Patent ID: 6892498

Claim:
A system comprising a plurality of interlocking building panels, wherein each of the panels comprises: a first sheathing member having an inner surface, an outer surface, substantially parallel first and second side edges, and first and second ends; a second sheathing member having an inner surface, an outer surface, substantially parallel first and second side edges, and first and second ends, the first and second sheathing members having corresponding shapes with corresponding first and second side edges and corresponding first and second ends, the first and second sheathing members being arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement with corresponding sides edges and corresponding ends substantially aligned and with respective inner surfaces facing each other; and at least one elongated framing member positioned between the first and second sheathing members and secured to each, the framing member being arranged substantially parallel to the first and second side edges, wherein at least one of the panels further comprises a male panel side edge, and at least one other of the panels comprises a female panel side edge, wherein the male panel side edge comprises a plurality of splines, each spline extending proximally between the first and second sheathing members and secured to each, each spline extending distally from the corresponding first side edges of the sheathing members in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side edges, the splines each comprising a pair of substantially parallel first and second side members, the first and second side members being secured to the inner surfaces of the first and second sheathing members, respectively, in substantially opposing positions and extending distally from the side edges of the sheathing members, wherein the female panel side edge comprises a plurality of opposing pairs of substantially parallel grooves, one groove of each pair being positioned on the inner surface of each sheathing member and extending proximally from the second side edge thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second side edge, wherein the female panel edge is adapted for engaging a male panel edge of at least one other similarly adapted building panel with splines of the other building panel received within the grooves of the female panel edge, wherein the male panel edge is adapted for engaging a female panel edge of at least one other similarly adapted building panel with the splines of the male panel edge inserted into grooves of the other building panel, and wherein the male panel side edge further comprises an elongated framing member positioned between the side members of the splines and secured thereto, the framing member being arranged substantially parallel to the sheathing member side edges.