Wall panels of dissimilar materials

Abstract

A fastening system for attaching cladding panels to a carrier panel and allowing for differential thermal expansion. The system fastens the two panels together at points in the direction perpendicular to the panel planes. A combination of different carrier panel hole sizes and slots fix the panels together at one point and allow the panels to expand and contract relative to each other while maintaining rectangular alignment. Wall panels and buildings constructed using the fastener are disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wall panel constructed from the assembly of an aesthetic panel and a carrier panel fastened together by a fastening system for panels of dissimilar materials, the fastening system comprising:
 (a) a threaded fastener:   (b) a captive nut with a through hole comprising:
 (i) a main body with a first flat face; 
 (ii) a shoulder protruding from the first flat face; 
 (iii) a polygonal extension protruding from the shoulder; 
   (c) a captive washer comprising;
 (i) a washer body; and 
 (ii) a polygonal cutout sized to fit the said polygonal extension. 
   
     
     
         2 . The wall panel of  claim 1  wherein the carrier panel has through holes for the threaded fastener to penetrate said carrier panel. 
     
     
         3 . The wall panel of  claim 2  wherein the through holes comprise slots. 
     
     
         4 . The wall panel of  claim 2  where in the through holes comprise a combination of holes and slots. 
     
     
         5 . The wall panel of  claim 1  wherein the aesthetic panel is comprised of a solid surface material.