Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to structural panels used in building construction and is particularly directed to a building system employing structural insulated panels for use in walls, roofs, ceilings and floors. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Most houses are stick built, i.e., constructed of 2× dimensional structural lumber members and nails. Wallboard is typically attached to the 2× dimensional structural lumber members in forming the walls and ceilings of the stick built house. Structural Insulated Panel&#39;s (SIPs) are increasingly being used in building construction as an alternative to the stick built approach. SIP construction employs rigid outer facings attached to one or both sides of a light insulating foam core. High strength bonding of the outer facings to the inner core forms a structural I-beam in the form of flat panels. Previously mentioned wallboard panels as well as SIPs are attached to the 2× dimensional structural lumber members by conventional connectors such as nails or screws. SIPs are attached to base and top plates forming part of the 2× dimensional lumber framework as well as to spaced studs extending between the base and top plates and typically spaced at 16 inch intervals. The SIP panel must be pre-cut to size for a specific installation and modification on the job for a particular installation is generally not feasible. A setting compound is typically used to seal the joint between adjacent SIPs for aesthetic and environmental reasons. Current SIPs cannot be securely joined together along their abutting edges, thus requiring spaced 2× dimensional lumber studs for supporting the panels in forming a wall, roof, ceiling or floor. Extending the outer facing of current SIPs so as to overlap an adjacent SIP and span the joint between adjacent SIPs is impractical because of the thickness of the panel&#39;s facing substantially increases the thickness of the panel joint when arranged in an overlapping manner. The requirement for 2× dimensional lumber studs and a setting compound to seal the joint between adjacent panels as well as the inability to modify SIPS in the field for specific installations increases the cost and complexity of this construction approach. 
     The present invention addresses the aforementioned limitations of the prior art by eliminating the need for 2× dimensional structural lumber studs as well as a sealing compound applied to the joint of abutting SIPs by permitting adjacent SIPs to be securely connected along their abutting edges in a sealed manner. Rigid structural members within the panel&#39;s insulating core provide compression strength for the panel and serve as nailers for securely attaching a panel to either an adjacent SIP or to a base or top plate. The inventive SIPS are easily modified in the field for adapting to a particular installation without diminishing their ease of installation in a secure manner to provide a high strength structure. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a building system employing a modular structural insulated panel which reduces the need for custom factory cutting of the panels and the time required for field erection. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a lightweight, high strength structural insulated panel capable of forming high strength connections to dimensional lumber members, such as used in plates, jambs, header edging and jack studs, or to other similar panels using conventional connectors such as nails, staples, screws or adhesives. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular structural insulated panel which is easily modified in the field for sizing and connection to adjacent structural members for use in various applications. 
     This invention contemplates a structural arrangement for a building having plural connected support members, the structural arrangement comprising: a first planar insulating core having plural peripheral edges and first and second opposed outer surfaces; first and second reinforced paper sheets respectively disposed on the core&#39;s first and second opposed surfaces and having respective plural peripheral edges each extending beyond an adjacent edge of the core and forming a slot disposed about at least a portion of the periphery of the core; a building support member disposed in a first portion of the slot and engaging a peripheral edge of the core; and a first connector inserted through an edge of the first reinforced paper sheet extending beyond an adjacent edge of the core, wherein the first connector is further inserted into the building support member for securely attaching the core to said building support member. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The appended claims set forth those novel features which characterize the invention. However, the invention itself, as well as further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference characters identify like elements throughout the various figures, in which: 
     FIGS. 1,  2  and  3  are respectively top, side elevation and end-on views of a structural insulated panel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 4 and 4 a  are respectively top and partial side elevation views of another embodiment of a structural insulated panel in accordance with the present invention, where the side elevation view is shown in phantom; 
     FIGS. 5 and 5 a  are respectively top and partial side elevation views of another embodiment of a structural insulated panel in accordance with the present invention, where the side elevation view is shown in phantom; 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a structural insulated panel in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a structural insulated panel in accordance with the present invention forming a 90° corner angle; 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the manner in which a structural insulated panel in accordance with the present invention is installed in a structure of 2× dimension structural lumber members; 
     FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view showing a pair of structural insulated panels in accordance with the present invention each attached to double stud plates for forming an opening such as a doorway; 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded sectional view showing the manner in which a structural insulated panel as shown in FIG. 9 is connected to a double stud plate; 
     FIG. 11 is a simplified sectional view showing a pair of structural insulated panels in accordance with the present invention attached to a pair of single stud plates in forming an opening such as a doorway; 
     FIG. 12 is an exploded sectional view showing the manner in which a pair of structural insulated panels in accordance with the present invention are securely connected together along their abutting edges; 
     FIGS. 13 and 14 are side elevation and end-on views of another embodiment of a structural insulated panel in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a simplified end-on view showing the manner in which the structural insulated panel shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is connected to a pair of studs along opposed edges of the panel; 
     FIGS. 16 and 17 are respectively side elevation and end-on views of another embodiment of a structural insulated panel in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 18 is an end-view of the structural insulated panel shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrating the manner in which the panel is connected to a pair of double stud plates; 
     FIGS. 19,  20  and  21  show the manner in which a structural insulated panel in accordance with the present invention is securely connected to a pair of base plate members formed of 2× dimensional structural lumber members forming a 90° angle; and 
     FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a structural insulated panel building system system for forming a wall or ceiling in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  2  and  3 , there are respectively shown top, side elevation and end-on views of a structural insulated panel  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Structural insulated panel  10  includes an inner insulating core  14  having opposed first and second sides. Disposed on the insulating core&#39;s first side is a first outer facing  12 , while disposed on the core&#39;s second opposed surface is a second outer facing  18 . The insulating core  14  and first and second outer facings  12 ,  18  are generally rectangular in shape, with the edges on three of the four edge portions of the first and second outer facings extending beyond adjacent respective edges of the inner insulating core in an overlapping manner. By “overlapping” herein is meant that an edge of a panel&#39;s outer facing extends beyond an adjacent edge of the panel&#39;s inner insulating core so as to overlap an edge of an opposed outer facing disposed on the other side of the panel&#39;s insulating core. Thus, adjacent edges  12   a  and  18   a ,  12   b  and  18   b , and  12   c  and  18   c  respectively of the first and second outer facings  12 ,  18  are disposed in facing relationship to one another in an overlapping manner about three edges of the outer periphery of the inner insulating core  14 . The first and second outer facings  12 ,  18  do not extend beyond the fourth edge of the inner insulating core  14 . A backing material sheet  15  may be disposed between and adhered to the panel&#39;s first outer facing  12  and its insulating core  14 . The backing material sheet  15  increases the strength of the panel and may be comprised of a conventional building material such as wood, heavy paper composite, plastic, metal, or gypsum composite. The extension of the various edges of the first and second outer facings  12 ,  18  beyond adjacent edge portions of the inner insulating core  14  allows for the secure connection between adjacent structural insulated panels, as well as secure connection of the structural insulated panel to a building structural member inserted in the slot formed between overlapping edges of the first and second outer facings as described in detail below. This latter arrangement is shown in the end-on view of FIG. 3 of the structural insulated panel  10  shown in FIG.  1 . In FIG. 3, a second structural insulated panel  22  is shown inserted between and connected to adjacent edges  12   a  and  18   a  of the first and second outer facings  12 ,  18 , respectively. The edge of the second structural insulated panel  22  is disposed in abutting contact with the upper edge of structural insulated panel  10  and is maintained in secure engagement with structural insulated panel  10  by means of connectors  23   a  and  23   b  respectively inserted through facing edges  12   a  and  18   a  and into the inner insulating core  22   a  of the second structural insulated panel  22  for securely connecting the insulating cores of the two panels. Connectors  23   a  and  23   b  are also inserted through outer facings  22   e  and  22   d  and into internal struts  22   c  and  22   b , respectively, of the second structural insulated panel  22 . Similarly, a structural member  24  is shown inserted in the slot formed by adjacent edges  12   b  and  18   b  of the first and second outer facings  12 ,  18  and disposed in abutting engagement with the lower edge of the structural insulated panel  10 . Connectors  25  and  26  are inserted through outer facing edges  12   b  and  18   b , respectively, and into the structural member  24  for securely attaching the structural insulated panel&#39;s insulating core  14  to the structural member. 
     Disposed within the insulating core  14  and in contact with a respective outer facing are plural struts  16   a - 16   f . Thus, struts  16   a ,  16   c  and  16   e  are disposed in the insulating core  14  in contact with the first outer facing  12 . Similarly, struts  16   b ,  16   d  and  16   f  are disposed in the insulating core  14  and in contact with the second outer facing  18 . The insulating core  14  is preferably comprised of agri-board or foam plastic such as expanded polystyrene or urethane. Each of the first and second outer facings  12 ,  18  is preferably comprised of reinforced paper such as plastic impregnated paper, or metal, plastic or fiberglass reinforced paper. Outer facings of plastic impregnated paper sheets in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention are comprised of paper or box board impregnated with urethane or polyisocyanurate plastic. Conventional means such as an adhesive in the form of mastic or epoxy cement may be used to join the first and second outer facings  12 ,  18  to opposed surfaces of the inner insulating core  14 . The struts are preferably comprised of wood, heavy paper composite, plastic or metal. The struts increase the bending strength as well as the compression strength of the structural insulated panel  10 . The struts also serve as nailers for connecting the structural insulated panel  10  to either another similar panel, or to a building structural member such as a 2× dimensional lumber member used in conventional building construction. The overlapping edges of facing portions of the first and second outer facings  12 ,  18  disposed beyond an adjacent edge of the inner insulating core  14  allow either another similar panel or a building structural member to be inserted in the slot formed by the pair of facing overlapping edges of the two panel facings for either securely connecting adjacent panels together or connecting a panel to a building structural member as described below. 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 4 a , there are respectively shown top and partial side elevation views of another embodiment of a structural insulated panel  30  in accordance with the present invention. Structural insulated panel  30  includes an inner insulating core  32  with first and second outer surfaces. First and second outer facings  34 ,  36  are respectively affixed to the first and second opposed outer surfaces of the panel&#39;s insulating core  32 . As shown in FIG. 4 a , the second outer facing  36  includes peripheral edges  36   a ,  36   b  and  36   c  extending beyond adjacent edge portions of the panel&#39;s insulating core  32 . The panel&#39;s first outer facing  34  similarly has three peripheral edges extending beyond respective adjacent edges of the panel&#39;s insulating core  32  in an overlapping arrangement. The fourth edges of each of the first and second outer facings  34 ,  36  do not extend beyond the adjacent edge of the panel&#39;s insulating core  32 . Disposed within the insulating core  32  and in contact with the first and second outer facings  34 ,  36  are first and second struts  38  and  39 , respectively. Adjacent facing edges  34   a  and  36   a  of the first and second outer facings  34 ,  36  extend beyond the adjacent edge of the panel&#39;s insulating core  32  and form a slot along the side edge of the panel. This slot is adapted to receive an edge of a similarly configured second structural insulated panel, where the outer facings of the second panel do not overlap, or extend beyond, the edge of the panel&#39;s insulating core. Connectors are inserted through the overlapping edges  34   a  and  36   a  into the second panel or into a building structural member for securely attaching the structural insulated panel  30  to either another panel or to a building structural member. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5 a , there are respectively shown top and partial side elevation views of another embodiment of a structural insulated panel  40  in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 5 a , the four edges of first and second outer facings  44  and  46  extend beyond adjacent edges of the panel&#39;s insulating core  42 . Thus, as shown for the case of the second outer facing  46 , the four edges of this facing  46   a ,  46   b ,  46   c  and  46   d  extend beyond the peripheral edges of the panel&#39;s insulating core  42 . Similarly, periphery edges of the first outer facing  44  extend beyond the edges of the insulating core  42  as shown in FIG. 5 for edges  44   a  and  44   b . The panel configuration shown in FIGS. 5 and 5 a  provides a continuous slot about the entire periphery of the panel, where linear portions of the peripheral slot are adapted to receive either the edge of another structural insulated panel or a building structural member, neither of which is shown in the figure for simplicity. 
     Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there are shown other embodiments of a structural insulated panel in accordance with the present invention. Structural insulated panel  50  shown in FIG. 6 includes an inner insulating core  52  having first and second opposed outer surfaces and first and second backing material sheets  58  and  60  respectively disposed on the first and second outer surfaces of the insulating core. Disposed on the outer surfaces first and second backing material sheets  58 ,  60  are first and second outer facings  54  and  56 , respectively. The first and second backing material sheets  58 ,  60  extend over the entire outer, opposed surfaces of the panel&#39;s insulating core  52  and facilitate attachment of the panel to either another structural insulated panel or to a building structural member. In addition to serving as a continuous nailer, the first and second wood backers  58 ,  60  substantially increase the strength of the structural insulated panel  50 . Conventional adhesives as described above may be used to securely attach the backing material sheets to the insulating core  52  as well as to the outer facings of the panel. The backing material sheets  58 ,  60  are preferably comprised of wood, heavy paper composite, plastic, metal, or gypsum composite and allow the panel to be sized in the field to fit a particular installation requirement. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 7, the structural insulated panel  70  forms a 90° corner and includes an inner insulating core  72 , first and second backing material sheets  78  and  80 , and first and second outer facings  74  and  76  respectively attached to the first and second backing material sheets. Opposed ends of the first and second outer facings  74  and  76  extend beyond the edges of the backing material sheets  78 ,  80  and insulating core  72  to form an overlapping edge portion to facilitate connection of the corner structural insulated panel  70  to adjacent panels or building structural members which are not shown in the figure for simplicity. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a partial sectional view illustrating the manner in which a structural insulated panel  90  in accordance with present invention is installed in a structure of 2× dimensional structural lumber members. Structural insulated panel  90  includes an inner insulating core  108  and first and second outer facings  110   a  and  110   b  disposed on opposed outer surfaces of the insulating core. Upper and lower edges of the first and second outer facings  110   a  and  110   b  extend above and below, respectively, the upper and lower edges of the insulating core  108 . Respective upper edges of the first and second outer facings  110   a  and  110   b  are securely attached to a top plate  100  by means of first and second connectors  102   a  and  102   b , respectively. Top plate  100  is connected to the combination of a roof rafter  92  and ceiling rafter or beam  94  by means of a first connecting bracket  98 . A second connecting bracket  96  connects the roof rafter  92  and ceiling rafter  94  together in a secure manner. First and second adhesive beads  104   a  and  104   b  are disposed between respective upper and lower surfaces of the top plate  100  and the ceiling rafter  94  and the panel&#39;s insulating core  108  for securely connecting these structural components. Additional adhesive deposits are disposed between the lateral edges of the top plate  100  and respective overlapping edges of the first and second outer facings  110   a  and  110   b  for further connecting structural insulated panel  90  to the top plate. These adhesive deposits increase the strength of the connection between the structural insulated panel  90 , top plate  100  and the combination of roof rafter  92  and ceiling rafter  94 . 
     The lower edge of the structural insulated panel&#39;s insulating core  108  is positioned on a bottom, or base, plate  106 . Base plate  106  is securely attached to the combination of a floor  112  and floor joists  114  and  116  by means of connectors such as nails or screws. As in the case of the upper edge of the structural insulated panel, adjacent overlapping lower edges of the panel&#39;s first and second outer facings  110   a  and  110   b  are securely attached to the base plate  106  by means of connectors such as nails or screws. Floor  112  and floor joist  114  and  116  are positioned on and supported by the combination of a base plate  118  and foundation  120 . A connecting bolt  122  inserted through base plate  118  securely connects the floor assembly to the foundation  120 , which typically is of concrete. 
     Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, there are respectively shown simplified sectional views of the manner in which a pair of structural insulated panels  130  and  144  are connected to a double stud arrangement. A first structural insulated panel  130  includes an inner insulating core  132  and first and second outer facings  134   a  and  134   b . Adjacent edges of the first and second outer facings  134   a ,  134   b  extend beyond the edge of the inner insulating core  132  and form a slot. The slot is adapted to receive first and second studs  138  and  140  forming a double stud insert. Overlapping edges of the first and second outer facings  134   a  and  134   b  are securely attached to the first and second studs  138 ,  140  by means of plural connectors  136  such as nails or screws. Similarly, a second structural insulated panel  144  includes an inner insulating core  148  and first and second outer facings  146   a  and  146   b . The slot formed by the overlapping, adjacent edges of the first and second outer facings  146   a ,  146   b  is adapted to receive the combination of a first stud  150  and second stud  152  which are coupled together by means of a connector  154 . Additional connectors are inserted through the overlapping edge portions of the first and second outer facings  146   a ,  146   b  and into the first and second studs  150  and  152  forming the double stud insert as shown in FIG. 9. A combination of the double stud inserts and first and second structural insulated panels  130 ,  134  forms a door opening  142  therebetween. 
     Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a similar arrangement wherein first and second structural insulated panels  160  and  162  are connected to first and second studs  166  and  168 , respectively, by means of the overlapping edges of the outer facings of the panels to form a door opening  164 . 
     Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown an exploded sectional view showing the manner in which a pair of structural insulated panels  170  and  172  are securely connected together along their abutting edges in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. The first structural insulated panel  170  includes an inner insulating core  170  and first and second opposed outer facings  174   a  and  174   b . Overlapping edges of the first and second facings  174   a ,  174   b  form a slot  176  along the edge of the panel&#39;s insulating core  171 . The second structural insulated panel  172  also includes an inner insulating core  173  and first and second outer facings  178   a  and  178   b . Disposed within the panel&#39;s insulating core  173  and respectively engaging the panel&#39;s first and second outer facings  178   a  and  178   b  are a first pair of studs  182   a  and  182   c  and a second pair of studs  182   b  and  182   d . The edge of the second structural insulated panel  172  adjacent studs  182   a  and  182   b  is adapted for insertion in the edge slot  176  of the first structural insulated panel  170 . With the overlapping edges of the first and second outer facings  174   a  and  174   b  of the first structural insulated panel  170  disposed over the first and second outer facings  178   a  and  178   b  of the second structural insulated panel  172 , connectors  184   a  and  184   b  are inserted through the overlapping outer facings of the two panels and into studs  182   a  and  182   b , respectively. In this manner, a pair of overlapping outer facings of the connected panels as well as the inner studs of the panels contribute to the high strength joint formed between adjacent panels in accordance with this aspect of the present invention. 
     Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, there are respectively shown side elevation and end-on views of another embodiment of a structural insulated panel  190  in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, all four edges of the panel&#39;s first and second outer facings  194  and  196  extend beyond, or overlap, adjacent edges of the panel&#39;s insulating core  192 . Thus, as shown in the case of the panel&#39;s second outer facing  194 , the facings peripheral edges  194   a ,  194   b ,  194   c  and  194   d  each extend beyond a respective edge of the panel&#39;s insulating core  192 . This is also shown in FIG. 14 for two edges  196   c  and  196   b  of the panel&#39;s second outer facing  196 . This arrangement permits all four edges of the structural insulated panel  190  to be connected in an outer facing overlapping manner to either an adjacent panel(s) or to adjacent building structural members. FIG. 15 shows the manner in which opposed edges of the structural insulated panel  190  are connected to first and second studs  198  and  200 . The first stud  198  is inserted in the slot formed by the upper overlapping edges  194   c  and  196   c  of the panel&#39;s first and second outer facings  194  and  196 . Similarly, the second stud  200  is inserted in the slot formed by the respective lower edges  194   b  and  196   c  of the panel&#39;s first and second outer facings  194  and  196 . Connectors are inserted through the overlapping edges of the first and second outer facings  194 ,  196  of the panel and into a respective first or second stud  198 ,  200 , although these connectors are not shown in the figure for simplicity. 
     Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, there are respectively shown side elevation and end-on views of another embodiment of a structural insulated panel connection system in accordance with the present invention. Structural insulated panel  210  includes first and second outer facings  214  and  216  attached to respective opposed outer surfaces of the panel&#39;s inner insulating core  212 . All four edges of each of the panel&#39;s first and second outer facings  214 ,  216  overlap adjacent edges of the panel&#39;s inner insulating core  212 . Thus, respective edges  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c  and  214   d  of the panel&#39;s first outer facing  214  overlap, or extend beyond, respective edges of the panel&#39;s insulating core  212 . Similarly, the four edges of the panel&#39;s second outer facing  216  extend beyond respective edges of the panel&#39;s insulating core  212  as shown for the case of edges  216   c  and  216   b  in FIG.  17 . As shown in FIG. 18, each of the slots in opposed edges of the panel is adapted to receive a pair of studs forming a plate or header connection. As shown in the figure, first and second studs  218   a  and  218   b  are inserted in the slot formed by facing edges  214   c  and  216   c  of the first and second outer facings  214 ,  216 . Similarly, third and fourth studs  220   a  and  220   b  are inserted in the slot formed by facing edges  214   b  and  216   b  of the first and second outer facings  214 ,  216 . Connectors inserted through the facing edges and into the connected studs securely attach the panel to the double stud combination. 
     Referring to FIGS. 19,  20  and  21 , there is shown the manner in which a structural insulated panel  230  in accordance with the present invention is securely connected to a pair of base plate members formed of 2× dimensional structural number members forming a 90° angle. The structural insulated panel  230  includes an inner insulating core  236  and first and second outer facings  232  and  234  attached to opposed outer surfaces of the insulating core. The structural insulated panel  230  is generally rectangular in shape and is adapted for secure attachment to first and second base plates  238  and  240  forming a generally 90° angle. The lower edge  234   a  of the panel&#39;s second outer facing  234  overlaps the first base plate  238  and is secured to the first base plate by means of connectors  242   c  and  242   d . Similarly, the lower edge of the panel&#39;s first outer facing  232  overlaps the opposed surface of the first base plate  238  and is attached to the base plate by means of connectors  242   a  and  242   b . An end portion of the lower edge of the panel&#39;s first outer facing  232  includes a notched, or cutout, corner  232   a  which is adapted for positioning adjacent edges of the second base plate  240 . The notched corner  232   a  of the panel&#39;s first outer facing  232  allows the panel to be positioned upon and attached to the first and second base plates  238 ,  240  arranged at a 90° angle. 
     FIG. 21 shows another arrangement for attaching a structural insulated panel  246  to a pair of base plate members arranged at 90° so as to form a corner. Structural insulated panel  246  includes an inner insulating core  254  and first and second outer facings  248  and  250  attached to opposed outer surfaces of the core. The panel is connected to one of the base plates by means of a pair of connectors  254   a  and  254   b . A second base plate  256  extends at 90° relative to the first base plate. Extending upwardly from the intersection of the first and second base plates are first and second corner studs  258  and  260  which are attached to the panel&#39;s first and second outer facings  248 ,  250  by means of plural connectors. A third generally vertical corner stud  262  extends upwardly from base plate  256  and is attached to the first and second corner studs  258 ,  260  by means of a connector. A corner nailer  264  is connected to the corner stud arrangement by means of plural connectors. 
     Referring to FIG. 22, there is shown an exploded perspective view of a structural insulated panel building system  270  such as for forming a wall or ceiling in accordance with the present invention the building structure includes first and second top plate members  272   a  and  272   b , as well as first, second and third base plate members  274   a ,  274   b  and  274   c . Each of the top and base plate members is typically in the form of a 2×dimensional lumber member. The third base plate member  274   c  forms a 90° angle with the remaining base plate members as well as with the top plate members. A first structural panel  276  is attached to the first top plate member  272   a  and the first base plate member  274   a  as previously described. The first structural insulated panel  276  is located at the corner of the wall or ceiling and is further attached to a pair of studs  275 . The first structural insulated panel  276  includes plural inner studs  277  (shown in dotted line form) for increasing the strength of the panel as well as facilitating its attachment to building structural members. The peripheral edges of the panel&#39;s first and second facings overlap adjacent building structural members to facilitate attachment of the panel by conventional connectors as previously described. The first structural insulated panel  276  is adapted for secure connection to a second, adjacent structural insulated panel  278  by inserting an edge of the first panel into the notched lateral edge portion of the second panel formed by the opposed, spaced edge portions of the second panel&#39;s outer facings. Conventional connectors inserted through the edge portions of the outer facings of the second structural insulated panel  278  through adjacent portions of the outer facings of the first structural insulated panel  276  and into the inner studs of the first panel securely connect the first and second structural insulated panels. An opposed lateral vertical edge of the second structural insulated panel  278  is adapted to receive a first stud  290   a  in a tight fitting manner. A second adjacent stud  290   b  is connected to the first stud  290   a  and is connected to third and fourth structural insulated panels  280  and  282  as well as to a third horizontal stud  292 . Overlapping edges of the third and fourth structural insulated panels  280 ,  282  are used for coupling these panels to second stud  290   b , third stud  292  and a fourth stud  294  by means of conventional connectors. The third and fourth structural insulated panels  280 ,  282  are sized to fit the specific dimensions required in the structural insulated panel building system  270  as previously described. A fifth stud  296  is connected to the fourth stud  294  as well as to the first top plate  272   a  and the first base plate member  274   a  by conventional connectors. A fifth structural insulated panel  284  is adapted for secure coupling to the fifth stud  296  as well as to the second top plate member  272   b  and the second base plate member  274   b  by connectors inserted through peripheral edges of the outer facings of the panel and into the aforementioned structural support members. A lateral edge of the structural insulated panel  284  is adapted for insertion into a notch formed on an edge of a fourth structural insulated panel  286  and for connection thereto by conventional connectors. Similarly, an opposed lateral edge of the sixth structural insulated panel  286  is adapted for receiving an adjacent abutting edge of a seventh structural insulated panel  288 . The seventh structural insulated panel  288  includes first and second backing material sheets  289   a  and  289   b  attached to opposed outer surfaces of the panel&#39;s inner insulating core as well as to the two outer facings of the panel. The first and second backing material sheets  289   a ,  289   b  facilitate attachment of the seventh structural insulated panel  288  to the sixth structural insulated panel  286 . An opposed, lateral edge of the seventh structural insulated panel is adapted to receive sixth and seventh studs  298  and  300  and for secure attachment to these studs by means of conventional connectors inserted through adjacent edges of the panel&#39;s two outer facings. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the relevant arts that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.

Technology Category: 0