U.S. patent application number 11/044983 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method.
Invention is credited to John Patrick O'Neil.
Application Number | 20060174577 11/044983 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36778509 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060174577 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Neil; John Patrick |
August 10, 2006 |
Hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method
Abstract
An aligning, stiffening and connecting device and system for
composite building panels comprising composite building panels (26)
of a predetermined composition and dimensions having a
substantially lengthwise slot (28) of a predetermined width and
depth in the abutting edges (32) of the composite building panel
(26), and a stiffening panel connector (18) made of substantially
rigid material comprising flat parallel stiffening splines (20) of
a predetermined width, thickness and length in a planar
relationship joined together by opposing compressable v-channels
(22) of a predetermined dimension oriented open-end to open-end.
The Composite building panels (26) are aligned and connected when
the opposing compressable v-channels (22) of the connecting device
are inserted into the lengthwise slots (28) in the abutting edges
(32) of two composite building panels (26) and the composite
building panels (26) are pushed together edgewise in a planar
relationship causing the opposing compressable v-channels (22) to
be compressed within the slots (28) until the composite building
panel (26) abutting edges (32) are sandwiching the stiffening
splines (20) of the stiffening panel connector (18) thereby
aligning and connecting the composite building panels (26) in a
straight and flat wall. The stiffening splines (20) are of a
predetermined mass and are oriented perpendicular to the panel face
(30) thereby imparting additional stiffness to the assembled wall.
A wall thereby constructed has no part of the stiffening panel
connector externally visible and no external fittings or fasteners
bridging the joint where the composite building panels (26) are
abutting, thereby requiring no additional wall covering prior to
taping, floating, painting or papering. Composite building panels
(26) aligned, connected and stiffened with the stiffening panel
connector (18) are able to span greater distances, both
horizontally and vertically, without the need for additional studs
or framing.
Inventors: |
O'Neil; John Patrick;
(Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patrick O'Neil
3105 Grimes Ranch Road
Austin
TX
78732
US
|
Family ID: |
36778509 |
Appl. No.: |
11/044983 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/586.2 ;
52/586.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/6145 20130101;
E04B 1/6154 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/586.2 ;
052/586.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 2/00 20060101
E04B002/00 |
Claims
1. A hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels comprising: A. composite building panels
of a predetermined composition and dimensions having a
substantially lengthwise opening of a predetermined width and depth
in the lateral edges thereof, and B. a connecting device of an
indefinite length made of substantially rigid material comprising
flat parallel strips of a predetermined width and thickness in a
planar relationship joined together by opposing channels of a
predetermined dimension oriented open-end to open-end, whereby said
opposing channels of the connecting device are inserted into the
lengthwise openings in the lateral edges of two composite building
panels and said composite building panels are pushed together
edgewise in a planar relationship causing said opposing channels of
the connecting device to be compressed within said lengthwise
openings until the composite building panel edges are sandwiching
the flat parallel strips of the connecting device thereby aligning
and connecting the panels.
2. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 1 wherein the dimensions of said
flat parallel strips are such that no part of the connecting device
is visible when composite building panels have been connected
thereby.
3. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 1 wherein the opposing channels
can further include a means for gripping the inside walls of the
lengthwise openings in the composite building panel edges so that
the connection thereof is secure.
4. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 1 wherein the flat parallel
strips of the connecting device are disposed substantially
perpendicular to the face plane of connected composite building
panels.
5. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 1 wherein the thickness of said
flat parallel strips of the connecting device is such that
substantial rigidity is imparted to composite building panels
connected thereby.
6. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 1 wherein the material thickness
and rigidity of the opposing channels of the connecting device is
such that said opposing channels can be compressed within the
lengthwise openings in the lateral edge of the composite building
panels and exert pressure thereon.
7. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 1 wherein said composite
building panels and said connecting device can be a multitude of
lengths.
8. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 1 wherein said lengthwise
openings are disposed in the lateral edges of the composite
building panels so that said composite building panels are evenly
aligned in a substantially flat planar relationship when connected
by the connecting device.
9. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 1 wherein the disposition of the
opposing channels of the connecting device can be altered to allow
composite building panels to be connected at a multitude of
non-planar angles.
10. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 1 wherein the depth and width of
the opposing channels of the connecting device are predetermined
according to the width and depth of the lengthwise opening in the
edge of the composite panels and vice versa.
11. A hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels comprising: A. composite building panels
in a multitude of compositions and dimensions having a slot of
predetermined width and depth cut substantially lengthwise in the
edges thereof, and B. a connecting device in a multitude of lengths
made of a rigid material comprising flat bars in a parallel planar
relationship with opposing hollow appendages of a predetermined
dimension oriented open-end to open-end contiguous with said flat
bars, whereby said opposing hollow appendages of the connecting
device are inserted into the slots in the edges of two composite
building panels and said composite building panels are pushed
toward each other in a planar relationship causing said opposing
hollow appendages to be compressed within the slots until the
composite building panel edges are sandwiching the flat bars of the
connecting device thereby aligning and connecting the panels.
12. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 11 wherein the dimensions of
said flat bars are such that no part of the connecting device is
visible when composite building panels have been connected
thereby.
13. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 11 wherein the opposing hollow
appendages can further include a means for gripping the inside
walls of the slots in the edges of the composite building panels so
that the connection thereof is secure.
14. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 11 wherein the flat bars of the
connecting device are oriented perpendicular to the planar face of
connected composite building panels.
15. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 11 wherein the mass of said flat
bars of the connecting device is such that substantial stiffness is
added to composite building panels connected thereby.
16. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 11 wherein the material of the
opposing hollow appendages of the connecting device is such that
said opposing hollow appendages can be compressed within the slots
in the edges of the composite building panels and exert outward
pressure thereon.
17. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 11 wherein said slots are
oriented in the edges of the composite building panels so that said
composite building panels are evenly aligned in a flat planar
relationship when connected by the connecting device.
18. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 11 wherein the angles of the
opposing hollow appendages of the connecting device can be changed
to allow the composite building panels to be connected in a
multitude of non-planar angles.
19. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 11 wherein the dimensions of the
opposing hollow appendages of the connecting device are
predetermined according to the dimensions of the slots in the edges
of the composite building panels and vice versa.
20. The hidden stiffening panel connector and connecting method for
composite building panels of claim 11 wherein said composite
building panels and said connecting device can be a multitude of
lengths.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the means and method of
connecting, aligning, and stiffening composite building panels
without such means being visible on the surface of panels so
connected.
[0003] 2. Background and Description of Prior Art
[0004] The use of modular composite building panels has become an
effective way to lower costs for labor and materials. The use of
composite building panels can also eliminate time-consuming
internal framing requirements utilized in traditional building
practices. Composite building panels are currently utilized in the
construction of both residential and commercial buildings. Methods
of aligning and connecting these panels vary depending on the type
of panel being used. Panels that have added exterior coverings of
wood or metal to add structural strength are difficult to handle
and often require additional covering to be finished and
painted.
[0005] One of the advantages of some of the composite building
panels being utilized in the building trades is that they can be
light enough to be erected and assembled by hand. Unfortunately,
many of these lighter weight panels lack the stiffness required to
span more than a limited distance, both horizontally and
vertically. Additionally, in order to have an aesthetically
pleasing surface when painted or papered, the panels must be
aligned edge-to-edge very accurately, ideally with no raised joint
or visible connector to mar the finished wall.
[0006] Many of the systems used to connect building panels rely on
a combination of structural coverings and exposed connecting
pieces. These however, do leave unsightly joint coverings or
require the placement of an additional wall covering to cover the
connectors. This adds additional time and expense to the building
project and all but defeats the purpose of using composite building
panels in the first place.
[0007] One type of building panels on the market today is a panel
made of compressed wheat or rice straw. Such panels make leaps and
bounds toward more ecologically sound building practices by
reducing the amount of wood used in a building. Unfortunately,
these panels lack the stiffness to span very far both horizontally
and vertically. In the past, there have been several different ways
to join these panels. The use of external metal fasteners was and
still is in use. Panels connected with externally mounted metal
fasteners often lack proper alignment and again leave an exposed
fastener that does not lend itself to typical tape, float, texture
or paint techniques. On internal walls, aesthetics are important
and the use of hidden connectors is therefore important. Since many
composite panels are designed for their surfaces to be textured and
painted directly, use of additional drywall to cover a panel is a
costly additional step in construction.
[0008] One approach to a hidden means of aligning and connecting
composite panels is a simple flat disc patented by Layfield on Oct.
21, 2003, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,077. This disc is designed to fit
into corresponding disc shaped slots cut in the edges of each
panel. All panels have such slots that are along every lateral edge
of the panel and are located strategically along the edge from top
to bottom and spaced evenly. As the panels are erected, a disc is
placed in each slot and glued in place. Additional glue is spread
on the exposed portion of the disc and the next panel is then
aligned edge to edge with the first and pushed into place.
Additional screws are then sunk into the panel and through the
discs for additional strength.
[0009] While the approach taken with Layfield's discs solve the
problem of alignment and effectively hides the connecting means
when the panels are erected, they do not add any stiffening
capability to the finished wall. When using the discs, the panels
can only span a limited distance unless additional framing is
added. Adding such framing adds additional cost and time to a
building project and effectively defeats the purpose of using the
panels.
[0010] Two similar joining methods are a biscuit invented by Dils
on Mar. 24, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,544 and another biscuit
invented by Stanley on Oct. 17, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,433.
While these designs are primarily intended for joining wood panels,
it could easily be employed on composite panels as well. Both of
these do not add any stiffness to wood or panels when employed.
[0011] An internally mounted plastic stud and corresponding plastic
panel receptacle was invented by Raymond on Apr. 16, 1991, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,007,222. This design can lend additional stiffness
through the internal stud depending on the material it is made of.
However, the design requires that the panels have exposed
receptacles manufactured into each edge to receive the stud when
the panels are pushed together. The exposed portion of the
receptacle creates finishing problems for a wall constructed in
this manner and adds cost to the panel manufacturing process.
[0012] A spline joint invented by Shroyer Feb. 16, 1971 U.S. Pat.
No. 3,563,582 solves the problem of an exposed means of connection
for panels, however, it lacks the cross sectional depth
perpendicular to the panel faces to lend any desired stiffening.
The minimal cross piece in the connector acts as little more that
an index or stop for the two panels when pushed together.
[0013] There are a number of other connecting means listed in the
prior art, however, they relate to connecting means that are either
manufactured into panels and have external structural skins or have
externally visible means of connection. These are less than
desirable embodiments because they mar the aesthetics of a
completed wall or require additional wall covering with drywall at
added expense.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0014] It is the principle object of the present invention to
provide a means and method of alignment, connection and
strengthening for use in construction, primarily the construction
of buildings utilizing composite prefabricated building panels in
lieu of traditional framing practices.
[0015] Another important object of the invention is to provide a
method of alignment for composite panels in a planar relationship
resulting in a smooth, straight and substantially flat wall.
[0016] Still another important object of the invention is to add
stiffness to composite building panels and assembled walls.
[0017] It is a further object of the invention to remain hidden
from view when used to connect, align, and stiffen composite
building panel walls, resulting in a flat wall that is ready for
traditional tape, float, texture, paint or papering techniques.
[0018] It is a further object of the invention to simplify the
construction of buildings utilizing composite panels by making the
alignment, connection and stiffening of the panels in one step.
[0019] Still another important object of the invention is a means
and method of aligning, connecting, and stiffening of composite
building panels that eliminates the need for internal framing for
support of the composite panel walls.
[0020] It is a further object of the invention to allow greater
spans for composite building panels both horizontally and
vertically.
[0021] Still another important object of the invention is to
eliminate flex in walls constructed of composite building
panels.
[0022] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will
become more apparent upon further discourse.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the connecting device of
the invention system.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows an end view of the connecting device of the
invention system.
[0025] FIG. 2A shows an end view of a composite building panel as
prepared for the invention system.
[0026] FIG. 2B shows a planar view of a composite building panel as
prepared for the invention system.
[0027] FIG. 2C shows a side view of a composite building panel as
prepared for the invention system.
[0028] FIG. 2D shows an end view of alternative embodiments of the
connecting device of the invention system.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows an end view of the invention system as it
aligns two composite building panels prior to being connected.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows an end view of the invention system with two
composite building panels connected.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows a cut-away perspective view of two composite
building panels joined by the invention system.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows an end view of a series of composite building
panels joined by the invention system.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows a planar view of two joined composite building
panels showing the location of the invention system.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0034] 18--Stiffening Panel Connector [0035] 20--Stiffening Spline
[0036] 22--Compressable V-Channel [0037] 24--Optional Gripping Rib
[0038] 26--Composite Building Panel [0039] 28--Slot [0040]
30--Panel Face [0041] 32--Abutting Edge
SUMMARY
[0042] The present invention addresses the needs of builders and
architects who want to take advantage of the speed and cost savings
of construction using composite building panels, but who don't want
to be limited in the length of panel spans, and who don't want to
be forced to use traditional studs and framing on interior walls.
The Hidden Stiffening Panel Connector and Method of Assembly will
address these needs. By using the present invention, builders can
put up interior and exterior walls in a fraction of the time needed
using traditional construction techniques. When connected with the
present invention, interior walls need no framing and can be taped
and floated as soon as erected. In other words, each panel so
connected provides a wall surface on both sides that can be painted
or papered with no drywall needed.
[0043] According to the present invention, I align, connect, and
stiffen composite building panels by aligning two suitably prepared
panels in a planar relationship and place the Hidden Stiffening
Panel Connector between them and then push the two panel edges
together, actuating the connecting device.
[0044] The connecting device which is ideally made from a suitably
hard metal or other similar material, is made up of two parallel
strips, plates, bars or splines in a planar relationship that are
joined by two axially opposed elongated and tapered V or U shaped
appendages or V-Channels in an open-end to open-end relationship.
The material in the splines is ideally twice the thickness of the
material in the V-Channels. Each V-Channel can optionally have one
or more raised ridges or ribs parallel to the splines formed into
each side of the V-Channel. The ideal hardness of the material
allows the V-Channels to be flexed in a manner which brings the
stiffening splines closer together. The area between the two
splines is left open a predetermined distance by virtue of the
opposed connecting V-Channels. The connecting device can be any
length that is necessary as dictated by the length of the panels to
be connected.
[0045] To prepare composite building panels for use with the
connecting system, an opening, slit, channel or slot is cut
lengthwise in each panel edge that will abut an adjacent panel. The
slots are cut to a predetermined width, which is less than the
width of the V-Channels. The slot can be cut the entire length of
the panel or any other suitable length. The slots in the panels are
cut slightly deeper than the length of the V-Channels as measured
from the Stiffening Splines to the bottom of the V-Channels.
[0046] To connect two Composite Building Panels, one of the
connecting device V-Channels is started into the pre-cut slot in
the edge of one of the panels. The taper of the V-Channel
facilitates entry into the slot. As the V-Channel is pushed into
the slot in the panel edge, it flexes or compresses bringing the
stiffening splines closer together. The V-Channel is pushed into
the slot until the stiffening splines lay flat against the edge of
the panel. The optional raised ribs in the V-Channel embed in the
composite material of the panel providing the grip necessary to
hold the V-Channel securely in the slot. A second panel is aligned
in a planar fashion next to the first with it's pre-cut slot
aligned with the exposed v-channel. The second panel is pushed
toward the first panel and onto the exposed V-Channel until the
edges of the two panels are abutting each other with the stiffening
splines flat between them. The optional raised ribs in the second
V-Channel grip the inside of the slot in the second panel and the
connecting device holds the two panels together securely. When
secured, the sides of the V-Channels have moved closer together,
but still exert pressure on the interior walls of the slots.
Optionally, an adhesive or glue can be injected into the slots
before connecting the panels to provide additional security for the
connection. Once connected with the device, the panels gain
stiffness by virtue of the stiffening splines which function
similarly to a wall stud since they are oriented perpendicular to
the face of the panels. The architecture of the device creates
significant structural integrity when locked into a cohesive unit
with two panels.
[0047] The slots, which are cut lengthwise in the edges of the
panels, are located in the abutting edge of each panel in such a
way as to align each panel accurately with the next panel when
connected using the system. This creates a straight wall surface
that is smooth, even, and flat leaving only a visible joint when
connected.
[0048] Once two panels have been connected by the system, the
connecting device is not visible on the panel wall surface. The
joint where the two panels have been connected can then be
traditionally taped and floated on both sides in preparation for
texture, paint, or papering, just like drywall.
[0049] The raised ribs formed into the Compressable V-Channels are
optional and the connecting device can be made without them. Such a
configuration would allow for temporary alignment and connection of
panels or could be used as a permanent connecting device if screws
or nails were driven through the panel face into such rib-less
Compressable V-Channels. Such nails or screws would be no different
than traditional drywall fasteners and could be taped and floated
same as drywall.
[0050] The connecting device could be embodied differently and
still accomplish the desired aligning, stiffening and connecting of
composite building panels. The V-Channels could be formed with a
less rounded end and the slots in the panels altered to accommodate
the different shape. Additionally, the stiffening splines could be
made differently as well, so long as they could allow the panel
edges to abut each other when connected.
[0051] Typically, most composite building panels are rectangular in
shape, but can be any shape so long as they have straight abutting
edges. The connecting device can be used to connect two panels edge
to edge in a planar relationship, or can be embodied to connect
panels with edges abutting at any angle up to 90 degrees. The angle
of the connecting device can be altered by changing the angle where
the Compressable V-Channels connect to the Stiffening Splines. The
invention system will allow alignment, connection, and stiffening
in both horizontal and vertical applications.
DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1-7
[0052] The typical embodiment of the connecting device of the
present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 (perspective view) and
FIG. 2 (end view). The Stiffening Panel Connector 18 is comprised
of several distinct features or parts. There are two Stiffening
Splines 20 of a pre-determined thickness, width and length in a
parallel planar relationship to each other. These are connected by
two Compressable V-Channels 22 of a predetermined width and depth,
which are axially opposed to each other open-end to open-end. The
material thickness of the stiffening splines 20 is ideally twice
the material thickness of the Compressable V-Channels 22. There can
be one or more raised Optional Gripping Ribs 24 on each side of the
Compressable V-Channels 22 running parallel to the Stiffening
Splines 20. There is no limit to the overall length of the
assembled stiffening panel connector 18.
[0053] The typical embodiment of the present invention, relating to
preparation of a composite building panel for use with the system,
is illustrated in FIG. 2A (end view), 2B (planar view) and 2C (side
view). A Composite Building Panel 26 is prepared by cutting or
milling a Slot 28 of predetermined width, depth and length in each
abutting edge 32 of the composite building panel 26 lengthwise. The
centerline of the slot 28 is located in a predetermined location
between the panel faces 30 in the abutting edge 32 of every
composite building panel 26.
[0054] Other possible embodiments of the connecting device are
demonstrated in FIG. 2D (end view). The stiffening splines 20 could
be separated into two different connected parts and the
Compressable V-Channels 22 could be formed in a more acute angle or
with little or no separation between the tiffening splines 20.
[0055] FIG. 3 (end view) demonstrates the method of alignment of
two composite building panels 26 with the stiffening panel
connector 18 situated between them. Arrows on the drawing show the
direction the composite building panels 26 are pushed and the
direction that the Compressable V-Channels 22 are compressed.
[0056] FIG. 4 (end view) shows two composite building panels 26
locked together and aligned by the stiffening panel connector
18.
[0057] FIG. 5 (cut-away perspective view) shows two composite
building panels 26 aligned and locked together by the stiffening
panel connector 18.
[0058] FIG. 6 (end view) shows three composite building panels 26
aligned and locked together by two stiffening panel connectors 18
as they would appear in a wall configuration.
[0059] FIG. 7 (planar view) shows two composite building panels 26
aligned and locked together along with the location of the
stiffening panel connector 18 (hidden).
OPERATION--FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
[0060] Composite building panels 26 are aligned, connected, and
stiffened by the present invention in the following manner. One of
the Compressable V-Channels 22 of the Stiffening Panel Connector 18
is inserted into the Slot 28 which has been cut into the Abutting
Edge 32 of a Composite Building Panel 26. The Stiffening Panel
Connector 18 is the pushed toward the Abutting Edge 32, compressing
the Compressable V-Channel 22 as it enters the Slot 28. The
Compressable V-Channel 22 is pushed into the Slot 28 until the
Stiffening Splines 20 lay flat against the Abutting Edge 32. The
Optional Gripping Ribs 24 embed in the wall of the Slot 28 and
securely hold the Stiffening Panel Connector 18 and the Composite
Building Panel 26 together. A second Composite Building Panel 26 is
aligned in a planar relationship with the first such that the
exposed Compressable V-Channel 22 enters the Slot 28 in the second
composite building Panel 26. The second Composite Building Panel 26
is pushed toward the first, thereby sinking the second Compressable
V-Channel 22 into the Slot 28 of the second Composite Building
Panel 26 until both Abutting Edges 32 meet, sandwiching the
Stiffening Splines 20 flat between them, leaving only a joint
visible.
[0061] When the two Composite Building Panels 26 are connected with
the Stiffening Panel Connector 18, they are forced into alignment
by the Compressable V-Channels 22 creating a straight and even
surface across the joint between the two Composite Building Panels
26. No part of the Stiffening Panel Connector 18 protrudes above
the Panel Faces 30. A series of Composite Building Panels 26
assembled and connected with Stiffening Panel Connectors 18 thereby
creates a straight, flat, and smooth wall with no visible
connection means to mar the aesthetics of the finished wall.
[0062] Once Composite Building Panels 26 and the Stiffening Panel
Connector 18 become a locked cohesive unit, additional structural
integrity and stiffness is imparted to the finished wall since the
stiffening splines 20 are perpendicular to the panel faces 30. The
Stiffening Panel Connector 18 can be utilized in both horizontal
and vertical applications.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0063] Thus the reader will see that the present invention provides
a means of aligning, connecting, and stiffening composite building
panels that leaves no unsightly projections or protuberances to mar
the assembled wall or create problems for taping, floating,
texturing, painting or papering. The Hidden Stiffening Panel
Connector and Connecting Method has additional advantages in that:
[0064] The system will allow greater spans of composite panels both
vertically and horizontally by imparting additional stiffness and
structural integrity; [0065] The connecting device can be made to
any length required as dictated by the length of the panels to be
connected; [0066] The system will simplify construction using
composite building panels thus saving time and money on building
projects by combining alignment, connection and stiffening of
panels in one step; [0067] The system will add stiffness and
structural integrity to composite building panel walls; [0068] The
system will provide a means of alignment of composite building
panels that results in a straight and flat wall; [0069] The system
remains hidden allowing a clean, flat panel wall that can be taped,
floated, textured, painted or papered easily; [0070] The system
eliminates the need for costly additional studs or framing to
support composite building panel walls; [0071] The system will
eliminate flex in walls constructed of composite building panels;
[0072] The system can be employed without the need for any special
training or skilled labor; [0073] The system can be employed to
connect panels in a planar relationship, or can be embodied so as
to allow connections of panels at varying angles;
[0074] Although the previous descriptions contain many specific
details concerning the design and employment of the invention,
these should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention,
but should be considered as the preferred illustrations of the
invention. For example, the V-Channel does not necessarily have to
be tapered and rounded, but could be more pointed. The stiffening
splines could be drilled or slotted to reduce weight. The
stiffening splines could be oriented in a fashion similar to the
V-Channels and be compressed between panel edges. The system could
be modified to provide a means of providing passage for cables or
wires. Any such modifications would not detract from the essence of
the invention. All the markings, references, and indexes shown or
implied could be represented in different ways or with different
symbology. The composite building panels referred to could be made
from any suitable substrate material and any reference to a
particular type of composition is used merely as an example.
[0075] With these variations in mind, the scope of the invention
should be determined by the attached claims and their equivalents,
rather than solely on the examples given.
* * * * *