WO2009053805A2

WO2009053805A2 - Panel and composite panel for constructing a building

Info

Publication number: WO2009053805A2
Application number: PCT/IB2008/002786
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angelo Candiracci
Original assignee: Angelo Candiracci
Priority date: 2007-10-23
Filing date: 2008-10-20
Publication date: 2009-04-30
Also published as: CL2008003129A1; WO2009053805A3; ITBO20070712A1; AR069278A1

Abstract

A panel (10, 50) for use in construction, in particular for constructing a building, comprises a panel body (12, 52), made in particular of an insulating material, especially a plastic material, preferably an expanded material such as expanded polystyrene. The panel body comprises a first and a second portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) extending at an angle to each other.

Description

Panel and composite panel for constructing a building

Technical Field

This invention relates to a panel and to a composite panel used in construction, in particular for constructing a building.

Background Art

Panels used for construction purposes, in particular for constructing buildings are well known. These prior art panels comprise a panel body, made in particular of expanded polystyrene and totally flat in shape.

The corner portions of the walls made with these panels must therefore be made using additional processes and specific formwork requiring skilled labour and high expenditure.

Summary of the Invention

This invention therefore provides a panel used for construction purposes, in particular for constructing a building, the panel comprising a panel body, made in particular of an insulating material, especially a plastic material, preferably an expanded material such as expanded polystyrene, and characterized in that the panel body comprises a first and a second portion extending at an angle to each other. In this way, it is possible to make a structural element with a corner portion quickly and easily and without requiring particularly skilled labour.

The invention also addresses a composite panel, in particular one using this panel, and a set of panels, as may be inferred from the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

- Figure 1 illustrates in a perspective view a first and second preferred panel for making a corresponding preferred composite panel.

- Figure 2 illustrates in a top view a first and second preferred panel for making a corresponding preferred composite panel.

- Figure 3 is a top view of the first and second preferred panel in an associated or coupled condition for making a preferred composite panel.

- Figure 4 illustrates a second pair of panels in an associated condition for making a corresponding preferred composite panel.

- Figure 5 is a side view of a third pair of panels in an associated condition for making a corresponding preferred composite panel.

- Figure 6 illustrates a fourth pair of panels in an associated condition for making a corresponding preferred composite panel. - Figure 7 is a top view of a composite panel.

- Figure 8 is a top view of a composite panel in use, that is to say, associated with other composite panels.

- Figure 9 is a front view of a composite panel in use, that is to say, associated with other composite panels.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a preferred embodiment 10 of a panel used in construction, in particular for constructing a building.

The panel comprises a panel body 12, made preferably of an insulating material, especially a plastic material, that is, an expanded material such as expanded polystyrene.

Advantageously, the panel body 12 comprises a first and a second portion 12a, 12b extending at an angle "A" to each other, that is to say, angularly spaced from each other. As illustrated, the angle "A" between the first and second panel portions is preferably equal or substantially equal to 90°.

As shown, the first and second portions 12a, 12b are flat in shape, or generally flat in shape, and at the zone where they meet, form a corner 12' of the panel. hi practice, each portion 12a, 12b of the panel 12 has one longitudinal end that is free and the other longitudinal end that is used for joining it to the other portion 12b, 12a of the panel. In the drawings, the free longitudinal ends of the portions 12a, 12b are labelled 12'a, 12'b respectively.

The drawings also show a second panel 50 designed to be coupled to the first panel 12 to form a preferred composite panel, as described in more detail below. The panel 50 also comprises a panel body 52, made in particular of an insulating material, especially a plastic material, preferably an expanded material such as expanded polystyrene, and where said panel body comprises a first and a second portion 52a, 52b extending at an angle to each other, that is, being angularly spaced from each other.

More specifically, the respective first and second portions 52a, 52b of the body of the second panel 50 also make an angle that is equal or substantially equal to 90° and are flat, or generally flat, in shape, have respective free longitudinal ends 52'a, 52'b and are joined at the other longitudinal end to form a corner 52' of the panel 50.

Obviously, each panel 10, 50 has opposite lateral edges, labelled "B" in Figure 9.

Each portion 12a, 12b, 52a, 52b of the first and second panels 10, 50 has a respective face 12ai, 12bi, 52ai, 52bi, which remains on the inside of the composite panel and a face 12ae, 12be, 52ae, 52be which remains on the outside of the panel, that is, which constitutes the outside of the corresponding composite panel.

As will become clearer as this description continues, in the composite panel, the inside faces 12ai, 12bi and 52ai, 52bi of the panels face each other at a defined distance to form a space which, on installation, is filled with resistant material, that is to say, with concrete, and which accommodates the reinforcement means.

Spacing means 14, 54 extending from the body 12, 52 of the respective panel 10, 50 are advantageously provided. In particular, the spacing means 14, 54 extend from a respective inside face

12ai, 12bi, 52ai, 52bi of the first and second portion 12a, 12b, 52a, 52b of the body of the respective panel 10, 50.

Advantageously, the spacing means 14, 54, which can be mutually coupled, extend obliquely, that is, at an angle B to the portion 12a, 12b, 52a, 52b of the panel body, that is, to the line or plane of principal extension of the respective portion, in particular to the face 12ai, 12bi and 52ai, 52bi of the respective portion

12a, 12b, 52a, 52b from which they extend.

In particular, the angle B is equal or substantially equal to 45°.

As illustrated, each panel 10, 50 comprises spacing means extending from both the inside faces 12ai, 12bi and 52ai, 52bi of the respective panel. Further the spacing means 14, 54 extending from one respective portion 12a or 52a are parallel to the spacing means 14, 54 which extend from the corresponding other portions 12b, 52b.

This facilitates assembling of the panels 10, 50 to form a corresponding composite panel which may be done by simply and easily moving the panels closer together along the line in which the spacing means extend.

As illustrated, the spacing means 14 of the first panel 12 extend from the face of the respective portion 12a, 12b on the concave side that is to say, on the side of the respective portion that faces the other portion 12b, 12a of the panel. The spacing means 54 of the second panel, on the other hand, extend from the face of the respective portion 52a, 52b on the convex side, that is to say, on the side opposite the side of the portion that faces the other portion 52b, 52a of the panel.

Advantageously, the spacing means comprise a multiplicity of protrusions 14, 54, and, more specifically, for each panel 10, 50, a first plurality of protrusions substantially aligned with each other vertically, or transversally, of the panel. The protrusions of this first plurality of protrusions extend from the first portion 12a,

52a of the respective panel.

In this embodiment, each plurality of protrusions comprises three protrusions aligned with each other vertically.

It will be understood, however that although this is the especially preferred embodiment, other arrangements for the protrusions are imaginable.

The spacing means also comprise, for each panel 10, 50, a second plurality of protrusions substantially aligned with each other transversally of the panel, said protrusions extending from the first portion 12b, 52b of the respective panel.

Advantageously, the spacing means 14, 54 are located in the vicinity of the respective longitudinal ends 12'a, 12'b and 52'a, 52'b of the first and second panels.

As illustrated, the protrusions 14, 54 are suitably spaced transversally of each other and are in the form of columnar protrusions having an outside or lateral surface 14', 54' that is cylindrical in shape.

Means 16, 56 for engaging and retaining the panel are advantageously provided.

In particular, means 16, 56 are advantageously provided for mutually engaging or coupling the panels 10, 50 to each other. The engagement and retention means are located at the spacing means 14, 54 and, more specifically, at the free ends 14e, 54e of the spacing means 14, 54.

Advantageously, said engagement and retaining means are designed to apply a retaining action radially or transversally of the spacing means 14, 54 and comprise, in particular as illustrated on the panel body 12, a respective protuberance 16 for insertion, in particular in the form of a protuberance with a cylindrical outside profile 16c.

As illustrated, the protuberance 16 is surrounded by and extends from a corresponding transversal annular shoulder 14s of the protrusion 14. The annular shoulder 14s also constitutes means for engagement and retention along the line in which the corresponding protrusion 14 extends.

In practice, the shoulder 14s constitutes an abutment surface for engaging a corresponding shoulder 54s of the other panel, thus forming means for mutual engagement and retention along the line in which the respective protrusion 14, 54 extends.

The protuberance 16 also has a transversal end edge 16s for engagement and retention longitudinally of the protuberance. The reference numeral 16c, on the other hand, denotes the circumferential cylindrical surface of the protuberance 16. The engagement and retention means also comprise, on the spacing protrusion 54, a receiving hole or cavity 56 having a respective cylindrical profile 56c.

These engagement and retention means also comprise a transversal or bottom end 56s. The receiving hole 56 is made in the body of the spacing protrusion 54, starting from the annular shoulder, or circumferential edge 54s, of the protrusion 54, forming means for engaging the opposite protrusion 54 on the other panel.

In practice, as may be inferred from Figure 3, in the condition in which the first and second panels 10, 50 are coupled to each other, the insertion means 16 are inserted into the respective cavities 56, bringing the corresponding lateral surfaces 16c, 56c and end surfaces 16s, 56s, as well as the shoulder surfaces 14s,

54s of the respective protuberances, in contact with each other.

Also, as illustrated, the first and second panels 10, 50 have respective inside faces 12ai, 12bi, 52ai, 52bi which are substantially smooth, while the corresponding outside faces 12ae, 12be, 52ae, 52be, which are designed to remain on the outside of the composite panel, have a suitably shaped profile, comprising recessed portions 57, or grooves, alternated with relief portions 55, or ribs, extending parallel with each other transversally of the panels. In use, these ribs and grooves 55, 57 are preferably directed vertically, as shown in particular in Figure 9.

Further, the spacing means 14, 54 of the panels 10, 50 have respective lengths Ll, L2, (shown in Figure 2) which are suitably predetermined according to the products to be made and, more specifically, according to the thickness of the constructional element, or wall, to be made, that is to say, the thickness "d" of the latter's resistant part - made of reinforced concrete.

In practice, the thickness of the wall can be conveniently obtained using spacing means 14, 54 of required, predetermined length.

This aspect is especially evident in Figures 4, 5 and 6, which show how the first panel of each of the other embodiments is in the form of a panel 10 corresponding to the panel of the embodiment described up to here and thus having spacing means 14, 14 with the same length "Ll" as the first embodiment.

On the other hand, in the other pairs of panels shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the second panel 150, 250, 350, which is associated with the first panel to form a corresponding composite panel, has spacing protrusions 154, 254, 354 that differ in length from those of the panel 50 and of the first panels of the other pairs of panels.

In practice, depending on the required spacing between the first and the second panel to make a wall element of desired resistance, the invention contemplates associating a first panel 10 of a single type with a second panel 50, 150, 250, 350 chosen according to the length of its respective spacing means 54, 154, 254, 354.

Obviously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the thickness Sl, S2 of the respective panel may be conveniently selected for example according to the heat insulation properties to be conferred on the construction element. Preferably, the thickness Sl, S2 of the respective panel 10, 50 is between 50 and 100 mm, while the length Ll and L2 of the spacing means is such as to obtain, in the composite panel, a distance "d" between the first and the second panel that is preferably between 100 and 250 mm.

Advantageously, each panel 10, 50 is in the form of a panel made of expanded polystyrene formed in a suitably shaped mould. It is therefore possible to provide a set of panels to be associated with each other to form a corresponding composite panel, where each panel has respective spacing means 54 that differ in length from the spacing means of the other panels in the set. In practice, the invention provides a set of panels where a first panel 10 has spacing means 14 of fixed length and a range of second panels 50, 150, 250, 350 whose spacing means 54, 154, 254, 354 to be associated with the spacing means of the first panel have suitable, differing lengths.

Further, the panels in the set of panels have a respective thickness Sl, S2 that differs from the thickness of the other panels in the set.

A composite panel 100 used for construction purposes, in particular for constructing a building, is illustrated in Figures 7 to 9.

Figures 8 and 9 in particular illustrate a composite panel 100 associated with a second composite panel 100 to form a generally Z-shaped configuration for a corresponding wall of a building.

The preferred composite panel also comprises first and second panels 10, 50 facing each other and having respective panel bodies 12, 52, made in particular of an insulating material, especially a plastic material, preferably an expanded material such as expanded polystyrene. Advantageously, in this composite panel 100, the first and second panels

10, 50 have respective panel bodies 12, 52, comprising respective first and second portions 12a, 12b, 52a, 52b extending at an angle A to each other.

As mentioned above, each angle A between the first and the second portion of the respective panel bodies 10, 50 used in the composite panel is equal or substantially equal to 90°.

In practice, the composite panel according to the invention is made using the panels 10, 50 described above, suitably coupled and connected to each other.

As illustrated, the first and second panels 10, 50 have respective first and second portions, which are in the form of flat-shaped portions facing the corresponding first and second portions of the other panel.

As mentioned, the composite panel comprises spacing means 14, 54 located between the panels 10, 50 and extending from the bodies 12, 52 of the respective panels 10, 50.

As mentioned above, the spacing means 14, 54 extend obliquely or inclined at an angle B to the corresponding portion or face 12ai, I2bi, 52ai, 52bi of the respective portion, said angle B being equal or substantially equal to 45°.

Further, the spacing means 14, 54 of the composite panel which extend between respective portions 12a, 52a of the panels are parallel to the spacing means 14, 54 which extend between the portions 12b, 14b of the panels. Advantageously, as mentioned above, the spacing means of the composite panel comprise one or more protrusions 14, 54, which extend from the respective panel and engage a corresponding surface of the other panel, and which, more specifically, engage a corresponding protrusion extending from the body of the other panel. The composite panel also comprises means for mutually engaging and retaining, or coupling, the first and the second panel, said means being located at the spacing means 14 and 54, and more specifically, at the free ends 14e, 54e of the spacing means.

These mutual engagement and retention means, labelled 16, 56 in the drawings, are designed in particular to apply a retaining action radially and longitudinally of the spacing means 14, 54 themselves. The composite panel engagement means comprise a panel 10 whose respective protuberance 16 is inserted into a matching hole 56 in the other panel. Further, as mentioned, the insertion protuberance 16 has an end 16s for abutting the inside end 56s of the receiving hole. The composite panel engagement means also comprise opposite annular surfaces 14c, 54c of the spacing protrusions 14, 54. These engagement means are equivalent to those described above in connection with the single panels.

The composite panel also comprises reinforcement means. More in detail, these reinforcement means comprise a strong metallic reinforcement 20 on the inside of a respective panel 10, and a strong metallic reinforcement 60 on the inside of the second panel 50.

As may be inferred in particular from Figure 7, the first and second metallic reinforcements 20 and 60 face each other at a certain distance, being housed in the space defined by the inside faces 12ai, 12bi, 52ai, 52bi of the panels 10, 50.

Advantageously, each strong metallic reinforcement comprises a first and a second part 20a, 20b and 60a, 60b, respectively, extending at, or being angularly spaced by, an angle "A", and being located in the vicinity of a corresponding portion 12a, 12b, 52a, 52b of the respective panel. As mentioned, the angle "A" between the first and second portions 20a, 20b and 60a, 60b of the respective strong metallic reinforcements 20, 60 is, like the angle between the first and second portions 12a, 12b, 52a, 52b of the panel bodies they are associated with, equal or substantially equal to 90°.

These reinforcement means also comprise a metallic assembling reinforcement 30 on the outside 12ae, 12be of a respective panel 10, and a metallic assembling reinforcement 70 on the outside 52ae, 52be of the second panel 50.

Advantageously, each metallic assembling reinforcement 30, 70 comprises a first and a second part 30a, 30b, 70a, 70b, respectively, extending at, or being angularly spaced by, an angle "A", and being located in the vicinity of the outside face of the corresponding portion 12a, 12b, 52a, 52b of the respective panel body

12, 52.

In particular, the angle "A" between the first and second parts 30a, 30b and 70a, 70b of the metallic assembling reinforcement is also equal or substantially equal to 90°.

As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the parts 30a and 70b of the assembling reinforcements have extensions 30' a, 70'b running longitudinally beyond the vertical or transversal end edge B', B" of the respective panel portion to form means of connection to an adjacent composite panel 100. Means are advantageously provided for keeping the strong metallic reinforcements 20, 60 facing each other at a required distance.

Means are also provided for connecting the reinforcement means to each other at the respective panel 10, 50, said means being, in particular, in the form of means for connecting the first and second strong metallic reinforcements 20, 60 and means for connecting the first and second metallic assembling reinforcements

30, 70 located on the outside face of the composite panel.

For the purpose, elongated connecting elements 40, 42, 44 are provided between the reinforcement means.

Advantageously, a plurality of elongated connecting elements 40, 42 and 44, or rods, are provided and are substantially aligned along the line transversal to the panel, or aligned along the vertical.

Advantageously, the elongated connecting elements 40 extend obliquely at an angle to the reinforcement parts which respectively connect the reinforcement elements 20a, 20b, 30a, 30b, 60a, 60b, 70a, 70b, and at an angle to the panel portions 12a, 12b, 52a, 52b located, in particular, at the corner of the panel 100 and of its component panels 10, 50.

The elongated connecting elements 42 and 44, on the other hand, are substantially perpendicular to the corresponding reinforcement parts 20a, 20b,

30a, 30b, 60a, 60b, 70a, 70b and to the corresponding portions 12a, 12b, 52a, 52b of the panels 10 and 50.

More specifically, first perpendicular connecting elements 42 are provided in the vicinity of a respective longitudinal end of the corresponding part of the composite panel and second perpendicular connecting elements 44 are provided at the other longitudinal end of the composite panel. The elongated connecting elements 40, 42, 44 are in the form of corresponding metal wires inserted through the first and second panels and are welded to the respective strong reinforcements 20, 60 and assembling reinforcements 30, 70, thus also constituting means for spacing the facing strong reinforcements 20, 60. As illustrated, the reinforcement means 20, 30, 60, 70 are advantageously in the form of metallic mesh composed of lengthwise and crosswise rods.

Reinforcement means are also provided for strengthening the corner of the composite panel.

For the purpose, the parts 60a, 60b of the strong reinforcements have longitudinal end portions 60' a, 60'b extending beyond the other part 60b, 60a of the reinforcement at the respective panel 50, and as far as the opposite part 20'b,

20' a of the opposite reinforcement 20b, 20a, or in the vicinity of the opposite face of the respective panel 10.

The strong reinforcement for strengthening the corner of the panel also comprises transversal reinforcement means in the form of a plurality of crosswise rods 90a, 90b, 90c, 9Od located at the vertices defined by the extensions 60' a, 60'b of the reinforcement at the second panel 50, or convex side of the second panel 50, and by the corresponding end portions 20 'a, 20 'b of the reinforcement at the first panel 10, or concave side of the first panel 10. Viewed from above, the resistant structure of the composite panel thus obtained is substantially quadrangular, and more specifically, square, with the transversal or vertical rods 90a, 90b, 90c, 9Od at the corners.

As illustrated, the strong reinforcement for strengthening the corner of the panel also comprises the above mentioned oblique connecting elements 40 which intersect the opposite rods 90a, 90c at the corner reinforcement structure and where the longitudinal extensions 60' a, 60'b, of the reinforcements at the inside face of the inside panel 50 meet.

In particular, the corner reinforcement advantageously provides a resistant strut or internal pillar in the corner zone of the composite panel.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application and may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A panel (10, 50) used for construction purposes, in particular for constructing a building, comprising a panel body (12), made in particular of an insulating material, especially a plastic material, preferably an expanded material such as expanded polystyrene, comprising a panel body (12, 52) and characterized in that said panel body comprises a first and a second portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) extending at an angle (A) to each other.

2. The panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle (A) between the first and the second portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) of the panel body is equal or substantially equal to 90°.

3. The panel according to either of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the first portion (12a, 52a) is a flat- shaped portion.

4. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the said second portion (12b, 52b) is a flat-shaped portion.

5. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the first and the second portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) meet at a respective longitudinal end (12', 52').

6. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises spacing means (14, 54) which extend from the panel body (12, 52).

7. The panel according to claim 6, characterized in that the spacing means (14, 54) extend at an angle (B) from a corresponding portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) of the panel body.

8. The panel according to claim 7, characterized in that the spacing means (14, 54) extend at an angle equal or substantially equal to 45° with respect to the portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) from which they extend.

9. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to 8, characterized in that the spacing means (14, 54) extending from a respective portion (12a, 52a) are parallel to the spacing means (14, 54) which extend from the portion (12b, 14b) of the panel body.

10. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to 9, characterized in that the spacing means (14) extend from the face of the respective portion (12a, 12b) on the concave side of the panel body.

11. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to 9, characterized in that the spacing means (54) extend from the face of the respective portion (52a, 52b) on the convex side of the panel body.

12. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to 11, characterized in that the spacing means comprise one or more protrusions (14, 54).

13. The panel according to claim 12, characterized in that the protruding spacing means comprise a plurality of protrusions (14, 54), in particular aligned with each other transversally of the panel.

14. The panel according to claim 13, characterized in that the protruding spacing means comprise a second plurality of protrusions (14, 54), in particular aligned with each other transversally of the panel.

15. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to 14, characterized in that the protruding spacing means (14, 54) are located in the vicinity of the respective free end (12' a, 12'b, 52' a, 52'b) of the respective panel.

16. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 12 to 15, characterized in that the protrusions (14, 54) are transversally spaced from each other.

17. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 12 to 16, characterized in that the respective protrusion (14, 54) is in the form of a columnar protrusion.

18. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 12 to 17, characterized in that the respective protrusions (14, 54) have a cylindrical outside surface.

19. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means (16, 56) for engaging and retaining the panel.

20. The panel according to claim 19, characterized in that the engagement and retention means are located at the spacing means (14, 54).

21. The panel according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the engagement and retention means are located at the free end (14e, 54e) of the spacing means (14, 54).

22. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 19 to 21, characterized in that the engagement and retention means are designed to apply a retaining action radially of the spacing means (14, 54).

23. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 19 to 22, characterized in that the engagement and retention means (14s, 54s) are designed to apply an engagement and retaining action longitudinally of the spacing means (14, 54).

24. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 19 to 23, characterized in that the engagement and retention means comprise an insertion protuberance (16).

25. The panel according to claim 24, characterized in that the engagement and retention means comprise an insertion protuberance (16) having a cylindrical outer profile.

26. The panel according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the engagement and retention means comprise an insertion protuberance (16) having a transversal engagement end.

27. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 24 to 26, characterized in that the insertion protuberance is surrounded by and extends from a corresponding transversal annular shoulder (14s) of the protrusion (14).

28. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 19 to 27, characterized in that the engagement and retention means comprise a receiving hole (56).

29. The panel according to claim 28, characterized in that the engagement and retention means comprise a hole (56) having a cylindrical peripheric profile (56c).

30. The panel according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the engagement and retention means comprise a receiving hole (56) having a transversal engagement inside end (56s).

31. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 28 to 30, characterized in that the hole (56) is made in a corresponding annular shoulder (54s) of the protrusion (54).

32. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the respective panel body (12, 52) comprises spacing means (14, 54) whose length (Ll, L2) is predetermined according to the constructional element to be made.

33. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness (Sl, S2) of the panel (10,

50) is between 50 and 100 mm.

34. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the length (Ll, L2) of the spacing means (14, 54) is such as to define a distance (d) of between 100 and 250 mm between the first and the second panel.

35. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the respective panel (12, 52) is a panel formed in a suitable mould.

36. A set of panels comprising a plurality of panels used for construction purposes, in particular for constructing a building, comprising a respective panel body (52), made in particular of an insulating material, especially a plastic material, preferably an expanded material such as expanded polystyrene; characterized in that the panel body comprises a first and a second portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) extending at an angle (A) to each other, and in that the respective panel comprises spacing means differing in length from the spacing means of the other panels in the set.

37. A set of panels according to claim 36 or according to the preamble to claim 36, characterized in that the thickness (Sl, S2) of the respective panel (10) differs from the thickness of the other panels in the set.

38. The set of panels according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the respective panel (10, 50) is made according to any of the foregoing claims from 1 to 35.

39. A composite panel (100) used for construction purposes, in particular for constructing a building, comprising panel means, made in particular of an insulating material, especially a plastic material, preferably an expanded material such as expanded polystyrene; characterized in that the panel means comprises a first and a second panel (10, 50) facing each other and comprising a respective panel body (12, 52), and in that said first and second panels (10, 50) comprise a respective panel body (12, 52) comprising a first and a second portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) extending at an angle (A) to each other.

40. The composite panel according to claim 39, characterized in that the angle (A) between the first and the second portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) of the panel body of the respective panel (10, 50) is equal or substantially equal to 90°.

41. The composite panel according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that the first and second panels (10, 50) comprise a respective first portion (12a, 52a) in the form of a flat-shaped portion facing the first portion of the other panel.

42. The composite panel according to claim 41, characterized in that the first and second panels (10, 50) each comprise a respective second portion (12b, 52b) in the form of a flat-shaped portion facing the second portion of the other panel.

43. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 39 to 42 or according to the preamble to claim 39, characterized in that it comprises spacing means (14, 54) extending from the body (12, 52) of the respective panel and engaging the other panel.

44. The composite panel according to claim 43, characterized in that the spacing means (14, 54) extend at an angle (B) from a corresponding portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b).

45. The composite panel according to claim 44, characterized in that the spacing means (14, 54) extend at an angle (B) equal or substantially equal to 45° with respect to the portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) from which they extend.

46. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 43 to 45, characterized in that the spacing means (14, 54) extending from a respective portion (12a, 52a) are parallel to the spacing means (14, 54) which extend from the portion (12b, 52b) of the respective panel body.

47. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 43 to 46, characterized in that the spacing means comprise one or more protrusions (14, 54) extending from the panel body and engaging a corresponding surface of the other panel.

48. The composite panel according to claim 47, characterized in that the spacing means comprise one or more protrusions (14, 54) extending from the panel body and engaging a corresponding protrusion extending from the body of the other panel.

49. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 39 to 48 or according to the preamble to claim 39, characterized in that it comprises means

(16, 56) for mutually engaging and retaining the first and the second panel.

50. The composite panel according to claim 49, characterized in that the engagement and retention means are located at the spacing means (14, 54).

51. The composite panel according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that the engagement and retention means are located at the free ends (14e, 54e) of the spacing means (14, 54).

52. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 49 to 51, characterized in that the engagement and retention means are designed to apply a retaining action radially of the spacing means (14, 54).

53. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 49 to 52, characterized in that the engagement and retention means (14s, 54s) are designed to apply a retaining action longitudinally of the spacing means (14, 54).

54. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 49 to 53, characterized in that it comprises a panel (10) having a protuberance (16) designed to be inserted into a matching hole (56) in the other panel.

55. The composite panel according to claim 54, characterized in that the insertion protuberance (16) has a transversal end (16s) for abutting the inside end (56s) of the receiving hole.

56. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 39 to 55 or according to the preamble to claim 39, characterized in that it comprises reinforcement means (20, 30, 60, 70).

57. The composite panel according to claim 56, characterized in that the reinforcement means comprise a strong metallic reinforcement (20) on the inside of a respective panel (10).

58. The composite panel according to claim 57, characterized in that the reinforcement means comprise a strong metallic reinforcement (60) on the inside of a second panel (50).

59. The composite panel according to claim 57 or 58, characterized in that each strong metallic reinforcement (20, 60) comprises respective first and second parts

(20a, 20b; 60a, 60b) extending at an angle (A) to each other and located in the vicinity of a corresponding portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) of the respective panel.

60. The panel according to claim 59, characterized in that the angle (A) between the first and the second portion (20a, 20b; 60a, 60b) of each strong metallic reinforcement is equal or substantially equal to 90°.

61. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 60, characterized in that the reinforcement means comprise a metallic assembling reinforcement (30) on the outside of a respective panel (10).

62. The composite panel according to claim 61, characterized in that the reinforcement means comprise a metallic assembling reinforcement (70) on the outside of a second panel (50).

63. The composite panel according to claim 61 or 62, characterized in that each metallic assembling reinforcement (30, 70) comprises respective first and second parts (30a, 30b; 70a, 70b) extending at an angle (A) to each other and located in the vicinity of a corresponding portion (12a, 12b; 52a, 52b) of the respective panel body (12, 52).

64. The panel according to claim 63, characterized in that the angle (A) between the first and the second parts (30a, 30b; 70a, 70b) of each metallic assembling reinforcement is equal or substantially equal to 90°.

65. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 58 to 64, characterized in that it comprises means (40, 42, 44) for keeping the first and second strong metallic reinforcements (20, 60) at a required distance from each other.

66. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 65, characterized in that it comprises means (40, 42, 44) for mutually connecting the reinforcement means at the respective panel (10, 50).

67. The composite panel according claim 66, characterized in that it comprises means (40, 42, 44) for connecting the first and second strong metallic reinforcements (20, 60).

68. The composite panel according to claim 66 or 67, characterized in that it comprises means (40, 42, 44) for connecting the first and second metallic assembling reinforcements (30, 70).

69. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 68, characterized in that it comprises elongated connecting elements (40, 42, 44) between the reinforcement means.

70. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 69, characterized in that it comprises elongated connecting elements (40) which extend obliquely.

71. The panel according to claim 69 or 70, characterized in that the connecting elements (40) extend at the corner of the respective panel (10, 50).

72. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 69 to 71, characterized in that it comprises elongated connecting elements (42, 44) which extend perpendicularly.

73. The panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 69 to 72, characterized in that the connecting elements (42, 44) extend at a respective longitudinal end of the panel.

74. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 69 to 73, characterized in that the elongated connecting means (40, 42, 44) are in the form of respective metal wires,

75. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 74, characterized in that the reinforcement means are in the form of respective metallic mesh.

76. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 75, characterized in that it comprises reinforcement means for strengthening the corner of the composite panel.

77. The composite panel according to claim 76, characterized in that the reinforcement for strengthening the corner of the panel comprises end portions

(60'a, 60'b) extending beyond the corresponding part (60b, 60a) of the reinforcement.

78. The composite panel according to claim 77, characterized in that the reinforcement for strengthening the corner of the panel comprises end portions

(60' a, 60'b) extending beyond the corresponding part (60b, 60a) of the reinforcement as far as the opposite part (20b, 20a) of the opposite reinforcement, or in the vicinity of the opposite panel (10b, 10a).

79. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 76 to 78, characterized in that the strong corner reinforcement means comprise transversal reinforcement means (90a, 90b, 90c, 9Od).

80. The composite panel according to claim 79, characterized in that the transversal reinforcement means comprise one or more crosswise rods (90a, 90b, 90c, 9Od), located in particular at the vertices defined by the extensions (60' a, 60'b) of the reinforcement at the second panel (50), or convex side of the second panel (50), and by the corresponding end portions (20' a, 20'b) of the reinforcement at the first panel (10), or concave side of the first panel (10).

81. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 76 to 80, characterized in that the respective strong corner reinforcement comprises the oblique connecting elements (40).

82. The composite panel according to claim 81, characterized in that the respective strong corner reinforcement comprises the oblique connecting elements (40) which intersect corresponding crosswise rods (90a, 90c) of the strong corner reinforcement.

83. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 76 to 82, characterized in that in use the strong corner reinforcement provides a resistant strut.

84. The composite panel according to any of the foregoing claims from 39 to 83 or according to the preamble to claim 83, characterized in that the respective panel (10, 50) of the panel means is made according to any of the foregoing claims from 1 to 35.