A prefabricated panel building system

Abstract

A prefabricated panel building system, including a plurality of wall panels adapted to be joined together; a structural frame defining the shape and configuration of a building; the frame having horizontal tracks wherein the panels are adapted to be slid against each other; each panel including specially adapted interlocking edge members having complementary profiles configured to interlock to form integrated stud or cross members, wherein the arrangement confers substantial rigidity and integrity. A method of building using the panels of the system.

1 . A prefabricated panel building system including:
 a plurality of wall panels adapted to be joined together;   a structural frame defining the shape and configuration of a building;   the frame having horizontal tracks adapted to receive the panels;   the panels are slid along the tracks to abut against each other;   each panel including specially adapted interlocking edge members;   the interlocking edge members having complementary profiles wherein opposite edge members of abutting panels are joined to form integrated studs and/or cross members of the frame.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the top and bottom portions of the panel or edge members include integrated rollers whereby the panels are able to be slid in the tracks into position against and on top of each other. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the top and bottom portions of the panel or edge members include skids or buttons of an anti-friction material whereby the panels are able to be slid in the tracks into position against and on top of each other. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein there are edge members on all sides of the panel. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is of a rectangular configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more panels include window frames or door frames as in built structural components of the panels or wherein windows and doors are pre-fitted in the panels. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panel includes:
 an inner wall decoration layer,   a fiber calcium silicate board,   a thermal-protective layer and   an external cladding,   and wherein there is a gap between the external cladding and the fiber calcium silicate board.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panel has an external cladding of prefinished metal coil skin. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panel has a cladding material which includes magnesium oxide. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panels are fabricated or manufactured on site in a moveable or relocatable factory or plant from raw and component materials. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panels or edge members include one or more slots into which a barbed bracket or mounting is inserted to support accessories, including lights, ornaments, removable cladding or decorative panels. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein there are passages along the lengths of the edge members or which are created on interlocking together edge members of adjacent panels wherein the passages are adapted to accommodate the installation of supply services including electric cables or water pipes. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panels have holes for any article required to pass through the panels. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the interlocked edge members are permanently joined together by rivets or screws. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the interlocked edge members are permanently joined together by adhesive. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein decorative cover strips are used to cover the interlocked edge members. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the edge members are channels with a recessed connecting groove wherein panels are joined by a connecting piece inserted into the space created by the opposite grooves. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the edge members comprising an integrated stud are aluminum extrusions incorporating a tongue profile and a groove profile wherein the tongues and grooves are serrated to lock the panels when pushed and clipped together. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the edge members are channels provided with a connecting convex flange. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the edge members are channels provided with a connecting groove and a flange 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a thermal-protective layer is provided with a hole. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the external cladding comprises a base plate and an external composite plate fixed to the base plate. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 1 , used to construct a wall of a room or building by interlocking the top and bottom edge members of panels stacked on top of each other. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 1 , used to construct a floor, ceiling or roof by joining together edge members on all sides of the panels. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panels include integrated electrical conduit to accommodate electric cable or wires where power outlets are required. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the complementary profiles of the edge members when interlocked together provide a water tight seal. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein there is a thermal break fillet strip which spans across the intersection of interlocking edge members of abutting panels to confer requisite acoustic, thermal and fire ratings. 
     
     
         28 . A method of building using panels of the system according to  claim 1  including the steps of:
 (a) assembling the structural frame; 
 (b) sliding a first panel in a track to its predetermined position; 
 (c) sliding a next panel in the track to abut against the first panel; 
 (d) pushing the panels against each other to join together their respective complementary edge members; 
 (e) repeating steps (b) and (c) and (  to join together further panels as required.