Prefabricated wall panel with tongue and groove construction

Abstract

A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A wall panel, comprising:
 a precast body including a design element, the precast body having opposing edges; and   a mounting element, comprising:
 a tab projecting beyond one edge of the opposing edges of the precast body; and 
 an end projecting beyond the other edge of the opposing edges of the precast body, the end defining a slot. 
   
     
     
         11 . The wall panel of  claim 10 , wherein the wall panel is configured to interconnect with an adjacent wall panel to form a wall. 
     
     
         12 . The wall panel of  claim 11 , wherein the slot is configured to receive a tab of the adjacent wall panel. 
     
     
         13 . The wall panel of  claim 10 , wherein the tab extends in a first plane and wherein the slot in the end is in the same plane as the tab. 
     
     
         14 . The wall panel of  claim 10 , wherein the tab extends in a first plane, and wherein the end extends in a second plane parallel to the first plane. 
     
     
         15 . The wall panel of  claim 14 , wherein the mounting element further comprises a transition section that that connects the tab and the end. 
     
     
         16 . The wall panel of  claim 15 , wherein the transition section transitions between the first plane and the second plane. 
     
     
         17 . The wall panel of  claim 10 , wherein the mounting element is a single piece extending through the precast body. 
     
     
         18 . The wall panel of  claim 10 , wherein the mounting element is a single piece affixed to the precast body. 
     
     
         19 . The wall panel of  claim 10 , wherein the mounting element comprises more than one piece. 
     
     
         20 . The wall panel of  claim 10 , wherein the end further comprises one or more apertures for receiving a nail or fastener. 
     
     
         21 . The wall panel of  claim 10 , wherein the mounting element further comprises a hole or gap to allow water to drain between the wall panel and a wall to which the wall panel is attached.