WO2007027750A2

WO2007027750A2 - Universal wall panel mounting system, and method of installing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2007027750A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/033827
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anatoly Gosis; Kenneth Dobson; Chaohui Guo
Original assignee: Premark RWP Holdings LLC
Current assignee: Premark RWP Holdings LLC
Priority date: 2005-08-31
Filing date: 2006-08-30
Publication date: 2007-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2008-02-29
Also published as: WO2007027750A3

Abstract

A new and improved wall panel mounting system, and a method of removably installing a plurality of wall panels so as to form a vertical wall member which is fixedly attached upon a fixed support wall, is disclosed. The plurality of wall panels are adapted to be disposed within a grid-type arrangement comprising a plurality of vertically or longitudinally oriented columns and a plurality of transversely or horizontally oriented rows. A plurality of transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members, having substantially L-shaped cross-sectional configurations with upwardly and downwardly projecting lip members disposed upon the horizontally oriented free end portions thereof, are adjustably mounted at predetermined, vertically spaced locations upon the fixed support wall such that the upwardly and downwardly projecting lip members can respectively engage lower and upper grooved regions of the wall panels so as to thereby fixedly mount the wall panels upon the fixed support wall and thereby, together, define the completed wall member.

Description

UNIVERSAL WALL PANEL MOUNTING SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF INSTALLING THE SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wall systems, and- more particularly to a new and improved universal wall panel mounting system comprising a plurality of wall panels, and a method of removably installing the wall panels, wherein the plurality of wall panels are adapted to be disposed within a grid-type arrangement, comprising a plurality of vertically or longitudinally oriented columns and a plurality of horizontally or transversely oriented rows, such that the plurality of wall panels, disposed within the grid-type arrangement, . together define or form vertical wall member attached to a fixed support wall structure, and wherein further, a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented mounting brackets are adjustably mounted upon the fixed support wall structure so as to effectively facilitate the mounting of the plurality of wall ■panels upon the fixed wall ■ structure as a result of mounting lower edge portions of first predetermined ones of the wall panels upon the . first lowermost one of the vertically spaced mounting brackets, securing the first predetermined ones of the wall panels upon the first lowermost one of the vertically spaced mounting brackets by engaging upper edge portions of the first predetermined one^'s of the wall panels with a second one of the vertically spaced mounting brackets, and repeating the process until all of the wall panels are installed whereby the entire vertical wall member will be erected. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous wall panel systems, wherein, for example, a plurality of individual wall panels are mounted upon a fixed support wall in accordance with a grid-type arrangement comprising a plurality of vertically or longitudinally oriented columns and a plurality of horizontally or transversely oriented rows, are well known in the art. One type of conventional, PRIOR ART wall panel system is disclosed, for example, within FIGURES 1-3 and is generally indicated by the reference character 10. As can readily be appreciated from the FIGURES 1-3, in order to effectively form, erect, or install for example, an interior room wall member upon a fixed support wall 12, a plurality of vertically oriented, laterally spaced stud members 14 are fixedly secured to the fixed support wall 12, and a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 16 are fixedly secured upon the plurality of vertically oriented, laterally spaced stud members 14. Each one of the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 16 has a substantially L- shaped cross-sectional configuration as defined by means of a vertically oriented long-leg rear wall portion 18 and a vertically oriented upstanding lip portion 20 integrally formed upon the forwardly projecting small-leg bottom wall portion of the extrusion or rail member 16. The interior room wall member is comprised of a plurality of wall panels 22 wherein the plurality of wall panels 22 are adapted to be disposed within a grid-type arrangement comprising a plurality of vertically or longitudinally extending columns, and a plurality of horizontally or transversely extending rows, and wherein further, the plurality of wall panels 22 are adapted to be mounted in a substantially suspended mode upon the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16.

Therefore, as can best be seen from FIGURES 2 and 3, in order to achieve such suspended mounting of the plurality of wall panels 22 upon the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16, each one of the plurality of wall panels 22 is provided with four mounting brackets 24 disposed within a substantially rectangularly spaced array upon the rear surface portion thereof. Each one of the mounting brackets 24 comprises a mounting plate portion 26 which is adapted to be fixedly secured upon the rear surface portion of each wall panel 22 by means of a plurality of screw fasteners 28, and a rearwardly offset, downwardly projecting lip portion 30. Accordingly, when each one of the plurality of wall panels 22 is to be mounted upon the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16, the wall panel 22 will be moved into position adjacent to a pair of the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 such that the rearwardly offset, downwardly projecting lip portions 30,30 of the upper pair of mounting brackets 24 will be able to be inserted into an upper one of the pair of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 and against the vertically oriented long-leg rear wall portion 18 thereof, while in a similar manner, the rearwardly offset, downwardly projecting lip portions 30,30 of the lower pair of mounting brackets 24 will be substantially simultaneously inserted into the lower one of the pair of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 and against the vertically oriented long-leg rear wall portion 18 thereof.

Subsequently, the wall panel 22 will effectively be vertically lowered with respect to the pair of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 such that the downwardly projecting lip portions 30 of all four of the mounting brackets 24 will respectively engage the upstanding lip portions 20,20 of the pair of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 whereby the wall panel 22 will now be suspendingly mounted upon the vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16. Still yet further, if the wall panel 22 needs to be angularly adjusted in order to, for example, render the upper and lower horizontally oriented edge portions thereof truly horizontal, or in a similar manner, in order to render the left and right vertically oriented edge portions thereof truly vertical, the mounting brackets 24 are additionally provided with set screw fasteners 32 which are adapted to adjustably engage the upper edge portions of the upstanding lip portions 20,20 of the pair of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 so as to adjustably tilt the wall panel 22 with respect to the respective one of the vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16.

While the aforenoted conventional, PRIOR ART wall panel system 10 is obviously viable and useful in connection with the installation of the wall panels 22 onto the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 in order to form or erect an interior room wall member upon the fixed support wall 12, the installation of the wall panels 22 onto the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 has proven to be very difficult to achieve, tedious, and time-consuming. For example, it is initially noted that the four mounting brackets 24 must in fact be mounted upon the rear surface portion of each wall panel 22 with a high degree of precision in order to effectively ensure that the four mounting brackets 24 are disposed within the predetermined rectangular array whereby the four mounting brackets 24 can then be properly accommodated within the pair of upper and lower vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16. Secondly, if the four mounting brackets 24 have not in fact been mounted upon the rear surface portion of the wall panel 22 in accordance with the requisite amount of precision, then the disposition of the wall panel 22 has to effectively be adjusted with respect to the pair of upper and lower vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 as a result of appropriately manipulating the adjustable set screws 32.

It can readily be appreciated, however, that in view of the fact that the adjustable set screws 32 are adjustably mounted upon the mounting brackets 24, that the mounting brackets 24 are fixedly mounted upon the rear surface portion of the wall panel 22, and that the wall panel 22 is already suspendingly mounted upon pair of upper and lower vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 such that the rear surface portion of the wall panel 22 is not readily accessible, manipulation of the set screws 32 so as to achieve positional adjustment of the wall panel 22 with respect to the pair of upper and lower vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 is extremely difficult to achieve. An alternative method of positionally adjusting the wall panel 22 with respect to the pair of upper and lower vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16 would be to initially remove the wall panel 22 the pair of upper and lower vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16, subsequently manipulating the set screws 32, and replacing the wall panel 22 upon the pair of upper and lower vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 16, however, such a procedure would effectively entail a time-consuming trial and error technique until the wall panel 22 was in fact properly positionally adjusted.

Furthermore, it is additionally appreciated that each one of the mounting brackets 24 is fixedly secured to the rear surface portion of the wall panel 22 by means of three screw fasteners 28 which is substantially labor- intensive. Still yet further, the wall panels 22 have relatively small thickness dimensions, and therefore, the screw fasteners 28 that are utilized to secure the mounting brackets 24 onto the rear surface portion of each wall panel 22 must have relatively small length dimensions so as to prevent the screw fasteners 28 from passing through wall panel 22 and protruding outwardly from the front surface portion of the wall panel 22 which would obviously be undesirable from an aesthetic point of view. Accordingly, such screw fasteners 28, having the aforenoted relatively small length dimensions, do not always exhibit the requisite holding power or pull-out resistance to adequately support the weight of the wall panel 22. A need therefore exists in the art for a new and improved wall panel mounting system, and a method of removably installing the wall panels, wherein the horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members will be adjustably mounted upon the fixed support wall, and the wall panels and the horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members can be easily interengaged with each other such that the need for the mounting brackets, to be fixedly secured onto the rear surface portions of the wall panels, is able to be eliminated so as to not only, in turn, eliminate all of the structural and installation disadvantages, drawbacks, and deficiencies characteristic of such mounting brackets, as has been previously noted, but in addition, the wall panels can be easily and rapidly installed in a serial manner, in both the vertical or longitudinal, as well as in the horizontal or transverse, directions, until the entire composite wall member, comprising the grid-type arrangement of the wall panels, is completed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objectives are achieved in accordance with the teachings and principles of the present invention through the provision of a new and improved wall panel mounting system, and a method of removably installing a plurality of wall panels so as to form a vertical wall member which is fixedly attached to a fixed support wall, wherein the plurality of wall panels are adapted to be disposed within a grid-type arrangement comprising a plurality of vertically or longitudinally oriented columns and a plurality of horizontally or transversely oriented rows. A plurality of horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members are adjustably mounted at predetermined, vertically- spaced locations upon the fixed support wall, and each one of the plurality of horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members comprises a main body portion having a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional configuration comprising a vertically extending long-leg member and a horizontally extending short-leg member. The free end portion of- the horizontally extending short leg member is provided with upwardly and downwardly projecting lip members whereby the horizontally extending short-leg member effectively has a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Accordingly, when the construction or installation of the vertical wall member is to be commenced, a horizontally oriented baseboard panel, having grooves respectively formed within the upper and lower regions thereof, is mounted upon the lowermost one of the plurality of horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members such that the upwardly extending lip member of the short-leg member of the lowermost one of the plurality of horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members is engaged within the lower grooved region of the baseboard panel while the lower edge portion of the baseboard panel is disposed in a flush contact manner upon the room floor.

Subsequently, the downwardly projecting lip member of the short-leg member of a second one of the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members is engaged within the upper grooved region of the baseboard panel while the second one of the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members is positionally adjusted so as to be disposed in a truly horizontal orientation. The lower grooved edge portion of a first one of the plurality of wall panels is then mounted upon the upwardly projecting lip member of the short-leg member of the second one of the plurality of vertically- spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members, and subsequently, the downwardly projecting lip member of the short-leg member of a third one of the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members is engaged within the upper grooved edge region of the first wall panel so as to fixedly secure the first wall panel upon the fixed support wall structure. This installation procedure or process is then repeated until all of the plurality of wall panels are installed within the aforenoted grid-type arrangement, comprising the plurality of vertically or longitudinally oriented columns and the plurality of transversely or horizontally oriented rows, whereby the entire vertical wall member will have been erected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a conventional, PRIOR ART system for mounting wall panels upon a fixed support wall so as to form an interior wall member;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of the conventional, PRIOR ART system as disclosed within FIGURE 1 showing the vertically oriented, laterally spaced stud members, the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members fixedly mounted upon the vertically oriented, laterally spaced stud members, and one of the conventional, PRIOR ART wall panels having the plurality of conventional mounting brackets fixedly mounted upon the rear surface portion thereof for disposition within the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members so as to suspendingly hang the conventional wall panels upon the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members;

FIGXJRE 3 is an enlarged perspective view the conventional, PRIOR ART wall panel, disclosed within FIGURE 2, showing the detailed structure of the plurality of mounting brackets fixedly mounted upon the rear surface portion of the conventional, PRIOR ART wall panel;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a new and improved universal wall panel mounting system, constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention and showing the cooperative parts thereof, for mounting a plurality of wall panels upon a fixed support wall so as to form complete or composite interior wall members, wherein it is seen that each one of the plurality of rectangularly configured wall panels are disposed with the long sides thereof extending horizontally;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view of a new and improved universal wall panel constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention so as to be capable of being mounted, along with a plurality of similar wall panels, upon the fixed support wall so as to form either one of the interior wall members as disclosed within FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a rear elevational view of the new and improved universal wall panel as disclosed within FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a- side perspective view of one of the plurality of new and improved vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members which is ■ adapted to be- adjustably mounted upon the vertically oriented fixed support wall in order to adjustably and removably mount baseboard panels and the plurality of wall panels upon the fixed support wall in order to form the complete or composite interior wall member;

FIGURE 8 is a top perspective view of the one of the plurality of new and improved vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members as disclosed within FIGURE 7 showing the details of the adjustment slots defined within the extrusion or rail member for permitting mounted adjustment of the extrusions or rail members upon the fixed support wall, as well as the provision of the threaded bores for housing adjustment set screws so as to adjust the angular orientation of particular ones of the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members so as to ensure the true horizontal orientation of the same;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the first embodiment universal wall panel mounting system as disclosed within FIGURE 4, showing, however, the universal wall panel mounting system from a different perspective so as to additionally illustrate the interior and exterior corner regions of the universal wall panel mounting system;

FIGURE 10 is a side elevational view, similar to that of FIGURE 5, illustrating, however, a new and improved baseboard panel constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention so as to be capable of being mounted, along with the plurality of wall panels, upon the fixed support wall so as to form either one of the interior wall members as disclosed within FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view, similar to that of FIGURE 4, but illustrating, however, the first embodiment of the new and improved universal wall panel mounting system from an opposite perspective or end position of one of the completed composite interior wall members so as to illustrate the serial mounting of the plurality of wall panels upon the fixed support wall in order to form the complete or composite interior wall members;

FIGURE 12 is a schematic side elevational view, similar to that of FIGURE 4, and illustrating, in general, the serial mounting of the baseboard panel and the plurality of wall panels upon the fixed support wall, in accordance with the principles and teachings of the first embodiment of the new and improved universal wall panel mounting system of the present invention, in order to form the complete or composite interior wall members; FIGURE 12a is an enlarged, schematic side elevational view of the lower baseboard panel region of the new and improved universal wall panel mounting system as illustrated within FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 12b is an enlarged, schematic side elevational view of the upper wall panel region of the new and improved universal wall panel mounting system as illustrated within FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 13 is a front elevational view of a wall member comprising the plurality of wall panels wherein some of the wall panels are vertically and horizontally spaced from each other for aesthetic purposes;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of a spacer member which is utilized for forming vertically oriented spaces or gaps, as disclosed within FIGURE 13, between horizontally adjacent wall panels;

FIGURE 15 is a perspective view, similar to that of FIGURE 4, showing, however, a second embodiment of a new and improved universal wall panel mounting system, constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention and showing the cooperative parts thereof, for mounting the plurality of wall panels upon the fixed support wall so as to form another interior wall member wherein it is seen that each one of the plurality of rectangularly configured wall panels are disposed with the long sides thereof extending vertically; FIGURE 16 is a top plan view of the first embodiment universal wall panel mounting system, as disclosed within FIGURES 4 and 9, showing, the use of new and improved universal corner structures for effectively constructing interior and exterior corner regions of the universal wall panel mounting system_/

•FIGURE 16a is an enlarged, partial view of the first embodiment universal wall panel mounting system, as disclosed within FIGURE 15, showing the details of the universal corner structure when used to form an interior corner region of the universal wall panel mounting system; and

FIGURE 16b is an enlarged, partial view of the first embodiment universal wall panel mounting system, as disclosed within FIGURE 15, showing the details of the universal corner structure when used to form an exterior corner region of the universal wall panel mounting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGURES 4-6 thereof, a first embodiment of a new and improved universal wall panel mounting system, constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention and showing the cooperative parts thereof, is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 110. The first embodiment universal wall panel mounting system 110 is adapted to mount a plurality of wall panels 112 upon a fixed support wall 114 so as to form a completed or composite interior wall member 116, and it is seen that each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 generally comprises a rectangularly configured structure. In particular, the front section 113 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 has a pair of oppositely disposed, relatively long side edge portions 118,120, and a pair of oppositely disposed, relatively short side edge portions 122,124. It is further seen that the plurality of wall panels 112, which define or form the completed or composite interior wall member 116, are disposed within a grid-type arrangement comprising a plurality of vertically or longitudinally extending columns and a plurality of horizontally or laterally extending rows, wherein the oppositely disposed, relatively long side edge portions 118,120 of the front sections 113 of the plurality of wall panels 112 are oriented horizontally.

Still yet further, it can also be appreciated from FIGURE 4 that when the plurality of wall panels 112 are to be mounted upon the fixed support wall 114 so as to be disposed within the aforenoted grid-type arrangement forming the completed or composite interior wall member 116, an upper edge portion 118 of the front section 113 of a first one of the plurality of wall panels 112 will be disposed in abutting contact with a lower edge portion 120 of the front section 113 of a second one of the plurality of wall panels 112 which is disposed above the first one of the plurality of wall panels 112, whereas, in a similar manner, the right side edge portion 122 of the front section 113 of the first one of the plurality of wall panels 112 will be disposed in abutting contact with the left side edge portion 124 of the front section 113 of a third one of the plurality of wall panels 112 which is disposed to the right of the first one of the plurality of wall panels 112. With reference continuing to be made to FIGURES 5 and 6, it is seen that each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 has a substantially H-shaped cross-sectional configuration comprised by means of the front section 113, a rear section 126, and- an intermediate section 128, wherein the front section 113, the rear section 126, and the intermediate section 128 form or define a single integral structure. It is seen that the front section 113 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 has a first long dimension Li as defined between the oppositely disposed side edge portions 122,124, and a first short dimension Si as defined between the oppositely disposed upper and lower edge portions 118,120, and that the rear section 126 has a second long dimension L₂ as defined between its oppositely disposed •side edge portions 130,132, and a second short dimension S₂ as defined between its oppositely disposed upper and lower edge portions 134, 136. In addition, it is seen that the first long dimension Li of the front section 113 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 is greater than the second long dimension L₂ of the rear section 126 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112, and in a similar manner, the first short dimension Si of the front section 113 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 is likewise greater than the second- short dimension S₂ of the rear section 126 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112.

It is noted still further that the front section 113 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 has fixedly mounted thereon, in a laminated manner, a decorative front surface portion 115 which forms the visible portion of the completed or composite interior wall member 116 when each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 is mounted upon the fixed wall support structure 114, however, alternatively, the the rear section 126 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 could also have fixedly mounted thereon, in a laminated manner, a decorative surface portion 117. The provision or formation of such a decorative surface portion 117, during the initial manufacture of the plurality of wall panels 112, would effectively enable the plurality of wall panels 112 to be reversible, that is, either side of a particular wall panel 112 could be selected to be the front or visible side of the particular wall panel 112 wherein subsequent machining would simply be required so as to properly form the corresponding front and rear sections 113,126 of the particular wall panel 112. In addition, in lieu of the aforenoted laminated structures, the plurality of wall panels 112 could comprise a single structure which is inherently colored a particular color, such as, for example, if the plurality of wall panels 112 were fabricated from a suitable plastic material, or alternatively still further, in lieu of the laminated surface portions 115,117, the front and rear surfaces of the plurality of wall panels 112 could simply be painted the same or different colors depending upon their intended uses .

Continuing still further, it is seen that a peripheral groove, comprising grooved sections 138,140,142,144, is effectively defined between the front and rear sections 113 and 126 so as to effectively define the intermediate section 128 therebetween, and it is therefore seen that the intermediate section 128 has a third long dimension L₃ as defined between its oppositely disposed side edge portions 146,148, and a third short dimension S₃ as defined between its oppositely disposed upper and lower edge portions 150,152. Accordingly, it is appreciated that the second long dimension L₂ of the rear section 126 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 is greater than the third long dimension L₃ of the intermediate section 126 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112, and in a similar manner, the second short dimension S₂ of the rear section 126 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 is likewise greater than the third short dimension S₃ of the intermediate section 128 of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112. The significance of such structure, comprising each one of the plurality of wall panels 112, will now be explained.

With reference still being made to FIGURE 4, it is to be appreciated that each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 is adapted to be removably mounted upon the fixed support wall 114 by means of a pair of vertically spaced, transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154. More particularly, as will become more fully apparent hereinafter, in connection with the mounting of each one of the plurality of wall panels 112 upon the fixed support wall 114, a particular one of the plurality of wall panels 112 will have a lower portion thereof seated upon a first one of the transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154 which is adjustably mounted upon the fixed support wall 114, and subsequently, a second one of the horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members 154, which is also adjustably mounted upon the fixed support wall 114, is operatively engaged with an upper portion of the particular one of the plurality of wall panels 112 so as to fixedly, but removably, secure the particular one of the plurality of wall panels 112 upon the fixed support wall 114.

In order to better appreciate the foregoing, additional reference is made to FIGURES 5 and 7 wherein each one of the plurality of vertically spaced, transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154 is seen to have a main body portion which has a substantially L- shaped cross-sectional configuration as defined by means of a vertically upstanding long-leg member 156, and a horizontally oriented short-leg member 158. In addition, a vertically oriented plate member 160 is integrally disposed upon the forward, free end portion of the horizontally oriented short- leg member 158, and the vertical extent of the plate member 160 is seen to be greater than the vertical thickness dimension of the horizontally oriented short-leg member 158 of the extrusion or rail member 154 so as to define oppositely extending upwardly and downwardly projecting lip members 162,164. A gap 165 is therefore defined between the upwardly projecting lip member 162 and the vertically upstanding long-leg member 156. Still yet further, as can readily be appreciated from FIGURES 8 and 9, a plurality of vertically oriented, horizontally or transversely spaced through-slots 166 are defined within the vertically upstanding long-leg member 156 of each one of the plurality of vertically spaced, transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154.

Suitable fasteners 168 are adapted to pass through the through-slots 166 in order to fixedly secure each one of the plurality of vertically spaced, transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154 at predetermined positions upon the fixed support wall 114 when the fasteners 168 are tightened to their full extent, however, when the fasteners 168 are not tightened to their full extent, each one of the plurality of vertically spaced, transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154 is able to be vertically or angularly adjusted with respect to the fixed support wall 114. In connection with achieving such angular adjustment of each one of the plurality of vertically spaced, transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154 with respect to the fixed support wall 114, it is additionally seen that the vertically ^' upstanding long-leg member 156 of each one of the plurality . of vertically spaced, transversely or horizontally

■ oriented extrusions or rail members 154 is also provided with a plurality of threaded 'bores 170 within which set screws 172, as can best be seen in FIGURES 4 and 9, are adapted to be disposed. The threaded bores 170 are vertically aligned with each one of the vertically extending through-slots 166 and extend downwardly from the upper surface portion 174 of the vertically upstanding long-leg member 156 of each one of

^■ the plurality of vertically spaced, transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154, as can best be seen from FIGURE 8, until each threaded bore 170 respectively intersects its aligned through-slot 166. Accordingly, when one of the fasteners 168 is disposed within the through-slot 166, the set screw 172 will effectively engage the shank portion of the fastener 168, and upon threaded adjustment of the set screw 172 within the threaded bore 170, the angular disposition of the particular one of the plurality of vertically spaced, transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154 can be suitably adjusted.

Continuing further, and with reference being made to FIGURE 10, a new and improved baseboard panel is illustrated, and since the baseboard panel has substantially the same structure as each one of the plurality of wall panels 112, with four exceptions or differences, the new and improved baseboard panel has been designated by the reference character 112' whereby a detailed discussion of the new and improved baseboard panel 112' can be omitted for brevity purposes, the various structural components of the baseboard panel 112' being simply designated by reference characters corresponding to those structural components of each wall panel 112 except that an (') has been added to each reference character. The first exception or difference between the baseboard panel 112' and each one of the wall panels 112 resides in the fact that the length of the baseboard panel is substantially longer than the length Li of each one of the wall panels 112 in view of the fact that the baseboard panel extends the entire width of a particular one of the completed or composite interior wall members 116 whereas a plurality of the wall panels 112 will extend along the entire width of the particular one of the completed or composite interior wall members 116.

The second exception or difference between the baseboard panel 112' and each one of the wall panels 112 resides in the fact that the lower edge portion 120' of the front section 113' of the baseboard panel 112' extends substantially or further beneath the lower edge portions 136', 152' of the rear and intermediate sections 126', 128' of the baseboard panel 112' than does the lower edge portion 120 of the front section 113 of the wall panel 112 with respect to the lower edge portions 136,152 of the rear and intermediate sections 126, 128 of the wall panel 112, for a purpose which will be more fully explained hereinafter. The third exception or difference between the baseboard panel 112' and each one of the wall panels 112 resides in the fact that the baseboard panel 112' is thinner than each one of the wall panels 112, again as will be more fully understood hereinafter, and lastly, the fourth exception or difference between the baseboard panel 112' and each one of the wall panels 112 resides in the fact that while the baseboard panel 112' may be laminated upon one or both side surfaces thereof as at 115' , 117' , preferably neither side surface will be laminated and the baseboard panel 112' will be black in color as is often conventional.

Therefore, continuing further, and with additional reference being made to FIGURES 11, 12, 12a, and 12b, the serial installation of the various wall components, in order to fully install • the completed or composite interior wall member, will now be described. More particularly, when the complete or . composite' interior wall member 116 is to be formed' or erected, a first, lowermost one of the plurality of vertically spaced, transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154-1 is initially mounted upon a lower region of the vertical fixed support wall 114 such that the lower edge portion of the downwardly projecting lip member 164-1 is seated upon the upper surface portion of the room floor 176, while a plurality of additional extrusions or rail members 154-2,154-3,154-4,154-5 are likewise mounted upon the vertical fixed support wall 114 at predetermined vertical locations which can accommodate the vertical array of wall panels 112-1,112-2,112-3. The baseboard panel 112' is then engaged with the first, lowermost extrusion or rail member 154-1 as a result of effectively inserting the upwardly projecting lip member 162-1 of the first, lowermost extrusion or rail member 154-1 into the lower grooved region 142' of the baseboard panel 112' while the lower edge portion 120' of the front section 113' of the baseboard panel 112' is also seated upon the upper surface portion of the room floor 176.

It is to be noted that the thickness dimension of the upwardly projecting lip member 162-1 is just slightly less than the width dimension of the groove section 142' defined within the base-board panel 112' so as to permit the upwardly projecting lip member 162-1 to be easily inserted into the groove section 142' of the baseboard panel 112' while also effectively ensuring that the baseboard panel 112' will be engaged with the upwardly projecting lip member 162-1 of the lowermost extrusion or rail member 154-1 in a relatively snug manner. It is further noted that when installing the baseboard panel 112', the objective is to ensure that the lower edge portion 120' of the front section 113' of the baseboard panel 112' rests firmly upon the floor 176 even if the floor 176 is slightly sloped or not truly horizontal. It is additionally noted that by providing the lower end portion of the front section 113' of the baseboard panel 112' with its increased depth or height dimension such that the lower edge portion 120' of the .front section 113' of the baseboard panel 112' extends substantially beneath the lower edge portion 152' of the intermediate section 128' of the baseboard panel 112', the lower end portion of the front section 113' of the baseboard panel 112' is able to substantially fully cover or hide the entire vertical extent of the plate member 160-1 of the first, lowermost extrusion or rail member 154-1.

Subsequently, the second extrusion or rail member 154-2, which is already mounted upon the fixed wall support structure 114, is positionally adjusted, as permitted by means of the slots 166-2 with respect to the fasteners 168-2, such that the undersurface portion of the horizontally oriented short-leg member 158-2 of the second extrusion or rail member 154-2 will be disposed just above the upper edge portion 134' of the rear section 126' of the base-board panel 112' . In this manner, the downwardly projecting lip member 164-2 of the second extrusion or rail member 154-2 is able to be disposed within the upper grooved section 138' of the baseboard panel 112' such that the baseboard panel 112' will be securely fixed at its final position with respect to the floor 176. It will be noted that the second extrusion or rail member 154-2 will serve as a weight or load-bearing member for all of the wall panels 112 to be mounted above the baseboard member or panel 112' , and therefore, when the first one of the wall panels 112-1 is to be mounted upon the second extrusion or rail member 154-2 as a result of effectively inserting the upper lip member 162-2 of the second extrusion or rail member 154-2 into the lower grooved region 142-1 of the first wall panel 112-1, the lower edge portion 136-1 of the rear section 126-1 of the first wall panel 112-1 will be seated upon the upper surface portion of the horizontal short-leg section 158-2 of the second extrusion or rail member 154-2.

If necessary, the angular orientation of the second extrusion or rail member 154-2 can be adjusted by moving the extrusion or rail member 154-2, as permitted by means of the set screws 172-2 with respect to the fasteners 168-2 so as to ensure that the first wall panel 112-1 is in fact disposed truly horizontal. It is noted that the lower edge portion of the first wall panel 112-1 is disposed slightly above the upper edge portion of the baseboard panel 112' so as to permit or accommodate any misalignment between the first wall panel 112-1 and the baseboard panel 112' due to the fact that the room floor 176 may be slightly sloped. In addition, it is also noted that by forming the baseboard panel 112' so as to have a slightly smaller thickness dimension, the front surface portion of the baseboard panel 112' is effectively recessed with respect to the front surface portion of the first wall panel 112-1 such that the aforenoted space or gap defined between the lower edge portion of the first wall panel 112-1 and the upper edge portion of the baseboard panel 112' is substantially imperceptible.

Continuing still further, in order to securely affix the first wall panel 112-1 upon the vertical fixed support wall 114, the third extrusion or rail member 154-3, which is already mounted upon the fixed support wall 114, is positionally adjusted, as permitted by means of the slots 166 with respect to the fasteners 168, such that the undersurface portion of the horizontal short-leg section 158-3 of the third extrusion or rail member 154-3 will be disposed in contact with, and seated upon, the upper edge portion 134-1 of the rear section 126 of the first wall panel 112-1 while, in addition, the lower lip member 164-3 of the third extrusion or rail member 154-3 will be engaged within the upper grooved region 138-1 of the first wall panel 112-1. Subsequently, when the second wall panel 112-2 is to be installed, the lower end portion of the second wall panel 112-2 is simply mounted upon the third extrusion or rail member 154-3 such that the upper lip member 162-3 of the third extrusion or rail member 154-3 will be disposed within lower grooved region 142-2 of the second wall panel 112-2, while the lower edge portion 120-2 of the front section 124-2 of the second wall panel 112-2 is seated atop, and supported upon, the upper edge portion 118-1 of the front section 124-1 of the first wall panel 112-1. It is to be noted that once the second extrusion or rail member 154-2 has been angularly adjusted with respect to the vertical fixed support wall 114 such that, for example, the first wall panel 112-1 is in fact disposed in a truly horizontal mode, no further angular adjustments need be made to any of the subsequent extrusions or rail members 154-3,154-4,154-5 because, for example, the first wall panel 112-1 is automatically disposed in a truly horizontal mode as a result of the lower edge portion 136-1 thereof being seated upon, and supported by, the upper surface portion of the horizontally disposed short-leg section 158-2 of the second extrusion or rail member 154-2, and in a similar manner, the

^■ undersurface portion of the horizontally disposed short-leg section 158-3 of the third extrusion or rail member 154-3 is disposed atop, and support upon, the upper edge portion 134-1 of the first- wall panel 112-1, while the lower edge portion 120-2 of- the front section 124-2 of the second wall panel 112-2 is seated atop, and. supported upon, the upper edge

^■portion 118-1 of the front section 124-1 of the first wall panel 112-1. The installation process can of course be repeated, as necessary, in connection with all of the remaining wall panels 112 and extrusion or rail members 154 until the erection or installation of the entire interior wall member 116 is completed.

• It is lastly noted at this juncture that by providing, for example, the upper and lower grooved sections 138, 142, as defined within the wall panels 112, with predetermined depth dimensions which can, respectively, fully accommodate the downwardly and upwardly projecting lip members 164,

162 of each extrusion or rail member 154, and by providing the front section 124 of each wall panel with, for example, the height dimension Si, such that the upper and lower end portions of the wall panels 112 can effectively cover one half of the vertical extent of the plate member 160 of each extrusion or rail member 154, then the lower edge portion 120 of the front section 124 of a particular wall panel 112 can be disposed in abutting contact with the upper edge portion 118 of the front section 124 of the wall panel 112 disposed beneath the particular wall panel 112. In this manner, the extrusion or rail member 154 will effectively be hidden and the interface defined between the successive wall panels 112 will be barely perceptible. Of course, if it is desired to provide a horizontally oriented gap between successive wall panels 112, such as, for example, for aesthetic purposes, then the plate member 160 will be fabricated so as to have an enlarged vertical extent such that the upwardly and downwardly projecting lip members 162,164 of a particular extrusion or rail member 154 will be fully engaged within the grooved sections 142,138 of the successive wall panels 112,112 whereby the upper and lower edge portions 118,120 of- successive wall panels 112,112 will not be disposed in abutting contact with each other but will -be separated from each other so as to therefore effectively define the desired gap or space therebetween. An arrangement of the various wall panels 112, utilized in erecting or constructing the interior wall member 116, wherein such a horizontally oriented gap has been provided between vertically successive wall panels 112, 112,^' is disclosed, for example, at 180 within FIGURE 13.

In addition, it can also be seen that a vertically oriented gap 182 may likewise be provided between horizontally successive wall panels 112,112 for additional aesthetic purposes, and in order to effectively form such a space or gap 182, suitable spacer plates 184, one of which is shown in FIGURE 14, may be interposed between horizontally successive wall panels 112. In particular, the spacer plates 184 are adapted to be disposed within the grooved sections 140,144 of adjacent wall panels 112,112 wherein it is noted that the lateral extent or width of each spacer plate 184 will be greater than the combined depth dimensions of the grooved sections 140,144 as defined between the side edge portions 146,148 of the intermediate section 128 of the respective wall panels 112,112 and the side edge portions 122,124 of the respective wall panels 112,112. Still yet further, other variations, in connection with the use of different types of wall panels 112 in order to achieve additional aesthetic effects within the overall interior wall member 116, are also possible. For example, wall panels having different thickness dimensions can be utilized within the grid-type arrangement so as to impart the aesthetic appearance that individual wall panels project outwardly, or are recessed inwardly, with respect to the other wall panels comprising the overall completed or composite wall member 116. As disclosed, for example, within FIGURE 9, the wall panel 112-P has a greater thickness dimension than the other wall panels 112 and therefore projects outwardly a predetermined amount. Considered alternatively, the wall panels 112 are effectively recessed with respect to wall panel 112-P, and of course, the different wall panels can be installed within different regions of the grid-type arrangement so as to provide the overall completed or composite ^• wall member 116 with different aesthetic appearances .

It is to be noted that the thicker wall panel 112-P is mounted upon the extrusions or rail members 154 in precisely the same manner as the other wall panels 112 by forming the intermediate section 128 of each wall panel 112, as defined by means of the peripheral grooved regions 138,140, 142,144, at the midpoints between the front and rear sections 124,126 of the wall panels 112. It is to be appreciated that in view of the increased thickness dimension of the particular wall panel 112-P, the front section 124 will effectively project out a predetermined amount equal to one-half of the difference between the thickness of such wall panel 112-P and the thickness of the remaining wall panels 112. It is noted still further that if different thickness wall panels 112 are to be used in connection with the formation or erection of the wall member 116, wherein it is desired that all of the wall panels 112 are flush with respect to each other, that is, they effectively present a common planar front surface portion without any recesses or projections, then the intermediate sections 128 of all of the wall panels 112, as defined by means of the peripheral grooved regions 138,140,142, 144, would be defined at the same distance from the front surface 115 of each wall panel 112. As disclosed within FIGURE 15, another aesthetic variation is disclosed wherein it is seen that the plurality of wall panels 112 have been installed upon the extrusions or rail members 154 such that the rectangularly configured wall panels 112 are oriented vertically. Again, the mode of installing the wall panels 112, even when oriented vertically, is precisely the same as the mode of installation previously discussed in connection with the horizontally oriented wall panels 112 as disclosed within FIGURES 4,9, and 11-13.

With reference lastly being made to FIGURES 9,15, 16,16a, and 16b, in order to complete the construction of the entire wall system 110, particularly when different complete or composite wall members 116 meet at interior and exterior corner regions, a new and improved universal corner component 186 is utilized so as to effectively interconnect together the end wall panels 112 of one particular wall member 116 with the end wall panels 112 of an adjacent, intersecting wall member 116. It is to be emphasized that the same corner component 186 is used at both the interior and exterior corner locations except for the fact that the orientation of the corner component 186 is effectively reversed. More particularly, and with reference being made to FIGURES 16,16a, and 16b, it is seen that each one of the corner components 186 comprises a longitudinally extending hollow or tubular member which has a substantially L-shaped cross- sectional configuration as defined by a pair of leg members 188,190 which are disposed perpendicular to each other and meet at corner or apex regions 192,194. A pair of longitudinally extending rib members 196,198, which are similar to the upwardly and downwardly projecting lip members of each one of the horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154, project outwardly from the free end portions of the leg members 188,190 so as to be engaged within the grooved sections 140,144 depending upon the disposition of the corner component 186 either as an interior corner component or as an exterior corner component, as well as to which side edge portion of a particular wall panel 112 the corner component 186 is being connected.

As can readily be appreciated from FIGURES 16a and 16b, when the corner component 186 is being utilized as an interior corner component as illustrated within FIGURE 16a, the apex or corner region 194 is disposed interiorly, whereas when the corner component 186 is being utilized as an exterior corner component as illustrated within FIGURE 16b, the apex or corner region 194 is disposed exteriorly. It is to be noted further that the wall panels 112 disposed horizontally adjacent to each other need not be fixedly connected to each other but may simply be disposed in abutting contact with respect to each other in view of the fact that the wall panels 112 have already been fixedly secured at their respective positions by means of the upper and lower horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154 as has been discussed hereinbefore. Alternatively, spacers, similar to the spacer 184 illustrated within FIGURE 14, may be interposed between the mating edge portions 122,124, and the mating edge portions 122,124, in lieu of being linear, may be cut in accordance with desired patterns so that when the mating edge portions 122,124 are effectively disposed in contact with each other, a particular pattern, other than a linear interface, will be visible for aesthetic purposes .

As may be additionally appreciated from FIGURE 9, if, for example, the length of the particular completed or composite wall member 116 is not such as to be capable of accommodating an integral number of whole wall panels 112, one or more of the wall panels 112 may be cut to a predeterminedly correct size, and subsequently, either one of the side edge portions 122,124 thereof may be regrooved, as at 144, 140, by means of, for example, a suitable router tool. In addition, while the corner components 186 have been illustrated as having substantially L-shaped cross-sectional configurations whereby the wall members 116,116 will be disposed perpendicularly with respect to each other, the corner components 186 may have other cross-sectional configurations, such as, for example, arcuate, trapezoidal, or the like, such that differently configured wall members 116 may be erected or constructed. For example, by employing corner components 186 having predeterminedly arcuate configurations, the resulting interior room may be substantially circular, elliptical, or the like. In a similar manner, by employing corner components 186 having trapezoidal configurations, the resulting interior room may have a substantially hexagonal or octagonal configuration. It is lastly noted that while the wall panels 112 are spaced a predetermined distance 200 from the interior surface of the vertical fixed support wall 114 as a result of being mounted upon the horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154, sometimes additional space is required between the wall panels 112 and the interior surface of the vertical fixed support wall 114 so as to accommodate relatively large electrical equipment, conduits, and the like. Accordingly, spacers, not shown, may be fixedly mounted upon the interior surface of the vertical fixed support wall 114 and the horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members 154 are then mounted upon the spacers in order to therefore provide additional space between the wall panels 112 and the interior surface of the vertical fixed support wall 114.

Thus, it may be seen that in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, there has been developed a new and improved wall panel mounting system, and a method of removably installing a plurality of wall panels so as to form a vertical wall member which is fixedly attached upon a fixed support wall, wherein the plurality of wall panels are adapted to be disposed within a grid-type arrangement comprising a plurality of vertically or longitudinally oriented columns and a plurality of transversely or horizontally oriented rows. A plurality of transversely or horizontally oriented extrusions or rail members are adjustably mounted at predetermined, vertically spaced locations upon the fixed support wall, and each one of the plurality of horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members comprises a main body portion having a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional configuration comprising a vertically extending long-leg member and a horizontally extending short-leg member. The free end portion of the horizontally extending short leg member is provided with upwardly and downwardly projecting lip members whereby the horizontally extending short-leg member effectively has a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Accordingly, when the installation or construction of the vertical wall member is to be commenced, a horizontally oriented baseboard panel, having grooves respectively formed within the upper and lower regions thereof, is mounted upon the lowermost one of the plurality of horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members such that the upwardly extending lip member of the short-leg member of the lowermost one of the plurality of horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members is engaged within the lower grooved region of the base-board panel while the lower edge portion of the baseboard panel is disposed in a flush contact manner upon the room floor.

Subsequently, the downwardly projecting lip member of the short-leg member of a second one of the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members is engaged within the upper grooved region of the baseboard panel so as to fixedly retain the baseboard panel at its position, while the second one of the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members is positionally adjusted so as to be disposed in a truly horizontal orientation. Subsequently, still further, the lower grooved edge portion of a first one of the plurality of wall panels is then mounted upon the upwardly projecting lip member of the short-leg member of the second one of the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members, and subsequently, the downwardly projecting lip member of the short-leg member of a third one of the plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally or transversely oriented extrusions or rail members is engaged within the upper grooved edge region of the first wall panel so as to fixedly secure the first wall panel upon the fixed support wall structure. This installation procedure or process is then repeated until all of the plurality of wall panels are installed within the aforenoted grid-type arrangement, comprising the plurality of vertically or longitudinally oriented columns and the plurality of transversely or horizontally oriented rows, whereby the entire vertical wall member will have been erected.

Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED AS NEW AND DESIRED TO BE PROTECTED BY LETTERS PATENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IS:

1. A wall system, comprising: fixed wall means upon which at least one wall member is to be fixedly mounted; a plurality of wall panels mounted upon said fixed wall means so as to define said at least one wall member; and a plurality of rail members mounted upon said fixed wall means and directly engaged with said plurality of wall panels so as to mount said plurality of wall panels upon said fixed wall means in order to form said at least one wall member.

2. The wall system as set forth in Claim 1, wherein: said plurality of rail members are mounted upon said fixed wall means at vertically spaced locations; each one of said plurality of wall panels has grooved regions defined within upper and lower regions thereof; and each one of said plurality of rail members has upwardly and downwardly projecting lip members for respectively engaging said lower and upper grooved regions of individual ones of said plurality of wall panels so as to fixedly mount said plurality of wall panels upon said fixed wall means in order to form said at least one wall member.

3. The wall system as set forth in Claim 2, wherein: each one of said plurality of rail members has a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional configuration comprising a substantially vertically oriented long-leg member and a horizontally oriented short-leg member; and said upwardly and downwardly projecting lip members are integrally disposed upon free end portions of said horizontally oriented short-leg members such that each one of said horizontally oriented short-leg members has a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional configuration.

4. The wall system as set forth in Claim 4, further comprising: means for adjustably mounting each one of said plurality of rail members upon said fixed wall means.

5. The wall system as set forth in Claim 4, wherein said means for adjustably mounting each one of said plurality of rail members upon said fixed wall means comprises: vertically oriented slots defined within each one of said vertically oriented long-leg members of each one of said plurality of rail members; and fastener means disposed within each one of said vertically oriented slots defined within each one of said vertically oriented long-leg members of each one of said rail members, and fixedly mounted within said fixed wall means, whereby depending upon the relative disposition of said vertically oriented slots with respect to said fastener means, each one of said plurality of rail members may be vertically adjusted with respect to said fixed wall means.

6. The wall system as set forth in Claim 5, further comprising: set screw means adjustably mounted upon said vertically oriented long-leg member of each one of said plurality of rail members, and adapted to engage said fastener means disposed within each one of said vertically oriented slots defined within each one of said vertically- oriented long-leg members of each one of said plurality of rail members, for angularly adjusting the disposition of each one of said plurality of rail members with respect to said fixed wall means .

7. The wall system as set forth in Claim 1, wherein: said at least one wall member of said wall system comprises a plurality of wall members disposed at predetermined angles with respect to each other so as to define interior and exterior corner regions between adjacent intersecting wall members of said wall system; and a plurality of corner components which can be interchangeably used as both interior and exterior corner components within said interior and exterior corner regions of said wall system.

8. The wall system as set forth in Claim 7, wherein: each one of said plurality of wall panels has grooved regions defined within left and right side regions thereof; and each one of said plurality of corner components has a rib member respectively projecting outwardly from opposite side portions thereof for respectively engaging said left and right side grooved regions of individual ones of said plurality of wall panels so as to fixedly interconnect said individual ones of said plurality of wall panels at said interior and exterior corner regions of said wall system.

9. The wall system as set forth in Claim 1, wherein: said plurality of wall panels, comprising said at least one wall member, are disposed upon said fixed wall means within a grid array comprising a plurality of vertically oriented columns and a plurality of horizontally oriented rows.

10. The wall system as set forth in Claim 9, wherein: adjacent ones of said plurality of wall panels, disposed upon said fixed wall means within said grid array comprising said plurality of vertically oriented columns and plurality of horizontally oriented rows, are disposed in abutting contact with each other such that seams, defined between said adjacent ones of said plurality of wall panels, are substantially imperceptible.

11. The wall system as set forth in Claim 9, wherein: adjacent ones of said plurality of wall panels, disposed upon said fixed wall means within said grid array comprising said plurality of vertically oriented columns and horizontally oriented rows, are spaced predetermined distances from each other such that spaces are defined between said adjacent ones of said plurality of wall panels for aesthetic purposes.

12. The wall system as set forth in Claim 9, wherein: predetermined ones of said plurality of wall panels, disposed upon said fixed wall means within said grid array comprising said plurality of vertically oriented columns and horizontally oriented rows, have different thickness dimensions such that first predetermined ones of said plurality of wall panels project outwardly with respect to second pre-determined ones of said plurality of wall panels, while considered alternatively, said second predetermined ones of said plurality of wall panels are recessed with respect to said first predetermined ones of said plurality of wall panels, for aesthetic purposes.

13. A method of constructing a wall system, comprising a plurality of wall members, from a plurality of wall panels, comprising the steps of: adjustably mounting a plurality of rail members at vertically spaced locations upon a fixed wall structure; mounting a first one of a plurality of wall panels upon said fixed wall structure by engaging a lower portion of said first one of said plurality of wall panels upon said first one of said plurality of rail members; adjustably moving a second one of said plurality of rail members upon said fixed wall structure such that said second one of said plurality of rail members engages an upper portion of said first one of said plurality of wall panels so as to positionally secure said first one of said plurality of wall panels upon said fixed wall structure; mounting a second one of said plurality of wall panels upon said fixed wall structure by engaging a lower portion of said second one of said plurality of wall panels upon said second one of said plurality of rail members; adjustably moving a third one of said plurality of rail members upon said fixed wall structure such that said third one of said plurality of rail members engages an upper portion of said second one of said plurality of wall panels so as to positionally secure said second one of said plurality of wall panels upon said fixed wall structure; and repeatedly mounting additional ones of said plurality of wall panels upon additional ones of said plurality of rail members, and repeatedly moving additional ones of said plurality of rail members into engagement with said additional ones of said plurality of wall panels, until at least one wall member of said wall system is completed.

14. The method as set forth in Claim 13, further comprising the step of: repeatedly mounting additional ones of said plurality of wall panels upon additional ones of said plurality of rail members, and repeatedly moving additional ones of said plurality of rail members into engagement with said additional ones of said plurality of wall panels, until a plurality of wall members of said wall system are formed and completed.

15. The method as set forth in Claim 14, further comprising the steps of: forming said plurality of wall members of said wall system such that adjacent ones of said plurality of wall members of said wall system are disposed at predetermined angles with respect to each other whereby interior and exterior corner regions are defined within said wall system; and installing a plurality of corner components, which can be interchangeably used as both interior and exterior corner components, within said interior and exterior corner regions of said wall system.

16. The method as set forth in Claim 13, further comprising the step of: arranging said plurality of wall panels, comprising said at least one wall member, upon said fixed wall structure within a grid array comprising a plurality of vertically oriented columns and a plurality of horizontally oriented rows.

17. The method as set forth in Claim 16, further comprising the step of: disposing adjacent ones of said plurality of wall panels, upon said fixed wall structure within said grid array comprising said plurality of vertically oriented columns and said plurality of horizontally oriented rows, in abutting contact with each other such that seams, defined between said adjacent ones of said plurality of wall panels, are substantially imperceptible.

18. The method as set forth in Claim 16, further comprising the step of: disposing adjacent ones of said plurality of wall panels, upon said fixed wall structure within said grid array comprising said plurality of vertically oriented columns and said plurality of horizontally oriented rows, predetermined distances apart from each other such that spaces are defined between said adjacent ones of said plurality of wall panels for aesthetic purposes.

19. The method as set forth in Claim 16, further comprising the step of: installing predetermined ones of said plurality of wall panels, upon said fixed wall structure and within said grid array comprising said plurality of vertically oriented columns and said plurality of horizontally oriented rows, which have different thickness dimensions such that first predetermined ones of said plurality of wall panels project outwardly with respect to second predetermined ones of said plurality of wall panels, while considered alternatively, said second predetermined ones of said plurality of wall panels are recessed with respect to said first predetermined ones of said plurality of wall panels, for aesthetic purposes .