GB2484073A

GB2484073A - Wall panelling system

Info

Publication number: GB2484073A
Application number: GB1016179.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Nunn
Original assignee: POLYMER RECOVERY Ltd
Current assignee: POLYMER RECOVERY Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-27
Filing date: 2010-09-27
Publication date: 2012-04-04
Also published as: GB201016179D0

Abstract

A wall panel system comprises at least two wall panels, and at least one connector for joining adjacent ones of the at least two wall panels. Each wall panel comprises a first section defining a front surface and a second section defining a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of depressions. Each of the plurality of raised portions have a substantially flat surface and together define a first plane bonded to the first section. Each of the plurality of depressions have a substantially flat surface and together defining a second plane for bonding to a wall. The at least one connector comprises a first channel for receiving a first wall panel, and a second channel for receiving a second wall panel. The at least two wall can be cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge and the cut edge can be received in the first channel or the second channel of the connector to form a watertight seal, this may be achieved by the channel of the connector being deeper than the maximum distance between adjacent raised portions/depressions on the panels.

Description

SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a system of wall panels and connectors, in particular wall panels for mounting around bath or shower trays or in wet areas.

Wall panels may be used in bathrooms, for example, around a shower or a bath, or in other wet areas as an alternative to tiling. They cart be installed more quickly and easily than tiling and require less maintenance.

It is known to manufacture plastic wall panels by extrusion. An extruded plastic wall panel is typically formed from solid or foamed UPVC or HDPE. In order to form wall panels of greater thickness, extrusions may comprise two parallel walls with continuous webs extending between the walls. The webs extend in a vertical direction after the panel has been installed. Extrusion provides a panel with good uniform thickness, within the tolerances of the extrusion and the plastic itself However, extruded wall panels cannot be cut to an arbitrary size and form a watertight seal. If an extruded panel is cut to size just after to an internal web the strength of the wall panel is reduced near the cut, reducing the ability to form a good seal with other panels. An extruded panel also cannot include three dimensional surface decoration easily.

Plastic wall panels may also be produced as a single piece from a mould, for example by alternating layers of resin and glass fibre mat (GRP) or by forming the wall panel by thermo or backing forming from a sheet material. In this case, the rigidity of the wall panel is often poor, and reinforcement is normally required. This may be provided by inserting reinforcing material between the face of the wall panel and a backing material.

Alternatively, the construction may include a second formed panel with voids into which wood, or another rigid reinforcing material is inserted. The reinforcement is aligned vertically.

Inserting the reinforcement required to stiffen such panels is labour intensive, In addition the mixture of different materials makes recycling difficult.

Wall panels may be formed which are exactly the required size for a given situation, so that they do not need to be altered on site. However, the wide variety of installation locations means a wide inventory of different sizes of panel must be produced and even then it is likely that some cutting at the time of installation will be required.

When using wall panels in wet areas it is important that any join between adjacent wall panels is watertight. This may be achieved by using a separate joining profile. One such join may comprise an aluminium or plastic extrusion having a generally right angled shape for use in corners or an "H" section for inline joints. Such joining profiles rely on the inherent elasticity/plasticity of the material forming the joining profile (i.e. the aluminium or plastic) to adapt to any variations in the wall panel thickness or the surface of the wall.

Unlike extrusion, conventional moulding or forming processes create slight variations in the thickness and contours of the wall panel. Further variation may be created when bonding layers together to create a panel and when panels are trimmed to achieve their target thickness. Plastered walls and walls in older buildings may also not be completely true, including portions which are not completely vertical or corners which do not join at exactly 90°. Conventional joining profiles may not adapt well to such variations, resulting in formation of a seal which is not watertight.

The present invention aims to address at least one of the disadvantages discussed above.

Accordingly, there is a provided a system of wall panels and connectors in which the wall panels are configured to be cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge and the cut edge can form a watertight seal with a connector or plumbing fitting. It will be appreciated that a wide variety of configurations can be provided. For example the ability to form a watertight seal at an arbitrary cut edge may depend on the material properties of wall panel and/or connectors or the specific mechanical construction of the wall panel and/or connectors. A plumbing fitting may include a tap, shower controls, pipes passing through the panel, etc. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising: at least two wall panels, each comprising: a first section defining a front surface; and a second section defining a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of depressions, each of the plurality of raised portions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a first plane bonded to the first section, and each of the plurality of depressions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a second plane for bonding to a wall; and at least one connector for joining adjacent ones of the at least two wall panels, the at least one connector comprising: a first channel for receiving a first wall panel; and a second channel for receiving a second wall panel.

wherein the at least two wall panels are each configured such that they can be cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge and the cut edge can be received in the first channel or the second channel of the connector to form a watertight seal.

This allows a simple construction of a wall panel. A combination of the plurality of raised portions and plurality of depressions provided by the second section give several useful structural properties to the panel. In particular, they provide rigidity to the panel, enabling the second section to define both a thickness of the wall panel and influence the rigidity of the wall panel such that additional reinforcement is not required. The wall panel can be cut to size at the point of installation at any arbitrary point. Its thickness is maintained to ensure a reliable watertight seal with the connector, for example by the combination of material properties and the effect of the second section on rigidity.

The ability to recycle the wall panel is also improved because the first and second section may be made from the same material, or chemically similar materials, without requiring dissimilar reinforcing material.

The bonding of the second section to the first section can be carried out by any suitable means. Examples include using solvents, adhesive or fusing the two sections together by the application of heat.

Preferably, the first section and the second section of the wall panel are made from chemically similar materials, preferably chemically bonded, for example by a solvent.

This creates a good bond and enables the panel to be recycled more easily.

The raised portions of the at least two wall panels may be positioned within a predetermined distance of an adjacent raised portion, and the predetermined distance is such that the rigidity of the wall panel is maintained after a cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge such that the cut edge can form a watertight seal with the at least one connector. This can be achieved with a variety of different configurations of the raised portions and depressions.

Preferably, the second section comprises a first plurality of elongate portions which define the raised portions and depressions and which extend in a direction that is horizontal when the wall is installed. This construction is easy to form and provides good rigidity when the wall panel is cut vertically before installation. In one embodiment the elongate portions may be ribs.

Rigidity can be further improved in some embodiments when the elongate portions are a first plurality of ribs and the second section further comprises a second plurality of ribs which extend perpendicular to the first plurality of ribs and which further define the raised portions and depressions. The perpendicular orientation of the second plurality of groups enhances the rigidity, Preferably, the maximum distance between raised portions in the plurality of raised portions of the second section of the at least two wall panels is less than 25 nm, more preferably less than 15 mm. Similarly, the maximum distance between depressions in the plurality of depressions of the second section may be less than 25 mm, more preferably less than 15mm. This enhances the ability of the wall panel to remain rigid enough to form a watertight seal at the point of a cut. For example, in embodiments including the first and second plurality of ribs discussed above, the second plurality of ribs will run vertically when the panel is installed. Making a vertical cut through one of the depressions defined by the second plurality of ribs will therefore provide an edge with reduced rigidity, because -.5-it is coincident with the vertical rib and there is no direct bond between the depression and the rear surface of the first section. However, by limiting the distance between raised portions, the cut wall panel is sufficiently rigid to engage a connector within a short distance. Optionally, this may interact with a connector that provides a channel or overlapping connecting portion of more than 25mm depth, so that wherever the waIl panel is cut vertically, a more rigid portion of the panel is available to engage the connector, ensuring an improved watertight seal.

Similarly, the maximum distance between depressions in the plurality of depressions of the second section may be less than 25 mm, more preferably less than 15mm.

As additional reinforcement is not required, the second section may comprise a continuous surface. This enables the second section to be manufactured simply, for example by moulding. The continuous surface does not include voids, pockets, or other structures for receiving reinforcement, as with prior art constructions. Alternatively, the second section may be provided by a number of individual parts which together define the plurality of raised portions and plurality of depressions.

Preferably, the wall panel consists only of the first and second sections. This enables cost effective manufacture of wall panels without requiring any additional components.

The first section of the at least two wall panels may be moulded or formed to simulate the appearance of a tiled surface This can provide a surface which has good aesthetic appearance but which is also easy to maintain and install, This has particular benefits when combined with a bonded construction. The moulding or forming process will give the first section a three-dimensional appearance and will create a non-planar rear surface for bonding to the second section. For example, the areas of the first section corresponding to the grout line of the simulated tiles may protrude out of the plane of the rear of the first section. In the bonding process these projecting areas will then bond preferentially to the second section. This in turn creates variation in the surface contours of the front surface of the bonded wall panel which more closely resembles real tiles. The effect has been found to vary between panels, giving a less uniform and more realistic appearance.

The first plane and the second plane may be parallel to each other. In that case, the distance between the first and second plane substantially defines the thickness of the wall panel, in addition to any thickness of the materials used to form the first section and the second section. This allows the wall panel can have sufficient thickness to engage a connector in a secure and watertight manner.

In some embodiments, the first section and the second section of the at least two wall panels are formed from a material with a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5mm, more preferably between 1mm and 2mm thick. Using a thicker material to form the first and second sections can also increase the rigidity of the wall panel and will interact with the mechanical construction to create the overall rigidity. However, thicker material increases the cost of manufacturing the wall panel and also makes it more difficult to cut, so thickness cannot be increased without limit.

The wall panels described above may be used in a system which comprises at least a first and second wall panel as discussed above (optionally also including one or more of the additional features discussed above) and at least one connector for joining the first wall panel to the second wall panel, the at least one connector comprising a first channel for receiving the first wall panel; and a second channel for receiving the second wall panel.

Thus, adjacent wall panels can be joined by inserting an edge of one wall panel into the first channel and an edge of another wall panel into the second channel.

In one embodiment, the at least one connector defines ajoining plane and the first and second channels are defined by walls which extend a greater distance from the joining plane in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane than the maximum distance between depressions in the second section of the wall panel in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane. In this embodiment, the extension of the walls of the first and second channels means that, when a wall panel is cut at the point of installation, the walls of the channels are sufficiently large to ensure that a rigid portion of the wall panel is engaged in the channel, providing a good seal.

To further enhance the seal, one or more of the walls may comprise a flexible portion at their furthest point from the joining plane. This flexible portion is more flexible than the rest of the connector and allows the edge of the wall to adapt to variations in thickness of the wall panel and surface variations. For example, the flexible portion is particularly advantageous when the front surface of the wall panel is not smooth, for example when indentations to simulate tiles are formed. In that case, the flexible portion can adapt to the indentations and ensure a good seal.

Alternatively, the at least one connector may define a joining plane and comprise a first part comprising a receptacle aligned parallel to the joining plane; and a first flange extending from a base of the receptacle; and a second part comprising a projection for engaging the receptacle of the first part; and a second flange extending from the base of the projection.

The connectors of this embodiment form a channel for receiving wall panels when the projection of the second part is received in the receptacle of the first part. The first and second flanges then form the walls of the channel, sealing against a wall panel. This can enable easier installation of a waIl panel system. For example, in use the first part may be adhered to a wall. Wall panels may then be adhered to a wall either side of the first part, overlapping with the first flange. The projection of the second part is then engaged in the receptacle, forming a seal between the wall panels with the second flange. This enables simpler installation than prior art single piece joining profiles.

Preferably, the first flange extends a greater distance from the joining plane in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane than the maximum distance between depressions in the second section of the wall panel in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane. This ensures that the first flange extends a sufficient distance to engage a rigid part of the wall panel, when the wall panel has been cut at the point of installation.

A projection may comprise at least one barbed portion for engaging a corresponding portion of the receptacle and resisting removal of the projection from the receptacle, when the projection is engaged with the receptacle. This can further enhance the seal, preventing accidental disengagement of the projection from the receptacle in use.

The projection may have a length which is greater than the depth of the receptacle. The S length of the projection will then define the distance between the first and second flanges, preventing the first and second flanges being broughttoo close together and avoiding possible problems with distortion caused by the resultant forces on the flanges, which may affect the quality of the seal.

In an alternative embodiment, the projection has a length which is less than the depth of the receptacle. In that case, the height of the receptacle above the first flange will define the distance between the two flanges. Again, this can avoid problems with the two flanges inadvertently being brought too close together causing distortion and reducing the efficacy of the seal.

In one embodiment, the first flange expands perpendicular to the joining plane, for example, for use with an inline joint. In another embodiment, the first flange comprises a first portion extending at a predetermined angle from the joining plane and a second portion extending at the predetermined angle from an opposite side of the joining plane such that the first and second portion define an angle of twice the predetermined angle to each other. This allows two-part connectors to be formed for use at corners and other installation points where the joint between two wall panels is not required to be in line.

For example, if the predetermined angle is 45° then the first and second portion define an angle of 90° to each other, which is ideal for use in corners. The predetermined angle may have other values, for example allowing use with walls which do not join at exactly 90°.

The second flange may comprise a flexible portion at its ends. The flexible portion is more flexible than the remainder of the second flange. This enables the second flange to adapt to variations in thickness of the wall panels or surface markings, such as indentations simulating tiles. The flexible edge also removes the need for sealant to be applied.

In all the embodiments above which include a flexible portion, the flexible portion may comprise an anti-microbial agent. The anti-microbial agent may be incorporated into the structure of the flexible portion itself, or otherwise applied, for example as an external coating. In some embodiments the anti-microbial coating may be an anti-fungal coating.

This is beneficial because microbes from body washing may accumulate along the seam.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall panel comprising: a first section defining a front surface; and a second section defining a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of depressions, each of the plurality of raised portions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a first plane bonded to the first section, and each of the plurality of depressions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a second plane for bonding to a wall; wherein the wall panel is configured such that it can be cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge of sufficient rigidity to form a watertight seal.

The wall panel may further comprise any of the features of the wall panel of the system discussed above.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a cut-away perspective view of a wall panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a-c are diagrammatic representations of cross-section views of a two-part connector of one embodiment of the invention; Figures 3a-3c are diagrammatic representations of cross-sectional views of a two-part connector of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of wall panel of the invention installed above a shower tray or bath; and Figure 5 depicts a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of a wall panel according to an embodiment of the invention including a finishing component on its upper surface.

Figure 1 depicts a partially cut-away cross-section of a wall panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wall panel comprises a first section 2 and a second section 4. The first section 2 forms the front of the bath panel and is vaceum formed from acrylic capped ABS sheet with a thickness between 1.5mm and 2.0mm before forming. The second section 4 forms the rear of the bath panel and is vacuum formed from recycled ABS sheet of the same thickness as the first section. In alternative embodiments, alternative types and thicknesses of plastic may be used. However, it is currently preferred to use these materials because the second section 4 is solvent bonded to the first section 2, ABS can be bonded well with solvent bonding. Solvent bonding is preferable because there is less variation in the thickness of the resulting laminate than bonding using adhesive. This construction also avoids differences in chemical composition which could create problems of impurities when recycling the product at the end of its service life.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the first section 2 is formed in a simulated tiled pattern.

Preferably this surface has a texture similar to a tile. The second section 4 is formed with a pattern of horizontal ribs 6 and vertical ribs 8. Together, these define raised portions 10, which are bonded to the back of the first section 2, and depressions 12 which may be bonded to a wall on installation. Together these raised portions 10 and depressions 12 define the thickness of the second section and give rigidity to the wall panel.

The raised portions 10 and depressions 12 also allow variations in the thickness of the formed wall panel and in the angles and contours of the walls to which the wall panel is attached to be accommodated more easily.

The width of the horizontal ribs 6 and the vertical ribs 8 and spacing between them defines size of the depressions 12 and raised portions 10. The depressions 12 are not bonded to the first section and width and spacing of the ribs is chosen to ensure that the panel retains sufficiently rigid edge portions if it is cut to size at the point of installation. The rigidity ensures that the thickness of the panel is maintained after the wall panel has been cut and a good watertight seal may be achieved. -11-S

In this embodiment the maximum width between features on the second section, for example spacing between the ribs is 15mm. The width of a channel of a connector is 32mm (the connectors are described in more detail below). This ensures that no matter where the wall panel is cut, there is a rigid portion to engage with the connector because the connector extends greater than the maximum width between features on the second section of the wall panel.

Also depicted in Figure 1 is how the lower portion 14 of the first section and the lower portion 16 of the second section are both turned under. This can also be seen in cross section in Figure 4, Unlike the other parts of the wall panel, the bottom is not required to be cut by a user. This turning under of the bottom section allows improved sealing at the bottom of the wall panel. Preferably the turned under portion is at an angle of approximately 5° from horizontal (85° from vertical). This provides additional rigidity to the wall panel and also assists with handling the wall panel.

Figures 2a-2c depict cross-sections of an example connector that may be used to join wall panels at a corner. The connector comprises a first part 18 and a second part 20. These may be formed by extrusion of plastics material, for example Unpiasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) or similar semi-rigid material, The first part 18 comprises a receptacle 22 which is parallel to a joining plane 24. A flange extends from the base of the receptacle 22 at an angle of approximately 45° to the joining plane 24. The two parts of the flange together define an approximate 90° angle.

The second part of the connector 20 comprises a projection 26. The projection 26 comprises a barb 28 along its length, for engaging a corresponding portion of the receptacle. Extending from the base of the projection is a second flange 30 with flexible tips 32. In this embodiment the length of the projection 26 is greater than the depth of the receptacle 22. Thus, when the projection 26 is inserted into receptacle 22, the second flange 30 is kept a predetermined minimum distance from the flange of the first part 18 determined by the length of the projection (depicted in Figure 2B). This helps ensure that the second part cannot be pressed too far into the first part which may break the seal.

Figure 2C illustrates the connector connecting two solid wall panels. Solid wall panels are depicted in Figure 2c for ease of understanding, it will be appreciated that the connector can be used with solid wall panels or wall panels described with reference to Figure 1 above.

Figures 3A-3C depicts an alternative embodiment of connector, for use when adjoining wall panels in line. The construction of this embodiment of connector is the same as the embodiment of Figure 2A-2C except as described below. In this embodiment, the projection 26' is shorter than the depth of receptacle 22'. Thus, the distance between the flange of the first part 18' and the flange of the second part 20' is determined by the height of the receptacle above the flange of the first part 18', as depicted in Figure 3B.

In this embodiment the flange 34' of the first part is planar, extending either side of a joining plane at an angle of 9Q0 or substantially perpendicular to the joining plane 24'.

Figure 3C depicts the connector of this embodiment engaged with illustrative solid wall panels. As with the connector of Figure 2, this embodiment may also be used with wall panels as described above with reference to Figure 1.

Preferably, the flexible edges 32, 32' of the embodiments of Figures 2A-2C and 3A-3C are co-extruded with the rest of the second part. The flexible edges may be made of flexible P.V.C. with. They are preferably treated with an anti-microbial, or preferably an anti-fungal additive to avoid the risk of mould at the join of the panel and the connector. The anti-microbial may be a silver or dichioro-octylisothiazolin (DCOIT) and similarly effective additives.

In use, the connector and panel of the present invention may be installed by firstly cutting wall panels to the required size and noting the positions where connection between panels are required. The first part of the connector is then adhered with its joining plane coincident with the point at where connection between panels is required. Connectors of Figures 2A-2C may be used at corners and connectors of Figure 3A-3C may be used for inline connections. Next, a bead of sealant 36 (Figure 4) is applied to the top surface of the shower tray or bath when installing a wall panel above a shower tray or bath. The rear surface of a wall panel is then covered with adhesive and bonded to the wall between the connectors with its lower edge engaging the sealant. This provides a good seal with the turned under edge 14, 16.

Once the panels have been adhered to the wall, the projection of the second part of the connector is inserted into the corresponding receptacle in the first part. The construction of the connector is such that the distance between the flange of the second part of the connector and the first part of the connector is maintained a predetermined distance apart, allowing the flexible portion of the connector to form a good seal with the wall panels.

The barb in the connector resists removal of the second part from the first part after installation.

Figure 5 depicts an embodiment of the invention which includes a top portion 38 that can be placed over the upper edge of the wall panel before installation. As discussed above, the lower surface of the wall panel is not normally cut before installation. Although the sides may be cut to alter the width of the wall panel, any variations in the cut are hidden by the use of the connectors. This is not the ease for any reduction in the height of the panel.

Providing the cover portion 38 ensures water tightness and provides improved cosmetic appearance.

Although some example embodiments have been described, the invention is not limited to these described embodiments and includes variations which are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the arrangement of raised portions and depressions may be defined by features other than horizontal and vertical ribs in some altemative embodiments. The wall panels of the invention may be used with single piece connectors in other embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system comprising at least two wall panels, each wall panel comprising: a first section defining a front surface; and a second section defining a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of depressions, each of the plurality of raised portions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a first plane bonded to the first section, and each of the plurality of depressions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a second plane for bonding to a wall; and at least one connector is forjoining adjacent ones of the at least two wall panels, the at least one connector comprising: a first channel for receiving a first wall panel; and a second channel for receiving a second wall panel; wherein the at least two wall panels are each configured such that they can be cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge and the cut edge can be received in the first channel or the second channel of the connector to form a watertight seal.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first section and the second section of the at least two wall panels are formed from chemically similar materials 3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the first section and the second section of the at least two wall panels are chemically bonded.4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the raised portions of the at least two wall panels are positioned within a predetermined distance of an adjacent raised portion, and the predetermined distance is such that the rigidity of the wall panel is maintained after a cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge such that the cut edge can form a watertight seal with the at least one connector.5, A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section of the at least two wall panels comprises a first plurality of elongate portions which define the raised portions and depressions and which extend in a direction that is horizontal when the wall panel is installed.6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the elongate portions are a first plurality of ribs and the second section of the at least two wall panels further comprises a second plurality of ribs which extend perpendicular to the first plurality of ribs and which further define the raised portions and depressions.7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum distance between raised portions in the plurality of raised portions of the second section of the at least two wall panels is less than 25 mm.8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section of the at least two wall panels is continuous.9, A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two waIl panels consist only of the first and second sections.10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section of the at least two wall panels is moulded or formed to simulate the appearance of a tiled surface.11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connector defines ajoining plane and the first and second channels are defined by walls which extend a greater distance from the joining plane in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane than the maximum distance between depressions in the second section of the at least two wall panels in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane.12. A system according to claim 11, wherein one or more of the walls of the at least one connector comprise a flexible portion at their furthest point from the joining plane 13. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connector defines ajoining plane and comprises: a first part comprising: a receptacle aligned parallel to the joining plane; and a first flange extending from a base of the receptacle; and a second part comprising: a projection for engaging the receptacle of the first part; and a second flange extending from the base of the projection.14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the first flange extends a greater distance from the joining plane in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane than the maximum distance between depressions in the second section of the wall panel in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane.15. A system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the projection comprises at least one barbed portion for engaging a corresponding portion of the receptacle and resisting removal of the projection from the receptacle, when the projection is engaged with the receptacle.16. A system according to claim 13,, 14 or 15, wherein the projection has a length which is greater than the depth of the receptacle.17. A system according to claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the projection has a length which is less then the depth of the receptacle.18. A system according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the first flange extends perpendicular to the joining plane 19. A system according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the first flange comprises a first portion extending at a predetermined angle from the joining plane and a second portion extending at the predetermined angle from an opposite side of the joining plane such that the first and second portion define an angle of twice the predetermined angle to each other.20. A system according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the second flange comprises a flexible portion at its ends.21. A system according to claim 12 or 20, wherein the flexible portion comprises an antimicrobial agent.22. A wall panel comprising: a first section defining a front surface; and a second section defining a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of depressions, each of the plurality of raised portions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a first plane bonded to the first section, and each of the plurality of depressions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a second plane for bonding to a wall; wherein the wall panel is configured such that it can be cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge of sufficient rigidity to form a watertight seal.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A system comprising at least two wall panels, each wall panel comprising: a first section defining a front surface; and a second section defining a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of depressions, each of the plurality of raised portions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a first plane bonded to the first section, and each of the plurality of depressions having a substantially flat surface and together deflning a second plane for bonding to a wall, wherein the second section comprises a first plurality of elongate portions which define the raised portions and depressions and which extend in a direction that is horizontal when the wall panel is installed; and at least one connector is for joining adjacent ones of the at least two wall panels, the at least one connector comprising: a first channel for receiving a first wall panel; and a second channel for receiving a second wall panel; wherein the at least two wall panels are each configured such that they can be cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge and the cut edge can be received in the first channel or the second channel of the connector to form a watertight seal.*. 2. A system according to claim I, wherein the first section and the second section of * * each of the at least two wall panels are formed from the same material, or chemically * similar materials, to improve the recyclability of each of the wall panels.
3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the first section and the second section of * each of the at least two wall panels are chemically bonded. t. * S S * 504. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the raised portions of each of the at least two wall panels are positioned within a predetermined distance of an adjacent raised portion, and the predetermined distance is such that the rigidity of the wall panel is maintained after a cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge such that the cut edge can form a watertight seal with the at least one connector.5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate portions are a first plurality of ribs and the second section of each of the at least two wall panels further comprises a second plurality of ribs which extend perpendicular to the first plurality of ribs and which further define the raised portions and depressions.6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum distance between raised portions in the plurality of raised portions of the second section of each of the at least two wall panels is less than 25 mm.7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section of each of the at least two wall panels is continuous.8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two wall panels consist only of the first and second sections.9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section of each of the at least two wall panels is moulded or formed to simulate the appearance of a tiled surface. *. .10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connector defines a joining plane and the first and second channels are defined by walls : which extend a greater distance from the joining plane in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane than the maximum distance between depressions in the second section of the at least two wall panels in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane. _. S * ** * S.* : .,: 11. A system according to claim 10, wherein one or more of the walls of the at least one connector comprise a flexible portion at their furthest point from the joining plane 12. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connector defines a joining plane and comprises: a first part comprising: a receptacle aligned parallel to the joining plane; and a first flange extending from a base of the receptacle; and a second part comprising: a projection for engaging the receptacle of the first part; and S a second flange extending from the base of the projection.13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the first flange extends a greater distance from the joining plane in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane than the maximum distance between depressions in the second section of the wail panel in the direction perpendicular to the joining plane.14. A system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the projection comprises at least one barbed portion for engaging a corresponding portion of the receptacle and resisting removal of the projection from the receptacle, when the projection is engaged with the receptacle.15. A system according to claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the projection has a length which is greater than the depth of the receptacle.16. A system according to claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the projection has a length *. which is less then the depth of the receptacle.* S fl 5*S S17. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the first flange extends perpendicular to the joining plane.18. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the first flange * :..: comprises a first portion extending at a predetermined angle from the joining plane and a second portion extending at the predetermined angle from an opposite side of the joining plane such that the first and second portion define an angle of twice the predetermined angle to each other.19. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the second flange comprises a flexible portion at its ends.20. A system according to claim 11 or 19, wherein the flexible portion comprises an antimicrobial agent 21. A wall panel comprising: a first section defining a front surface; and a second section defining a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of depressions, each of the plurality of raised portions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a first plane bonded to the first section, and each of the plurality of depressions having a substantially flat surface and together defining a second plane for bonding to a wall, wherein the raised portions and depressions are defined by a first plurality of ribs which extend in a horizontal direction and a second plurality of ribs which extend peipendicular to the first plurality of ribs; wherein the wall panel is configured such that it can be cut at an arbitrary position to form a cut edge of sufficient rigidity to form a watertight seal. S. S * S S * 55*SSSkS * SII S * S S S 55_S S S as S 55 5 S aSS