Composite structural panels and components

Abstract

Composite panels including core layers of particular geometry and optional first and second skin layers. The components optionally are made from fiberboard material. The core has either a linear geometry or made from discrete elements. In exemplary embodiments, longitudinally extending voids extend through the panel. Electrical or mechanical conduits may be inserted through the longitudinally extending voids.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composite panel comprising:
 at least two inner cores made from fiberboard material, each inner core has a defined geometry and is layered on top of each other; and   a plurality of open spaces formed between the defined geometries of the inner cores.   
     
     
         2 . The composite panel of  claim 1  wherein the defined geometry of the inner core is linear. 
     
     
         3 . The composite panel of  claim 1  wherein the inner core has a discrete element geometry. 
     
     
         4 . The composite panel of  claim 2  wherein the open space forms at least one longitudinally extending void. 
     
     
         5 . The composite panel of  claim 4  further comprising an electrical element into the at least one longitudinally extending void. 
     
     
         6 . The composite panel of  claim 4  further comprising a mechanical element inserted into the at least one longitudinally extending void. 
     
     
         7 . The composite panel of  claim 3  wherein the open space forms at least one longitudinally extending void. 
     
     
         8 . The composite panel of  claim 7  wherein the discrete elements have a pyramid shape. 
     
     
         9 . The composite panel of  claim 7  wherein the discrete elements have a conical shape. 
     
     
         10 . The composite panel of  claim 3  wherein the discrete elements have a hexagonal shape. 
     
     
         11 . A composite panel comprising:
 a first sheet made from fiberboard material;   a second sheet made from fiberboard material;   an inner core with a defined geometry made from fiberboard material, wherein the first sheet is affixed to the top side of the inner core and the second sheet is affixed to the bottom side of the inner core; and   at least one longitudinally extending void space formed between the top and bottom sheets and the defined geometry of the inner core.   
     
     
         12 . The composite panel of  claim 11  wherein the defined geometry of the inner core is linear. 
     
     
         13 . The composite panel of  claim 11  wherein the defined geometry of the inner core has a discrete element geometry. 
     
     
         14 . The composite panel of  claim 13  wherein the discrete element geometry is conical. 
     
     
         15 . The composite panel of  claim 13  wherein the discrete element geometry is in the shape of a pyramid. 
     
     
         16 . The composite panel of  claim 13 , wherein the discrete element geometry is hexagonal. 
     
     
         17 . The composite panel of  claim 11  further comprising one or more inner cores and one or more sheets affixed on top of each other. 
     
     
         18 . A method of forming a composite panel comprising:
 providing a first and second sheet made from fiberboard material;   providing an inner core made from fiberboard material with a top side and a bottom side;   affixing the first sheet to the top side of the inner core; and   affixing the second sheet to the bottom side of the inner core.   
     
     
         19 . The method of forming the composite panel of  claim 18  wherein the inner core has a linear geometry. 
     
     
         20 . The method of forming the composite panel of  claim 18  wherein the inner core has a discrete element geometry.