Installable wall section with removable sheet

Abstract

An installable wall section includes a removable panel on at least one side of a frame. The panel attaches to the frame by securing means. The securing means may be visible or obscured when the installable wall section is in use. By taking the removable sheet off the frame, one may gain access to an interior region within the frame. The interior of the installable wall section may be accessed for practical reasons, such as to install electrical components or conduit for plumbing or HVAC, subsequent to installation of the installable wall section. The removable panel may be removed and exchanged for ease of cleaning, changing esthetics, or repair.

Description

INSTALLABLE WALL SECTION WITH REMOVABLE SHEETCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application number 63 / 600,441 , filed on November 17, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to installable wall sections, or installable wall panel assemblies, used in constructing rooms and, more particularly, to installable wall sections that provide access to their interior space to accommodate post-installation modifications.BACKGROUND

[0003] Installable wall sections or panels are being used increasingly in construction, such as in panelized wall systems. They provide flexibility in the design of interior spaces and can be used to hide electrical wiring, conduits for plumbing, HVAC ducts, communications and data lines, wireless Internet repeaters, and the like. While some electrical, plumbing, communications, and / or HVAC requirements may be known at the time of initial installation of a set of installable wall sections, it is desirable for installable wall sections to be forward compatible so as to accommodate future requirements.

[0004] Installable wall sections, or panels, typically include a skin that is secured to frame members of the installable wall section. Within the frame member, and interior of the installable wall section may be filled in (e.g., with insulation foam or sound-proofing), or alternately, may be left open to accommodate conduits, wiring, and the like.SUMMARY

[0005] An installable wall section (e.g., installable wall panel) is provided with a frame, at least one panel that may be continuous top to bottom and from right to left of the wall section, and securing means to removably affix the panel to the installable wall section’s frame. Each panel may have two parts. One part of the panel may be a skin portion having a lower edge that is spaced some distance above a bottom of a frame of the installable wall section. A separate part of the panel is provided having dimensions substantially the same as an exposed region of the frame of the installable wall section below the skin portion. The separate part of the panel may be provided because installable wall section’s dimensions, or that of its frame, are larger than available wall sheet materials. Alternatively, or additionally, the separate part of the panelmay be used to access the interior of the installable wall section. The separate sheet is selectively, or reversibly, securable to the frame of the installable wall section by a plurality of fasteners. Various types of fasteners may be compatible with the installable wall section described herein. Some fasteners are obscured when an installable wall section is fully assembled and in use. In contrast, other fasteners are visible while an installable wall section is in use; such fasteners may be fabricated or treated to be aesthetically pleasing. In the event it is desired to access an interior of the installable wall panel after installation, the panels are removed either by removing the fasteners or moving the panels relative to the fasteners, thereby exposing the interior of the installable wall section. Once the need for access to the interior of the installable wall section is complete, the removable panel may then be returned to its position on the frame and secured in place by the fasteners.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an installable wall section of a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an installable wall section of a variation of the wall section of FIG. 1 ;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the installable wall section of FIG. 1 , including a removable sheet provided on a frame of the installable wall section;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the installable wall section of FIG. 2, including a removable sheet provided on a frame of the installable wall section;

[0010] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the removable sheet of the installable section of either FIG. 3 or FIG. 4;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a full exploded view of an installable wall section with a removable panel held to a frame with multiple mating fasteners of a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of the installable wall section of FIG. 6;

[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view including a back panel of the installable wall section ofFIG. 6;

[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a pair of fasteners of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, with one fastener of the type affixed to a panel and the second fastener affixed to a frame of the installable wall section;

[0015] FIG. 10 is a partial view of an installable wall section with a removable panel held to a frame of the installable wall section by a pair of rails according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of an upper portion of the installable wall section of FIG. 10, which portion is identified by the dot-dashed line circle labeled 11 in FIG. 10, showing the arrangement of the frame, a rail, and a panel;

[0017] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a lower portion of the installable wall section of FIG. 10 showing the arrangement of the frame, a rail, and a panel;

[0018] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a mating portion of an upper portion of the panel and a lower portion of the panel of the installable wall section of FIG. 10, which portion is identified by the dot-dashed line circle labeled 13 in FIG. 10, showing the mating portion as it is being assembled;

[0019] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an installable wall section with a removable panel held to a frame of the installable wall section by rails according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of an upper corner of the installable wall section shown in FIG. 14, which portion is identified by a dot-dashed line circle labeled 15 in FIG. 14 showing the arrangement of the frame, a rail, and a panel;

[0021] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a second upper corner of the installable wall section of FIG. 14, which portion is identified by a dot-dashed line circle labeled 16 in FIG. 14 showing the arrangement of the frame, a rail, and a panel;

[0022] FIG. 17 in an enlarged view of an upper center portion of the installable wall section of FIG. 14, which portion is identified by a dot-dashed line circle labeled 17 in FIG. 14 showing the arrangement of the frame, a rail, and a pair of panels;

[0023] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an installable wall section with a removable panel held to a frame of the installable wall section by rails according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of an upper corner of the installable wall section shown in FIG. 18, which portion is identified by a dot-dashed line circle labeled 19 in FIG. 18 showing the arrangement of the frame, a rail, and a panel;

[0025] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a second upper corner of the installable wall section of FIG. 18, which portion is identified by a dot-dashed line circle labeled 20 in FIG. 18 showing the arrangement of the frame, a rail, and a panel;

[0026] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an installable wall section with a removable panel held to a frame of the installable wall section by multiple pairs of securing clips according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a middle portion of the installable wall section embodiment of FIG. 21 , which portion is identified by a dot-dashed line circle labeled 22 in FIG. 21 showing the arrangement of the frame, a rail, and a panel; and

[0028] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a fastener pair of the installable wall section of FIG. 21.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Construction of interior spaces in structures with large open spaces and few standing walls, such as warehouses, can be complex in terms of planning and fabrication. When building walls on-site from scratch, the layout and functionality are considered during construction of the frame to the completed walls with electrical lines, plumbing, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) conduits. Described herein are installable wall sections capable of being joined to form walls of desired length while providing volumes or spaces which can accommodate needed electrical lines and outlets, plumbing, and ductwork.

[0030] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an installable wall section 5 that includes a frame 10 defined by a top bar 12, a bottom bar 14, a first side strut 16 and a second side strut 18. A wall sheet with a skin 20 portion may be secured to the frame. The frame 10 and wall sheet, including the skin 20 portion, define an interior space that may receive electrical wiring, conduit for plumbing or HVAC, communications needs, and the like. While in conventional installable wall panels, it is the case that a wall sheet would have a skin portion that would cover an entire surface of the frame of the installable wall panel, so as to leave no portion of the interior space of the installable wall section 5 or the frame itself 10 exposed, the skin 20 portion of the present disclosure has a bottom edge 22 that terminates some distance above the bottom bar 14 of the frame of the installable wall section 5. This distance between the bottom edge 22 and the bottom bar 14 of the frame may be due to the dimensions of the wall panel 5 being too large to be covered by available wall sheet materials, or the distance may be purposely created to allow some access to the interior of installable wall section 5. Theinstallable wall section 5 may also be termed or designated an installable wall panel assembly in this disclosure, as collection installable wall sections or panels may be assembled to form a wall, such as in panelized construction.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second side strut 18 of the installable wall section 5 may be provided with a projecting tongue 24, and the first side strut 16 may be provided with a complementary groove 26, to facilitate secure engagement of the installable wall section 5 to adjacent installable wall sections (not shown) with similar tongue-and-groove connections.

[0032] Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the respective embodiments of the installable wall section 5 is provided with a removable sheet 28 portion of the wall sheet. The removable sheet 28, has the same dimensions as the remaining exposed region of the frame of the installable wall section 5 below the skin 20 portion. The removable sheet 28 is secured in place by a plurality of securing means or fasteners 30, such as screws, which can be received through complementary fastener-receiving apertures 32 in corners of the removable sheet 28, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0033] In FIG. 2 and 3, the fasteners 30 may, for example, be self-tapping screws or selfdrilling screws. Each fastener 30 forms, or is otherwise received in, a hole 34 in the frame of the installable wall section 5. Alternatively, one or more of the fasteners 30 may be machine screws and received in complementarily-threaded anchors in respective holes 34 in the frame of the installable wall section assembly 5. By providing fasteners 30 in the form of machine screws with such complementarily-threaded anchors, the removable sheets 28 can be repeatedly removed and re-secured without degradation of the holes 34, which may otherwise need to be re-drilled after a few cycles of removal and replacement of a removable sheet 28, to achieve a suitably strong anchoring of the fasteners 30.

[0034] As the installable wall section assembly 5 may be used in partially defining a span of wall in two adjacent rooms, each opposing surface of the installable wall section 5 may be provided with a removable sheet 28. In this manner, the interior (e.g., interior volume, interior region) of the frame of the installable wall section 5 may be selectively accessed from either surface of the installable wall section 5.

[0035] FIGs. 6-8 illustrate a second embodiment of an installable wall section utilizing the fastener 230 shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the installable wall section 205 includes at least one panel 20 that connects to the frame 10 via a plurality of fastener pairs 36. As with the installable wall section of the first embodiment, the frame 10 has a width defined by a top bar 12and a bottom bar 14. The top 12 and bottom 14 bars are separated by a distance defined by first 16 and second 18 side struts. The frame 10 includes a first surface 23 that abuts a first panel 20 when the installable wall section is in use. By employing the fastener pair 230 illustrated in FIG. 9 in multiple locations, the panel 20 and frame 10 are configured to join one another in a removeable manner.

[0036] The installable wall section 205 illustrated in FIG.6 includes a front panel 20 held to a first surface 23 of the frame 10 using multiple fasteners 36, as well as a rear panel 28 that is affixed to a second surface of the frame 10. This second surface is parallel to the first surface and, as illustrated, the rear panel 28 is not held to the second surface using the same fasteners 36 as those used to secure the front panel 20. In some embodiments, the rear panel 28 is affixed to the frame 12 in an immoveable or fixed manner, using, for example, adhesive, nails, screws, or other fastening means which require tools or destruction of the frame or panel to separate the two. Access to the interior of the installable wall section 205 includes removing the front panel 20 from the frame 10 by disengaging the fasteners 36. In some embodiments, access to the interior of the installable wall section 205 may be achieved by removing the rear panel 28 when that panel is also configured to be removably affixed to the frame.

[0037] The installable wall section 205 is illustrated with front 20 and rear 28 panels, each with multiple layers, a facia layer 21 a, 29a, and a structural layer or portion 21 b, 29b. The front panel 20 attaches to the first surface 23 of the frame 10 by components 32 of the multiple fastener pairs 36 mounted on its structural layer 21 b. The structural layer 21 b accepts the fittings used to anchor the components 32 to the front panel 20 without impacting the aesthetics of the overall panel. The facia layer 21a for the front panel is layered on the structural layer 21 b and is the visible portion of the front panel 20. The facia layer 21 a may be much thinner compared to the structural layer 21 b. In some cases, the front panel 20 is a wooden structural layer 21b with a thin metal layer as the facia layer 21 a, with the metal layer applied as foil or a metalized polymer. In these configurations of the front panel 20, the thin metal facia layer 21 a may be held in place over the structural layer 21 b using adhesive. The rear panel 28 is shown in FIG. 6 with a structural layer 29b that attaches to the frame 10 and with a facia layer 29a over the structural layer 29b. The facia layer 29a of the rear panel 28 is the surface presented to the environment surrounding the wall section 205. The composition and thicknesses of the structural layers 21 b, 29b and the facia layers 21 a, 29a may differ or be the same for the front 20 and rear 28 panels.

[0038] As described above, the front panel 20 is held in place to the frame 10 using multiple securing means or fastener pairs 36. These fastener pairs 36 each have a first component 32 anchored to the structural layer 21 b of the front panel 20 and a second component 34 anchored to the frame 10. The positions of the first 32 and second 34 components of each fastener pair 36 need to be complementary so that the fit between components is optimal. The number of fastener pairs 36 used in each installable wall section 205 may correlate to the weight of the font panel 20. FIG. 6 shows the fastener pairs 36 placed with uniform spacing, such that the fastener pair spacing along the top 12 and bottom 14 bars are the same distance. Similarly, the fastener pair spacing along the first 16 and second 18 side struts may be the same.

[0039] An embodiment of a fastener pair 36 compatible with the installable wall section 205 is illustrated in FIG. 9. This fastener pair 230 includes a rounded fitting 234 and a receiving component 232. In each fastener pair 230, the receiving component 232 surrounds portion of the rounded fitting 234 when the panel 20 and frame 10 are joined. That is, the receiving component 232 is configured to removably receive and retain the rounded fitting 234. The force required to situate the rounded fitting 234 in the receiving component 232 may be applied by pushing on an area on the panel or the frame surrounding the fastener pair by hand, in a snap- fit. When the rounded fitting 234 is securely situated in the receiving component 232, a groove 235 that encircles the rounded fitting 234 contacts at least a portion of a socket or seat 233 of the receiving component 232. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the seat 233 may be a C-shaped portion or area of the receiving component 232 with ends 233a, 233b that are rounded or tapered to guide the rounded fitting 234 into the seat 233. Each end 233a, 233b also includes a protrusion that prevents the fastener pair 230 from prematurely separating during routine use of the installable wall section 205.

[0040] Attachment of the components of the fastener pair 230 to the panel 20 and the frame 10 is via any of adhesive, screws, nails, and the like. The rounded fitting 234 has a center opening 236 which holds a nail, screw, clip, rivet, or the like by a head, lip, or overhang to either the panel 20 or frame 10. By affixing the rounded fitting 234 to the frame 10 or panel 20 through the center opening 236, the groove 235 may be approached or accessed independently of orientation of the rounded fitting 234. The fastener pair 230 is formed of lightweight and durable materials. In some embodiments, the rounded fitting 234 and the receiving component 232 are made of different materials, while in others the rounded fitting 234 and the receiving component 232 are made of the same material. The rounded fitting 234 may be made entirely from nylon, such as an injection molded fitting. Alternatively, the rounded fitting 234 may be metal (e.g.,aluminum or an alloy) coated with nylon or another polymer. The receiving component 232 may be made from a polymer, such as nylon, or it may be a polymer-coated metal piece. In some embodiments, both the rounded fitting 234 and the receiving component 232 are nylon.

[0041] Though the fastener pair shown in FIG. 9 is a rounded fitting 234 and a receiving component 232 of a particular configuration, a fastener pair compatible with the installable wall section 205 may have a receiving component and a fitting of a different configuration. In some embodiments a fastener pair may include a fitting that is surrounded by a receiving component when the fastener pair is in use, in which the fitting is a polygon with three or more sides. The fitting may be a sphere, a heptahedron, an octahedron, a dodecahedron (e.g., buck-ball shape), an icosahedron, a toroidal polyhedron, a rhombic triacontahedron, a convex polyhedron, a canonical polyhedron, an irregular three-dimensional shape, a regular multi-sided shape (polyhedron), and the like. The receiving component may be able to surround the sphere or polyhedron in a snap fit.

[0042] A third embodiment of an installable wall section is illustrated in FIGs. 10-13. This installable wall section 305 includes a frame 10 similar to that described above, as well as a front panel 320 and fasteners which include a top rail 313 and a bottom rail 315. The front panel 320 in this embodiment is shown with a facia layer 321 a and structural layer 321 b. It should be noted that a multi-layered panel is not necessary to the construction or use of the installable wall section 305.

[0043] The top 313 and bottom 315 rails illustrated in FIGs. 10-12 act as securing means, replacing the plurality of fastener pairs or fasteners inserted into recesses or holes of the previous embodiments. The top rail 313 is attached to the top bar 12 of the frame 10, while the bottom rail 315 and the bottom bar 14 attach to each other in the installable wall section 305. The top 313 and bottom 315 rails are parallel and are both attached to the first surface 23 of the frame 10. Each rail has a track, the top rail 313 has a first track 344 and the bottom rail 315 has a second track 346. In the installable wall panel, the first 344 and second 346 tracks are oriented such that they face each other. That is, the first track 344 and the second track 346 cooperate to slidably receive and hold the panel 320 adjacent to the first surface 23 of the frame. This orientation of the rails 313, 315 and their corresponding tracks 344, 346 allow the panel 320 to slide from side to side relative to the frame of the installable wall section. As illustrated, the top 313 and bottom 315 rails extend continuously along the top and bottom bars, respectively. However, one or both of the rails may be discontinuous, so long as the panel 320 may be slidably received by the rails.

[0044] The top 313 and bottom 315 rails may be decorative as well as functional. The rails 313, 315 may have a surface treatment or be made of a material selected for aesthetic enhancement of the installable wall section. In some embodiments, the rails 313, 315 may be any of: textured; painted; wood with visible grain; a highly polished material; a polycrystalline material with visible grains; anodized metal, a composite material, and an inlaid material. The top 313 and bottom 315 rails may have the same or different appearance. Additionally, the panel 320 may be chosen for aesthetics reasons and the rails 313, 315 may complement the panel 320.

[0045] The top 313 and bottom 315 rails attach to the first surface 23 of the frame using any suitable means that allow for securing the rails to the frame under the loads experienced while sliding and holding the panel 320 while the installable wall section 305 is in use. Attachment means for securing the rails to the frame include, for example, any of adhesive, epoxy, screws, rivets, staples, clips, and nails.

[0046] To access the interior volume or region of the installable wall section 305, the front panel 320 slides to reveal the interior. The distance the front panel 320 may slide may correlate to the portion of the wall section interior that needs to be accessed. Sliding is possible when the installable wall section 305 is free standing or separated from neighboring wall sections in this embodiment.

[0047] In some embodiments, the panel 320 of the installable wall section 305 may have two or more sections which may be selectively removed or pushed apart to access the interior of the installable wall section 305. The panel 320 may have a first portion 322 and a second portion 324 which are independently removeable from the installable wall section 305. In FIG. 13, the first portion 322 and the second portion 324 are shown prior to fully assembling the installable wall section 305. In use, the first portion 322 and the second portion 324 of the panel 320 are oriented such that the first portion 322 is in contact only with the top rail 313 while the second portion 324 is in contact only with the bottom rail 315.

[0048] The first portion 322 and the second portion 324 meet at a separating slot 350. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the separating slot 350 is parallel to the first 12 and second 14 bars of the frame. In such configurations, the first 322 or second 324 portion could be slid without fully removing it from the wall section, such that the adjacent rail and features of the separating slot 350 keep the first 322 and second 324 portions from ejection from the wall section, and maintain the panel portions in contact with each other. Features of the separating slot 350 which can maintain contact between panel portions when sliding relative to each othermay include a complementary overhang and recess. Alternatively, the features of the separating slot 350 may include a tongue on one panel portion and complementary groove on the other panel portion.

[0049] Other embodiments may include those where the panel 320 has a first portion and a second portion that are divided by a separating slot that is parallel to the first 16 and second 18 side struts of the frame. This configuration allows the first portion and the second portion of the panel to slide independently with respect to the frame. The first and second portions may be separated at the separating slot, creating an opening between the panel portions through which the interior volume of the installable wall section can be accessed. Additionally, the first or second panel section may slide away from the center of the installable wall section. Movement of the panel 320 and the first and second portions (322 and 324 shown in FIG. 13) is restricted in some use cases or configurations, such as when an adjacent installable wall section or other object prevents sliding motion due to proximity to one or both side struts. When freestanding or having at least one side strut of the frame completely free from obstruction, the panel 320 or its portions may slide completely apart from the installable wall section 305.

[0050] FIGs. 14-17 illustrate a fourth embodiment of an installable wall section. This embodiment of an installable wall section 405 has a frame 10 similar to that of the embodiments described above. The securing means for the installable wall section 405 include two or more rails 443, 445, 447 affixed to the frame 10, with two of the rails 443, 445 attached to the first side strut 16 and the second side strut 18, respectively. The installable wall section 405 has one or more panels 420, 422, 424, and FIGs. 14-17 illustrate the panel(s) as having a single layer. However, the panels compatible with the installable wall section 405 may have multiple layers, such as a facia layer and a structural layer as described above with respect to the panels shown in FIG. 6.

[0051] The first rail 443 is attached to the first side strut 16 of the frame 10, while the second rail 445 and the second side strut 18 attach to each other in the installable wall section 405; the first 443 and second 445 rails run continuously along their respective side strut. The first 443 and second 445 rails are parallel and are both attached to the first surface 23 of the frame 10. Each rail has a track; the first rail 443 has a first track 444 and the second rail 445 has a second track 446. In the installable wall panel, the first 444 and second 446 tracks are oriented such that they face each other. That is, the first track 444 and the second track 446 cooperate to slidably receive and hold the panel 420 adjacent to the first surface 23 of the frame. Thisorientation of the rails 443, 445 and their corresponding tracks 444, 446 allow the panel 420 to slide from top to bottom relative to the frame of the installable wall section 405.

[0052] In some implementations, the installable wall section 405 includes a third rail 447 which divides the installable wall section into two portions. Correspondingly, the panel 420 becomes two panels, a first panel portion 422 and a second panel portion 424. The third rail 447 has two tracks 447a, 447b and each track orients outward from a middle portion of the installable wall section 405 toward the first 16 and second 18 side strut of the frame, respectively. Each pair of tracks (e.g., the first track 444 and a central track 447a, the second track 446 and a central track 447b) accepts a panel portion 422, 424 so that the panel portion slides relative to the first surface 23 of the frame. The third rail 447 may serve as a boundary or boundary rail, as it divides the face of the installable wall section 405 into multiple portions. The third rail 447 may be affixed to the frame 10 at the top bar 12 and bottom bar 14 or the third rail 447 may align with, and be affixed to, a vertical stud of the frame. The stud is parallel to the first and second side struts.

[0053] Each of the first 443 and second 445 rails includes a smaller portion 448 and a larger portion 449 which define the sides of the first 444 and second 446 track. The third rail 447 also has a smaller portion 448’ and a larger portion 449’. In each of the tracks, the smaller portion 448, 448’ is parallel to the larger portion 449, 499’. Joining the smaller portion 448, 488’ with the larger portion 449, 499’ is a connecting portion 450. The connecting portion 450 is substantially perpendicular to both the smaller and larger portion of each rail. The distance from the smaller portion 448, 448’ to the larger portion 449, 499’ is equivalent to the width of the connecting portion 450; the width of the connecting portion 450 defines the width of the track 444, 446, 447a, 447b. The larger portion 449, 499' attaches to the frame at its first face 23. The smaller portion 448, 448’, which is parallel to the larger portion 449, 499’, helps to retain or hold the panel 420, 422, 424 adjacent to the first surface 23 of the frame. While the smaller 448, 448’ and larger 449, 499’ portions of each rail may be continuous along the length of the rail, the connecting portion 450 may alternatively be discontinuous.

[0054] The top 443, bottom 445, and center 447 rails may be decorative as well as functional. The rails 443, 445, 447 may have a surface treatment or be made of a material selected for aesthetic enhancement of the installable wall section. In some embodiments, the rails 443, 445, 447 may be any of: textured; painted; wood with visible grain; a highly polished material; a polycrystalline material with visible grains; anodized metal, a composite material, and an inlaid material. The top 443, bottom 445, and center 447 rails may have the same or differentappearance. Additionally, the panel 420, 422, 424 may be chosen for aesthetics reasons and the rails 443, 445, 447 may complement the panel 420, 422, 424.

[0055] The rails attach to the first surface 23 of the frame using any suitable means that allow for securing the rails to the frame under the loads experienced while sliding and holding the panel 420 while the installable wall section 405 is in use. Attachment means for securing the rails to the frame may include any of adhesive, epoxy, screws, staples, rivets, and nails. The larger portion 499, 499’ of each of the rails is configured to secure the rail to the frame, such as by having openings or orifices to accept fittings. Alternatively, or additionally, the larger portion 499, 499’ may have texturing on the surface which interfaces with the first surface 23 of the frame. Texturing on the larger portion 499, 499’ allows for better adhesion when adhesive is used to secure a rail to the first surface 23 of the frame.

[0056] Accessing the interior space of the installable wall section 405 involves sliding the panel 420 or panel portions 422, 424 upward with respect to the installable wall section 405. In some embodiments, the panel 420 or panel portions 422, 424 may have an upper and lower portion. The lower portion of the panel 420 or one or more of the panel portions 422, 424 may be securely attached to the installable wall section 405. In other words, these portions do not slide or slide only to a limited degree within their associated rails. In such embodiments, only the upper portion of the panel or panel section is able to slide upward, exposing the interior volume of the installable wall section 405. When there is sufficient clearance above the installable wall section 405 and no obstructions, the upper portion of the panel 420, or of the panel portions 422, 424, can slide upward or be completely removed to access the interior of the wall section 405; the entire panel 420 may be completely removed from the installable wall section under similar environmental situations. In other embodiments both the upper and lower portions of the panel 420 may be able to slide upward with respect to the installable wall section 405, particularly the frame 10. In such cases, the lower portion would only be able to slide upward when the upper portion slid upward. Sliding the lower portion would be done in instances where an area near the bottom bar 14 of the frame 10 needed to be accessed.

[0057] In embodiments where each panel 420 or panel portion 422, 424 has a pair of vertically stacked portions, a top and a bottom portion, these stacked portions meet at a seam. The seam may be similar to that shown in FIG. 13. Features of the seam may include a complementary overhang and recess. Alternatively, the features of the seam may include a tongue on one panel portion and complementary groove on the other panel portion. In some embodiments, the edges of the panel portions that meet at a seam are flat or planar.

[0058] In use, a fully assembled installable wall section 405 has the smaller portion 448 of each rail visible. This makes clear the securing means used to hold panels in place. The visibility of the securing means (e.g., rails) may not be desirable, and the embodiments described below allow the securing means to be obscured when the installable wall section is in use.

[0059] A fifth embodiment of an installable wall section 505 is illustrated in FIGs. 18-20. The fifth embodiment is a variation of the fourth embodiment 405. While the fourth embodiment could be implemented with a panel 420 of one or multiple layers, the installable wall section 505 of the fifth embodiment is compatible only with a panel of multiple portions or layers. The installable wall section 505 has at least a first rail 543 and a second rail 545. In some embodiments, the installable wall section 505 has at least one separator rail, similar in configuration to that shown in FIG. 17. Each rail in the installable wall section 505 has securing portion 554. The securing portion 554 is akin to the larger portion 499, 499’ described above. Each rail also has a holding portion 556 which is smaller than or similar in width to that of the securing portion 554. The holding portion 556 works in conjunction with a slot in the panel to retain the panel 520 and has a width which may correspond to the amount of support need by each panel to stay adjacent to the first surface 23 of the frame. The securing portion 554 of each rail is configured to anchor the rail to the first surface 23 of the frame by any of adhesive, epoxy, screws, staples, rivets, and nails.

[0060] The panels used to fabricate the installable wall sections 505 have at least two sections or layers, an outward facing portion or layer 521 a and a holding portion or layer 521 b. The outward facing portion (e.g., facia layer) 521 a is primarily decorative and is the surface seen when the installable wall section 505 is in use as a room divider or room perimeter. The holding portion (e.g., structural layer) 521 b interfaces with the rails 543, 545 to keep the panel adjacent to the first surface 23 of the frame. The outward facing portion 521 a may be much thinner compared to the holding portion 521b. In some cases, the panel 520 has a wooden holding portion 521 b with a metal-wrapped layer as the outward facing portion 521 a, with the metal wrapping applied as foil or a metalized polymer. In these configurations of the panel 520, the facia layer 521 a may be held in place over the structural layer 521 b using adhesive.

[0061] Between the outward facing portion 521 a and the holding portion 521 b, there is a first bounding slot 560 along at least one edge of the panel 520. In most configurations of this embodiment, there is a first bounding slot 560 along a first edge and a second bounding slot 560 along a second edge. The bounding slots 560 cooperate with the holding portion 556 of acorresponding rail. When a panel 520 slides upward or downward along a pair of rails, each bounding slot 560 surrounds a respective rail’s holding portion 556. In this way, the panel is moveably secured to the frame without the securing means, in this case the rails, being visible during everyday use of the installable wall section 505. The bounding slots 560 allow the securing means (i.e., the rails 556) to be hidden from view. Hiding or obscuring the securing means from view may be desirable for aesthetic reasons. Alternatively, or additionally, obscuring the securing means may serve practical purposes, such as to prevent the possibility of material or objects being unintentionally adhered to the installable wall section.

[0062] As with the panels and sub-panel portions described with respect to the fourth embodiment of an installable wall section 405, the panels 520 may be divided into portions such as side-by-side portions (i.e., vertical portions), separated by a boundary rail. Alternatively, or additionally, a panel may be made of vertically stacked portions, such as a top portion 522 and a bottom portion 524. When a boundary rail is present, the installable wall section 505 has at least one stud in the frame to which the boundary rail attaches. When a panel 520 or a vertical portion of the panel has a top portion 522 and a bottom portion 524, the two panel portions of these stacked portions meet at a seam. The seam may be similar to that shown in FIG. 13. Features of the seam may include a complementary overhang and recess. Alternatively, the features of the seam may include a tongue on one panel portion and complementary groove on the other panel portion. In some embodiments, the edges of the panel portions that meet at a seam are flat or planar.

[0063] Also as with the panels and sub-panels portions described with respect to the fourth embodiment of an installable wall section 405, the interior space or volume is accessed by raising up the panel 520 or one or more of the panel portions. When a panel includes vertically stacked portions, a bottom-most portion may be permanently or somewhat permanently affixed to the frame near the bottom bar, while one or more upper portions may be slidably attached to the installable wall section 505 and configured to be partially or completely separated from the wall section 505.

[0064] A further embodiment of an installable wall section 605 where the securing means are not visible is one in which the securing means include clip and rail system fittings. The clip and rail system fittings in FIGs. 21-23 are Z-clips. The installable wall section 605 shown in FIGs. 21 -23 includes a frame 610 with a top bar 612, a bottom bar, a first side strut 616, and a second side strut. The installable wall section 605 also has a panel 620 which attaches to a first surface 623 of the frame.

[0065] The panel 620 has a front portion 619a and a back portion 619b. Fully assembled and in use, the back portion 619b of the panel 620 is adjacent to the first surface 623 of the frame of the installable wall section 605. A plurality of Z-clip pairings 636 connect the panel 620 to the frame 610. Each Z-clip pairing has a frame side clip 633 and a panel side clip 635. Each frameside clip 633 is attached to the first surface 623 of the frame 610, and each panel-side clip 635 is attached to the back portion 619b of the panel 620. Securing each Z-clip to either the first surface 623 or back portion 619b of the panel may be accomplished with any of adhesive, nails, screws, staples, rivets, and the like. The locations of the Z-clip pairings on the front surface 623 of the frame and the back portion 619b of the panel may be evenly distributed along the perimeter of the panel 620 and in a number that supports the loads applied by the panel 620 when hung and the installable wall section 605 is in use.

[0066] The installable wall section 605 may have a single panel 620 with a top portion 622 and a lower portion 624. A middle bar 615 spans from the first side strut 616 to the second side strut of the frame 610 in some embodiments with top 622 and bottom 624 panel portions. The middle bar 615 provides a surface to affix frame side clips 633. The back portion of each of the top 622 and bottom 624 panel portions, which face the first surface 623 of the frame, have Z- clips 635 around their periphery, in locations that match frame-side Z-clips 633.

[0067] In other embodiments, the installable wall section 605 has a panel of four sections 622a, 622b, 624a, 624b. The four sections 622a, 622b, 624a, 624b may be of different sizes or may be uniform in size. To accommodate the number of panel sections, the frame 623 may include at least one middle bar 615 and one or more studs 617. The middle bar(s) 615 spans from the first side strut to the second side strut, or between either side strut and a stud 617. The one or more studs 617 span from the top bar 612 to the bottom bar and are parallel to the first and second side struts. Each of the panel sections 622a, 622b, 624a, 624b have panel-side Z- clips 635 along their edges which fit in a complementary manner with frame-side z-clips 633 which are affixed to at least one side strut, one stud and either the top or bottom bar of the frame.

[0068] To access the interior space of the installable wall section 605, the Z-clip parings are disengaged so that the panel 620 can be removed from the frame 610. Disengaging the Z-clip pairings may include lifting or shifting the panel 620 upward. When the installable wall section 605 has more than one panel section 622, 6224, 622a, 622b, 624a, 624b, each panel section may be removed independently, without disturbing surrounding panel sections. However, to accommodate this functionality, there may be a separation or gap between panel sections sothat each panel may be shifted to allow for the Z-clip pairs to disengage. The use of Z-clips obscures the fittings or securing means from view. However, when vertically stacked panels sections are present, separations or gaps which may be needed to allow for panel portion removal may be visible.

[0069] Z-clips parings (i.e., French cleats) are one type of securing means compatible with the installable wall section 605, there are other clip and rail system fittings which are not visible when the installable wall section 605 is fully assembled, such as when in use. In other embodiments, other types of clip and rail system fittings are used to provide a concealed hanging system. Other types of clip and rail system fittings may allow for the panel 620 to slide side-to-side relative to the frame of the installable wall section 605, but not to be lifted vertically when removing the panel 620. Such clip and rail systems may have similar and complementary (e.g., like a lock and key) interfacing portions that only permit sliding of the clip and rail, and sliding of the frame and panel connected to the clip and rail to which they are attached.Alternatively, in place of Z-clips, a protrusion and a receiving groove, such as a tongue and groove interface may be used to hold the panel 620 to the frame of the installable wall section 605 in a way that permits removal of a single panel or portion of a panel without disturbing adjacent panel, as well as removal of a panel by sliding the panel relative to the frame of the installable wall section in a side-to-side fashion. The tongue and groove interfacing clips and rails are obscured when the installable wall section 605 is fully assembled in some embodiments.

[0070] In all of the embodiments of installable wall sections described herein, panels or skins which are part of the wall sections may be partially or entirely removably fixed to a frame. The panels are removable to allow access to the interior of the installable wall section so that fittings and lines for electrical, communication, plumbing and HVAC needs may be accommodated, particularly as the environment surrounding the installable wall section changes. The panels may also be removable to change esthetics. A facia or outward facing portion of the panels (e.g., skins) may be swapped out or overlaid onto what is currently visible from the exterior of the wall section. The panels or skins may also be removably attached to the frame of the installable wall section to make cleaning or repair of the panels or skins easier.

[0071] Though this disclosure is directed toward installable wall sections used, for example, in panelized construction, it should be noted that some in the construction arts may refer to the described installable wall sections as installable wall panels with skins or sheets of materialaffixed to a frame. Components and configurations of installable wall sections may be applied to installable wall panels with an understanding of these terminology differences.

[0072] While various embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood that variations may be made that are still within the scope of the appended claims.

[0073] ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0074] A. An installable wall section comprising: a frame including a bottom bar, a top bar, a first side strut extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar, and a second side strut, opposite the first side strut, also extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar; a panel operable to secure to a first surface of the frame; and a securing means operable to removably secure the panel to the first surface of the frame.

[0075] B. The installable wall section of aspect A, wherein the panel comprises two or more panel sections, each panel section removably connected to a portion of the frame and abutting at least one of the two or more sections.

[0076] C. The installable wall section of either aspect A or B, further comprising a rear panel affixed to a second surface opposite the first surface.

[0077] D. The installable wall section of aspect C, wherein the rear panel is fixedly connected to the second surface of the frame.

[0078] E. The installable wall section of either aspect D or aspect D, wherein the rear panel and the second surface are fixedly connected using at least one of: adhesive, nails, screws, brackets, notches, and dovetails.

[0079] F. The installable wall section of any of aspects A - E, wherein the panel has a decorative facia covering a structural portion.

[0080] G. The installable wall section of aspect F, wherein the decorative facia is wrapped around the structural portion of the panel.

[0081] H. The installable wall section of either aspect F or G, wherein the structural portion includes a metal sheet.

[0082] I. The installable wall section of any of F - H, wherein the decorative facia include a layer of wood or a wood-like material.

[0083] J. The installable wall section of aspect A, wherein the securing means include one or more of a two part assembly that includes a fitting and a receiving component, the receiving component operable to surround a part of the fitting.

[0084] K. The installable wall section of aspect J, wherein the fitting is a rounded fitting is made of a polymer.

[0085] L. The installable wall section of aspect K, wherein the rounded fitting is operable to secure to either the frame of the panel using a screw or a nail through a middle portion of the rounded fitting.

[0086] M. The installable wall section of any of aspects J - L, wherein the receiving component is formed of a same material as the rounded fitting.

[0087] N. The installable wall section of any of aspects J - M, wherein the receiving component is operable to attach to the panel of the installable wall section.

[0088] O. The installable wall section of any of aspects A - N, wherein the frame and the panel are comprised of a same material.

[0089] P. The installable wall section of any of aspects A - N, wherein the frame and the panel of comprised of different materials.

[0090] Q. The installable wall section of any of aspects C - 1 further comprising an interior portion defined by the frame, the panel, and the rear panel, wherein at least a portion of the interior is exposed when one of the two or more panel sections is removed.

[0091] R. The installable wall section of any of aspects A - 1, wherein the installable wall section is configured to surround any of: an additional strut, an additional bar, a guide for a conduit, electrical lines, plumbing lines, plumbing pipes, and HVAC ducts.

[0092] S. The installable wall section of any of aspects A - 1, Q, and R, wherein the securing means comprises a first rail attached to the top bar and a second rail parallel to the first rail and attached to the bottom bar, the first and second rails attached to the first surface of the frame.

[0093] T. The installable wall section of aspect S, wherein the first rail has a first track and the second rail has a second track, the first and second track having an orientation facing toward each other, such that the first and second rails of the installable wall section are configured to slidably receive the panel.

[0094] U. The installable wall section of either aspect S or T, wherein the first and second rails are continuous along the length of the top bar and bottom bar, respectively.

[0095] V. The installable wall section of any of aspects S - U, wherein the first rail and the second rail have a surface treatment or are made of a material selected for aesthetic enhancement of the installable wall section.

[0096] W. The installable wall section of aspect V, wherein the first rail and / or the second rail are any of: textured; painted; wood with visible grain; a highly polished material; a polycrystalline material with visible grains; anodized metal, a composite material, and an inlaid material.

[0097] X. The installable wall section of any of aspects S - W, wherein the panel comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions independently removeable from the installable wall section.

[0098] Y. The installable wall section of aspect X, wherein a separating slot between the first and second portions of the panel is substantially parallel to the first and / or second side strut of the frame.

[0099] Z. The installable wall section of any of aspects X - Y, wherein any of the first and the second portions of the panel is configured to slide to a side of the installable wall section to provide access to an interior volume of the installable wall section.

[0100] AA. The installable wall section of aspect Z, wherein the first or second portion of the panel is configured to slide and detach from the installable wall section.

[0101] AB. The installable wall section of aspect AA, wherein the first and second portions are configured to slide to create a separation between the first and second portions to provide access to the interior volume.

[0102] AC. The installable wall section of aspect X, wherein the first and second portions of the panel are joined along a seam.

[0103] AD. The installable wall section of aspect AC, wherein the seam includes a protrusion or a tongue on the first portion of the panel that interfaces with a groove on the second portion of the panel.

[0104] AE. The installable wall section of any of aspects A - 1, Q, and R, wherein the securing means comprises a first rail attached to the first side strut and a second rail parallel tothe first rail and attached to the second side strut, the first and second rails attached to the first surface of the frame.

[0105] AF. The installable wall section of aspect AE, wherein the first rail and the second rail have a surface treatment or are made of a material selected for aesthetic enhancement of the installable wall section.

[0106] AG. The installable wall section of aspect AF, wherein the first rail and / or the second rail are any of: textured; painted; wood with visible grain; a highly polished material; a polycrystalline material with visible grains; anodized metal, a composite material, and an inlaid material.

[0107] AH. The installable wall section of any of aspects AE - AG, wherein the first rail has a first track and the second rail has a second track, the first and second track having an orientation facing toward each other, such that the first and second rails of the installable wall section are configured to slidably receive the panel.

[0108] Al. The installable wall section of any of aspects AE - AH, wherein the first and second tracks are continuous along the length of the first side strut and second side strut, respectively.

[0109] AJ. The installable wall section of any of aspects AE - Al, wherein the panel comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions independently removeable from the installable wall section.

[0110] AK. The installable wall section of aspect AJ, wherein a boundary between the first and second portions of the panel is substantially parallel to the first and / or second side strut of the frame.

[0111] AL. The installable wall section of any of aspects Al - AK wherein any of the first and the second portions of the panel is configured to slide upward from the installable wall section to provide access to an interior volume of the installable wall section.

[0112] AM. The installable wall section of aspect AL, wherein the first or second portion of the panel is configured to slide and detach from the installable wall section.

[0113] AN. The installable wall section of either aspect AL or AM, wherein the first and second portions are configured to slide to create a separation between the first and second portions to provide access to the interior volume.

[0114] AO. The installable wall section of any of aspects AJ - AN, wherein the first and second portions of the panel are joined along a seam.

[0115] AP. The installable wall section of aspect AO, wherein the seam includes a protrusion or a tongue on the first portion of the panel that interfaces with a groove on the second portion of the panel.

[0116] AQ. The installable wall section of any of aspects AJ - AP, wherein the first portion of the panel has a first size, and the second portion has a second size, the first size and the second size are different.

[0117] AR. The installable wall section of any of aspects AK - AQ, wherein the boundary between the first and second portions of the panel lies on a stud of the frame, the stud parallel to and between the first and second side struts.

[0118] AS. The installable wall section of aspect AR, wherein a first interior volume and a second interior volume are created, any of the first and second interior volume configured to receive and surround a conduit, a pipe, electrical lines, a duct, and a plumbing line.

[0119] AT. The installable wall section of any of aspects AE - AS wherein the first rail and the second rail are connected to the first side of the frame using any of nails and screws which pass through each rail into the frame.

[0120] All. The installable wall section of aspect AT, wherein each rail has a smaller portion and a larger portion, the smaller portion of the rail parallel to the larger portion, such that when in use with the panel, the panel slots between the smaller and larger portions of the rail and the nails and / or screws are obscured by the panel.

[0121] AV. The installable wall section of aspect AU, wherein the distance between the smaller portion and the larger portion of each rail is substantially equal to a thickness of the panel.

[0122] AW. The installable wall section of aspect AT, wherein each rail has a securing portion and a holding portion, the securing portion parallel to the holding portion, the securing portion of each rail in contact to the first surface of the frame, and further wherein, when in use with the panel, the nails and / or screws pass through the securing portion of each rail and the nails and / or screw are obscured by the panel.

[0123] AX. The installable wall section of aspect AW, wherein the panel includes: an outward facing portion: a holding portion; and a first bounding slot and a second bounding slot, each bounding slot situated between the outward facing portion and the holding portion and configured to receive the holding portion of either the first rail or the second rail.

[0124] AY. The installable wall section of aspect AX where in the outward facing portion is made of a first material and the holding portion is made of a second material.

[0125] AZ. The installable wall section of either aspect AX or AY, wherein the holding portion of the panel is a discontinuous sheet of material configured to engage with the securing portions of the first and second rails.

[0126] BA. The installable wall section of any of aspects All - AZ, wherein the panel includes a top horizontal portion and a bottom horizontal portion wherein the top horizontal portion is configured to slide upward from the frame independent from the bottom horizontal portion, and the bottom horizontal portion is configured to slide upward from the frame only when the top horizontal portion is slide upwards from the frame or removed completely from the installable wall section.

[0127] BB. An installable wall section comprising: a frame including a bottom bar, a top bar, a first side strut extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar, and a second side strut, opposite the first side strut, also extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar; a panel operable to secure to a first surface of the frame; and a securing means operable to removably secure the panel to the first surface of the frame, the securing means including at least one pair of complementary clip and rail system fittings.

[0128] BC. The installable wall section of aspect BB, wherein the panel has: a back portion spanning the top bar to the bottom bar that contacts the first surface of the frame; and a front portion parallel to the back portion of the panel, wherein the panel is a single material from the back portion to the front portion.

[0129] BD. The installable wall section of aspect BC wherein the at least one pair of complementary clip and rail system fittings Z-clips on the first surface of the frame which complement Z-clips on the back portion of the panel.

[0130] BE. The installable wall section of any of aspects BB - BD wherein the panel has a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion and the bottom portion configured to be completely removed from the installable wall section independently.

[0131] BE. The installable wall section of any of aspects BB - BE, wherein the panel has a left portion and a right portion, the left portion and the right portion configured to be completely removed from the installable wall section independently.

[0132] BG. The installable wall section of aspect BF wherein: the frame has a middle stud that is parallel to the first and second side struts and which spans the top and bottom bars; the frame has a middle bar that is parallel to the top and bottom bars; and the panel includes at least four sections each of which has Z-clips which complement and connect to Z-clips on one of the first and second side struts, one of the top and bottom bars, the middle stud, and the middle bar.

[0133] BH. An installable wall panel assembly, comprising: frame including a bottom bar, a top bar, a first side strut extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar, and a second side strut, opposite the first side strut, also extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar; a skin secured to a first surface of the frame, the skin having a lowermost edge spaced a predetermined distance above the bottom bar; and a removable sheet selectively secured to the frame, the removable sheet having the dimensions that are equal to the remaining exposed region of the frame of the installable wall panel below the lowermost edge of the skin.

[0134] Bl. The installable wall panel assembly of aspect BH, further including a second skin secured to a second surface of the frame opposite the first surface of the frame, the second skin having a lowermost edge spaced a predetermined distance above the bottom bar; anda second removable sheet selectively secured to the frame, the second removable sheet having the dimensions that are equal to the remaining exposed region of the frame of the installable wall panel below the lowermost edge of the second skin.

[0135] BJ. The installable wall panel assembly of aspect BJ, wherein the removable sheet is selectively secured to the frame by fasteners, each of the fasteners passing through a respective fastener-receiving aperture of the removable sheet.

[0136] Bl. The installable wall panel assembly of aspect BH, further including a second skin secured to a second surface of the frame opposite the first surface of the frame, the second skin having a lowermost edge spaced a predetermined distance above the bottom bar; and a second removable sheet selectively secured to the frame, the second removable sheet having the dimensions that are equal to the remaining exposed region of the frame of the installable wall panel below the lowermost edge of the second skin.

[0137] BJ. The installable wall panel assembly of aspect BH, wherein the removable sheet is selectively secured to the frame by fasteners, each of the fasteners passing through a respective fastener-receiving aperture of the removable sheet.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . An installable wall section comprising: a frame including a bottom bar, a top bar, a first side strut extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar, and a second side strut, opposite the first side strut, also extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar; a panel operable to secure to a first surface of the frame; and a securing means operable to removably secure the panel to the first surface of the frame.

2. The installable wall section of claim 1 , wherein the panel comprises two or more panel sections, each panel section removably connected to a portion of the frame and abutting at least one of the two or more sections.

3. The installable wall section of either claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a rear panel affixed to a second surface opposite the first surface.

4. The installable wall section of claim 3, wherein the rear panel is fixedly connected to the second surface of the frame.

5. The installable wall section of either claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the rear panel and the second surface are fixedly connected using at least one of: adhesive, nails, screws, brackets, notches, and dovetails.

6. The installable wall section of any of claims 1 - 5, wherein the panel has a decorative facia covering a structural portion.

7. The installable wall section of claim 6, wherein the decorative facia is wrapped around the structural portion of the panel.

8. The installable wall section of either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the structural portion includes a metal sheet.

9. The installable wall section of any of claims 6 - 8, wherein the decorative facia include a layer of wood or a wood-like material.

10. The installable wall section of claim 1 , wherein the securing means include one or more of a two part assembly that includes a fitting and a receiving component, the receiving component operable to surround a part of the fitting.1 1 . The installable wall section of claim 10, wherein the fitting is a rounded fitting is made of a polymer.

12. The installable wall section of claim 1 1 , wherein the rounded fitting is operable to secure to either the frame of the panel using a screw or a nail through a middle portion of the rounded fitting.

13. The installable wall section of any of claims 10 - 12, wherein the receiving component is formed of a same material as the fitting.

14. The installable wall section of any of claims 10 - 13, wherein the receiving component is operable to attach to the panel of the installable wall section.

15. The installable wall section of any of claims 1 - 14, wherein the frame and the panel are comprised of a same material.

16. The installable wall section of any of claims 1 - 14, wherein the frame and the panel of comprised of different materials.

17. The installable wall section of any of claims 3 - 9 further comprising an interior portion defined by the frame, the panel, and the rear panel, wherein at least a portion of the interior is exposed when one of the two or more panel sections is removed.

18. The installable wall section of any of claims 1 - 9, wherein the installable wall section is configured to surround any of: an additional strut, an additional bar, a guide for a conduit, electrical lines, plumbing lines, plumbing pipes, and HVAC ducts.

19. The installable wall section of any of claims 1 - 9, 17, and 18, wherein the securing means comprises a first rail attached to the top bar and a second rail parallel to the first rail and attached to the bottom bar, the first and second rails attached to the first surface of the frame.

20. The installable wall section of claim 19, wherein the first rail has a first track and the second rail has a second track, the first and second track having an orientation facing toward each other, such that the first and second rails of the installable wall section are configured to slidably receive the panel.21 . The installable wall section of either claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the first and second rails are continuous along a length of the top bar and bottom bar, respectively.

22. The installable wall section of any of claims 19 - 21 , wherein the first rail and the second rail have a surface treatment or are made of a material selected for aesthetic enhancement of the installable wall section.

23. The installable wall section of claim 22, wherein the first rail and / or the second rail are any of: textured; painted; wood with visible grain; a highly polished material; a polycrystalline material with visible grains; anodized metal, a composite material, and an inlaid material.

24. The installable wall section of any of claims 19 - 23, wherein the panel comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions independently removeable from the installable wall section.

25. The installable wall section of claim 24, wherein a separating slot between the first and second portions of the panel is substantially parallel to the first and / or second side strut of the frame.

26. The installable wall section of either claim 24 or claim 25, wherein any of the first and the second portions of the panel is configured to slide to a side of the installable wall section to provide access to an interior volume of the installable wall section.

27. The installable wall section of claim 26, wherein the first or second portion of the panel is configured to slide and detach from the installable wall section.

28. The installable wall section of claim 27, wherein the first and second portions are configured to slide to create a separation between the first and second portions to provide access to the interior volume.

29. The installable wall section of claim 24, wherein the first and second portions of the panel are joined along a seam.

30. The installable wall section of claim 29, wherein the seam includes a protrusion or a tongue on the first portion of the panel that interfaces with a groove on the second portion of the panel.31 . The installable wall section of any of claims 1 - 9, 17, and 18, wherein the securing means comprises a first rail attached to the first side strut and a second rail parallel to the first rail and attached to the second side strut, the first and second rails attached to the first surface of the frame.

32. The installable wall section of claim 31 , wherein the first rail and the second rail have a surface treatment or are made of a material selected for aesthetic enhancement of the installable wall section.

33. The installable wall section of claim 32, wherein the first rail and / or the second rail are any of: textured; painted; wood with visible grain; a highly polished material; a polycrystalline material with visible grains; anodized metal, a composite material, and an inlaid material.

34. The installable wall section of any of claims 31 - 33, wherein the first rail has a first track, and the second rail has a second track, the first and second track having an orientation facing toward each other, such that the first and second rails of the installable wall section are configured to slidably receive the panel.

35. The installable wall section of any of claims 31 - 34, wherein the first and second rails are continuous along a length of the first side strut and second side strut, respectively.

36. The installable wall section of any of claims 31 - 35, wherein the panel comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions independently removeable from the installable wall section.

37. The installable wall section of claim 36, wherein a boundary between the first and second portions of the panel is substantially parallel to the first and / or second side strut of the frame.

38. The installable wall section of either 36 or claim 37 wherein any of the first and the second portions of the panel is configured to slide upward from the installable wall section to provide access to an interior volume of the installable wall section.

39. The installable wall section of claim 38, wherein the first or second portion of the panel is configured to slide and detach from the installable wall section.

40. The installable wall section of either claim 38 or claim 39, wherein the first and second portions are configured to slide to create a separation between the first and second portions to provide access to the interior volume.41 . The installable wall section of any of claims 36 - 40, wherein the first and second portions of the panel are joined along a seam.

42. The installable wall section of claim 41 , wherein the seam includes a protrusion or a tongue on the first portion of the panel that interfaces with a groove on the second portion of the panel.

43. The installable wall section of any of claims 36 - 42, wherein the first portion of the panel has a first size and the second portion has a second size, the first size and the second size are different.

44. The installable wall section of any of claims 37 - 43, wherein the boundary between the first and second portions of the panel lies on a stud of the frame, the stud parallel to and between the first and second side struts.

45. The installable wall section of claim 44, wherein a first interior volume and a second interior volume are created, any of the first and second interior volume configured to receive and surround a conduit, a pipe, electrical lines, a duct, and a plumbing line.

46. The installable wall section of any of claims 31 - 45 wherein the first rail and the second rail are connected to the first side of the frame using any of nails and screws which pass through each rail into the frame.

47. The installable wall section of claim 46, wherein each rail has a smaller portion and a larger portion, the smaller portion of the rail parallel to the larger portion, such that when in use with the panel, the panel slots between the smaller and larger portions of the rail and the nails and / or screws are obscured by the panel.

48. The installable wall section of claim 47, wherein a distance between the smaller portion and the larger portion of each rail is substantially equal to a thickness of the panel.

49. The installable wall section of claim 46, wherein each rail has a securing portion and a holding portion, the securing portion parallel to the holding portion, the securing portion of each rail in contact to the first surface of the frame, and further wherein, when in use with the panel, the nails and / or screws pass through the securing portion of each rail and the nails and / or screw are obscured by the panel.

50. The installable wall section of claim 49, wherein the panel includes: an outward facing portion: a holding portion; and a first bounding slot and a second bounding slot, each bounding slot situated between the outward facing portion and the holding portion and configured to receive the holding portion of either the first rail or the second rail.51 . The installable wall section of claim 50 where in the outward facing portion is made of a first material and the holding portion is made of a second material.

52. The installable wall section of either claim 50 or claim 51 , wherein the holding portion of the panel is a discontinuous sheet of material configured to engage with the securing portions of the first and second rails.

53. The installable wall section of any of claims 47 - 52, wherein the panel includes a top horizontal portion and a bottom horizontal portion wherein the top horizontal portion is configured to slide upward from the frame independent from the bottom horizontal portion, and the bottom horizontal portion is configured to slide upward from the frame only when the top horizontal portion is slide upwards from the frame or removed completely from the installable wall section.

54. An installable wall section comprising: a frame including a bottom bar, a top bar, a first side strut extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar, and a second side strut, opposite the first side strut, also extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar; a panel operable to secure to a first surface of the frame; and a securing means operable to removably secure the panel to the first surface of the frame, the securing means including at least one pair of complementary clip and rail system fittings.

55. The installable wall section of claim 54, wherein the panel has: a back portion spanning the top bar to the bottom bar that contacts the first surface of the frame; and a front portion parallel to the back portion of the panel, wherein the panel is a single material from the back portion to the front portion.

56. The installable wall section of claim 55 wherein the at least one pair of complementary clip and rail system fittings includes Z-clips on the first surface of the frame which complement Z-clips on the back portion of the panel.

57. The installable wall section of any of claims 54 - 56 wherein the panel has a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion and the bottom portion configured to be completely removed from the installable wall section independently.

58. The installable wall section of any of claims 54 - 57, wherein the panel has a left portion and a right portion, the left portion and the right portion configured to be completely removed from the installable wall section independently.

59. The installable wall section of claim 58 wherein: the frame has a middle stud that is parallel to the first and second side struts and which spans the top and bottom bars; the frame has a middle bar that is parallel to the top and bottom bars; and the panel includes at least four sections each of which has Z-clips which complement and connect to Z-clips on one of the first and second side struts, one of the top and bottom bars, the middle stud, and the middle bar.

60. An installable wall panel assembly, comprising: a frame including a bottom bar, a top bar, a first side strut extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar, and a second side strut, opposite the first side strut, also extending vertically from the bottom bar to the top bar; a skin secured to a first surface of the frame, the skin having a lowermost edge spaced a predetermined distance above the bottom bar; and a removable sheet selectively secured to the frame, the removable sheet having dimensions that are equal to a remaining exposed region of the frame of the installable wall panel below the lowermost edge of the skin.61 . The installable wall panel assembly of claim 60, further including: a second skin secured to a second surface of the frame opposite the first surface of the frame, the second skin having a lowermost edge spaced a predetermined distance above the bottom bar; anda second removable sheet selectively secured to the frame, the second removable sheet having the dimensions that are equal to those of the remaining exposed region of the frame of the installable wall panel below the lowermost edge of the second skin.

62. The installable wall panel assembly of claim 60, wherein the removable sheet is selectively secured to the frame by fasteners, each of the fasteners passing through a respective fastener-receiving aperture of the removable sheet.

63. The installable wall panel assembly of claim 62, wherein one or more of the fasteners is a machine screw and is selectively removable from a complementary threaded anchor in the frame.

64. The installable wall panel assembly of claim 60, wherein, upon removal of the removable sheet, an open interior region within the frame of the installable wall panel is exposed.

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