Interlocking panel system

Abstract

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.

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.