Wall panel framing system

Abstract

Structures used for dividing, supporting, disguising and/or cladding, for example, modular wall panel systems can include frame members that can include or be in the form of a rail having a panel engaging portion with a generally planar mounting surface configured to accept at least one fastener, the panel engaging portion including first and second lateral sides on opposite sides of the generally planar mounting surface. First and second channels can include side walls extending generally parallel to the generally planar mounting surface, the first and second channels facing away from each other.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A frame, comprising:
 a rail having a panel engaging portion comprising a generally planar mounting surface configured to accept at least one fastener, the panel engaging portion including first and second lateral sides on opposite sides of the generally planar mounting surface; and   at least first and second channels, each channel comprising side walls extending generally parallel to the generally planar mounting surface, the first and second channels facing away from each other.   
     
     
         2 . A frame according to  claim 1 , wherein a first side wall of the first channel and a first sidewall of the second channel are coplanar. 
     
     
         3 . A frame according to  claim 2 , wherein the first sidewall of the first channel and the first sidewall of the second channel include exterior surfaces, the exterior surfaces forming portions of the generally planar mounting surface. 
     
     
         4 . A frame according to  claim 3 , wherein the exterior surfaces are spaced apart with a third channel formed therebetween, the third channel extending generally parallel to the first and second channels. 
     
     
         5 . A frame according to  claim 3 , wherein the exterior surfaces are not spaced apart and form a single generally planar mounting surface. 
     
     
         6 . A frame according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one sidewall of each of the first and second channels includes a longitudinally extending recess. 
     
     
         7 . A frame according to  claim 6 , wherein both of the first and second channels include first and second sidewalls, and wherein both of the first and second sidewalls of the first and second channels include juxtaposed recesses configured to provide engagement with an enlarged portion of a member extending into the first and second channels. 
     
     
         8 . A frame according to  claim 1 , wherein the rail is a first rail, in combination with a second rail extending generally perpendicular to the first rail, the second rail including a second generally planar mounting surface arranged so as to be generally coplanar with the generally planar mounting surface of the first rail, the second rail coupled to the first rail with a bracket contacting only sides of the first and second rails opposite the generally planar mounting surface. 
     
     
         9 . A wall, comprising:
 a frame having at least a panel engaging portion comprising a generally planar mounting surface configured to accept at least one fastener, the panel engaging portion including first and second lateral sides on opposite sides of the generally planar mounting surface;   at least first and second channels, each channel comprising side walls extending generally parallel to the generally planar mounting surface, the first and second channels facing away from each other; and   a planar member connected to and at least partially supported by the frame.   
     
     
         10 . A wall according to  claim 9 , wherein a first side wall of the first channel and a first sidewall of the second channel are coplanar. 
     
     
         11 . A wall according to  claim 10 , wherein the first sidewall of the first channel and the first sidewall of the second channel include exterior surfaces, the exterior surfaces forming portions of the generally planar mounting surface. 
     
     
         12 . A wall according to  claim 11 , wherein the exterior surfaces are spaced apart with a third channel formed therebetween, the third channel extending generally parallel to the first and second channels. 
     
     
         13 . A wall according to  claim 11 , wherein the exterior surfaces are not spaced apart and form a single generally planar mounting surface. 
     
     
         14 . A wall according to  claim 9 , wherein at least one sidewall of each of the first and second channels includes a longitudinally extending recess. 
     
     
         15 . A wall according to  claim 14 , wherein both of the first and second channels include first and second sidewalls, and wherein both of the first and second sidewalls of the first and second channels include juxtaposed recesses configured to provide engagement with an enlarged portion of a member extending into the first and second channels. 
     
     
         16 . A wall according to  claim 9 , wherein the rail is a first rail, in combination with a second rail extending generally perpendicular to the first rail, the second rail including a second generally planar mounting surface arranged so as to be generally coplanar with the generally planar mounting surface of the first rail, the second rail coupled to the first rail with a bracket contacting only sides of the first and second rails opposite the generally planar mounting surface. 
     
     
         17 . A method of building a wall, comprising:
 supporting a first frame member having a panel engaging portion comprising a generally planar mounting surface configured to accept at least one fastener, the panel engaging portion including first and second lateral sides on opposite sides of the generally planar mounting surface and at least first and second channels, each channel comprising side walls extending generally parallel to the generally planar mounting surface, the first and second channels facing away from each other;   connecting a second frame member to the first frame member; and   connecting a panel to at least one of the first and second frame members so as to support the panel above a ground.   
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein a first side wall of the first channel and a first sidewall of the second channel are coplanar. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein the first sidewall of the first channel and the first sidewall of the second channel include exterior surfaces, the exterior surfaces forming portions of the generally planar mounting surface. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19 , wherein the exterior surfaces are spaced apart with a third channel formed therebetween, the third channel extending generally parallel to the first and second channels.