main surface  282 . 
         [0087]    The blocking plate  312  has a foot plate  316  that is connected or formed perpendicularly to the blocking plate  312  at an end opposite the main surface  282 . The blocking plate  312  has a generally triangular shape between the main surface  282  and the foot plate  316 . The blocking plate  312  extends below the foot plate  316  along a overhang section  314  adjacent a bottom edge  319  of the blocking plate. 
         [0088]    The upper panel  250  and gutter  260  shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25  connected to a lip gap  270  of a lower panel  251  as similar manner as shown in  FIG. 15 . Panel  251  is identical to panel  250  and gutter  261  is identical to gutter  260 .  FIG. 25  is an enlarged side section view taken along a line similar to that of  15 B- 15 B of  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 25  shows a section taken through the one of the recesses  256  and protrusions  255  of the panel  110 . Tab  297  of the laterally adjacent gutter is visible behind the protrusion  255 . The protrusion  255  ensures a tight fit between the of the vertical hook wall  254  in the lip gap  150  areas where the tabs of the gutter are not located. As the first rear wall  253  of the panel  250  is positioned forward as compared to the lower hook  154  of panel  110  so as to provide an air relief area  302  between the first rear wall  253  of the upper panel  250  and a first recessed face  276  of the lower panel  251 . The location of the vent opening  259  on the first rear wall  253  of the panel, provides the vent on a surface opposite the main face  272  of the panel. Therefore water cannot be driven directly in to the vent opening by wind. 
         [0089]    As is shown in  FIG. 24 , the blocking walls  310 ,  320  of the gutter block or disturb air from circulating behind the gutters and the panels. Commercial building, the outside of which the panel system  100  can be deployed thereon, often employ a HVAC system that created a negative air pressure within the building. The negative air pressure can cause air to be drawn in to the building through seams, crevasse, or cracks in the exterior of the building. Therefore it is beneficial to prevent or disturb any air flow that could be created between the outside surface of the panel system and the exterior wall of the building by the negative air pressure. Further, it is beneficial to stop any moisture that might be entrained air behind the panel system from circulating. Therefore reducing the possibility that moisture enters the building through seams, crevasses, or cracks in the exterior of the building. Further, the blocking walls  310 ,  320  can prevent air from circulating behind the panel system around building corners. 
         [0090]    The bottom edge  319  of the blocking plate  312  is positioned above the second step  248  of the wall mounting flange  213  of the panel  251  creating a break gap  318 . The break gap is provided for easing installation of the panel system. In some applications, it is not required that the blocking wall  310  provide complete blockage of any lateral movement of air. Therefore the minimal break gap  318  does not sufficiently impact that blocking effect of the blocking wall to disturb air from circulating behind the gutters and the panels. 
         [0091]    In some embodiments, a seal (not shown) can be placed between the bottom edge  319  of the blocking plate  312  and the second step  248  so as to create a complete blockage. In some embodiments, the blocking pate  312  extends so that the bottom edge  319  contacts the second step  248  to create a complete blockage. 
         [0092]    Regardless whether complete blockage or a break gap  318  is provided, the blocking walls create panel air cells between the blocking walls of laterally adjacent gutters behind the panels. The blocking walls also create gutter air cells between the blocking walls  310 ,  320  of the gutter. 
         [0093]      FIG. 26  shows third alternative embodiment panels  410 ,  411 . Top panel  410  is identical to panel  250  except the front surface  432  is angled away from the wall when moving along the front surface in a downward direction C. A bottom wall  452  of panel  410  is longer than the bottom wall  252  of panel  250 , so that the front surface  432  of panel  410  is angled between its connection with a top surface  438  and the bottom wall  452 . Bottom panel  411  is identical to panel  250  except that the front surface  432   a  is angled away from the wall  50  when moving along the front surface in an upward direction opposite direction C. The top surface  438   a  of panel  411  is longer than the top wall  238  of panel  250 , so that the front surface of panel  411  is angled between its connection with a bottom wall  452   a  and the top surface  438   a.  In some embodiments, the angling of the panels may be reversed such that the front surface at the top surface  438  is horizontally farthest from the wall  50 , the bottom wall  452   a  is horizontally farthest from the wall  50 , and the front surface at bottom wall  452  of panel  410  is horizontally closer to the wall  50  than front surface at the top surface  428 , and the front surface at the top surface  438   a  of panel  411  is closer to the wall  50  than the bottom wall  452   a.    
         [0094]      FIG. 27  shows a third embodiment gutter  360 . The third embodiment gutter  360  is identical to the second embodiment  260 , except then the third embodiment gutter  360  comprises a different top wall  388  and a different foot plate  398 . 
         [0095]    The top wall  388  at the upper edge of the upper surface  292 . The top wall connects with the upper gutter sides  390 ,  391 . The top wall has a downward extending lip  389  that is spaced apart from the front edges of the upper gutter sides  390 ,  391  by a gap distance  387 . The upper shelf  388  and the portions of the gutter above the upper shelf  388  are configured to be received in the gutter gap  241  of the panel  250  or the gutter gap  141  of panel  110  or similar gutter gaps of other embodiments of the panel. 
         [0096]    The top wall  388  allows the gutters to be preassembled as joined with at least one panel by securing a fastener through the second step  148  and the lower step  142  and through the top wall  388  in an area of overlap between the gutter and the panel, such as overlap distance  176 , to connect the gutter to the panel independent from a connection with any exterior wall. 
         [0097]    A main surface  382  of the gutter  360  joints at a bottom edge  396  with a rearward extending bottom foot  399 . The rear of the bottom foot  399  has an upwardly extending foot plate  398 . The plate  398  is configured to hook under the upper receiver lip  149  and into the lip gap  150  of panel  110  or lip gap  270  of panel  250  or lip gap  270  of panel  250 ,  251  or panels  410 ,  460  that are positioned vertically below the gutter  360 . The bottom foot  399  may comprise openings  385 . When panels, such as panels  110 ,  250 ,  410 , are used with gutter  360  having the foot plate that extends across the horiztonal width of the gutter, the panels may not have protrusions  155 ,  255 , or the protrusion size may be reduced to accommodate the gutter foot plate in the lip gap. 
         [0098]      FIG. 28  shows a fourth embodiment panel  460 . Panel  460  is identical to panel  250  except that the wall mounting flange  464  of the panel  460  is different from the wall mounting flange  213  of panel  250 . The mounting flange  464  has a two part arrangement comprising a base section and a lip section. The base section comprises lower step portion  482  that connects the first recessed surface  466  to the back plate portion  484 . The lip section comprises a L-shaped lip having a mount leg  474  and a lip leg  472 . The mount leg  474  lays on top of the lower step portion  482 . The lower step portion  482  has a lip section connecting aperture and the mount leg  474  has a mount aperture. A fastener, such as a sealing rivet connection the lip section to the base section. The rivet comprises a top head  486 , a shaft  488  and a sealing member  489 . The head rests on the surface of the mount leg  474  about the mount aperture. The shaft extends through the mount aperture of the mount leg and the lip section connecting aperture of the lower step portion  482 . The shaft is connected to the sealing member that securely contacts the lower surface of the lower step portion  482  to create a water-tight seal. 
         [0099]      FIG. 29  shows a portion of a fifth embodiment panel  550  of the panel system. Panel  550  is identical in shape to panel  250  except for the lower portion shown in  FIG. 29 . The panel  550  shows an aluminum composite panel where front wall  572  and bottom wall  573  have a middle core  506  between and outside surface  504  and an inside surface  506 . In some embodiments, the outside surface and the inside surface are each aluminum and the middle core comprises plastic or foam to form the composite walls  572 ,  573 . 
         [0100]    A hook plate support bracket  520  is attached to an inside surface of the front wall  572  and the bottom wall  573 . A fastener, such as a rivet  508  secure the hook plate support bracket  520  in place on the bottom wall  573 . The support bracket  520  comprises a front wall  530 , a lower wall  532 , a vertical first rear wall  523 , a horizontal first step wall  527 , and a vertical hook wall  524 . The front wall  530  abuts the inside surface of the front wall  572 . The lower wall  532  is supported on the inside surface of the bottom wall  573  and secured thereto by the rivet  508 . The lower wall  532  meets the vertical first rear wall  523 , which meets a horizontal first step wall  527 , which meets a vertical hook wall  524 . 
         [0101]    The bottom wall  573  and the lower wall  532  each have at least one weep hole  528 ,  538 . The weep hole  528  of the bottom wall  573  is aligned with the weep hole  538  of the lower wall  532  so that water may exit through the weep holes. The weep holes may also allow for pressure equalization between air on the outside of the panel system an air behind the panel system as was described above for panel  110 . 
         [0102]    The first rear wall  523  has a vent opening  529  to allow for pressure equalization between air on the outside of the panel system an air behind the panel system. In some embodiments, the vent openings  529  are located adjacent each side wall of the panel on the first rear wall  523 . It will be recognized that any number of vent opening  529  or any variation in size can be provided along the first rear wall  523  to achieve the desired rate or speed of pressure equalization. In some embodiments, vent openings are located at every 6 to 12 inches along the first rear wall  523  of the panel. In some embodiments, the vent holes are slots. In some embodiments, pressure equalization occurs via both the weep holes  528  and the vent openings  529 . In some embodiments, the arrangement, number, and size of both vent openings  529  and weep holes  528  are provided so as to achieve the desired rate or speed of pressure equalization. 
         [0103]    The hook wall  524  has a panel emboss or recess  526  on a rear face of the hook wall and a panel protrusion  525  on a front face of the hook wall opposite the recess  526 .  FIGS. 30-32  show a sixth embodiment panel of the panel system. Panel  650  is identical in shape to panel  250  except for the lower portion shown in  FIGS. 30-32 . A vertical hook wall  654  of the panel  650  has rounded extensions  680  extending above a top surface  682  of the vertical hook wall  654 . 
         [0104]    The bottom wall  652  has at least two weep holes  658 , located in the same lateral locations along the width of the panel as those weep holes  158  of panel  110  shown in  FIG. 8 . The weep holes may also allow for pressure equalization between air on the outside of the panel system an air behind the panel system as was described above for panel  110 . 
         [0105]    The bottom wall  652  meets a vertical first rear wall  653 , which meets a horizontal first step wall  657 , which meets a vertical hook wall  654 . The first rear wall  653  has a vent opening  659  to allow for pressure equalization between air on the outside of the panel system an air behind the panel system. The hook wall  654  has a panel emboss or recesses  656  on a rear face of the hook wall and a panel protrusion  655  on a front face of the hook wall opposite the recess  656 . The rounded extensions  680  are concentric with the recesses  656 . In some embodiments, the rounded extensions are not rounded but rather are square, triangular, or any other protruding shape. 
         [0106]    The rounded extensions increase the ease by which a panel can be removed from the panel gap of an vertically adjacent panel. In practice, a person may start removing a portion of the vertical hook wall from the panel gap, such as by starting at one end of the panel. The person will then work toward the opposite end of the panel removing the vertical hook wall from the panel gap progressively from one end to the other. The rounded extensions prevent the vertical hook wall from springing back into the panel gap as a person works to remove other portions of the vertical hook wall from the panel gap. The rounded extensions can be placed to rest against the foot bottom  299  of the gutter or can be placed in front of an upper receiver lip  279 ,  149  of the panel  250 ,  110 , thereby preventing the vertical hook wall from falling back in the panel gap. Any of the other panels  110 ,  210 ,  410 ,  460 ,  550  may include the rounded extensions. 
         [0107]    The panels  110 ,  210 ,  410 ,  460 ,  550 ,  650  and gutters  160 ,  260 ,  360  disclosed herein are usable interchangeably within the panel system in any combination. Any of panels  110 ,  210 ,  410 ,  460 ,  550 ,  650  can be deployed in any of the embodiments or arrangements disclosed herein, including as a substitute for panel shown or described in a particular arrangement or embodiment. Any of gutters  160 ,  260 ,  360  can be deployed in any of the embodiments or arrangements disclosed herein, including as a substitute of the gutter shown or described in a particular arrangement or embodiment. 
         [0108]    From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.

Technology Category: 0