Abstract: A panel assembly is disclosed having finishing elements in the form of trim plates. Interchangeable panels of the assembly having tongue and groove edges are attached to a support structure. The trim plates are positioned along free edges of panels at the top and bottom of the assembly. The trim plates have mounting surfaces that engage respective contact surfaces on the panels. The mounting and contact surfaces are offset away from a center plane of the panels toward a back face that interfaces with the support structure to which the panel assembly is attached. The offset provides enhanced structural safety by reducing bending moments on fasteners effecting attachment of the panel assembly to the support structure.

Abstract: A wall panel assembly and panel pieces therefore are disclosed. The panel pieces have edges with tongues having interengageable angularly oriented surfaces arranged toward the rear side of the panels. When the edges of adjacent panels are engaged to form a wall panel assembly, a tongue on one panel is captured in overlying relation with a tongue on the adjacent panel. Arrangement of the tongues toward the rear side of the panels permits vertical loads on the panels to be carried by shear forces in the fasteners attaching the panel pieces to a structure, increasing the dynamic load that the panel pieces can withstand without failure. The panel pieces are advantageous for use in moving structures such as elevator cabs.

Abstract: A railing adapted to support a panel is disclosed. The railing is mountable on a support structure and has an elongated hand grip attached to a mounting piece. The mounting piece is adapted for attachment to the support structure. A support surface is positioned on the mounting piece. The support surface is adapted to engage and support the panel. An assembly including the hand rail and a panel having a support surface engaging the support surface of the hand rail and supported thereby is also disclosed. A method of assembling a panel onto a support structure is disclosed including attaching the mounting piece to the structure, engaging the support surfaces of the mounting piece and panel with one another, and attaching the panel to the support structure.