Interlocking panel system
A system is provided having a number of interlocking panels for constructing a building. Each of the panels has a linear concave member protruding from a first surface and a linear convex member protruding from a second surface. The convex member is configured to slide linearly into the concave member and become locked therein against separation in a direction perpendicular to the line of sliding. The convex member is positioned adjacent to a first edge of each panel and the concave member is positioned adjacent to a second edge of each panel in a manner that when assembled, a first assembled panel is offset from a second assembled panel, creating a lapped series. The panels additionally have holes for being fastened to a building frame.
The present invention relates to the field of building materials, and more particularly to a system of exterior building panels for roofing and siding.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTraditionally, exterior roofing and siding building materials have mainly been designed and applied in a manner intended to shed rainwater and keep the building interior dry. The building frame is typically first clad with a sheathing material, e.g. plywood. A barrier layer, e.g. tarpaper or Tyvek® plastic sheeting, is then applied to seal the building against wind and water. Last, a layer of shingles for the roof and lapped siding, e.g. wood planks or vinyl strips, is applied. The outer layer of roofing or siding is applied by starting from the bottom, attaching a first row, and then mounting a second row in a manner for the lower portion of the second row to overlap the upper portion of the first row. With this configuration of lapped exterior panels covering the building frame, rain that falls on the panels runs down to the ground and does not enter the building interior.
While this traditional building panel system is effective in protecting the building interior from rain and other precipitation, weather systems often involve significant wind. Wind usually blows horizontally and occasionally at various angles, including vertically. In many areas of the world, and especially in recent years, “nor'easters,” hurricanes, cyclones, and tornadoes occur. These storms include high velocity wind driven in odd directions. With the changes that have been occurring to the global climate, these storms are more violent and more frequent than in the past. When high velocity wind and water hit a building in a horizontal direction, the lower edge of roof shingles may be lifted and rain is driven into the building. If the wind velocity is high enough, the roof shingles are torn off the building. In extreme cases, wind can remove siding planks from the building frame. The end result is often serious damage to the building and its contents that is upsetting to the inhabitants and costly to repair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides an interlocking panel system for buildings that overcomes the drawbacks of the known roofing and siding materials. The invention system includes a series of panels having a tongue along first edge on a first surface and a mating groove along a second edge on a second surface, the second edge being parallel to the first edge. The tongue and groove are configured to engage and disengage by sliding in a direction parallel to the first and second surfaces only, preventing disengagement by lifting in a direction perpendicular to the surface. A series of mounting holes are formed along a line near the second edge to affix the panel to the building frame members, preferably without the need for plywood sheathing. The various configuration of panels of the present invention include an edge panel, a plate panel and a ridge panel.
The present invention is best understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which like elements are identified by similar reference numerals and wherein:
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As described above, the interlocking panel system of the invention provides a series of building exterior panels that are easy to install and is more secure and protective than currently known shingles, planking or extruded vinyl siding.
While the description above discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that numerous variations and modifications of the invention are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the claims that follow.
Claims
1. An interlocking panel system, comprising:
- a. a series of substantially rectangular panels, each having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first edge and a second edge, the second edge residing substantially parallel to the first edge;
- b. a first member formed on the upper surface of each panel adjacent to the first edge;
- c. a second member formed on the lower surface of each panel adjacent to the second edge; and
- d. the second member of each panel configured for lockingly engaging the first member of a mating second panel.
2. The interlocking panel system described in claim 1, wherein the first member protrudes outwardly from the upper surface and the second member protrudes outwardly from the lower surface.
3. The interlocking panel system described in claim 2, wherein the first member is concave and the second member is convex in cross section and formed of a size to snugly slide in the first member in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second edges.
4. The interlocking panel system described in claim 3, wherein the first member is in the shape of an open trapezoid in cross section and the second member is in the shape of a solid trapezoid in cross section.
5. The interlocking panel system described in claim 1, wherein the planar panel is formed with a series of holes passing transversely therethrough.
6. The interlocking panel system described in claim 5, wherein the holes are formed along a line that is substantially parallel to the first and second edges.
7. The interlocking panel system described in claim 6, wherein the line along which the holes are formed is closer to the first linear edge than the first member.
8. The interlocking panel system described in claim 1, further comprising an edge panel having a first substantially planar portion with an upper surface and a second planar portion oriented at an angle to the first planar portion and a first member formed on the upper surface, wherein the first member is formed to lockingly receive the second member formed on the lower surface of the plate panel.
9. The interlocking panel system described in claim 8, wherein the first member is in the shape of an open trapezoid in cross section.
10. The interlocking panel system described in claim 8, wherein the planar portion is formed with a series of holes passing transversely therethrough.
11. The interlocking panel system described in claim 10, wherein the holes are formed along a line that is substantially parallel to a line of intersection between the first and second planar portions.
12. The interlocking panel system described in claim 11, wherein the line along which the holes are formed is closer to the first linear edge than the first member.
13. The interlocking panel system described in claim 1, further comprising a substantially planar ridge panel with a first edge and a second edge, the ridge panel formed with a second member formed parallel and adjacent to the first edge and a channel formed parallel and adjacent to the second edge.
14. The interlocking panel system described in claim 13, wherein the second member of the ridge panel is configured to lockingly engage the first member of the plate panel.
15. The interlocking panel system described in claim 13, wherein the channel is configured and positioned to receive a ridge flashing or a ridge vent.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 9, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 10, 2009
Inventor: Carl J. Jenny (Toms River, NJ)
Application Number: 12/157,277
International Classification: E04B 1/38 (20060101);