Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIPs) are a type of construction technology that typically involve a core of insulating material, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, sandwiched between layers of concrete, often reinforced with steel mesh or trusses. While your question asks about a "SCIP patent," there isn’t a single definitive patent that universally defines all SCIP systems, as the technology has evolved over time with various inventors and companies contributing innovations. However, I can provide insight into one of the foundational patents related to this concept and clarify the broader context.
One of the earliest and most notable patents associated with what we now recognize as SCIP technology was issued to Victor P. Weismann in 1967. U.S. Patent No. 3,305,991, titled "Reinforced Modular Foam Panels," describes a system that aligns closely with modern SCIP designs. Filed on October 22, 1964, and granted on February 21, 1967, this patent outlines a construction panel comprising a lightweight foam core (like polystyrene) flanked by wire mesh on both sides, connected by steel trusses or ties penetrating the foam. The assembly is designed to be coated with a cementitious material, such as shotcrete, on-site to form a composite structural panel. Weismann’s invention, developed in Pasadena, California, is often cited as a pioneering step in SCIP technology, emphasizing lightweight, insulated, and strong concrete walls.
This patent’s key features include:
Core Material: A lightweight, insulating foam (e.g., expanded polystyrene).
Reinforcement: Galvanized wire mesh on both sides, connected by vertical steel wire trusses.
Construction Method: The panel is finished on-site by applying concrete (via shotcreting) to both sides, creating a solid, insulated wall.
Since Weismann’s patent, numerous variations and improvements have emerged, but it laid foundational principles for SCIP systems. Other patents have built upon this concept, adapting materials, connectors, or manufacturing processes. For example:
U.S. Patent No. 9,649,662 (issued May 16, 2017) describes a "Seamless Reinforced Concrete Structural Insulated Panel" using calcium sulfoaluminate cement and a foam core, focusing on factory precasting rather than on-site shotcreting.
U.S. Patent No. 8,745,943 (issued June 10, 2014) covers a method for precast insulated concrete panels, including tilt-up applications, with insulation embedded during casting.
These later patents reflect refinements in the technology, but Weismann’s 1967 patent is widely recognized as an origin point for SCIP-like systems. Modern SCIP implementations, such as those by companies like Vero Building Systems or Concrewall USA, often trace their conceptual lineage back to such early innovations, though they may incorporate proprietary tweaks not fully detailed in public patents.
If you’re looking for a specific SCIP patent beyond Weismann’s, could you clarify further—perhaps a company, inventor, or feature you’re interested in? Otherwise, U.S. Patent No. 3,305,991 serves as a critical starting point for understanding the technology’s patented history.