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Modular building systemModular building system description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20090100781, Modular building system. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
(Not Applicable) (Not Applicable) 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a modular construction system and more particularly, to a modular panel system including panels that are configurable to quickly construct a low-cost and durable structure. 2. Description of the Related Art It is well known that the construction of a structure can be a very time consuming and expensive endeavor. The planning and design of the structure can be as long, if not longer than the actual construction itself. As such, many construction projects can take several months or years to complete. Such lengthy and costly construction projects are common in relation to residential and commercial construction. Although the planning and cost associated with the above-mentioned construction typically yields a structure specifically tailored to the desires of the individual builder, certain types of structures generally do not require the same amount of planning and construction time. Rather, many structures simply require four walls and a roof. Exemplary structures may include storage facilities, warehouses, garages, patio enclosures, and the like. Furthermore, a long and costly construction project may not be feasible in certain situations. Rather, a quickly constructed temporary structure may be needed. For example, emergency medical treatment facilities may be needed after a natural disaster, or in battlefield environments. Additionally a temporary gathering of large groups of people may also present a need for a temporary structure. Known structures that are commonly used under such circumstances include tents, mobile structures, and the like. Tents are very easily and quickly assembled, however, they offer very minimal structural protection. Most tents are not rigid and thus, may not offer a great deal protection from the elements (e.g., snow, sleet, hail, etc.). Mobile structures may offer more structural support; however, they may be limited in their adaptability to conform to the particular needs and desires of the owner. As is apparent from the foregoing, there exists a need in the art for a modular system which may be used to quickly assemble a rigid structure and is highly adaptable to construct a structure according to the desired specifications of the owner. The present invention address this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below. The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a multifunctional panel for use in the construction of a structure. The panel includes a panel body defining a panel body periphery. The panel body additionally includes a panel body front surface and an opposing panel body back surface. A flange extends along the panel body periphery. The panel further includes an elongate rib having first and second rib walls and a rib channel. The first and second ribs walls extend from and along the panel body back surface. The rib channel is disposed between and along the first and second ribs walls and extends toward the panel body back surface. The rib channel defines a rib longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to the adjacent panel body back surface. The panel is cuttable along the rib channel to form a structural element. A plurality of structural elements may be combined to form the structure. It is contemplated that a plurality of like panels may be connected to quickly and economically construct a structure. In this manner, respective ones of the plurality of panels may be cut along the rib channel to form the various structural characteristics of the resultant structure (e.g., window opening, entryway, roof gable, etc.). The rib channels may provide a guide along which the panels may be cut. The resultant structure may be used as a temporary structure, or for low cost housing, patios, garages, storage buildings, and the like. According to various embodiments, the panel may include a plurality of elongate ribs. The longitudinal axes of the plurality of ribs may be parallel, or angularly positioned relative to each other, thereby resulting in intersecting ribs. The panels may be cut along one or multiple rib channels to form an individual structural element. Furthermore, the panel may be formed of a variety of materials. The materials may include, but are not limited to, structural foam or a plastic material. The structural foam may include at least one recycled polymer, thereby providing a more environmentally and economically friendly panel material. The panels may be used in connection with a connecting rail. The connecting rail may facilitate connection of one panel to another. The connecting rail includes a first connector channel and a second connector channel. The first and second connector channels are each configured to engage with the flange of a respective panel. A fastener may be used to attach the flange of a respective panel to the connecting rail. The connecting rail may be configured to engage with two panels, wherein each panel defines a panel plane disposed parallel with respect to each other. Alternatively, the connecting rail may be configured to engage with two panels, wherein each panel defines a panel plane disposed angularly with respect to each other. The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Continue reading about Modular building system... Full patent description for Modular building system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Modular building system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Modular building system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Plastic roof shingle Next Patent Application: Structural insulated panel system Industry Class: Synthetic resins or natural rubbers -- part of the class 520 series ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Modular building system patent info. 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