System for mounting wall panels to a wall

Abstract

In one of the embodiments of the disclosed system, the sliding support member may be comprised of the U-shaped plate that is separate from a forward extending support member, which further contains parallel capture walls. The U-shaped plate and the forward extending support member are then joined together using a dovetail joint, or another type of lock-and-key joint. The groove for such a joint is oriented at an angle, preferably a right angle to the direction of the slide of the sliding support member along the length of the base member. This embodiment of the sliding support member permits a mounting of the adjustable support member at an angle, preferably a right angle to the direction of travel of the sliding support member.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for mounting panels to an existing surface, comprising:
 a plurality of base assemblies adapted to be secured to the existing surface;   a plurality of sliding support members slidably received in said base assemblies and adapted to be fixed therein by fastening members, each sliding support member includes:
 a forward extending support member; 
 a U-shaped plate; 
 wherein said forward extending support member in a detachable snug linkage with said U-shaped plate; 
 at least one capture member extending from the forward extending support member; and 
   a plurality of adjustment support members connected with said sliding support members for mounting the panels to the existing surface.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said forward extending support member further comprises a projecting base. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said U-shaped plate further comprises a retaining groove for slidedly accepting said projecting base. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said forward extending support member is mounted at an angle with respect to the direction of travel of said slidable support member along said one of said base assemblies. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said forward extending support member is mounted at an angle with respect to the direction of travel of said slidable support member along said one of said base assemblies. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said retaining groove further comprises a lip, said lip accepting a leading edge of said forward extending support member in a snug configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein said retaining groove further comprises a lip, said lip accepting a leading edge of said forward extending support member in a snug configuration. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said U-shaped plate further comprises a wing plate along a side of said U-shaped plate, each said wing plate being retained with an L-shaped retaining wall of said base assemblies. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein said U-shaped plate further comprises a wing plate along a side of said U-shaped plate, each said wing plate being retained with an L-shaped retaining wall of said base assemblies. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein said wing plate corresponding said lip is substantially thicker than said one other wing plate.