Wall panel joint apparatus and system using same

Abstract

A wall panel joint apparatus and a system using same is disclosed. The wall panel joint includes a perimeter joint body having a predetermined size and shape. The perimeter joint body floatably attaches to at least two wall panels. Embodiments include where the wall panel joint includes zero, one, two, three or more compartments. Also, some embodiments include a rainscreen clip that forms an additional compartment. The system includes at least two wall panel joints that attach the wall panels to an architectural wall. At the point of intersection of the joints, the joints are mitered. The system also includes a wall attachment device and a means for attaching the joint to the wall attachment device. The system is a liquid water impermeable, air permeable and water vapor permeable system, providing a ventilated, waterproof wall panel attachment joints for use in same.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/645,101 filed Jan. 20, 2005 and Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/655,370 filed Feb. 23, 2005, which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to wall panel joints and systems for wall panel application.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Architectural panel has been in use for many years. All architectural panel systems can be classified into two major categories, namely, “face-sealed” and “vented rainscreen” systems.

Face sealed systems include all systems with joinery that make use of sealant in the joinery whereby the system is substantially nonpermeable to either water or air. Achieving complete face seal is the very basis of all face seal systems. Sealant can be caulking, gasket, or other sealant of similar function. However, the lack of permeability/venting to either water vapor or air makes this system problematic.

On the contrary, vented rainscreen systems are designed to allow for permeability through the joinery, known as vents. The vent allow for breathability and rapid pressure equalization within the system cavity. However, these systems allow water to penetrate, causing water damage which is also problematic.

Accordingly, there is a need for architectural panel system that is both impermeable to water and permeable to air and water vapor.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wall panel joint including a perimeter joint body which is a predetermined size and shape. The perimeter joint body floatably attaches to at least two wall panels.

Some aspects of this embodiment may include where a rainscreen clip is attached to the perimeter joint. This forms a compartment within the perimeter joint body. Other aspect include where at least one vent is included in the perimeter joint body.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wall panel joint is disclosed. The wall panel joint includes a perimeter joint body having a predetermined size and shape and at least one compartment. The wall panel joint additionally includes and rainscreen joint floatably attached to the perimeter joint body. The rainscreen clip forms a compartment, and the perimeter joint body attaches to at least two wall panels.

Some aspects of this embodiment may include one of more of the following: where each of the compartments is formed by a filler strip; where the perimeter joint body is a single extrusion; where the perimeter joint body further includes at least one vent; where the compartments each further include at least one flange; where the perimeter clip body is aluminum; where the perimeter clip body floatably attaches to the wall panels; where the perimeter joint body further includes two identical extrusions, both attached to at least one filler strip.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a wall panel joint is disclosed. The wall panel joint includes a perimeter joint body having at least one compartment formed therein, wherein the joint body has a predetermined size and shape and the joint floatably attaches to at least two wall panels.

Some aspects of this embodiment may include one of more of the following: where the perimeter joint body includes two identical extrusions and at least one filler strip, the filler strip is attached to each of the identical extrusions; wherein each of the at least one compartments are formed by a filler strip; where the joint body is a single extrusion; where the joint body further includes at least one vent; where the compartments each further include at least one flange; where the joint body is aluminum; where the perimeter joint body also includes a rainscreen clip floatably attached to the perimeter joint body which forms a compartment within the perimeter joint body.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a wall panel joint is disclosed. The wall panel joint includes a perimeter joint body having at least one compartment formed therein. The joint body has a predetermined size and shape so that the joint floatably attaches to at least two wall panels. The joint also includes a rainscreen clip floatably attached to the perimeter joint body and forming a compartment within the perimeter clip body.

Some aspects of this embodiment may include one of more of the following: where the perimeter joint body further includes two identical extrusions and at least one filler strip attached to each of the identical extrusions; where the joint further includes at least one vent; where the joint's compartment each include at least one flange; where the joint body is aluminum; where the joint body is a single extrusion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system for attaching panels to a wall is disclosed. The system includes at least one horizontal floating joint. The horizontal floating joint has at least one compartment and a predetermined size and shape. The horizontal floating joint attaches to at least two panels. The system also includes at least one vertical floating joint having a predetermined size and shape. The vertical floating joint attaches to at least two panels. The horizontal floating joint and said vertical floating joint intersect at a mitered point of intersection. Also includes is at least one wall securing device attached to the horizontal floating joint. The horizontal floating joint attaches to the wall, whereby the system forms a liquid water impermeable and gas and water vapor permeable barrier to the wall.

Some aspects of this embodiment may include one or more of the following: where the horizontal floating joint further includes a rainscreen, whereby the rainscreen forms a compartment; where the horizontal floating joint and the vertical floating joint include two identical extrusions and at least one filler strip attached to each of the identical extrusions; where the floating joint and the horizontal floating joint further include at least one vent; where the at least one compartment of the vertical floating joint and the horizontal floating joint further include at least one inner flange; where the vertical floating joint has at least one compartment; where the vertical floating joint further includes a rainscreen, which forms a compartment, and wherein some aspect of this include at least one vertical wall securing device attached to the at least one vertical floating joint, wherein the wall securing device attaches to the wall. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention a system for attaching panels to a wall is disclosed. The system includes at least one horizontal joint having at least two compartments and a predetermined size and shape. The horizontal joint attaches to at least two panels. The system also includes at least one vertical joint having at least one compartment and a predetermined size and shape whereby. The vertical joint attaches to at least two panels. In this system, the vertical joint and said horizontal joint intersect at a mitered point of intersection. Also included is at least one wall securing device attached to the horizontal joint. The wall securing device attaches to said wall, whereby the system forms a liquid water impermeable and gas and water vapor permeable barrier to said wall.

Some aspects of this embodiment may include one of more of the following: where the horizontal joint and the vertical joint further include two identical extrusions and at least one filler strip, the filler strip attached to each of the identical extrusions; where the horizontal joint and the vertical joint further include at least one vent; where the at least one compartment of the vertical joint and the horizontal joint further include at least one flange; where the at least one horizontal joint and the at least one vertical joint are floating joints; where the system further includes at least one rainscreen attached to the horizontal joint; where the system further includes at least one rainscreen attached to the vertical joint.

These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the appended claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and aspects of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a section view of one embodiment of the single compartment vertical joint embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a section view of one embodiment of the single compartment horizontal joint embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a section view of one embodiment of the double compartment vertical joint embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a section view of one embodiment of the double compartment horizontal joint embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a break away front view of one embodiment of the system of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the flow of air through the vertical joint according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a section view of one embodiment of the triple compartment vertical joint embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a section view of one embodiment of the triple compartment horizontal joint embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the single compartment vertical joint 42 of the present invention is shown. The vertical joint 42 includes a single perimeter clip body 10, which, in one embodiment, is made from aluminum, but in other embodiments, is made from any metal or combination of metals. In the embodiment shown, the single perimeter clip body 10 is made from two identical extruded parts, and are brought together by the filler strip 12. However, in other embodiments, a single extrusion forms the perimeter clip body and filler strip structure.

The single perimeter clip body 10 is shown having one shape, but can be any other shape necessary for the function. In the preferred embodiment, the single perimeter clip body 10 is mitered at all comers. A filler strip 12 is inserted into the perimeter clip body 10, forming the wall cavity 20. However, in other embodiments, the single perimeter clip body 10 is a single extrusion and thus, the filler strip is not required. The filler strip 12 can be made from the same materials as the wall panels 14, the single perimeter clip body 10, or a different material from either or both. In one embodiment, the filler strip 12 is made from the same material as the wall panels 14. The filler strip can be homogenous or a composite.

In the preferred embodiment, the single perimeter clip body 10 includes at least one vent. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, two vents 16, 18 are shown. The vents 16, 18 allow escape from the wall cavity 20. Additionally, a pocket 24 is formed between the filler strip 12 and the single perimeter clip body 10. This pocket 24 is designed for ventilation and thermal movement. This pocket 24 allows for pressure equalization and permeability through impermeable material.

The single perimeter clip body 10 holds at least two wall panels 14. The single perimeter clip body 10 is not fixedly attached to the wall panels 14, rather, the clip body 10 is a floating clip, holding the wall panels 14 together without fasteners. However, in other embodiments, the single perimeter clip body 10 can be fastened to the wall panels 14.

Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of the single compartment horizontal joint 40 is shown. The perimeter clip body 10 is the same as the perimeter clip body of the vertical joint (shown as 10 in FIG. 1). The horizontal joint also includes a rainscreen clip 22, which is a “J” clip-like structure. The rainscreen clip 22 floats on the perimeter clip body 10 to allow for free movement in response to thermal expansion. The rainscreen clip 22 is made from the same material as the clip body 10. In other embodiments, the horizontal joint 40 and rainscreen clip 22 structure are formed of a single extrusion.

The rainscreen clip 22 attaches to a wall securing device 26 through any means for attachment. In the exemplary embodiment, the means for attachment is a zinc coated screw 28. However, in other embodiments, any other type of screw or other equivalent means for attaching the rainscreen clip 22 to a wall securing device 26 can be used.

In one embodiment, the wall securing device 26 is a subgirt. The wall securing device 26 is attached to the wall 30 and secures the horizontal clip body 10 to the wall structure 30 by connecting the rainscreen clip 22 to the wall securing device 26. Although in the exemplary embodiment, the wall securing device 26 is a subgirt, in other embodiments, any device capable of securing the horizontal joint 40 to the wall 30 can be used.

Although the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are used herein, the terms are merely used for distinction purposes. In some embodiments (and described in more detail below), the horizontal joint can be used in both the horizontal and vertical joint in the system. Following, both vertical and horizontal joints can be attached to a wall securing device. When the horizontal joints are used as both the vertical and horizontal joints in the system, the horizontal joint is thus representative of both joints in the system.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a section view of the double compartment joints are shown. Similar to the single compartment joints shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the double compartment joints each include a perimeter clip body 52. The perimeter clip bodies of FIGS. 3 and 4 are the preferred embodiment shape.

The perimeter clip body 52 can either be a solid extrusion (which would include the filler strip structures as part of the single extrusion as well as the rainscreen clip, with respect to the horizontal joint, shown in FIG. 4) or, can be as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the perimeter clip body 52 is made form two identical extrusions, and they are connected by the filler strips 58, 60. The perimeter clip body 52 includes at least two vents 54, 56 as well as two divider filler strips 58, 60. The vents 54, 56 allow escape from the wall cavity 20. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the filler strips can be made of any material. Alternately, the joint can be a single extrusion, therefore not including filler strips.

A pocket 62 is formed between each end of the filler strips 58, 60 and the perimeter clip body 52. This pocket 62 is designed for ventilation and thermal movement. These pockets 60 allows for pressure equalization and permeability through impermeable material.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the vertical joint shown in FIG. 3 is shown along with an illustration of the flow of air through the joint. The arrows represent the air. The air is blasted against the wall panels 14 and enters the system and joint through wall cavity 20. Vents 54, 56 provide an escape for the air. The air enters the vertical joint and flows around the filler strip 58 and into the compartment. The pocket 62 allows the air to flow through to the filler strip 60. The pocket 62 forces the air to escape the compartment.

In practice, kinetic energy (wind) will increase the air pressure within the compartment until it equals the applied wind pressure. When the pressures are equal, water cannot enter the compartment. This state is attained quickly. Thus, the joints allow the system (described below) to attain optimal ventilation within the system, but prevent and minimize water entry. The joints shown in FIG. 3 and 4 include a number of mechanisms that both promote ventilation and prevent water from reaching the architectural structure wall (shown as 90 in FIG. 6).

Inner flanges A 64 and inner flanges B 66 sit at a range of 0° to 90° from the filler strips 60,58. In the exemplary embodiment, flanges A 64 sit at 10° and flanges B sit at 10°. In other embodiments, the flanges sit anywhere from 0° to 90° from the filler strips 60,58.

The perimeter clip body 52 shown in FIG. 3 is the same as the perimeter clip body 52 shown in FIG. 4. Referring now to only FIG. 4, the addition of the rainscreen 70 modifies the vertical joint with one compartment into a horizontal joint with two compartments. In alternate embodiments, the horizontal joint shown in FIG. 4 can be one solid extrusion, rather than made by combining the perimeter clip body 52 with the rainscreen 70. In still other embodiments, the perimeter clip body is shaped differently, but has at least two compartments.

Similar to the joint described in FIG. 2, the horizontal joint attaches to a wall securing device 26 by a means for attachment 28. This attaches the horizontal joint to the wall 30.

The length and width of the joints will vary depending on the architectural structure in which they are being used to hold wall panels. Thus, the joints can be any length or width desired. Although not shown in the exemplary embodiment, the perimeter clip body can have more than two compartments. Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a third filler strip 98 has been added to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively. This third filler strip 90 forms a second compartment in the vertical joint, and a third compartment in the horizontal joint. Thus, these alternate embodiments illustrate how the joints can be easily modified to form additional compartments. For each filler strip added to the joint, a compartment if formed. Although embodiments showing joints having 1, 2 and 3 filler strips are shown, the invention includes joints having any number of filler strips.

Again, the joint shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the joint in FIG. 7, except for the addition of the rainscreen clip 70. As described above, all joint embodiments can be formed from either a single extrusion, which would include structure for the filler strips, or, as in the exemplary embodiment, the joints can be formed from two identical extrusions and filler strips, the filler strips being attached to both the extrusions so the extrusions forms the perimeter clip body (10 in FIGS. 1 and 2, 52 in FIGS. 3 and 4).

The joints shaped to provide ventilation, pressure equalization chamber buffer(s), internal gutter systems and thermal movement. The ventilation's function is to allow for permeability through impermeable cladding material. This second (and third, etc) pressure equalization compartments are designed to prevent water penetration for the extreme cases of kinetic energy do to a torrential rain storm or equal. In addition, under extreme wind conditions with wider frequency range, the second, third, etc., compartments act as secondary buffer for effective pressure equalization. Weeps located at the bottom of the wall panel allow for escape from the wall cavity.

The single compartment system includes at least one single compartment vertical joint, at least one single compartment horizontal joint, a means for attachment and a wall securing device. This system, in conjunction with wall panels used in the art, allows wall panels to be constructed on the outside of architectural structures. In other embodiments of the single compartment system, the system includes two single compartment horizontal joints and does not include a single compartment vertical joint. In this embodiment, the system can include wall securing devices for just the horizontal joints, or for both the horizontal and vertical joints.

Whether vertical and horizontal joints are used in the system, or just horizontal joints, the joints spatially aligned vertically and horizontally intersect. This is the point of intersection. The joints are mitered, thus, the point of intersection forms a completely sealed corner.

One embodiment of the double compartment system includes at least one double compartment vertical joint (shown in FIG. 3), at least one double compartment horizontal joint (shown in FIG. 4), a means for attachment for each horizontal joint and a wall securing device for each horizontal joint. This system, in conjunction with wall panels used in the art, allows wall panels to be constructed on the outside of architectural structures.

In other embodiments of the double compartment system, the system includes two single compartment horizontal joints and does not include a single compartment vertical joint. In this embodiment, the system can include wall securing devices for just the horizontal joints, or for both the horizontal and vertical joints.

Whether vertical and horizontal joints are used in the system, or just horizontal joints, the joints aligned spatially vertically and horizontally intersect. This is the point of intersection. The joints are mitered, thus, the point of intersection forms a completely sealed corner.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a break away view of one embodiment double compartment system 80 is shown. In practice, the system connects wall panels 14 to a wall of an architectural structure (not shown), and provides a waterproof, air permeable and water vapor permeable wall for the architectural structure. In this embodiment, horizontal joints are used in both the horizontal 82 and vertical 84 directions. However, in other embodiments, the horizontal joint (FIG. 4) is used along the horizontal plane, and the vertical joint (FIG. 3) is used along the vertical plane.

In alternate embodiments, the system shown in FIG. 5 can use two single compartment horizontal joints, two triple compartment horizontal joints (FIG. 8), or vertical and horizontal joints having any number of compartments.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the horizontal joints 82, 84 attach to the wall securing devices 26, 27 which are each in turn attached to the architectural structure (not shown). In other embodiments, only the joints along the horizontal plane attach to a wall securing device, thus, in this embodiment, although a horizontal joint is used along the vertical plane, a wall securing device is not attached to the horizontal joint in the vertical plane.

The wall panels used in the art include homogenous and composite wall panels. These are not limited to any substance, whether solid or composite, and include plastic, aluminum, zinc, platinum, titanium, copper, steel and any other metal or material that can be used to make either homogenous or composite wall paneling.

EXAMPLES

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the features in this exemplary embodiment of the horizontal and vertical joints work to prevent water from penetrating to the architectural wall. This is proven by the tests represented in the examples below.

Air infiltration, water penetration, and structural performance tests of the system installed in a laboratory test chamber were performed. Wall Assembly A was tested on Apr. 8, 2005, which Wall Assembly B was tested for water penetration in accordance with ASTM: E 331 on Apr. 22, 2005, and for water penetration in accordance with ASTM: E 331 but modified to monitor air flow as openings were cut in the back-up wall on May 6 and Jun. 7, 2005. The following comments describe the test procedures and results for each wall assembly.

Descriptions of Wall Assemblies

Wall Assembly A—Apr. 8, 2005: water penetration air infiltration, and structural tests were performed on Wall Assembly A.

Test Specimen—Description

The following wall assembly was mounted in a laboratory test chamber:

Dimension of Wall: 10 feet high by 10 feet wide

Framing: 2″×6″ steel stud and stud track, 14-gauge

Sheathing: ⅝″ thick Dens-Glass

Air Barrier Membrane: Carlisle CCW-705 sheet membrane waterproofing system was installed over the Dens-Glass sheathing. An 18-gauge galvanized steel X deep hat bar was installed over the insulation. Lymo aluminum composite panels were attached to the hat bar with a continuous piece of extruded aluminum. Each panel contained two weep holes. Horizontal flashing was installed over the top of the system.

Wall Assembly B—April 22, May 6 And Jun. 7, 2005: water penetration and air infiltration tests were performed on Wall Assembly B.

Test Specimen—Description

The following wall assembly was mounted in our laboratory test chamber:

Dimension of Wall: 10 feet high by 10 feet wide

Framing: 2″×6″ steel stud and stud track, 14-gauge

Sheathing: ⅜″ thick plexiglass

The joints between abutting sheets of plexiglass were back-sealed against the steel stud framing with Dow silicone sealant. At perimeter joints, three to four inch wide strips of Carlisle CCW-705 sheet waterproofing membrane were installed.

Over all perimeter joints between the perimeter of the plexiglass and the chamber walls, at vertical joints between the plexiglass sheets, and horizontally over the surface of the plexiglass where fasteners from the plexiglass to the studs were placed and where the 18-gauge galvanized steel ½″ deep bars were installed.

Panel System: Two metal panel systems were installed. The directions of “right” and “left” are from the interior view:

System 1 (Right Side): Standard dry seam metal panel system (prior art).

System 2 (Left Side): Lymo Dry Seam 3000 panel system with double-spline system (double compartment system embodiment of present invention)

Test Procedures

A. Air infiltration testing was conducted in accordance with applicable provisions of ASTM Designation: E 283, “Standard Test Method for Measurement of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen.”

B. Water penetration testing was conducted in accordance with applicable provisions of ASTM Designation: E 331, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference.” This test method was modified by making openings in the back-up wall and recording the pressure change and air flow from the chamber while the volume of air being removed from the chamber was maintained at a constant rate. The modifications were used during water testing of Wall Assembly B.

Test Results

Wall Assembly A—Apr. 8, 2005

1. Air Infiltration@ 1.57 PSF

Measured Air Leakage: 0.4 cfm

Calculated Air Infiltration: 0.004 cfm per square foot

The allowable increase is 0.004 cubic feet per square foot. The assembly met the requirement for air infiltration of an air barrier in the Massachusetts Energy Code.

2. Water Penetration

Water was applied to the ‘exterior’ of the panel system at the standard rate of 5.0 gallons per hour per square foot while a negative chamber pressure of 6.24 psf was maintained on the interior of the wall assembly.

Test 1 @6.24 psf: No leakage was observed on the ‘interior’ of the chamber or on the surrounding construction during or following the 15-minute test period.

Test 2 @15 psf: No leakage was observed on the ‘interior’ of the chamber or on the surrounding construction during or following the 15-minute test period.

Wall Assembly B—April 22, May 6, and Jun. 7, 2005

Water was applied to the exterior of the panel system at the standard rate of 5.0 gallons per hour. The following observations were made during the tests both before and after holes were made in the sheathing of the back-up wall, with air flow and pressure readings taken as part of the observations. The directions of “right” and “left” are from the interior view.

Test 1 A 0 psf differential pressure was applied to the test chamber. Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel System (left side).

Test 2 A 15 psf differential pressure was applied to the test chamber behind the wall system. Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel System (left side). The air flow from the test chamber recorded during this test was 97 cfm.

Test 3 A ¼″ diameter hole was drilled through the sheathing on the back-up wall as the vacuum motor and valve controlling the rate of air extraction from the test chamber were not changed from the settings for the test chamber differential pressure of 15 psf. The pressure reading was 14.35 psf. The air flow reading was 86 cfm.

Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel System (left side).

Test 4 A second ¼″ diameter hole was drilled through the sheathing on the back-up wall as the vacuum motor and valve controlling the rate of air extraction from the test chamber were not changed from the settings for the test chamber differential pressure of 15 psf. The pressure reading was 13.31 psf. The air flow reading was 91 cfm.

Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel System (left side).

Test 5 A third ¼″ diameter hole was drilled through the sheathing on the back-up wall as the vacuum motor and valve controlling the rate of air extraction from the test chamber were not changed from the settings for the test chamber differential pressure of 15 psf. The pressure reading was 12.79 psf. The air flow reading was 90.6 cfm.

Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel System (left side).

Test 6 A 12″×12″ hole was cut through the sheathing on the back-up wall as the vacuum motor and valve controlling the rate of air extraction from the test chamber were not changed from the settings for the test chamber differential pressure of 15 psf. The pressure reading was 0.16 psf. The air flow reading was 81.3 cfm.

Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel System (left side).

COMMENTS AND CONCLUSION

Water was observed in the wall cavity behind a standard dry seam metal wall panel system prior to allowing the pressure drop to occur in the wall cavity. The Lymo 3000 double dry seam panel system was not observed to leak into the wall cavity prior to allowing the pressure to drop to occur in the wall cavity.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

Claims

1. A wall panel joint, said joint comprising:

a perimeter joint body having a predetermined size and shape whereby said perimeter joint body floatably attaches to at least two wall panels.

2. The wall panel joint of claim 1, wherein said perimeter joint body further comprising a rainscreen clip floatably attached to said perimeter joint body, whereby said rainscreen clip forming a compartment.

3. The wall panel joint of claim 1, further comprising at least one vent.

4. A wall panel joint, said joint comprising:

a perimeter joint body having a predetermined size and shape and at least one compartment; and

a rainscreen joint floatably attached to said perimeter joint body wherein said rainscreen clip forms a compartment, whereby said perimeter joint body attaches to at least two wall panels.

5. The joint of claim 4, wherein each of said compartments formed by a filler strip.

6. The joint of claim 4, wherein said perimeter joint body is a single extrusion.

7. The joint of claim 4, further comprising at least one vent.

8. The joint of claim 4, wherein said compartments each further comprising at least one flange.

9. The joint of claim 4, wherein said perimeter clip body is aluminum.

10. The joint of claim 4, wherein said perimeter clip body floatably attaches to said wall panels.

11. The joint of claim 4, wherein said perimeter joint body further comprising two identical extrusions, both attached to at least one filler strip.

12. A wall panel joint, said joint comprising:

a perimeter joint body having at least one compartment formed therein, wherein said joint body having a predetermined size and shape whereby said joint floatably attaches to at least two wall panels.

13. The joint of claim 1 1, wherein said perimeter joint body further comprising:

two identical extrusions;

at least one filler strip, said filler strip attached to each of said identical extrusions.

14. The joint of claim 12, wherein each of said at least one compartment formed by a filler strip.

15. The joint of claim 12, wherein said joint body is a single extrusion.

16. The joint of claim 12, further comprising at least one vent.

17. The joint of claim 12, wherein said compartments each further comprising at least one flange.

18. The joint of claim 12, wherein said joint body is aluminum.

19. The joint of claim 12, further comprising a rainscreen clip floatably attached to said perimeter joint body and forming a compartment within said perimeter joint body.

20. A wall panel joint, said joint comprising:

a perimeter joint body having at least one compartment formed therein, wherein said joint body having a predetermined size and shape whereby said joint floatably attaches to at least two wall panels; and

a rainscreen clip floatably attached to said perimeter joint body and forming a compartment within said perimeter joint body.

21. The clip of claim 20, wherein said perimeter joint body further comprising:

two identical extrusions;

at least one filler strip, said filler strip attached to each of said identical extrusions.

22. The joint of claim 20, further comprising at least one vent.

23. The joint of claim 20, wherein said compartments each further comprising at least one flange.

24. The joint of claim 20, wherein said joint body is aluminum.

25. The joint of claim 20, wherein said joint body is a single extrusion.

26. A system for attaching panels to a wall, said system comprising:

at least one horizontal floating joint, said horizontal floating joint having at least one compartment and a predetermined size and shape whereby said horizontal floating joint attaches to at least two panels;

at least one vertical floating joint having a predetermined size and shape whereby said vertical floating joint attaches to at least two panels and wherein said horizontal floating joint and said vertical floating joint intersect at a mitered point of intersection; and

at least one wall securing device attached to said horizontal floating joint, whereby said horizontal floating joint attaches to said wall, whereby said system forms a liquid water impermeable and gas and water vapor permeable barrier to said wall.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein said horizontal floating joint further comprising a rainscreen, whereby said rainscreen forms a compartment.

28. The system of claim 26, wherein said horizontal floating joint and said vertical floating joint further comprising:

two identical extrusions;

at least one filler strip, said filler strip attached to each of said identical extrusions.

29. The system of claim 26, wherein said vertical floating joint and said horizontal floating joint further comprising at least one vent.

30. The system of claim 26, wherein said at least one compartment of said vertical floating joint and said horizontal floating joint further comprising at least one inner flange.

31. The system of claim 26, wherein said vertical floating joint having at least one compartment.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein said vertical floating joint further comprising a rainscreen, whereby said rainscreen forms a compartment

33. The system of claim 32, further comprising at least one vertical wall securing device attached to said at least one vertical floating joint, wherein said wall securing device attaches to said wall.

34. A system for attaching panels to a wall, said system comprising:

at least one horizontal joint, said horizontal joint having at least two compartments wherein said horizontal joint having a predetermined size and shape whereby said horizontal joint attaches to at least two panels;

at least one vertical joint, said vertical joint having at least one compartment wherein said vertical joint having a predetermined size and shape whereby said vertical joint attaches to at least two panels and wherein said vertical joint and said horizontal joint intersect at a mitered point of intersection; and

at least one wall securing device attached to said horizontal joint, wherein said wall securing device attaches to said wall, whereby said system forms a liquid water impermeable and gas and water vapor permeable barrier to said wall.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein said horizontal joint and said vertical joint further comprising:

two identical extrusions;

at least one filler strip, said filler strip attached to each of said identical extrusions.

36. The system of claim 34, wherein said horizontal joint and said vertical joint further comprising at least one vent.

37. The system of claim 34, wherein said at least one compartment of said vertical joint and said horizontal joint further comprising at least one flange.

38. The system of claim 34, wherein said at least one horizontal joint and said at least one vertical joint are floating joints.

39. The system of claim 34, further comprising at least one rainscreen attached to said horizontal joint.

40. The system of claim 33, further comprising at least one rainscreen attached to said vertical joint.