A system and method for forming an easily-erectable modular business cubicle is provided. The system/method involves the use of a rectangularly-shaped tile that has distinct connectors on each of its four sides. On one tile side is a single coupling connector and on the opposite is a multiple coupling connector. On the top is a connector comprising a plurality of elongated parallel grooves and on the bottom is a connector comprising a plurality of elongated parallel tongues corresponding to the top connector. These integrated connectors allow a plurality of these tiles to be releasably coupled to each other, both in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. In addition, since no tools or separate connectors are required, a variety of cubicle styles can be easily formed and then later the cubicle can be dis-assembled or reconfigured into a new cubicle style. Tiles of different heights, but with the same connector configurations are also provided.

An outer shell for a composite building panel includes a tongue and correspondingly shaped groove formed on opposite side edges thereof for interlocking like panels to form a wall. The tongue extends outwardly from the side edge of the panel and has a forward portion with parallel sides which are straight and parallel to a central plane of the panel. The tongue has an intermediate portion that tapers outwardly from the parallel sides toward a side face of the panel. The tongue has a rearward portion with parallel sides. Inner faces of the groove are configured for close engagement of the forward and rearward portions of the tongue.

A modular wall system includes a plurality of extruded wall panels each having opposing first and second surfaces and opposing first and second joiner side edges. Each joiner side edge has an edge surface adjacent the first surface, another edge surface adjacent the second surface and a tongue or groove disposed therebetween. The edge surfaces have an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the first or second surface, respectively. The first joiner side edge is insertable into the second joiner side edge of another wall panel, with a flush fit, for interconnecting the wall panels. Each panel also has opposing top and bottom edges and a plurality of ribs connecting and perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface.

A system and method for forming an easily-erectable modular business cubicle is provided. The system/method involves the use of a rectangularly-shaped tile that has distinct connectors on each of its four sides. On one tile side is a single coupling connector and on the opposite is a multiple coupling connector. On the top is a connector comprising a plurality of elongated parallel grooves and on the bottom is a connector comprising a plurality of elongated parallel tongues corresponding to the top connector. These integrated connectors allow a plurality of these tiles to be releasably coupled to each other, both in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. In addition, since no tools or separate connectors are required, a variety of cubicle styles can be easily formed and then later the cubicle can be dis-assembled or reconfigured into a new cubicle style. Tiles of different heights, but with the same connector configurations are also provided.

An insulative panel having a frontside and an opposing backside, and one or more other sides that extend from the frontside to backside, the one or more other sides angling inwardly from the frontside to the backside so that the panel has a tapering profile, the panel being configured to fit into a stud or other such cavity having standardized dimensions, the panel comprising an insulating material with an R-value suitable for use in building construction and remodeling.

An outer shell for a composite building panel includes a tongue and correspondingly shaped groove formed on opposite side edges thereof for interlocking like panels to form a wall. The tongue extends outwardly from the side edge of the panel and has a forward portion with parallel sides which are straight and parallel to a central plane of the panel. The tongue has an intermediate portion that tapers outwardly from the parallel sides toward a side face of the panel. The tongue has a rearward portion with parallel sides. Inner faces of the groove are configured for close engagement of the forward and rearward portions of the tongue.

A hybrid structural member for an insulated structural panel includes a core member surrounded on at least two sides by a high-density structural foam. The hybrid structural member may be manufactured by placing a core member in a cavity of an injection mold and surrounding the core member by insulating foam on at least two sides. The core member may be held in place by screws, posts, pins, a vacuum, or other suitable means.

Fire-retardant panels that include: two skins (e.g., sheet metal) and a layer of gypsum or calcium silicate fire-resistant material therebetween; two layers of insulation with fire-resistant material therebetween; a skin (e.g., sheet metal), a layer of gypsum or calcium silicate fire-resistant material, and insulation therebetween; or a combination thereof. Some embodiments include: two contiguous layers of the fire-resistant material, gypsum board, tongue and groove connections; or a frame that extends around the perimeter or has two portions that are attached to the skins or are separated by the fire-resistant material. In some embodiments, the fire-retardant panel is fabricated in a factory before being installed at a jobsite.

Fire-retardant panels that include: a frame with multiple holes in at least two rows that reduce heat conduction through the panel; or a frame that includes two portions separated by a layer of fire-resistant material (e.g., gypsum, calcium silicate, or gypsum board). Some embodiments include layers of skin (e.g., sheet metal) or insulation (e.g., between skin and fire-resistant material). In particular embodiments, the fire-resistant material is (e.g., midway) between: two skins, two layers of insulation, two portions of the frame, or a combination thereof. The portions of the frame can be: sheet metal, attached (e.g., screwed) to the skin(s), or extend around the perimeter. The frame can include: various elongated members, one or two (e.g., parallel) bends, or holes that are: in at least three rows, staggered, elongated, or slots (e.g., parallel to each other or to the skin).

A building structure (100) is erected on a concrete slab (105). The structure comprises a rigid beam-and-post frame (110) and a plurality of wall and roof panels (130, 145). A first end of the posts (120) of the frame are secured to the concrete slab. A beam (115) is secured to a second end of the posts. Adjacent wall and roof panels are secured to one-another by interlocking edges joined with adhesive or other fasteners. Wall panels adjacent to the posts of the frame may be secured to the posts. Roof panels are secured to the beam and wall panels. Wall panels are secured to the concrete slab by adhesive sealant (1000), angles (1005), and bolts (1010, 1015). Ceiling panels are secured to the beam by a plurality of bolts (1010), and brackets (1005, 1200). Openings (135) for windows and doors are formed in the wall panels.