System and method for wall panel trim installation

Abstract

There is disclosed a system and method for wall panel trim installation. In an embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of horizontal and vertical trim profiles having a back plate adapted to receive a top cap within a bracket, the bracket including a mounting base and walls extending up from either side of the base; and at least one flange formed on the walls and extending outwardly, the at least one flange including a shallow channel; wherein, upon receiving the top cap within the bracket, the at least one flange forming the shallow channel and a portion of the top cap secure an edge of a wall panel therebetween. In an embodiment, the shallow channel formed within the at least one flange is adapted to receive an adhesive or sealant. The top cap is partially received within the bracket such that a clearance is formed between a bottom of the mounting base and a bottom of the top cap. Back plate and top cap pairs allow installation of wall panels placed into position without fasteners.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for wall panel trim installation, comprising:
 a plurality of horizontal and vertical trim profiles having a back plate adapted to receive a top cap within a bracket, the bracket including a mounting base and walls extending up from either side of the base; and   at least one flange formed on the walls and extending outwardly to form a platform, the at least one flange including a shallow channel;   wherein, upon receiving the top cap within the bracket, the at least one flange forming the shallow channel and a portion of the top cap secure an edge of a wall panel therebetween.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the shallow channel formed within the at least one flange is adapted to receive an adhesive or sealant. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the walls include protrusions extending inwardly which are adapted to engage a corresponding protrusions on the top cap extending outwardly. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the top cap is partially received within the bracket such that a clearance is formed between a bottom of the mounting base and a bottom of the top cap. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting base includes a center line formed along its length, the centerline comprising a shallow notch. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the mounting base further includes mounting apertures formed at regular intervals along its length. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the top cap includes a bent flange which, when the top cap is installed, runs generally parallel to one wall of the mounting base. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a pair of mounting bases are coupled at an interlocking pivot point adapted to permit the pair of mounting bases to be rotated at least partially relative to each other. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the rotation allows the pair of mounting bases to be installed at an inside corner or an outside corner of a mounting wall within a range of acute to obtuse angles. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an integral profile forming an inside corner mounting base adapted to receive edges of two wall panels installed at a right angle relative to each other. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an outside corner profile which includes mounting bases formed at right angles adapted to each mount to a wall. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a corresponding outside corner top cap which includes extending protrusions adapted to engage a corresponding locking channel formed on the outside corner profile. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one shallow channel extending from a wall of the mounting base forms a channel which is at least partially parallel to the wall. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a horizontal top cap profile with an extending flange adapted to cover wall panels installed below the horizontal top cap profile with a sufficient clearance to allow for compression between stages of the wall panel installation. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of horizontal and vertical trim profiles are color coded based at least one of installation location and installation order. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of horizontal and vertical trim profiles are uniquely color coded. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of horizontal and vertical trim profiles are color coded to identify correct orientation. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of horizontal and vertical trim profiles form airflow gaps between all installed pieces to provide continuous airflow behind any installed panels. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a thermal break adapted to stop inward deflection or warping of any installed wall panels. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plurality of horizontal and vertical trim profiles include leveling guides to assist in leveling and squaring the profiles as they are installed. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of horizontal and vertical trim profiles include back plate and top cap pairs for installing wall panels placed into position without fasteners.