PANEL BACKING AND MOUNTING SYSTEM

Abstract

Provided is a panel support system for architectural displays. The panel support system includes an architectural panel defining a carved surface, an opposing architectural attachment surface and a sidewall extending between the carved surface and the architectural attachment surface. A planar support member is connected to the architectural attachment surface. The planar support member is sized and configured to mitigate deformation of the carved surface. A mounting system may also be included, having a panel mounting member coupled to the panel and a support surface mounting member connected to a wall. The panel mounting member includes a cup engageable with a bulbous tip formed on the support surface mounting member. An alignment system may further be provided and include alignment members which are attached to respective panels. The alignment members connected to adjacent panels are engageable with each other to align the adjacent panels.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to architectural panels, typically wooden panels, and more specifically, to a reinforcement member and a mounting system for mounting the architectural panels to a support surface.

Contemporary architecture and interior design practices frequently call for fine decorative articles such as architectural panels to accent homes, offices, and other architectural spaces. A leading producer of such architectural panels is THE ENKEBOLL CO., doing business as ENKEBOLL DESIGNS, of Carson, Calif., the assignee of the subject application. Such decorative accessories may be mounted to walls or other support surfaces to enhance the aesthetic appeal thereof. The accessories often incorporate elegant and artistic designs such as flowers, vines, leaves, shrubs, medallions, and the like. Various types of materials, such as woods including maple, red oak, cherry, white oak, mahogany, black walnut, and alder woods are utilized. Other materials may include fiberboard, plastic, and composites, which are especially useful when it is not desirable for the final product to show any wood grain, or when the final product will be painted instead of being stained.

These accessories may be incorporated into doors, cabinets, houses, and other structures as desired to provide ornamental designs and decorative appearances, thus enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area in which such ornamental architectural elements are found.

It is well-known that architectural panels may develop dimensional distortions over time, especially in the case of architectural panels formed out of wood. For instance, the panels may begin to cup, warp or bend, which may ultimately produce cracks within the panel. The cracks may compromise the structural integrity of the panel as well as reduce the aesthetic appeal thereof. The dimensional distortions may be caused by changes in temperature and humidity, as well as changes in light.

In view of the distortion issues commonly associated with the architectural panels, many existing techniques have been developed to mitigate such distortions. One existing technique is to cut the wood with the grain (as opposed to against the grain) when forming the panel. Another technique is to increase the thickness of the panel. Dimensional distortions may further be mitigated by drying the wood before forming the panel. Although the aforementioned techniques may be employed to mitigate distortions within the panel, it remains that distortions are likely to occur to some extent. Furthermore, the distortions may be accentuated by the size of the panels. The panels are commonly formed in a 2′×4′ size, as well as a 4′×8′ size. Accordingly, such panels are relatively thin compared to their length and width, which accentuates any cupping, bending or warping within the panel. In addition, designs or patterns carved into one side of the panel may contribute to the cupping, bending or warping.

Another problem commonly associated with architectural panels relates to the mounting and alignment of the panels onto a wall or other similar mounting surface. In particular, the mounting of the panels tends to be a time consuming and cumbersome process. Each panel may be required to be held in place while a plurality of mechanical fasteners are used to mount the panel to the support surface. The usage of mechanical fasteners may also require marring the outer design surface of the panel, which typically compromises the appearance thereof.

It is also desirable to mount the panels to the wall in an aligned configuration. For instance, when a plurality of panels are mounted in a row next to each other, it is oftentimes preferred to evenly space the panels apart from each other, with the upper and lower edges of adjacent panels disposed in substantially co-linear relationship. Current mounting techniques make it difficult to achieve such precise alignment.

As is apparent from the foregoing, there exists a need in the art for a reinforcement device which reduces the likelihood of dimensional deformations formed within an architectural panel. There also exists a need for a mounting system which allows for quick and easy mounting of an architectural panel to a mounting surface, which aligns adjacent panels relative to each other. Various aspects of the present invention address these particular needs, as will be discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention relates to a planar support member for an architectural panel. The planar support member is sized and configured to enhance the structural integrity of the panel for purposes of reducing deformation of the panel, such as warping, cupping and cracking.

There is provided a panel support system for architectural displays. The panel support system includes an architectural panel defining a carved surface, an opposing architectural attachment surface and a sidewall extending between the carved surface and the architectural attachment surface. A planar support member is connected to the architectural attachment surface. The planar support member is sized and configured to mitigate deformation of the carved surface of the panel.

The support member may be formed out of a strong, lightweight material, such as aluminum. The support member may also include a lattice framework defining a honeycomb pattern. The support member may further define a planar surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mounting system for use with an architectural panel for mounting the architectural panel to a support surface. The mounting system may enable quick and easy attachment of the panel to the mounting surface. The mounting system includes a support surface mounting member having a base and a bulbous tip portion connected to the base. The base is attachable to the support surface. The mounting system further includes a panel mounting member which is engageable with the support surface mounting member and retainable adjacent the architectural panel. The panel mounting member includes a cup that is sized and configured to receive the bulbous tip portion upon engagement with the support surface mounting member.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a panel alignment system for aligning adjacent panels mounted to a mounting surface. The panel alignment system includes a pair of alignment members, wherein each alignment member includes an attachment portion being engageable with the panel and an alignment portion connected to the attachment portion. The alignment portion is sized and configured to be engageable with a corresponding alignment portion of a corresponding alignment member coupled to an adjacent architectural panel to align the architectural panel with the adjacent architectural panel.

The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded upper perspective view of an architectural panel and a planar support member;

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective sectional view of the architectural panel and planar support member, along with a panel mounting member and corresponding retention member exploded from a bore formed within the panel;

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of an architectural panel having multiple reinforcement members connected thereto;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the architectural panel and reinforcement members depicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the architectural panel detached from a support surface;

FIG. 6 is a side section view of a support surface mounting member disengaged from the panel mounting member;

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the support surface mounting member engaged with the panel mounting member;

FIGS. 8a-8e depict support surface mounting members defining various lengths;

FIGS. 9a-9c depict various mounting configurations for the architectural panel relative to the support surface;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of a plurality of alignment members connected to the architectural panel;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the alignment member depicted in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front upper perspective view of the alignment member depicted in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a rear upper perspective view of the alignment member depicted in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a reinforcement member for an architectural panel 10. One or more architectural panels 10 may be connected to a support surface 12 (see FIG. 8), such as a wall, door, cupboard, and the like for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the support surface 12. The architectural panel 10 defines a carved surface 14 having an architectural or aesthetic design displayed thereon. The architectural panel 10 further defines an architectural attachment surface 16, with the carved surface 14 and architectural attachment surface 16 being disposed on opposing sides of the architectural panel 10. A planar support member 18 is attached to the architectural panel 10 to enhance the structural integrity of the architectural panel 10. More specifically, the planar support member 18 is sized and configured to mitigate against buckling, cracking, warping, or other similar structural defects which the architectural panel 10 may encounter over time.

Referring specifically now to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the architectural panel 10 defines a recess configured to receive the planar support member 18. In particular, the architectural attachment surface 16 includes an inner portion 20 and an outer portion 22. The inner portion 20 is recessed into the architectural panel 10 from the outer portion 22. An attachment surface side wall 24 extends between the inner portion 20 and the outer portion 22. The planar support member 18 defines a support attachment surface 26, an opposing exposed surface 28, and a reinforcement side wall 30 extending between the support attachment surface 26 and the exposed surface 28. The reinforcement side wall 30 defines a reinforcement periphery.

The planar support member 18 is disposable within the recess formed within the architectural attachment surface 16. In this manner, a mechanical fastener, such as an adhesive 21, may be used to join the support attachment surface 26 to the inner portion 20 of the architectural attachment surface 16. The attachment surface side wall 24 may completely circumscribe the reinforcement side wall 30. In one embodiment, although not necessary, the planar support member 18 and the architectural panel 10 are sized and configured to create frictional engagement between the reinforcement side wall 30 and the attachment surface sidewall 24 when the support member 18 is received within the recess formed within the architectural attachment surface 16.

The planar support member 18 may be manufactured out of a strong, durable material capable of withstanding the structurally deforming forces produced by the architectural panel 10. For instance, architectural panels 10 are commonly formed out of wood. The wood architectural panels 10 tend to warp, bend, and cup over time, which may ultimately produce cracks within the architectural panel 10. The forces which generate the warping, bending, cupping and similar deformations are referred to herein as structural deforming forces. The planar support member 18 is manufactured out of a material capable of withstanding the structurally deforming forces. In other words, the planar support member 18 mitigates against structural deformations of the architectural panel 10 caused by the structural deforming forces.

It is also desirable to manufacture the planar support member 18 out of a material that is lightweight. As described in more detail below, the planar support member 18 and architectural panel assembly are generally lifted for mounting to the support surface 12. Therefore, mounting of the assembly to the support surface 12 is made easier by reducing the overall weight of the assembly. In this regard, a lightweight planar support member 18 makes the attachment of the assembly to the support surface 12 easier.

In one embodiment, the planar support member 18 is manufactured out of aluminum. Aluminum is a generally durable material and is relatively lightweight. However, it is understood that other materials known by those skilled in the art may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The weight of the planar support member 18 may also be reduced by forming the planar support member 18 out of a lattice framework, such as a honeycomb pattern best depicted in FIG. 2. The lattice framework may include a plurality of interconnected members defining gaps extending through the framework. The interconnected members may provide sufficient strength and rigidity to overcome the structurally deforming forces described above. However, the gaps may reduce the overall weight of the planar support member 18, thereby reducing the overall weight of the planar support member 18.

The shape of the support member 18 is generally complimentary to the shape of the panel 10. For instance, in the embodiment depicted in the Figures, both the panel 10 and support member 18 are generally planar. However, it is understood that the panel 10 may define a non-planar shape (i.e., a curved surface). As such, it is contemplated that other implementations of the support member 18 may define a non-planar shape which is complimentary to the panel 10.

As mentioned above, the architectural panels 10 are commonly formed out of wood. In this manner, the architectural design included in the carved surface 14 is generally cut into the carved surface 14. However, it is understood that the carved surface 14 may be formed via a molding process, or other processes known in the art which result in an architectural design. It is contemplated that the support member 18 may be connected to the architectural panel 10 before, during, or after the design is formed in the carved surface 14.

When the planar support member 18 is connected to the architectural panel 10, it is desirable to dispose the exposed surface 28 of the planar support member 18 in substantially flush arrangement with the outer portion 22 of the architectural attachment surface 16. With this arrangement, the planar support member 18 does not substantially protrude beyond the architectural panel 10, which allows for close attachment of the architectural panel 10 to the support surface 12. However, it is understood that other embodiments of the architectural panel 10 may not include a recess formed therein. As such, the planar support member 18 may simply be connected to the architectural attachment surface 16, with the thickness of the planar support member 18 extending out from the architectural attachment surface 16. In this regard, the planar support member 18 may define a length and width which is substantially equal to the length and width of the panel 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, it is contemplated that various embodiments of the architectural panel 10 may require multiple planar support members 18. Accordingly, one embodiment includes an architectural panel 10 having multiple recesses formed therein for receiving multiple planar support members 18. The specific embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 includes a single architectural panel 10 defining four recesses to receive four planar support members 18. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view illustrating the planar support members 18 disposed within the architectural panel 10. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the architectural attachment surface 16 includes four inner portions 20 recessed into the architectural panel 10 from the outer portion 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-9, various aspects of the present invention are directed toward a mounting system for mounting an architectural panel 10 to a support surface 12. As described in more detail below, the mounting system may have structural attributes which allow for mounting of the architectural panel 10 upon the support surface 12 via small forces, while requiring much larger forces for removal of the architectural panel 10 from the support surface 12. Such a mounting system enables quick and easy mounting of the architectural panel 10 to the support surface 12, while at the same time creating a strong and secure engagement between the architectural panel 10 and the support surface 12. Although the mounting system discussed herein, as well as depicted in FIG. 5-9, is described for use with architectural panels, it is understood that the mounting system may be employed to mount pictures or other wall devices/coverings to a support surface 12.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 6 and 7, the architectural panel 10 is disengaged from the support surface 12 in FIG. 6, while FIG. 7 shows the architectural panel 10 engaged with the support surface 12. The mounting system includes a support surface mounting member 40 and a panel mounting member 42. The panel mounting member 42 is connectable to the architectural panel 10, while the support surface mounting member 40 is connectable to the support surface 12. The panel mounting member 42 is also engageable with the support surface mounting member 40 to mount the architectural panel 10 to the support surface 12.

The support surface mounting member 40 includes a base 44 and a bulbous tip portion 46. Various implementations of the support surface mounting member 40 may also include a shaft 48 disposed between the base 44 and the bulbous tip portion 46.

The panel mounting member 42 includes a cup 50 which is sized and configured to receive and engage with the bulbous tip portion 46 of the support surface mounting member 40. When the bulbous tip portion 46 is received within the cup 50, the panel mounting member 42 is engaged with the support surface mounting member 40 for securing the architectural panel 10 to the support surface 12, as shown in FIG. 7.

Various embodiments of the support surface mounting member 40 may include a bulbous tip portion 46 which is specifically configured to facilitate insertion of the bulbous tip portion 46 into the cup 50, while at the same time making removal of the bulbous tip portion 46 from the cup 50 more difficult. To this end, one implementation of the bulbous tip portion 46 defines a non-spherical shape. In this regard, every cross-section of the bulbous tip portion 46 may not be a circle. Rather, the slope of the bulbous tip portion 46 may be greater at the proximal end segment 52 of the bulbous tip portion 46 (i.e., the segment of the bulbous tip portion 46 adjacent the base 44) than the distal segment 54 (i.e., the segment of the bulbous tip portion 46 farthest from the base 44).

The change in the slope of the bulbous tip portion 46 may be illustrated by analyzing the change in the cross-sectional radius of the bulbous tip portion 46 from the distal segment 54 from the proximal segment 52. As used herein, the cross-sectional radius of the bulbous tip portion 46 is defined by a line extending orthogonally from the center line 56 of the bulbous tip portion 46.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cross-sectional radius, “r” increases from the distal segment 54 in a direction toward the proximal segment 52. The cross-sectional radius r continues to increase as the distance from the distal segment 54 increases until the cross-sectional radius r is equal to R_max. The location on the bulbous tip portion 46 where the cross-sectional radius r is the greatest is at the bulge 58.

The cross-sectional radius r increases at a first rate from the distal segment 54 to the bulge 58. The cross-sectional radius r decreases from the bulge 58 toward the proximal segment 52 at a second rate. The second rate is larger than the first rate, which produces a steeper slope of the bulbous tip portion 46 at the proximal segment 52 relative to the slope at the distal segment 54.

This change in the cross-sectional radius r results in a bulbous tip portion 46 which is non-spherical in shape. The non-spherical shape of the bulbous tip portion 46 allows for easy insertion into the cup 50, while making removal of the bulbous tip portion 46 from the cup 50 more difficult. For instance, the non-spherical shape of the bulbous tip portion 46 may require a force that is 3-4 times greater to remove the bulbous tip portion 46 from the cup 50 compared to the force required to insert the bulbous tip portion 46 into the cup 50.

As mentioned above, the support surface mounting member 40 may be coupled to the support surface 12, and the panel mounting member 42 may be coupled to the architectural panel 10. In this regard, mechanical fasteners known by those skilled in the art may be used to couple the support surface mounting member 40 to the support surface 12, as well as to couple the panel mounting member 42 to the architectural panel 10.

In the particular embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the support surface 12 is a wall which includes a drywall member 60, which defines the support surface 12, and a structural stud 62. The support surface mounting member 40 may be connected to the support surface 12 by a connecting screw 64. The connecting screw 64 may include a threaded stud section 66, a non-threaded drywall section 68, and a threaded mounting member section 70. The threaded stud section 66 is inserted through the support surface 12 and drywall member 60 and is screwed into the structural stud 62. When the threaded stud section 66 is screwed into the structural stud 62, the threaded mounting member section 70 protrudes from the drywall member 60.

The mounting member section 70 may include a tool recess 72 configured to engage with a tool for screwing the connecting screw 64 through the drywall member 60 and structural stud 62. For instance, a screwdriver, Allen screw, or the like may be used to screw the connecting screw 64 through the drywall member 60 and structural stud 62. Alternatively, connecting screw 64 is affixed to the mounting member 40 and the base 44 may define a hex surface which is used to drive the connecting screw 64. The mounting member section 70 may further include external threads which may be used to connect the support surface mounting member 40 thereto. In this manner, the support surface mounting member 40 may include an internally threaded chamber configured to receive the mounting member section 70. As such, the support surface mounting member 40 may easily be connected to the connecting screw 64 by screwing the support surface mounting member 40 thereto.

The panel mounting member 42 may be coupled to the architectural panel 10 by a retaining member 74. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the architectural panel 10 defines a bore 76 extending into the architectural panel 10 from the architectural attachment surface 16. In this regard, the retaining member 74 is configured to maintain the panel mounting member 42 within the bore 76. In one embodiment, the retaining member 74 is disposable between the panel mounting member 42 and the architectural panel 10 to maintain the panel mounting member 42 within the bore 76. The retention member 74 may include external threads 84 which engage with the architectural panel 10 when the retaining member 74 is inserted in the bore 76. A user inserts the panel mounting member 42 into the bore 76, then subsequently inserts the retaining member 74 into the bore 76 to keep the panel mounting member 42 within the bore 76. The panel mounting member 42 and retaining member 74 may be sized and configured to enable the panel mounting member 42 to “float” within the bore 76 to allow the panel mounting member 42 to move relative to the panel 10 to facilitate engagement with the support surface mounting member 40.

In this specific implementation illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the panel mounting member 42 includes a flange 78 extending from the cup 50. Accordingly, the retaining member 74 includes a flange retention portion 80 and a cup retention portion 82. The flange retention portion 80 circumscribes the flange 78, while the cup retention portion 82 circumscribes the cup 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the support surface mounting member 40 defines a length “L” as the distance from the distal end 86 of the bulbous tip portion 46 and the contact surface 88 of the base 44. The length L may be increased by increasing the length of shaft 48. As shown in FIGS. 8a-8e, the length L of the support surface mounting member 40 increases by providing a shaft having a longer length L.

The spacing between the architectural panel 10 and the support surface 12 may be varied by using support surface mounting members 40 which vary in length L. Referring now specifically to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the distance between the architectural panel 10 and the support surface 12 is greater in FIG. 9a than in 9b. The greater distance is achieved by employing a support surface mounting member 40 having a greater length L in FIG. 9a relative to the support surface mounting members 40 used in FIG. 9b. As such, the architectural panel 10 in FIG. 9b is mounted much closer the support surface 12 than the architectural panel 10 in FIG. 9a. However, in both instances, the architectural panel 10 and the support surface 12 are disposed in generally parallel relationship relative to each other, because the length of the upper and lower support surface mounting members 40 are the same.

However, referring now specifically to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9c, the architectural panel 10 may be disposed in a non-parallel relationship relative to the support surface 12 by using support surface mounting members 40 that vary in length on a single architectural panel 10. In this manner, the upper support surface mounting member 40 is shorter than the lower support surface mounting member 40 in the example depicted in FIG. 9c. Consequently, the space between the architectural panel 10 and the support surface 12 is larger at the bottom and smaller at the top. It may be advantageous to employ this technique in order to achieve desired lighting and/or shading on the carved surface 14. By changing the angle of the carved surface 14 relative to the light source, the light and/or shade on the carved surface 14 may be altered.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, there is depicted an alignment system for aligning adjacent panels 10 which have been mounted to the support surface 12. The alignment system includes one or more alignment members 100 which are connected to a panel 10. Each alignment member 100 includes an attachment portion 102 and an alignment portion 104. The alignment portion 104 is sized and configured to be engageable with an adjacent alignment portion 104 connected to an adjacent panel 10. The adjacent panels 10 are substantially aligned upon engagement between the adjacent alignment portions 104.

The alignment member 100 may be connected to the panel 10 by a mechanical fastener known in the art. Attachment bores 106 may extend through the attachment portion 102 to facilitate attachment of the alignment member 100 to the panel 10. For instance, a nail or screw may extend through the attachment bores 106 to connect the alignment member 100 to the panel 10.

It is also contemplated that the alignment member 100 may be used in connection with the mounting system described above. In this manner, the alignment member 100 may include a mounting bore 108 extending therethrough. The mounting bore 108 may be sized to allow the support surface mounting member 40 to engage with the panel mounting member 42. Portions of the bulbous tip portion 46 as well as the cup 50 may extend into the mounting bore 108 during engagement between the support surface mounting member 40 and the panel mounting member 42.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 10, each panel 10 may include a plurality of alignment members 100 connected thereto. As shown, the panel 10 includes an alignment member 100 connected to the support surface 12 adjacent each corner of the panel 10. Each alignment member 100 is mounted to the panel 10 in a specific orientation to allow for engagement within adjacent alignment member 100 connected to an adjacent panel 10. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the uppermost alignment members 100 are rotated approximately 180 degrees relative to each other to facilitate engagement with an adjacent alignment member 100. Likewise, the lowermost alignment members 100 are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other for engagement with an adjacent alignment member.

When adjacent panels 10 are mounted upon the support surface 12, the alignment members 100 engage with each other to alignment the panels 10 relative to each other. In this regard, the edges of the panel 10 may be disposed in substantially parallel and/or co-linear relation relative to each other.

Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A panel support system for architectural displays, the panel support system comprising:

an architectural wood panel defining a carved surface, an opposing architectural attachment surface and a sidewall extending between the carved surface and the architectural attachment surface; and

a support member connected to the architectural attachment surface, the support member being sized and configured to mitigate deformation of the carved surface.

2. The panel support system of claim 1, wherein the architectural attachment surface includes an outer portion and an inner portion recessed into the architectural panel from the outer portion.

3. The panel support system of claim 2, wherein the support member defines a support attachment surface and an opposing exposed surface, the support attachment surface being connected to the inner portion of the architectural attachment surface, the exposed surface being substantially flush with the outer portion of the architectural attachment surface.

4. The panel support system of claim 1, wherein the support member includes a lattice framework.

5. The panel support system of claim 4, wherein the lattice framework defines a honeycomb pattern.

6. The panel support system of claim 1, further including:

a support surface mounting member including a base and a bulbous tip portion connected to the base, the base being attachable to a support surface; and

a panel mounting member being engageable with the support surface mounting member and retainable adjacent the architectural panel, the panel mounting member including a cup being sized and configured to receive the bulbous tip portion upon engagement with the support surface mounting member.

7. The panel support system as recited in claim 6, further comprising a retention member engageable with the architectural panel, the retention member being disposable between the panel mounting member and being sized and configured to retain the panel mounting member adjacent the architectural panel.

8. The panel support system as recited in claim 7, wherein the architectural panel includes a bore extending into the panel from the architectural attachment surface, the retention member being received within the bore when engaged with the architectural panel.

9. The mounting system as recited in claim 6, wherein the support surface mounting member defines a longitudinal axis, the bulbous tip portion defining a distal end and a proximal end disposed between the distal end and the base, the bulbous tip portion defining a radius extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis, the bulbous tip portion defining a bulge at a location between the distal end and the proximal end, the radius being a maximum at the bulge, the radius increasing at a first rate in a direction along the longitudinal axis from the distal end to the bulge, the radius decreasing at a second rate in a direction along the longitudinal axis from the bulge to the proximal end, the second rate being larger than the first rate.

10. The panel support system as recited in claim 6, further including a pair of alignment members, each alignment member including:

an attachment portion being engageable with the panel mounting member; and

an alignment portion connected to the attachment portion, the alignment portion being sized and configured to be engageable with a corresponding alignment portion of a corresponding alignment member coupled to an adjacent architectural panel to align the architectural panel with the adjacent architectural panel.

11. The panel support system as recited in claim 1, wherein the support member defines a planar surface.

12. A mounting system for use with an architectural panel for mounting the architectural panel to a support surface, the mounting system including:

a support surface mounting member including a base and a bulbous tip portion connected to the base, the base being attachable to the support surface; and

a panel mounting member being engageable with the support surface mounting member and retainable adjacent the architectural panel, the panel mounting member including a cup being sized and configured to receive the bulbous tip portion upon engagement with the support surface mounting member.

13. The mounting system as recited in claim 12, further comprising a retention member engageable with the architectural panel, the retention member being disposable between the panel mounting member and the architectural panel and being sized and configured to retain the panel mounting member adjacent the architectural panel.

14. The mounting system as recited in claim 12, wherein the support surface mounting member defines a longitudinal axis, the bulbous tip portion defining a distal end and a proximal end disposed between the distal end and the base, the bulbous tip portion defining a radius extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis, the bulbous tip portion defining a bulge at a location between the distal end and the proximal end, the radius being a maximum at the bulge, the radius increasing at a first rate in a direction along the longitudinal axis from the distal end to the bulge, the radius decreasing at a second rate in a direction along the longitudinal axis from the bulge to the proximal end, the second rate being larger than the first rate.

15. The mounting system as recited in claim 12, wherein the cup is formed of a resilient material.

16. The mounting system as recited in claim 12, further including a pair of alignment members, each alignment member including:

an attachment portion being engageable with the panel mounting member; and

an alignment portion connected to the attachment portion, the alignment portion being sized and configured to be engageable with a corresponding alignment portion of a corresponding alignment member coupled to an adjacent architectural panel to align the architectural panel with the adjacent architectural panel.

17. A method of supporting an architectural panel, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing: an architectural panel defining a carved surface, an opposing architectural attachment surface and a sidewall extending between the carved surface and the architectural attachment surface; and a support member sized and configured to mitigate deformation of the carved surface; and

b) attaching the support member to the architectural attachment surface to mitigate deformation of the carved surface.

18. The method recited in claim 17, further comprising the step of forming an architectural design within the carved surface.

19. The method recited in claim 18, wherein the step of forming the architectural design is performed before step b).

20. The method recited in claim 18, wherein the step of forming the architectural design is performed after step b).