N/A.
1. The Field of the Invention
This invention relates to architectural panels and tiles.
2. Background and Relevant Art
A number of disadvantages are present in the art of architectural design that can be addressed.
Implementations of the present invention include systems, methods, and apparatus related to architectural panels and tiles having unique design features. In one implementation, a manufacturer can assemble multiple tiles together to create a panel, or mix and match panels with tiles (or mix and match tiles) for certain design considerations. Implementations of the present invention can be made of any panel material, including natural or synthetic resin, glass, wood, or composites thereof.
Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Implementations of the present invention solve one or more problems in the art with systems, components, and apparatus that enable a manufacturer, or designer to create unique panel designs. In one implementation, the panels can be created from one or more sub-component tiles that are assembled along a common bevel/edge. One will appreciate that the panels and corresponding panel designs of the present invention can be assembled from any number of materials that can be formed into the shapes and designs disclosed and claimed herein, and such materials can include but are not limited to resins (e.g., polyesters, copolyesters, polycarbonate, acrylic), glass, wood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and composites thereof, all of the foregoing in any naturally-occurring or synthetic forms.
One will appreciate that each contour, shape, and dimension of the patterns of the panels and tiles disclosed herein are readily understood from the drawings, or can be readily deduced therefrom. One will further appreciate that the patterns, and dimensions of the panels disclosed herein can provide a number of aesthetic and functional advantages in the art.
In at least one implementation, a manufacturer can implement a system in which the manufacturer interchanges various panels or tiles of different patterns, or panels or tiles of different materials, colors, or configurations, for added effect.
In at least one implementation, a manufacturer prepares the panels or tiles shown herein through any number of mechanisms, including but not limited to processing various panel materials through a milling machine, such as a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. The manufacturer can use the machine not only to cut the panels or tiles to appropriate size, but also to ensure that the edges and beveling enable a substantially flush alignment with other panels or tiles. Once cut to the appropriate size, design, and dimension, the assembler can then place the panels or tiles in substantially flush configuration together against a surface, such as a wall, ceiling, or floor. In at least one implementation, the assembler uses one or more adhesives to adhere or otherwise affix the panels or tiles to the surface. Other methods and mechanisms for affixing the panels or tiles in position are possible within the scope of the invention. Such other methods and mechanisms can further include the use of fasteners or the like.
The present invention thus may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.