[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/979,159, filed on April 14, 2014. The entire teachings of the above application(s) are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Typical building paneling is constructed of a plurality of elongated, horizontal or vertical panels, planks, or strips where each strip is adjacent to or overlaps the one below or next to it. Such paneling systems are typically employed to protect the building from weather damage, fire, or offer an aesthetically pleasing surface treatment.

[0003] Building structures, such as a house, typically include a wall structure of wood or steel. An exterior layer of plywood or material of similar function may be placed upon the frame to provide an exterior surface. An additional weatherproofmg layer can then be placed on the exterior surface, and finally a cladding, paneling, or siding is placed to provide the final exterior surface. Paneling may also be installed to the interior of the structure, either directly to the structure, or on top of (interior to) an interior finishing surface, such as gypsum board or plaster. Plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood, fiber-reinforced cement, gypsum board, ceramic tile, glass time, and aluminum are some common paneling materials.

[0004] Current cladding or paneling products are complex to install and have performance shortcomings. The installation of siding and interior paneling is a complicated, time-consuming process that requires individual placement of multiple parts, often resulting in visual defects due to improper alignment of these multiple parts. Such defects typically result in increased labor and greatly increase the risk of incomplete weather sealing (in the case of exterior cladding).

[0005] The current process of installing cladding and paneling products is time- consuming and highly error-prone, requiring the individual placement of panels often needing to be perfectly parallel to each other and at precisely consistent spacing. When this is not executed perfectly, visual defects are easily noticed and substantial performance degradation can result, including, in the case of exterior cladding, the intrusion of water and moisture into the inside of the building.

[0006] At present - even in the case of factory-built buildings - however, much of the cladding installation is completed on the building site, directly on the building, especially in areas with multiple factory-built sections are joined or on walls having seams in folding or other types of factory-built buildings.

[0007] New cladding and interior panel systems are needed that allow for time and cost-efficient production and installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to systems for providing easily installed and easily removable siding panels on the exterior or interior of a building, such as a house. Methods and processes for making and using such easily installed and removable siding systems are also disclosed. Disclosed in embodiments of the present invention is a cladding and paneling system useful for placing exterior or interior paneling on a surface of a wall by sliding two sets of strapping members together, one set on the paneling and another on the surface of the wall, such that the panel is placed against the wall and slid a short distance into place, whereby the two sets of strapping members interlock and restrict the panel to a single line of motion against the wall.

[0009] Generally, the sliding panel system includes a building comprising a wall of the building, a panel comprising one or more panel members, a first set of strapping members affixed to the panel, and a second set of strapping members affixed to the wall. The second set of strapping members is adapted to mate with members of the first set. When mated, at least a portion of the strapping members of the first set and the second set geometrically constrain the panel to the wall and restrict movement of the panel to a single line of translation along the wall. The movement of the panel enables mating and unmating of the first and second set of strapping members. It should be noted that the second set of strapping members can alternatively be integrated into the shape of members within structure of the building itself (studs, etc.) or integrated into an exterior covering of the wall (e.g., a sheathing layer) thus performing the function of the second set of strapping members without a separate set of strapping members distinct from the building structure itself.

[0010] The building can further include a plurality of columns of strapping members comprising members of the first and second sets of strapping members. The first and second set of strapping members can have a width along the surface wall, where each of the plurality of rows is positioned a distance from an adjacent column greater than or equal to the strapping member width to permit the placement of the first set of strapping members against the wall in an unmated configuration. In some embodiments, one of the plurality of columns of strapping members includes at least two mating interfaces, each mating interface comprising a contact region between a member of the first set of strapping members and a member of second set of strapping members, the two mating interfaces being adapted to, when mated, constrain the panel to the wall and allow sideways movement of the panel relative to the wall. In some embodiments, two of the plurality of columns of strapping members includes at least three mating interfaces, each mating interface comprising a contact region between a member of the first set of strapping members and a member of the second set of strapping members, the three mating interface being adapted to, when mated, constrain the panel to the wall and only allow sideways movement of the panel relative to the wall. Each contact region of the mating interfaces can comprise an angled cut in a first mating strapping member and a corresponding angled cut in a second mating strapping member.

[0011] The present invention makes it possible to complete a most difficult part of attaching paneling or cladding to a structure at a time other than during construction and/or a place other than at the construction site. The invention also makes it possible to quickly remove cladding or paneling from a wall of the structure once installed. Ideally, this work would be completed as a separate subassembly, potentially as a larger, factory-built component shipped to the building site and quickly installed once there. This would be especially valuable to the prefabricated buildings industry, where the aim is to complete as much work as possible in a factory setting in order to assure efficiency and quality.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention is a building comprising a wall, a panel comprising one or more panel members, a first set of strapping members affixed to the panel; and a second set of strapping members affixed to or

incorporated into the wall, strapping members of the second set being mated with strapping members of the first set. The strapping members of the first set and the strapping members of the second set jointly attach the panel to the wall and restrict movement of the panel to a single line of translation along the wall to enable mating and unmating of the first and second set of strapping members when the panel is not otherwise affixed (e.g. using fasteners such as nails, screws, and bolts) to the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall of a building section with an attached panel, the panel having tongue and grove siding, in accord with

embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wall of a building section with an attached panel embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the wall and panel of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the wall and panel of FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wall and panel system of FIG. 1 with a section of the panel removed to show interior strapping members (including strapping members of the first and second set) in an embodiment of the present invention. [0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the wall and panel system of FIG. 1 with a section of the panel removed to show interior strapping members (including strapping members of the first and second set) in an alternative configuration.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the wall of FIG. 5 with both wall and panel strapping members attached.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 5 with both wall and panel strapping members attached.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a panel attached to a wall with strapping members and partially covering the wall in accord with embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the wall of FIG. 9 showing the attached wall strapping members.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a panel with attached panel and wall strapping members.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a wall with attached wall strapping members embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a panel and attached panel strapping members configured to mate with the wall of FIG. 12.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a wall of a building section with an attached panel embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a side view of the panel and wall with strapping members shown in FIG. 14.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a side view of the panel and wall with strapping members shown in FIG. 14 with lap siding panel members.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the wall and strapping members of FIG. 14.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the panel and strapping members of FIG. 14.

[0032] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a wall with attached strapping members according to embodiments of the present invention. [0033] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a panel and attached strapping members configured to mate with the wall and attached strapping members of FIG. 19.

[0034] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a prefabricated house embodiment of the present invention

[0035] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the building section FIG. 21 with folding wall embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the building section of FIG. 21 partially completed.

[0037] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the building section of FIG. 21 further under construction.

[0038] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the rear face of the removable panel of FIG. 24.

[0039] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a wall without sheathing and having an attached panel embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a wall without sheathing and having an attached panel where the wall strapping members are integrated with the frame of the wall.

[0041] FIG. 28 is perspective view of an interior wall with tiled finishing panel attached with two sets of strapping members.

[0042] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a wall with sheathing having integrated strapping features for attaching panel strapping members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall of a building section with an attached panel, the panel having tongue and grove paneling, in accord with embodiments of the present invention. A building section 100 is shown to include a wall 110 with an attached panel 120. The building section 100 is an example of a typical element of a residential, commercial or industrial structure. The building section 100, which can be, for example, an exterior or interior wall of a house, multi- family residential building, commercial building, industrial building, or other built structure. The wall 110 can be a one or more foldable wall sections. The building can be a prefabricated building.

[0044] The building section 100 of FIG. 1 comprises a wall (including a wall structure 110 covered with a sheathing layer 119) and an attached panel 120. The panel 120 is a series of individual panel members 129 and a plurality of panel strapping members (also generally referred to herein as "strapping members of a first set"), of which a single panel strapping member 121 can be seen. In some embodiments, one or more panel members 129 are one or more panels of exterior finishing or sheathing. In other embodiments, the one or more panel members 129 are one or more panels of interior paneling, tile, or wall board.

[0045] The panel strapping member 121, also referred herein as a strapping member of a first set, secures the panel 120 to the wall 110 by mating with corresponding wall strapping members 111a, 11 lb attached to the sheathing layer 119. The panel strapping member 121 can also secure individual panel members 129 together. The wall strapping members 111a, 11 lb, are referred to herein as strapping members of a second set. The first and second set of strapping members are positioned in a plurality of columns of strapping members (i.e., typically, at least two strapping members contacting each other (e.g., one strapping member resting on another) and forming a line of strapping members which would be continuous if it were not for the mating interface (i.e., where one strapping member rests on another in a contact region); shown in FIG. 5) between the wall 110 and panel 120. The panel strapping member 121 interlocks with the adjacent wall strapping members 111a, 111b and constrains the panel 120 to translating only along a single line of movement along the wall 110.

[0046] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the building section 100 comprises of a wall 110 with an attached panel 120. The panel 120 consists of individual panel members 129, the panel members 129 are shown to be blank boards with a tongue - in-groove interface oriented horizontally across the panel 120. The panel 120 is attached to the wall 110 by a series of strapping members placed between a sheathing layer 119 on the wall 110 and the rear face of the panel 120. The profile of the wall 110 of the building section 100 shows a single column of strapping members between the panel 120 and the sheathing layer of the wall 119. The column of strapping members consists of a panel strapping member 121 of a first set of strapping members attached to the panel 120 and wall strapping members 111a, 11 lb of a second set of strapping members attached to the wall 110. The two wall- attached strapping members (of the second set) 111a, 11 lb are affixed to the sheathing layer of the wall 110 and the panel-attached strapping member (of the first set) 121 is attached to the rear face of the panel 120. The panel 120 is supported on the wall 110 by the panel strapping member 121 and its geometric interconnection with the two wall attached strapping members 111a, 111b. The wall-attached strapping members 111a, 111b function to constrain the panel strapping member 121 to a single line of translation along the wall 110, i.e., the panel 120 is free to slide in only one direction along the wall while the wall-attached strapping members 111a, 111b are engaged with the panel strapping member 121.

[0047] The panel 120 allows individual panel members 129 to be supported and, optionally, held together, by the first set of strapping members (including the shown panel strapping member 121) affixed to the rear face of the panel 120. The panel strapping member 121 allows the panel 120 to be placed against the wall 110 and slid into an installed position, whereby the panel strapping member 121

interconnects with, i.e., slides between, the series of wall strapping members 111a, 11 lb. The wall strapping members 111a, 111b can be integrated with the structural frame elements of the wall or integrated with the sheathing layer 119. The sheathing layer 119 can be made, for example, from plywood, oriented strand board, polyvinyl chloride, plaster, or gypsum board. In some embodiments, the second set of strapping members 111a, 111b are attached to the sheathing layer 119. The sheathing layer 119 itself can also be fashioned to perform the function of the second set of strapping members 111a, 111b.

[0048] Typical systems employing the panel 120 and strapping member 111a, 11 lb, 121 utilize a series of columns of strapping members comprises alternating panel and wall strapping members, whereby in any individual column of strapping members, there are at least two mating interfaces between members of the first and second sets of strapping members, thereby constraining the motion of the panel 120 to a single line translation along the wall. Or, in one alternative embodiment, systems employ three or more columns of strapping members, where each of the columns includes at least one interface between the first and second set of strapping members (as shown in FIGS. 14-20). In operation, the plurality of columns of strapping members are typically significantly narrower than the overall horizontal length of the panel, which allows the panel 120 and panel strapping members 121 to be placed against the sheathing layer 119 of the wall 110 and slid a small distance (e.g., a width of the strapping members) into a mated configuration.

[0049] The panel 120 can be part of the exterior or interior paneling of any building section having a wall 110 and the individual panel members 129 of the panel 120 can be a constructed from a common variety of exterior siding material, for example, wood, plywood, plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fiber-reinforced cement, gypsum board, or metal. The panel members 129 interconnect with adjacent panel members 129 using a tongue and groove system, but it should be understood that any style of panel member 129 can be joined together to create the panel 120. The panel strapping member 121 and the adjacent wall strapping members 111a, 111b can be cut from a single piece of standard strapping material, including wood, plywood, oriented-strand board, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other materials known in the art or shaped individually from any suitable material, for example, wood, plastic, or metal.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wall of a building section with an attached panel, the panel having lap siding, in accord with embodiments of the present invention. A building section 200 with overlapping panel members 229 (lap siding) is shown in FIG. 2. The panel 220 has individual panel members 229 with an overlapping configuration as opposed to the tongue and groove configuration shown in FIG. 1. Panel members 229 typically comprise exterior material such as wood, vinyl, fiber-reinforced cement, or aluminum. The panel 220 with individual lap panel members 229 attaches to the wall with the sheathing layer 219, wall strapping members 21 la, 21 lb, and panel strapping members 221 in the same configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1 [0051] The building section 200 includes a wall 210, a sheathing layer 219, and a panel 220. The panel 220 includes a panel strapping member 221 configured to secure the panel to the wall 210 and can also hold individual panel members 229 together to form the panel 220 assembly. Wall strapping members 21 la, 21 lb are attached to the wall 210 and configured to mate with the panel strapping member 221 and secure the panel 220 to the wall 210. The panel strapping member 221 and the wall strapping members 21 lb, 211b can form one of a plurality of columns of strapping members. The panel 220 includes individual panel members 229 that fit together in a lap configuration, whereby individual panel members 229 overlap adjacent panel members 229.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a side view of a wall and panel as illustrated in FIG. 1. The panel 320 includes individual panel members 329 and at least one panel strapping member 321. The trapezoidal shape of the profile of the panel strapping member 321 (i.e, angled cuts at opposite ends) interfaces with corresponding geometry at the ends of the adjacent wall strapping members 311a, 311b. The panel strapping member 321 can, for example, secure the panel to the sheathing layer 319 or to the wall 310 via friction, fasteners (not shown) through the sheathing layer 319, or adhesive. The panel strapping member 321 can also serve to secure individual panel members 329 together.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a side view of a wall and panel as illustrated in FIG. 2. The panel 420 includes lap siding members 429 attached to a wall 410 of a building section 400 with at least one panel strapping member 421, which also can serve to secure individual panel members 429 together. The panel strapping member 421 interfaces (e.g., mates with) corresponding wall strapping members 411a, 41 lb in at least one column of strapping members.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wall and panel system as illustrated in FIG. 1 with a section of the panel removed to show interior strapping members in a configuration according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a building section 500 including a panel 520 attached to a wall 510. The panel 520 includes individual panel members 529 and, on the rear face of the panel, a plurality of panel strapping members 521a-c. The wall 510 includes a sheathing layer 519 that can be made from any substantially flat material, or alternatively may not be included at all. As is well known in the art, sheathing layers 519 are able to provide a surface to which to attach subsequent layers, provide rigidity in the direction parallel to the wall 510, resists wind loads perpendicular to the wall 510, and sometimes are employed to prevent water and water vapor from entering the interior of the wall 510. More typically, water and vapor protection is performed by a layer (not shown) placed directly outside of the sheathing 519, such as house wrap (not shown). Alternatively, the sheathing layer 519 may not exist, as is often the case on the interior face (not shown) of the wall 510.

[0055] Counting to refer to FIG. 5, wall strapping members 51 la-d are affixed to the wall 510 and configured to mate with corresponding panel strapping members 521a-c. For example, the panel strapping member 521a on the back of the panel 520 are locked between two wall strapping members 511a, 511b in a geometric configuration that prevent the panel 520 from moving in a direction other than sliding parallel to the wall 510. The panel 520 is easily attached to the wall 510 by placing the panel 520 against the wall 520 with the panel strapping members 521a-c offset from the wall strapping members 51 la-d and sliding the panel 520 along the wall 510 to engage the panel strapping members 521a-c with corresponding wall strapping members 51 la-d. Vertically staggering the placement of the panel strapping members 521a-c enables the individual panel members 529 to be held together solely by their attachment to the panel strapping members 521a-c because the panel strapping members 521a-c are able to cover the full range of placemen of the individual panel members 529.

[0056] Additionally, the panel 520 and wall 510 being separated by a plurality of strapping members 51 la-d, 521a-c forms a gap between the sheathing layer 519 and the rear face of the panel 520. FIG. 5 shows vertically running columns of strapping members 530 creating a series of gaps 540 between the panel 520 and the sheathing layer 519 running horizontally across the entire wall 510. Gaps 540 in this configuration in exterior walls are also known as features of rainscreens and it is well known in the industry that these rainscreen gaps advantageously manage moisture levels between siding and sheathing layers. Rainscreen gaps 540 help to dry the sheathing 519, which can accumulate moisture during cold weather or precipitation. The rainscreen gaps 540 are optional, and the panel and strapping members could be configured to prevent gaps 540 between the wall and panel. The gaps 540 also helps to dry the siding after it is exposed to rain or cold weather and provide a path for water to drain down to the bottom of the wall 510 where openings can be provided for egress of the water. Optionally, ventilation openings at the top of the gap 540 provides a path for ventilation air to rise due to the stack effect, which is strongest when sun shines on the panel 520. In the case of interior paneling, such gaps 540 can be employed to maintain an even, flat interior surface, or can not be included at all.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a wall and panel system as illustrated in FIG. 1 with a section of the panel removed to show interior strapping members in an alternative configuration. In FIG. 5 the panel strapping members 521a-c were staggered to cover the entire horizontal length of the panel 520. This staggered configuration enables the panel strapping member 521a-c to secure the individual panel members 529 together in the panel 520. Alternatively, a building section 600 has a wall 610 and panel 620 where the panel 620 and its individual panel members 629 are held together with other means, for example, friction, glue, or internal fasteners (not shown in FIG. 6). In instances where the panel strapping members 621a, 621b are not utilized to secure the individual panel members 629, the panel strapping members 621a, 621b can be placed anywhere on the rear face of the panel 620. Shown in FIG. 6, the wall strapping members 61 la-f are positioned on the top and bottom of the wall 610 across the horizontal length of the wall 610 and sheathing layer 619. The panel 620 is attached to the wall 610 and sheathing layer 619 by the panel strapping members 621a, 621b interlocking with corresponding wall strapping members 61 la-c.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wall as illustrated in FIG. 5 with both wall and panel strapping members attached, but with the panel members removed for clarity. A building section 700 includes a wall 710 having a sheathing layer 719 attached to a surface of the wall 710. Attached to the sheathing layer 719 are a plurality of columns of wall strapping members 71 la-e. A plurality of panel strapping members 721a-d are shown in the columns of wall strapping members

71 la-e. The panel strapping members 721a-d are not attached to the sheathing layer 719 and are able to be disengaged from the sheathing layer 719 by sliding at least a distance longer than a width of the wall strapping members 750 along the sheathing layer 719. The columns of wall strapping members 71 la-e are placed a distance 751 apart from each other to create a gap between the sheathing layer and a panel (not shown) attached to the panel strapping members 721a-d. The panel strapping members 721a-d and wall strapping members 71 la-e can be created from a single piece of production lumber affixed to the sheathing layer 719 of the wall 710 in locations enabling the panel strapping members to be defined by angled cuts in the lumber. At least one panel strapping member 721c mates with a wall strapping members 71 lc to prevent the panel from moving vertically up the wall 710 and at least one wall strapping member 71 lb can support the weight of the panel (520 in FIG. 5) carried by the mated panel strapping member 721a. The function of these two sets 721c,71 lc and 71 lb, 72 la of wall and panel strapping members is enabled by the angled shape of a mating surface between them. These two sets 721c,71 lc and 71 lb,721a being placed in different columns of strapping members additionally constrains counterclockwise rotation of the panel (520 in FIG. 5) direction about an axis orthogonal to the surface of the wall 710. A third set, for example a wall strapping member 71 le and a panel strapping member 72 Id of the third column of strapping members, this third wall strapping member 71 le configured to further support the weight of the panel (520 in FIG. 5) carried by panel strapping members

72 Id additionally constrains clockwise rotation of the panel (520 in FIG. 5) direction about an axis orthogonal to the surface of the wall 710 and, therefore, together with the first two sets of strapping members 721c,71 lc and 71 lb, 72 la constrains the panel (520 in FIG. 5) to horizontal translation along the wall 710 when the panel and wall strapping members are mated together.

[0059] In other embodiments, the building further includes strapping members of the second set preventing horizontal movement of a strapping members of the first set along the wall, with the single line of translation along the wall being vertically oriented. It should also be noted that the orientation of the system is not limited to horizontal and vertical; in some embodiments, it can instead be diagonal.

[0060] Alternatively, and shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of columns of panel strapping members 821a-d and wall strapping members 81 la-e can be first placed on a panel 820 to secure the individual panel members 829 and then the wall strapping members can be created from angled cuts in the plurality of columns of strapping members in location where the plurality of columns of strapping members are not affixed to the individual panel members 829. Strapping members can also be created separate from the wall and/or cladding panel(s), and the strapping members attached to the wall need not be made of the same material as those attached to the siding; every individual part can be made of a different piece of material.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a panel attached to a wall with strapping members and partially covering the wall in accord with embodiment of the present invention. A building section 900 includes a wall 910 and an attached panel 920 partially covering the wall 910. The wall includes a sheathing layer 919. The panel 920 comprises multiple individual panel members 929. The panel 920 is attached the wall 920 with a series of panel strapping members 921a-b that are held in placed by corresponding wall strapping members 91 la-e attached the wall 910. Because the panel 920 does not cover the entire wall 910, other panel strapping members 930 can be used to attach a second panel (not shown).

[0062] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wall as illustrated in FIG. 9 showing the attached wall strapping members. The building section 1000 includes a wall 1010 with a sheathing layer 1019 and attached wall-strapping members lOlOa-e configured to interface with corresponding panel strapping members (921a-d in FIG. 9). For example, end surfaces 1041, 1042 of the wall strapping members 1011a, 101 lb are angled to secure a corresponding panel strapping member (921a in FIG. 9) when it is slid into a mating position between the ends 1041, 1042, of the wall strapping members 1011a, 1011b.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a panel with attached panel and wall strapping members. The panel 1120 includes individual panel members 11129 and panel strapping members 1121a-d. Wall strapping members 111 la-c are in their mated position with the panel strapping members 1121a-d, but are not actually attached to the panel 1120.

[0064] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a wall with attached wall strapping members. A building section 1200 includes a wall 1210 with an attached sheathing layer 1219 and wall strapping members 1211-c configured to accept a plurality of panel strapping members (1321a-e in FIG. 13) to secure a panel (1320 in FIG. 13) to the building section 1200.

[0065] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a panel and attached panel strapping members configured to mate with the wall of FIG. 12. The panel 1320 has individual lap siding members 1329. A plurality of panel strapping members 1321a- e are configured to mate with the wall strapping members of FIG. 12 to secure the panel to a building section or wall (not shown). The panel strapping members 1321a-e can optionally secure the individual lap siding members 1329 to each other.

[0066] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a wall of a building section with an attached panel, the panel having tongue and grove siding and cut to show an alternative configuration of strapping members, in accord with embodiments of the present invention. A building section 1400 includes a wall 1410 with a sheathing layer 1419 with an attached panel 1420. The panel 1420 is attached to the wall 1410 with at least three columns of strapping members (1760 of FIG. 17). In the first column of strapping members, a wall strapping members 1411 and a panel strapping member 1421 are partially constraining the panel 1420 to the wall 1410. A second panel strapping member 1421b is engaged with a second wall strapping member (171 lb of FIG. 17) to partially secure the panel 1420 to the wall 1410. A third column of strapping members (not shown) also partially secures the panel 1420 to the wall 1420. Together, three columns of strapping members secure the panel 1420 to the wall 1410 by constraining the movement of the panel 1420 to a single line of translation along the surface of the wall 1410.

[0067] FIG. 15 is a side view of a panel and wall with strapping members as illustrated in FIG. 14. The building section 1500 includes a wall 1510 with a sheathing layer 1519 and an attached panel 1520 with individual panel members 1529. A wall strapping member 1511 is attached to the wall and supports and partially constrains a panel strapping members 1521 against the wall 1510. The panel strapping member 1521 is attached to the panel 1520 and can secure individual panel members 1529 together.

[0068] FIG. 16 is a side view of a panel and wall with strapping members as illustrated in FIG. 14 with lap siding panel members. The building section 1600 includes a wall 1610 with a sheathing layer 1619 and an attached panel 1620 with individual lap panel members 1629. A wall strapping member 1611 is attached to the wall and supports and partially constrains a panel strapping members 1621 against the wall 1610. The panel strapping member 1621 is attached to the panel 1620.

[0069] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a wall and strapping members as illustrated in FIG. 14. A building section 1700 includes a wall 1710 with a sheathing layer 1719. Three columns of strapping members 1760 are configured to secure a panel (1820 of FIG. 18) to the wall 1710. Each of the three columns 1760 of strapping members consist of a panel strapping member 1721a-c and a wall strapping member 171 la-c. For example, in the first column of the three columns of strapping members, a panel strapping member 1721a is supported by a wall strapping member 1711a. The wall strapping member 171 la prevents the panel strapping member 1721a from moving towards the wall strapping member 171 la or perpendicularly away from the wall 1710 by providing an angled mating surface between the two strapping members configured, for example, to have a 45 degree cut with respect to the plane of the wall, which, in combination with a second mating region with an angled cut of a different angle, prevents motion along the first mating surface or in any direction except along the single line one parallel to both mating surfaces. In the second column of the three columns of strapping members 1760, a wall strapping member 171 lb prevents a panel strapping member from moving vertically along the wall 1710 in a direction towards the wall strapping member 171 lb. Together, the first two columns of strapping members prevent a panel (1820 of FIG. 18) attached to the corresponding panel strapping members 1721a-b from moving up or down the wall, or away from it perpendicularly; however, the panel is still free to translate along the wall 1710 or to rotate in the plane of the wall 1710. To prevent rotation of the panel and constrain the panel to a single line of translation along the surface of the wall 1710, a third column of strapping members comprises a wall strapping member 1711c and a panel strapping member 1721c in the same orientation as the first column of strapping members.

[0070] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a panel and strapping members as illustrated in FIG. 14. A panel 1820 comprises an individual panel members 1829 and panel strapping members 182 la-c in at least three columns of strapping members. At least one corresponding wall strapping member 181 la-c is included in each column of panel strapping members 182 la-c. The panel strapping members 182 la-c are attached to the panel and optionally affix individual panel members 1829 to each other.

[0071] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a wall with attached strapping members according to embodiments of the present invention. A building section 1910 includes a wall 1910 with an optionally attached protective sheathing layer 1919. The wall has three wall strapping members 191 la-c configured to secure the panel of FIG. 20 by interfacing with corresponding panel strapping members (202 la-c of FIG. 20)

[0072] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a panel and attached strapping members configured to mate with the wall and attached strapping members of FIG. 19. A panel 2020 comprises individual lap siding members 2029 and panel strapping members 2021b arranged to interface with the wall strapping members 191 la-c of FIG. 19 and which can optionally secure individual lap siding members 2029 together.

[0073] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a perspective view of a prefabricated house embodiment of the present invention. A prefabricated house 2100 includes wall siding 2111 and front siding 2150. The wall siding 2111 and front siding 2150 can be attached to the building section 2100 with a plurality of strapping members (not shown) attached to the building section 2100 and to the panels 2111, 2150.

[0074] FIG. 22 illustrates the building section 2200 of FIG. 21 during construction. In FIG. 22, the building section 2200 includes a wall 2201 and a folding wall 2202 in a partially unfolded configuration. The folding wall 2202 includes hinges 2240 between a first section 2220a of the folding wall 2202 and a second section 2220b of the folding wall 2202. The folding wall 2202 includes a plurality of wall strapping members 2210 organized into a plurality of columns of strapping members 2210 configured to accept a set of panel strapping members (not shown) in the spaces between individual strapping members 2210 of each column.

[0075] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a building section 2300 as illustrated in FIG. 21 during construction. In FIG. 23, the building section includes a wall 2301 with an attached panel 2311 , a lower folding wall 2302, and an upper folding wall 2303. The folding walls include hinges 2340 to enabled individual sections 2320a, 2320b, 2321a, 2321b of the folding walls 2302, 2303 to be folded. The lower folding wall 2302 includes a plurality of wall strapping members 2310 organized into a plurality of columns of strapping members 2310 configured to accept a set of panel strapping members (not shown) in the spaces between individual strapping members 2310 of each column.

[0076] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a building section 2400 during construction. In FIG. 24, the building section 2400 includes a wall 2401 with an attached wall panel 2411, lower wall 2402 with a removable panel 2350, an upper wall 2403, and a roof 2405. The lower folding wall 2402 includes a wall surface 2420 with a plurality of wall strapping members 2410 attached thereto. The walls strapping members 2410 are positioned in a plurality of columns and mate with a plurality of panel strapping members (2251 in FIG. 26) to secure the removable panel 2450 to the wall surface 2420.

[0077] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a rear face of a removable panel 2550 as illustrated in FIG. 24. In FIG. 25, the panel includes a plurality of panel members 2559 held together by a plurality of panel strapping members 2551. The panel strapping members 2551 are positioned in a plurality of columns of strapping members in positions corresponding to the gaps in the columns of wall strapping members (2410 in FIG. 24) on a wall (2402 in FIG. 24) to which the panel is adapted to be attached to. In operation, the panel 2550 is placed against the wall (2402 in FIG. 24) such that the panel strapping members rest against the wall surface (2420 in FIG. 24) and then the panel 2550 is shifted sideways a short distance (typically the width of the panel strapping members 2551) to mate the panel strapping members 2551 between the wall strapping members (2410 in FIG 24) an secure the panel 2550 to the wall (2402 in FIG. 24).

[0078] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a wall without sheathing and having an attached panel embodiment. FIG. 26 shows a wall 2610 and panel 2620 with a section of the panel removed to show interior strapping members. A building section 2600 includes a panel 2620 attached to a wall 2610. The panel 2620 includes individual panel members 2629 and, on the rear face of the panel 2620, a plurality of panel strapping members 2621a-c. The wall 2610 does not include a sheathing layer. Wall strapping members 261 la-d are directly attached to structural elements of the wall 2610, for example, studs, and are configured to mate with corresponding panel strapping members 2621a-c.

[0079] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a wall without sheathing and having an attached panel where the wall strapping members are integrated with the frame of the wall. FIG. 27 shows a wall 2710 and panel 2720 with a section of the panel 2720 removed to show interior strapping members. A building section 2700 includes a panel 2720 attached to a wall 2710. The panel 2720 includes individual panel members 2629 and, on the rear face of the panel 2720, a plurality of panel strapping members 2721a-c. The wall 2710 does not include a sheathing layer. Wall strapping members 271 la-d are integrated into a plurality of structural elements 2719 of the wall 2710, for example, studs, and are configured to mate with corresponding panel strapping members 2721a-c. The integrated wall strapping members 271 la-b are formed between recessed sections 2712a-b formed in the structural elements 2719 of the wall 2710.

[0080] FIG. 28 is perspective view of an interior wall with tiling attached with two sets of strapping members. FIG. 28 shows an interior wall 2810 and finishing panel 2820 with a section of the finishing panel 2820 removed to show internal strapping members. A building section 2800 includes a finishing panel 2820 attached to an interior wall 2810. The finishing panel 2820 includes individual tiles 2829 and, on the rear face of the finishing panel 2820, a plurality of panel strapping members 2721a-c, which can optionally secure the individual tiles 2829 together. Wall strapping members 281 la-d are directly attached to structural elements 2819 of the interior wall 2810, for example, studs, and are configured to mate with corresponding panel strapping members 2821a-c.

[0081] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a wall with sheathing having integrated strapping features for attaching panel strapping members. FIG. 29 shows a building section 2900 including a wall 2910 and a panel 2900 attached to the wall 2910. The wall 2910 has a sheathing layer 2919 with cut-outs 2912 shaped to accepted panel strapping members 2921 of a panel 2900. The cut-outs 2112a-b include notches 2913 at the top (of a width at least as wide as the corresponding panel strapping members 2921) configured to accept the panel strapping members 2921a-c and enable the panel 2900 to be placed against the wall without interference. The cutouts include, adjacent to the notches 2913, mating features 2913 adapted to interface with a mating feature (not shown) on a corresponding panel strapping member 2921 and enable the panel strapping members 2921 to be placed in the notches 2913 of the cut-outs 2912 and translated along the wall 2910 to interface with the mating features 2914 and constrain the panel 2920 to the wall 2910.

[0082] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.