Modular composite panel with covers

Abstract

A composite panel comprises composite first and second sheets, a core sandwiched between the first and second sheets, a plurality of fiber insertions extending from the first sheet through the core to the second sheet, and a utility space defined in the core between a number of the fiber insertions. A method of making the composite panel is disclosed.

1 . A composite panel comprising, 
 composite first and second sheets;    a core sandwiched between the first and second sheets;    a plurality of fiber insertions extending from the first sheet through the core to the second sheet; and    a protective cover secured to one of the sheets.    
     
     
         2 . The composite panel of  claim 1 , wherein the protective cover comprises metal.  
     
     
         3 . The composite panel of  claim 2 , wherein the protective cover comprises a metal sheet.  
     
     
         4 . The composite panel of  claim 3 , wherein the panel further comprises a utility space defined in the core between a number of the plurality of fiber insertions.  
     
     
         5 . The composite panel of  claim 1 , wherein the protective cover comprises a masonry material.  
     
     
         6 . The composite panel of  claim 5 , wherein the panel further comprises a utility space defined in the core between a number of the plurality of fiber insertions.  
     
     
         7 . The composite panel of  claim 5 , wherein the protective cover comprises brick.  
     
     
         8 . The composite panel of  claim 7 , wherein the panel further comprises a utility space defined in the core between a number of the fiber insertions.  
     
     
         9 . The composite panel of  claim 1 , wherein the protective cover comprises metal and a masonry material.  
     
     
         10 . The composite panel of  claim 9 , wherein the panel further comprises a utility space defined in the core between a number of the plurality of fiber insertions.  
     
     
         11 . A panel assembly comprising, 
 a first composite panel comprising: (i) fiber-reinforced polymer first and second sheets; (ii) a core sandwiched between the first and second sheets; (iii) a plurality of fiber insertions extending from the first sheet through the core to the second sheet; and (iv) a protective cover secured to one of the sheets, and    a second composite panel comprising: (i) fiber-reinforced polymer first and second sheets; (ii) a core sandwiched between the first and second sheets; (iii) a plurality of fiber insertions extending from the first sheet through the core to the second sheet; and (iv) a protective cover secured to one of the sheets,    wherein the first and second panels are secured to one another.    
     
     
         12 . The panel assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the protective cover comprises metal.  
     
     
         13 . The panel assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the protective cover comprises a masonry material.  
     
     
         14 . The panel assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the protective cover further comprises metal.  
     
     
         15 . The panel assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the protective cover comprises a metal sheet.  
     
     
         16 . The panel assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the masonry material comprises brick.  
     
     
         17 . The panel assembly of  claim 14 , wherein: 
 the first and second panels include a utility space defined in the core between a number of the plurality of fiber insertions, and    the first and second panels are secured to one another such that the utility spaces thereof are in communication with one another.    
     
     
         18 . A panel assembly comprising, 
 a first composite panel comprising: (i) fiber-reinforced polymer first and second sheets; (ii) a core sandwiched between the first and second sheets; (iii) a plurality of fiber insertions extending from the first sheet through the core to the second sheet; and (iv) a protective cover secured to the first sheet, and 
 a second composite panel comprising: (i) fiber-reinforced polymer first and second sheets; (ii) a core sandwiched between the first and second sheets; (iii) a plurality of fiber insertions extending from the first sheet through the core to the second sheet; and (iv) a protective cover secured to the first sheet,  
 wherein the first and second panels are secured to one another such that the covers of each of the panels are positioned adjacent one another.  
   
     
     
         19 . The panel assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the covers comprise a masonry material and metal.  
     
     
         20 . The panel assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the masonry material comprises brick.