Abstract:
The insulating barrier of a panel including has a first stratum and a second stratum, each having a plurality of ridges that face each other, and run athwart of each other. Clearance between at least some adjacent pairs of the ridges provide a mechanical chase that reaches across at least most of the panel. A cladding overlaying at least one side of the insulating barrier is denser than the barrier. The mechanical chase is in the form of a groove through which a utility feed can be routed when the panel is to be mounted in a building.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 15/152,855, filed 12 May, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to non load-bearing partitions used in buildings, and in particular, to panels and panel methods involving panels with multiple layers. 
       2. Description of Related Art 
       [0003]    The building of interior walls and other non-load-bearing walls is fairly time-consuming A traditional method is nailing wooden top plates and bottom plates to ceilings and floors, respectively, before nailing to them a number of spaced, parallel studs. Plumbing and electrical lines are then routed through holes drilled in the studs, headers, and footers. This arrangement can then be covered with sheetrock (gypsum drywall) with apertures that allow access to the plumbing and electrical lines as needed. 
         [0004]    In some settings, the studs, headers, and footers may be steel framing members especially adapted for this purpose. The metal studs may have punched holes to provide chases for utility lines (plumbing and electrical). Again, sheetrock can be installed over the metal studs with apertures to allow access to plumbing and electrical lines as needed. 
         [0005]    These types of walls and partitions easily transmit sound. For this reason builders may install sound deadening material inside the wall or place such material on one of the surfaces of the wall 
         [0006]    Boards made from a magnesium oxide mineral (MgO boards) are sometimes used instead of sheetrock, and are sometimes used in exterior applications. MgO boards are fairly waterproof, fire resistant, and resistant to mold, fungus, and insects. 
         [0007]    Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are commercially available and typically employ an insulating foam core sandwiched between facings made of oriented strand board (OSB). 
         [0008]    See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,559,263; 4,572,857; 5,104,715; 5,351,454; 5,792,552; and 6,599,621; as well as US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011/0268916; and 2015/0052838. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with the illustrative embodiments demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention, there is provided a panel including an insulating barrier having an opposing pair of sides. The insulating barrier includes a first stratum and a second stratum having a first plurality of ridges and a second plurality of ridges, respectively. The first and the second plurality of ridges face each other The first plurality of ridges runs athwart the second plurality of ridges. 
         [0010]    One or more adjacent pairs of the first plurality of ridges have between them clearance providing a mechanical chase across at least most of the panel. The panel also includes a cladding overlaying the insulating barrier on at least one of the opposing pair of sides. The cladding has a density exceeding that of the first and the second stratum 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for utilizing a panel to be fabricated from a first material and a second material. The method includes the step of forming from the first material a pair of strata each having a plurality of ridges. Another step is attaching the plurality of ridges of one of the pair of strata to the plurality of ridges of the other one of the pair of strata, with the plurality of ridges of one of the pair of strata transverse to the plurality of ridges of the other one of the pair of strata The method also includes the step of externally cladding the pair of strata using the second material. 
         [0012]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for installing a utility feed in a cladded panel having a central pair of strata each with parallel grooves. The grooves of one of the pair of strata being opposed and transverse to the grooves of the other one of the pair of strata. The method includes several steps, performed in any order. One step is mounting the cladded panel in a building structure. Another step is routing the utility feed along one of the grooves of one of the pair of strata 
         [0013]    In accordance with still yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for fabricating a panel from a first material and a denser second material. 
         [0014]    The method includes the step of forming from the first material a first strata and a second strata, each having an inside portion and an outside portion. The inside portion of the first and the second stratum are formed into a first plurality of ridges and a second plurality of ridges, respectively. The outside portion of the first stratum is formed with an externally flat unbreached layer supporting and being formed of the same, first material as the first plurality of ridges. The outside portion of the second stratum is an externally flat unbreached layer supporting and being formed of the same, first material as the second plurality of ridges. The method also includes the step of attaching the first plurality of ridges of the first strata to the second plurality of ridges of the second strata with each of the ridges of the first stratum extending to meet more than one of the plurality of ridges of the second stratum. The first and the second plurality of ridges are oriented to face each other with the first plurality of ridges running athwart the second plurality of ridges. The first and the second plurality of ridges are oriented to furnish between them clearance that provides a mechanical chase across at least most of the panel. The method also includes the step of externally cladding at least one of the first and the second strata using the second material. 
         [0015]    In accordance with still yet another and further aspect of the invention, a panel is provided including an insulating barrier having an opposing pair of sides. The insulating barrier includes a first stratum and a second stratum each having an inside portion and an outside portion. The inside portion of the first and the second stratum have a first plurality of ridges and a second plurality of ridges, respectively. Each of the ridges of the first stratum extend to meet more than one of the plurality of ridges of the second stratum. The outside portion of the first stratum is an externally flat unbreached layer supporting and being formed of the same material as the first plurality of ridges. The outside portion of the second stratum is an externally flat unbreached layer supporting and being formed of the same material as the second plurality of ridges. The first and the second plurality of ridges face each other. The first plurality of ridges run athwart the second plurality of ridges. One or more adjacent pairs of the first plurality of ridges have between them clearance providing a mechanical chase across at least most of the panel. The panel also includes a cladding overlaying the insulating barrier on at least one of the opposing pair of sides. The cladding has a density exceeding that of the first and the second stratum. Also included is a plurality of cleats edge-mounted to embrace the insulating barrier without embracing the cladding. The plurality of cleats each includes a U-shaped channel, the plurality of cleats being adapted to be attached to an adjoining structure 
         [0016]    By employing apparatus and methods of the foregoing type an improved panel and panel techniques are achieved. In some embodiments, a foam insulating barrier is cladded on opposite sides by a denser material, for example, MgO boards, sheet metal, vinyl, sheetrock, etc The cladding can be held in place by adhesives, or by other means. 
         [0017]    A disclosed foam insulating barrier is formed of two strata, each with a plurality of spaced, parallel ridges. The ridges of one stratum faces and is perpendicular to the ridges of the other stratum. The ridges of the two strata can be attached together by adhesives or by other means 
         [0018]    The disclosed panel can be installed inside a building without the need for conventional framing (studs, and plates). This panel can be installed using U-shaped, metal tracks on the top and bottom of the panel. The disclosed bottom track can be nailed, screwed, or adhesively secured in place before sliding the panel into the track. The disclosed upper track can be similarly installed and the disclosed embodiment may or may not have an outwardly projecting tab with a fastener hole. This upper track can be positioned atop the panel before securing the track. The panel itself can be held in place with fasteners or by adhesive means. 
         [0019]    The clearance between adjacent ridges of each of the two strata provides a groove that can be used as a mechanical chase for utility feeds such as plumbing or electrical wiring. Because the ridges of the two strata are transverse, the utility feeds can be routed either vertically or horizontally, depending on which grooves of the two strata are utilized. 
         [0020]    Panels of this type will also have a degree of soundproofing or sound deadening qualities. The foam core by itself has some acoustical attenuating properties. In addition, the transverse ridges of the opposing foam strata reduces the surface contact between the strata to a number of relatively small points, thereby greatly reducing the ability of sound to travel from one stratum to the other,. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The above brief description as well as other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is an exploded, perspective view of a panel in accordance with principles of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the panel of  FIG. 1 , shown assembled; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a panel of that is dimensioned differently than that of  FIG. 1 , and is shown assembled, and with portions broken away for illustrative purposes; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 4A-4C  are end views showing steps in forming and assembling components that can be used to make panels similar to that of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 5A-5C  are end views showing steps in forming and assembling components of a panel that is an alternate to that of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is an end view of components that are an alternate to that of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of tracks used to install one of the panels of  FIGS. 1-6 , with the panel shown in phantom and with portions broken away for illustrative purposes; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the panel of  FIG. 3  with portions broken away for illustrative purposes, and with various utility feeds installed and with a spline being installed; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an insert that is used with two panels of the type shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is cross-sectional view of the insert of  FIG. 9  being used with two panels of the type shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an insert that is an alternative to that shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is cross-sectional view of the insert of  FIG. 11  being used with two panels of the type shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a track that is an alternative to that shown in  FIG. 7 ; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is cross-sectional view of the track of  FIG. 13  being used with a panel of the type shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the constituent components of panel  10  are shown as rectangular external layers  16  and  18 , and internal strata  12  and  14  (these strata are also referred to as the first and second stratum). Layers  16  and  18  (each layer also referred to as cladding) may be MgO board (board made with a mineral based material, namely magnesium oxide). Instead of MgO board, some embodiments may use gypsum wallboard, cementitious board, sheet metal, plywood, other wood composites such as OSB, etc. Some embodiments will use mass-loaded vinyl for sound proofing purposes. 
         [0037]    When used, the gypsum wallboard may be plain with paint or fabric or vinyl finishes. When used, the sheet metal may be of various gauges with any of a variety of coatings and finishes. In some embodiments layer  16  can be made of different material than layer  18 , e.g. wallboard on one side and MgO board on the other. In still other embodiments, one of the layers  16  or  18  can be eliminated. 
         [0038]    In this embodiment the height and width of components  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  are the same, i.e. they have a square outline. It will be appreciated that outlines with proportions other than a square outline will be more prevalent. 
         [0039]    Strata  12  and  14  (referred to collectively as an insulating barrier) are fabricated from a rigid foam material made from substances such as polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, polystyrene, EPS (expanded polystyrene), etc. A variety of other materials are feasible, and good results are achieved when external layers  16  and  18  are denser than strata  12  and  14 . Strata  12  and  14  may be fabricated by extrusion, molding, or other fabrication processes. 
         [0040]    The inside face of strata  14  is corrugated and has a plurality of parallel ridges  14 A, in this embodiment nine such ridges, shown as flat peaks parallel to the back of stratum  12 . Eight grooves  14 B are interleaved with ridges  14 A. Grooves  14 B have a floor, shown as a flat valley parallel to the back of stratum  14 . Except for the outermost ridges, ridges  14 A have a common polygonal cross-section; namely, a symmetrical trapezoidal shape with slanted sides converging to a flat top. The two outermost of the ridges  14 A are truncated; that is, their cross-sections are halved along a longitudinally disposed plane that is transverse to layers  16  and  18 . 
         [0041]    Since panel  10  has a square outline, stratum  12  may be identical to stratum  14 . Therefore, stratum  12  will also have nine ridges  12 A with eight grooves  12 B between them. However, ridges  12 A have been rotated  90 ° and are therefore transverse to ridges  14 A. Thus in  FIG. 1  ridges  12 A are vertical, while ridges  14 A are horizontal. 
         [0042]    Using this orientation, strata  12  and  14  are cemented together as shown in  FIG. 2 . Basically, the nine ridges  12 A will have  81  intersections with the nine ridges  14 A. Ridges  12 A and  14 A may be secured together at these intersections with structural adhesives, and general purpose adhesives such as a polyurethane adhesive, cyanoacrylate adhesive, epoxy, polyisocyanurate adhesive, etc. 
         [0043]    In this embodiment, the tops of ridges  12 A and  14 A, and the floors (flat valleys) of grooves  12 B and  14 B will each be 1⅞″ (4.76 cm) wide. The height of ridges  12 A and  14 A (and thus the depth of grooves  12 B and  14 B) will each be 1⅛″ (2.86 cm). With these dimensions, the ridge to ridge spacing will be 4 inches (10 cm). The overall thickness of strata  12  and  14  is 2¾″ (7 cm) and thus when stacked transversely, the overall thickness of the stack is 5 ½″ (14 cm),. This thickness is comparable to the larger dimension of a 2×6 stud (whose nominal dimension is actually 5½″ or 14 cm). 
         [0044]    It will be appreciated that these ridges  12 A and  14 A and grooves  12 B and  14 B may have different dimensions and different shapes in other embodiments. 
         [0045]    Cladding  16  and  18  can be secured to the outsides of strata  12  and  14 , respectively, by adhesives similar to those used to secure the strata together. Thus, the four components of panel  10  are permanently secured together and can be sold as a single, rigid unit. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , panel  110  is approximately 4′×8′ (1.2 m×2.4 m) and is longer than the previously illustrated panel, which was approximately a 4 foot square (1.2 m square). In some cases panel  110  will be 4 feet×10 feet (1.2 m×3 m), or 4 feet by 12 feet (1.2 m×3.7 m). Components in this Figure corresponding to those of  FIG. 1  have the same reference numerals but increased by 100. 
         [0047]    In this embodiment, stratum  114  has the same cross-section as previously mentioned stratum  14 , but is twice as long, i.e. 8 feet long (2.4 m long). Stratum  112  is twice as wide and therefor has a greater number of ridges  112 A. While one can create stratum  112  by butting together two of the previously mentioned strata (strata  12  of  FIG. 1 ), better structural integrity will be achieved by fabricating stratum  112  as a single molded or extruded unit. Note that the number of ridges  112  does not precisely double because at the midline two smaller (halved) ridges form one ridge to create a total of seventeen ridges. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 4A-4C  describe a technique for making strata  212  and  214 . In  FIG. 4A  strata  212  and  214  are shown as complementary slabs that can be separated to form ridges  212 A and  214 A, respectively. This separation can be achieved by passing a single rectangular slab through a corrugated blade that will cut the ridges  212 A and  214 A. Alternatively, strata  212  and  214  can be separately fabricated by extrusion, cutting, or molding. In either case, two separate strata are achieved as shown in  FIG. 4B . 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 4C  stratum  214  has been rotated 90° relative to strata  212  to form an insulating barrier that can serve as a foam core for a panel of the type previously described 
         [0050]    The foregoing assumes a square panel, but this technique can be employed to create panels with different proportions. For example, for a 4′×8′ panel, one would double the width of the profile shown in  FIG. 4A , effectively doubling the number of ridges  214 A. One would then split one stratum (e.g. stratum  214 ) in half longitudinally (parallel to the ridges), and split the other stratum (e.g. stratum  212 ) in half transversely (perpendicular to the ridges). Then each of the longitudinally split strata would be paired with of one the transversely split strata, with their respective ridges rotated 90° as before 
         [0051]    For a 4′×12′ panel, the profile of  FIG. 4A  would be tripled Then, one stratum would be split longitudinally into three parts, while the other stratum would be split transversely into three parts. For a 4′×10′ panel a similar splitting can be used (quintupling and then splitting one stratum into a 5×2 matrix, and the other stratum into a 2×5 matrix). 
         [0052]      FIG. 4C  shows the rotated strata secured together to produce an insulating barrier that is 5½″ thick (14 cm thick). This thickness is consistent with a 2×6 stud. 
         [0053]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 5A-5C , strata  312  and  314  have been scaled down, and have the same reference numerals but increased by  100 . 
         [0054]    Basically, when strata  312  and  314  have been rotated 90° and secured together as shown in  FIG. 5C  the overall thickness is 3½″, which is consistent with a 2×4 stud (whose larger dimension is actually 3½ inches, or 9 centimeters) In this embodiment ridges  312 A and  314 A, and grooves  312 B and  314 B have the same width and pitch as before, but now have a height and depth of 1⅛″ (2.8 cm). 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , this embodiment is much like that of  FIG. 4 , and components corresponding thereto have the same reference numeral but increased by  200 . In  FIG. 6  the cross sections of ridges  412 A and  414 A are no longer polygonal but have curved sides. This sinuous profile is essentially a sinusoid with clipped amplitudes. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 7  previously mentioned panel  110  is shown installed inside a building in tracks  20  and  26 . Track  20  is a U-shaped channel with parallel walls  20 A and  20 B interconnected by web  20 C. Track  20  is sized to embrace the lower edge of panel  110  on the outside, or with its up-standing walls  20 A and  20 B inserted between the core components (core  12 . 14  of  FIG. 1 ) and the skin components (skin components  16  and  18  of  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0057]    Web  20 C has a fastener hole  22  and nail  24  is shown about to be driven through that hole into the floor or floor joists, although in some cases a screw or other fastener can be used instead of a nail In some cases the fastener  24  is driven through the center of the track  20  with the panel  110  being inserted afterwards. Walls  20 A and  20 B each have a fastener hole  34 . Screw  36  is shown about to be driven through the hole  34  in wall  20 A to hold panel  110  in place, although a nail or fastener can be used instead. 
         [0058]    Upper track  26  is also shown as a U-shaped channel having a parallel pair of walls  26 A and  26 B interconnected by web  26 C. A tab  28  is punched out of the middle of wall  26 A, and is coplanar with web  26 C. Fastener holes  38 A and  38 B are formed in wall  26 A on opposite sides of tab  26 A Screw  40  is shown about to be driven through hole  38 B to secure panel  110  in place (although a nail can be used instead of screw  40 ). 
         [0059]    Tab  28  has a fastener hole  30 , and nail  32  is shown about to be driven through this hole to secure track  26  to the ceiling rafters or joists. Again, a screw or other fastener can be used instead of a nail. 
         [0060]    While a single, relatively short track  20  is shown along the bottom of panel  110 , in many cases multiple sections of tracks will be used to hold the panel more securely. Alternatively, track  20  can be made relatively long with a number of fastener holes to hold panel  110  securely Likewise, a number of track sections identical to track  26  can be installed across the top of panel  110 , or the track can be lengthened and provided with a number of fastener holes. 
         [0061]    Instead of, or in addition, the foregoing fasteners, the installation may be performed with non-hardening acoustical sealant or foam tape. In some embodiments this sealant or tape can be used on opposite sides of web  20 C to secure the web to the floor and to panel  110 . Such sealant or tape can also be used to secure track  26  to the ceiling, in which case the track  26  need not be manufactured with fastening tab  28 , and can instead be a simple U-shaped channel, identical to channel  20 . 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , panel  110  has been installed as previously described in connection with  FIG. 7 . As part of this installation, one of the horizontal grooves  1148  is being used as a mechanical chase, through which pipe P is routed. Pipe P may be part of a plumbing arrangement, for example, a water utility feed. In other cases pipe P may be a metal conduit through which electrical wires are routed. In still other cases pipe P may carry natural gas for a stove, dryer, furnace, etc. In still other cases, pipe P may constitute electrical wiring, telephone lines, cable television lines, etc 
         [0063]    As previously described, stratum  112  has a number of vertical grooves (grooves  112 B of  FIG. 3 ), and routed through one of those grooves is a conduit C. Conduit C is a drain to a sanitary sewer, although in some cases the conduit may be a vent, a water feed line, a natural gas line, electrical wiring, telephone lines, cable television lines, etc. Because the grooves in strata  112  and  114  do not overlap, separate elements can cross over each other inside panel  110  in the vertical and horizontal directions. 
         [0064]    Electrical wiring W is routed through another one of the grooves  114 B in stratum  114 . This wiring W emerges through a hole  34  cut through stratum  112  to provide access to groove  114 B. Hole  34  can be cut either before or after panel  110  is installed in place. An electrical outlet may be installed in hole  34  in the usual fashion, although this method may be used for installing an electrical switch or other electrical devices. 
         [0065]    In this embodiment, an installer wishes to install a second identical panel (i.e., a complementary member), edge to edge with panel  110 . For this reason, spline  36  is shown about to be inserted into one of the grooves  114 B. Spline  36  has a matching cross-section, that is, a trapezoidal cross-section. Spline  36  will be inserted halfway into groove  114 B and may be held in place by a fastener (not shown) driven through stratum  112  or  114  into the spline. In some cases an adhesive may be used instead of a fastener. Next, a second panel similar to panel  110  will be slid into position such that the exposed portion of spline  36  will slide into a matching groove in the incoming panel. Spline  36  may be secured in the second panel via fasteners or adhesives. 
         [0066]    As a practical matter, utility feeds P and W will be installed after the second panel is in place, so that these feeds may be simultaneously routed through both panels. 
         [0067]    While one spline  36  is illustrated, in some embodiments multiple splines may be used at the vertical joint between adjoining panels. 
         [0068]    Panels of the foregoing type have numerous advantages. The panels have inherent rigidity and structural strength so that they can be readily used in a building, particularly for non-load-bearing, internal walls or walls that do not constitute the support structure of the building. As just described, installation can proceed without the need for conventional framing (studs, and top and bottom plates). 
         [0069]    Also, the panel has intrinsic mechanical chases that facilitate the installation of utility feeds (plumbing, electrical, gas, telephone, etc.), as well as drains and vents. In addition the panel can be made with materials that are inherently waterproof, fire resistant, and resistant to mold, fungus and insects. Also, the foam core and the air trapped between the foam strata provide good thermal insulating properties. 
         [0070]    The panels will also have a degree of soundproofing or sound deadening qualities. The above described foam core by itself has some acoustical attenuating properties. In addition, the transverse ridges of the opposing strata reduce the surface contact between the strata to a number of small points, thereby greatly reducing the ability of sound to travel from one stratum to the other. Furthermore, securing the panel with non-hardening acoustical sealant, gaskets, or foam tape avoids transmitting sound between rooms separated by the ceiling or floor, into the panel. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , previously mentioned panel  110  of  FIG. 2  is shown abutting another panel  110 ′, edge to edge. Panels  110  and  110 ′ are identical, and panel  110 ′ has the same reference numerals but marked with a prime (′). Panel  110 ′ is also referred to as a complimentary member with a complimentary barrier  112 ′/ 114 ′ clad with complementary material  116 ′ and  118 ′. Panels  110  and  110 ′ are secured together with a pair of inserts: insert  42  ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ) and identical insert  42 ′. Inserts  42  and  42 ′ may be a flat strip of the sheet metal, plastic, a structural composite, thin plywood, etc. 
         [0072]    Insert  42  is considered divided into two contiguous wings  42 A and  42 B. One of those wings (e.g. wing  42 A) will be tapped into place between cladding  116  and stratum  112  of panel  110  into the position illustrated. Once in place, this embedded wing can be fastened by driving self-tapping screw  44  through cladding  116  and into insert  42 . Next, one wing of insert  42 ′ can be tapped into place between cladding  118  and stratum  114  and screwed in place with self-tapping screw  44 ′ 
         [0073]    Additional inserts can be fastened in place along the edge of panel  110  with the insert to insert spacing chosen to achieve the desired connection strength between panels  110  and  110 ′. Alternatively, inserts  42  and  42 ′ may be elongated strips that cover a large portion of the entire edges of panels  110  and  110 ′ 
         [0074]    Next panel  110 ′ is aligned with panel  110  with insert  42  aligned with the joint between cladding  116 ′ and stratum  112 ′ and insert  42 ′ aligned with the joint between cladding  118 ′ and stratum  114 ′. Thereafter, panel  110 ′ may be pushed or tapped to embed inserts  42  and  42 ′ as illustrated, before securing them by driving self-tapping screws  44  and  44 ′ through the inserts. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , an edge of previously mentioned panel  110  of  FIG. 2  is shown bevelled and placed next to the bevelled edge of another panel  110 ′, to form a miter joint. While this joint places panels  110  and  110 ′ at right angles, the panels can be oriented at any practical, desired angle. Panels  110  and  110 ′ are the same, and panel  110 ′ has the same reference numerals but marked with a prime (′). Panel  110 ′ is also referred to as a complimentary member with a complimentary barrier  112 ′/ 114 ′ clad with complementary material  116 ′ and  118 ′. Panels  110  and  110 ′ are secured together with a pair of inserts that are shaped like angle irons, specifically: insert  46  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) and identical insert  46 ′. Insert  46  may be a strip of sheet metal, plastic, a structural composite, thin plywood, etc., which is bent or fashioned into perpendicular wings  46 A and  46 B (or some other angle as needed to accommodate the two panels). 
         [0076]    One of those wings of insert  46  (e.g. wing  46 A) will be tapped into place between cladding  118  and stratum  114  of panel  110  into the position illustrated. Once in place, this embedded wing can be fastened by driving self-tapping screw  48  through cladding  118  and into insert  46 . Next, one wing of insert  46 ′ can be tapped into place between cladding  116  and stratum  112  and screwed in place with self-tapping screw  48 ′. 
         [0077]    Additional inserts can be fastened in place along the edge of panel  110  with the insert to insert spacing chosen to achieve the desired connection strength between panels  110  and  110 ′. Alternatively, inserts  46  and  46 ′ may be elongated strips that cover almost the entire edges of panels  110  and  110 ′. 
         [0078]    Next panel  110 ′ is aligned with panel  110  with wing  46 B of insert  46  aligned with the joint between cladding  118 ′ and stratum  114 ′ and wing  46 B of insert  46 ′ aligned with the joint between cladding  116 ′ and stratum  112 ′. Thereafter, panel  110 ′ may be pushed or tapped to embed inserts  42  and  42 ′ as illustrated, before securing them by driving self-tapping screws  48  and  48 ′ through the inserts. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , track  120  is an alternative to that shown in  FIG. 7  (i.e. track  20 ). Track  120  is a U-shaped channel with parallel walls  120 A and  120 B interconnected by web  120 C. Track  120  is designed to embrace the barrier  112 / 114  of previously mentioned panel  110 , but not the cladding  116  and  118 . Track  120  may be a strip of sheet metal, plastic, a structural composite, thin plywood, etc., which is bent or fashioned to form parallel walls  120 A and  120 B. 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIG. 14 , track  120  can be installed on structure  54 , which may be a floor, ceiling, wall, or another panel similar to panel  110  Track  120  is secured by driving self-tapping screws  52  through web  120 C and into structure  54 . 
         [0081]    Next panel  110  is positioned with (a) wall  120 A aligned with the joint between cladding  118  and stratum  114 , and (b) wall  120 B aligned with the joint between cladding  116  and stratum  112 . Thereafter, panel  110  may be pushed or tapped to embed inserts  120 A and  120 B as illustrated. Finally, self-tapping screws  50  are driven through cladding  118  and  116  into walls  120 A and  120  B, respectively. 
         [0082]    It is appreciated that various modifications may be implemented with respect to the above described embodiments Instead of tracks, the panels may be installed against existing vertical structure in a building, e.g., on the inside of an exterior wall. Also, the panels can be installed in tracks built into a building structure and covered with molding Also, panels may be stacked and secured in place as a stack to enhance rigidity, soundproofing, etc. In some cases the panels may be mounted in a horizontal plane. Panels may also be used as part of a cabinet, built-in shelf, or other architectural feature. In some embodiments, the panel may be sealed and used for outside applications. 
         [0083]    Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.