Abstract: A design concept has now been developed that provides for a multi-unit housing having a number of design and construction advantages. In a type 5 (IBC) structure, a multi-story building is constructed over a single foundation. The building is constructed so that pairs of residential units are positioned in a generally back-to-back configuration separated by a non-load bearing unit separation wall. This unit separation wall may be easily moved or positioned after the shell of the building has been constructed so as to customize the size of an individual unit. A central drive lane is positioned on the ground level of the building under the upper floors of the structure. The central drive lane provides access to individual private garages which open onto the central drive lane, and the garages can provide access to a ground floor vestibule. Other living areas are positioned on the floors above the ground floor.

Abstract: The arrangement of a store room for residential buildings comprising stacked apartments is presented. In such apartments, which are designed similarly to the apartment presented in EP 1455033B1, an external room 12 and a living room 11 have an elevated ceiling height. This elevation allows a good light infiltration to deep into the living area. In order to achieve an extensive utilization of space without curtailing the living comfort achieved with a high ceiling, in the shadow region 18, i.e. in the upper region of the living room 11 of the lower apartment 1, a store room 23 is built in in the manner of a swallow's nest.

Abstract: A multi-level apartment building includes vertically stacked sections each containing at least one pair of apartments, where each apartment of an apartment pair contains a stairway assembly coupled to a vertically extending stair support wall assembly that contains utility distribution conduits. The stairway assembly for each apartment connects four levels of function space. One apartment of the pair in a vertical section is rotated 180 degrees in plan in relation to the other apartment of the pair which is entered on the opposite side of a public corridor that provides access to the apartments of the pair. The apartments are vertically stacked in alignment where an apartment of a pair is mirrored in plan in relation to a vertically underlying or overlying apartment of another pair, and the stair support assemblies of the respectively vertically stacked apartments are vertically aligned.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus having a base, a shaft, a swivel joint assembly and plural stories. The base is fixed relative to the ground. The shaft extends vertically through the apparatus. The shaft is mounted to the base. The swivel joint assembly is mounted in the base coaxially with the shaft. The swivel joint rotatably connects fixed utility lines extending into the base with corresponding utility lines secured within the apparatus. Each of the plural stories defines an enclosed living area and is rotatably supported, at least in part, via the shaft. Each story has a drive mechanism adapted to rotate the story about the shaft at a speed controllable within the story.

Abstract: A secondary development residential building comprises an old part including a multi-story building with walls, bridging, residential/auxiliary premises, an added part including added foundation, support elements, additional areas, staircase-elevators units, an overbuilt part of several floors. The added foundation is performed as two rows of piles, disposed along the old part's perimeter at a predetermined distance from the walls and at a distance of one span between the rows. The support elements each performed as linked columns, erected on the piles. The edged column is as tall as the redeveloped building, the other column is as tall as the old part. Common's, overbuilt floors', and added bridgings are mounted with horizontal strap and inter-floor shift stiffeners, on the columns, composing an independent framework, without transferring loads to the old part, the overbuilt part bridgings rest on the edged columns. The bridgings are mounted on the columns providing spatial rigidity.

Abstract: A multistory apartment building complex may comprise vertically stacked modules and includes one or more vehicle parking levels grade and one or more dwelling unit levels vertically stacked above the vehicle parking levels. At least one of the parking levels includes private garages for at least selected ones of the dwelling units and occupants of the selected dwelling units may move between their own garage and their dwelling unit via an elevator extending directly to the individual dwelling units on each level. The elevators may also serve plural dwelling units on each dwelling unit level. A service corridor is provided on selected dwelling unit levels which may be accessed by a service elevator or spaced apart stairways to provide secondary access between each dwelling unit on each dwelling unit level and street level. Each dwelling unit may include a small service room having a lockable door between the service room and the dwelling unit and a door opening to the service corridor.

Abstract: A building construction kit comprises a plurality of ground beams (10), for example of concrete, positionable and securable relative to one another to form a rigid foundation frame, a plurality of storey-height external wall panels (30) supportable on and securable to the beams of the foundation frame to form an external building shell and a plurality of floor units (70) which can be supported on and secured to the beams (10) or to the panels (30) to form a floor at, respectively, ground level or an upper level. Each external wall panel (30) comprises a galvanised steel frame (31) with a weatherproof cladding (35), for example of glass-reinforced concrete, at an intended outer side of the panel so that the shell formed by the panels provides a sturdy structure which is weatherproof without the need for a further weather-resistant finish.

Abstract: A prefixed advertisement structure which is positioned mainly in downtown areas or places of heavy traffic, belonging to the field of advertisement making effective use of the wall surfaces of a building (1) conspicuous to passersby, etc. and which, in particular, is integrated with a glass sash wall (2) of a building (1). A prefixed advertisement structure integrated with a glass sash wall (2) of a building (1), wherein a advertising site is secured in advance on wall surface of the building in consideration of harmony with the external design of the building (1), providing a source of income from advertisement from the time of completion of the building (1) with an advertising medium attached in advance, and the advertisement structure harmonized with the external design of the building prevents the external appearance of the building (1) from being spoiled and attracts people's attention, thus proving increased advertising effects.

Abstract: The invention presents the concept of a residential building which is constructed on the principle of staggered dwellings. The staggered dwellings each have a single-storey dwelling part (10, 23) and a two-storey dwelling part (11) with outdoor area. The living area (10 and 11) of the dwelling is open and allows individual living requirements to be realized with a variability which has not been known up until now. The division of space is not fixed by the static system. The type of accommodation presented can be realized in all types of urban construction such as blocks of flats, block-edge developments or high-rise buildings from two storeys upwards. The sizes of dwellings may be determined in accordance with the location and the target group. Combining the accommodation with service-related and commercial use is made possible in a completely new way using this principle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a construction game to make buildings at a reduced scale providing the user with all the necessary elements in order to obtain a sample at real scale.

Abstract: A multistory apartment building complex may comprise vertically stacked modules and includes one or more vehicle parking levels grade and one or more dwelling unit levels vertically stacked above the vehicle parking levels. At least one of the parking levels includes private garages for at least selected ones of the dwelling units and occupants of the selected dwelling units may move between their own garage and their dwelling unit via an elevator extending directly to the individual dwelling units on each level. The elevators may also serve plural dwelling units on each dwelling unit level. A service corridor is provided on selected dwelling unit levels which may be accessed by a service elevator or spaced apart stairways to provide secondary access between each dwelling unit on each dwelling unit level and street level. Each dwelling unit may include a small service room having a lockable door between the service room and the dwelling unit and a door opening to the service corridor.

Abstract: A tall building (100) includes a plurality of ray structures (104, 106) extending outward from a central, generally conical hollow reinforced-concrete core (102). In three of the rays (104), a frame (118) extends diagonally downward and outward from the core. If a building floor located above the barrier falls onto the floors extending outward from the barrier, the latter floors will fail in such a manner as to cover the barrier frame and shed all floors that fall onto the resultant barrier from above it. A chain-reaction failure caused by failed floors falling on successively lower floors is thereby interrupted, and floors below the barrier are protected from damage by floors that have fallen from above the barrier.

Abstract: The invention provides energy-saving housing wherein the indoor temperature condition can be made comfortable throughout the year by a small amount of energy by suppressing loads on cooling and heating devices, and high airtightness and high heat insulation performance can be maintained for a long period of time so that durability is excellent. The energy-saving housing includes wall parts provided with inner walling made from an inorganic material and heat insulators made from an organic foamed material, a ceiling part provided with inner walling made from an inorganic material, heat insulators made from an organic foamed material at the ceiling part or roof part, and a floor heating device provided at least at the floor part of the lower floor, and has an equivalent clearance area of from 0.3 cm2/m2 to 0.6 cm2/m2.

Abstract: A self-supporting shearwall structure in the form of an “H,” an “I,” or a “C” is disclosed. The shearwall structure provides vertical and lateral support to the framework of a multi-story building sufficient to support the roof, other exterior and/or interior walls, and intermediate floor loads of the building, as well as the wind load of the building. In the preferred embodiment, the wall structure is made primarily of reinforced concrete, preferably comprising pre-cast concrete panels. The panels are placed end to end on their edge on the first (or lowest) floor of the building and joined to the building's foundation and to at least one other horizontally adjoining panel. The structure is made higher by adding an additional row of panels horizontally aligned at vertical support points and placed on their edge on top of the row of panels that has already been formed such that each subsequent row of panels is supported on and grouted to the prior row.

Abstract: A system and method of panelized construction for use in construction of a building module, such as a residential housing addition. A plurality of pre-fabricated panels, such as wall panels, roof panels, floor panels, and ceiling panels may be provided to decrease on-site building time. The panels may comprise one or more covering layers pre-installed on a frame. The panels may also comprise pre-installed insulation or other core materials. The panels may further comprise a pre-installed portion of a house system, such as an electrical system. Additionally, the panels may comprise pre-installed windows, doors, or skylights. The panels may be designed to meet the residential building code requirements of one or more jurisdictions to decrease permitting time and inspection delays. The panels and other materials may be included in a building kit for a building module to be constructed by contractors or do-it-yourselfers.

Abstract: Barrier-free multiple level residential housing can be constructed by employing ramps between adjacent housing levels where the housing levels are offset by one half the normal full story height found in multiple story houses. The ramps are constructed in a stacked and side-by-side manner so that the full standard height between housing levels is maintained between the ramps that are stacked one above the other.

Abstract: A modular building structure comprises a service corridor (2) to which are connected separate cabin modulates (1) that form accommodation or offices etc. The service module contains apparatus for the supply and distribution of mains services such as water, electricity, waste disposal and air conditioning to the building modules. The modules are connected to the corridor and to said mains supply services. Each of the cabin modules is free-standing, pre-fitted for its intended use. Adjacent modules are interconnected by a flexible grommet (26) that extends between aligned apertures in each module.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple dwelling house in which although its standard floors are constructed to have the same structural floor height, the ceiling heights of individual dwelling units positioned above and below each flat slab can be set to differ from each other so that the multiple dwelling house has ceiling heights capable of meeting a variety of needs of users. The multiple dwelling house includes standard floors constructed to have the same structural floor height dimension, intermediate slabs each of which is made of a flat slab and is disposed between each of adjacent upper and lower floors, and slabs each of which is made of a beam slab and forms a ceiling face of the upper floor and a floor face of the lower floor. One unit made of the adjacent upper and lower floors is constructed in a sequentially repeated manner to make dwelling-unit spaces different in ceiling height between the adjacent upper and lower floors.

Abstract: An insulated load bearing building wall structure comprising a plurality of spaced-apart stud members, each stud member comprising an exterior bar member, an interior bar member, and a plurality of wall ties connected there between. Interstitial blocks comprising a generally self-supporting insulating material are disposed between adjacent pairs of stud members. A surface coating material is disposed along the exterior and interior faces of the wall structure and in contact with the interstitial blocks. The wall ties each comprise a composite material that is resistant to heat transfer, thereby reducing the amount of heat transferred between the interior and exterior surfaces of the wall structure.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, structures and methods which facilitate the display of inventory items. In one exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a system which comprises a plurality of separate stores. An elongate wall separates each of the stores. Additionally, each wall is provided with a doorway, with the doorways of each wall being aligned with each other. An aisle passes through each doorway such that a customer may visualize at least some of the interior of each store while standing in the aisle and looking down the aisle.

Abstract: A system and method of panelized construction for use in construction of a building module, such as a residential housing addition. A plurality of pre-fabricated panels, such as wall panels, roof panels, floor panels, and ceiling panels may be provided to decrease on-site building time. The panels may comprise one or more covering layers pre-installed on a frame. The panels may also comprise pre-installed insulation or other core materials. The panels may further comprise a pre-installed portion of a house system, such as an electrical system. Additionally, the panels may comprise pre-installed windows, doors, or skylights. The panels may be designed to meet the residential building code requirements of one or more jurisdictions to decrease permitting time and inspection delays. The panels and other materials may be included in a building kit for a building module to be constructed by contractors or do-it-yourselfers.

Abstract: A modular system of construction of loft apartment buildings. This type of unit is in high demand in many metropolitan areas, and the modular nature of the inventive buildings allows them to be produced quickly and at low cost. In addition, the invention provides a novel system for interconnecting apartments quickly during construction, providing further cost savings. A mix of apartment types, including handicapped-accessible apartments, may be placed in each building, with the proportions of different apartment types being tailored to the needs of the local market and the constraints of local building codes. The apartment modules may be sized to permit convenient shipping of modules within the constraints of overland shipping regulations.

Abstract: A burial structures providing space for multiple human remains has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of individual units. The interlocking prohibits access to the individual cremens or bodily remains. Thus no individual remains are directly accessible. This building feature allows the forming of the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes. Each unit is an area for the remains, and alternately an area for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit is scaled with a cover that has grooves formed therein. This structure gives lasting, beautiful and reverent surroundings for the deceased, and is kept safe from vandals and other intrudes.

Abstract: A combination structure that provides multiple covered parking spaces and storage units for use by apartment dwellers and/or office tenants. The metal and concrete structure can be a permanent one or it can be removable, with modular storage units. The structure can be built on new or pre-existing paved surfaces, and it can have design features to complement nearby buildings.

Abstract: The present invention is provided for considerably shortening the construction time of a building that is applied to nuclear power plants. When constructing the building, megablocks having a height that extends to a plurality of floors are produced, and together with combining those megablocks, concrete is poured inside them to form a wall member composed of a megawall structure of steel plate reinforced concrete construction. Alternatively, in addition to the wall megablocks, floor megablocks for forming the floor member of the building are used, and together with combining those megablocks, concrete is poured inside or above them to form a structural member (wall member and floor member) composed of a megawall structure of steel plate reinforced concrete construction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling separate series or stacks of structural or shear walls of a multistory building are disclosed. The method comprises constructing a plurality of stacks of shear walls and attaching a rigid coupling member to the top of at least two of the stacks of shear walls between the stacks such that the walls are connected to the rigid coupling member and move together with the coupling member. The apparatus is a rigid coupling member, which may be a beam, such as an I-beam or rectangular beam, made from poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The coupling member may also be a wall of poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The attached rigid member acts to connect the tops of independent stacks of shear walls typically used to build multistory buildings, thereby creating a flexural moment at the top of the building that helps the building resist lateral loads.

Abstract: A system of building concrete homes and apartment buildings. The system creates a structure that is well insulated and that is very practical and economical to build. The system uses standard components such as wall ties, concrete forms, rigid foam insulation, and concrete, all of which are readily available in the market today. The system creates a building that is insulated and thermally broken at its structural connections such that use in temperate and colder climates is possible. Presently concrete construction finds only limited use for the construction of single family and multi-family housing. The system is economical to construct when compared to wood frame housing.

Abstract: A building structure suitable as a two-unit building module which may be incorporated into a variety of multi-storey commercial or residential buildings. The structure includes two vertically stacked units which each define a respective self-contained space. As a module, the building structure extends downward from a planar ceiling surface which forms the ceiling of an uppermost unit to a planar lower floor surface of the second lower other unit. Together, the pair of stacked units has an overall height equal to two and one-half to three full storeys, and a height selected between twenty-three and thirty-six feet, depending upon the respective building structure (7.5-12 feet). The building module is bordered on each lateral side by load-bearing support pillars or sidewalls which extend the height of the building. An interior dividing bearing wall is positioned within each of the units between the load-bearing sidewalls, and which divide each unit into primary and secondary living areas or spaces.

Abstract: A multilevel spiral incremental structure and construction method for residential and/or commercial buildings is disclosed. The present structure is constructed using a plurality of prefabricated modular units or pods which are substantially similar in their size and configuration and assembled symmetrically about a central core designed to contain ductwork, conduit, vents, pipes and other utility apparatus. The pods are supported on stepped foundation piers at progressively higher elevations based upon a calculated vertical increment factor. In a preferred embodiment six pods are arranged about a central core to produce a hexagonal structure resulting in a vertical increase of about ten feet or one story in floor elevation per revolution about the core. The present construction may be cost effectively expanded into a multilevel building by adding new pods after the initial construction phase without digging a new foundation or demolishing portions of the original structure.

Abstract: A tall building (100) includes a plurality of ray structures (104, 106) extending outward from a central, generally conical hollow reinforced-concrete core (102). In three of the rays (104), a frame (118) extends diagonally downward and outward from the core. If a building floor located above the barrier falls onto the floors extending outward from the barrier, the latter floors will fail in such a manner as to cover the barrier frame and shed all floors that fall onto the resultant barrier from above it. A chain-reaction failure caused by failed floors falling on successively lower floors is thereby interrupted, and floors below the barrier are protected from damage by floors that have fallen from above the barrier.

Abstract: A high-efficiency residential structure includes a set of dwelling units, wherein a portion of said dwelling units are first-floor dwelling units and a portion of said dwelling units are second-floor dwelling units; a set of garages comprising a plurality of parking spaces, wherein said dwelling units and said garages are disposed within a footprint associated with said residential structure; a set of interior passageways, each of said interior passageways directly linking one of said dwelling units to one of said garages such that the site-density, yield, direct-access ratio, and efficiency of the structure is substantially optimized.

Abstract: A multi-storey parking garage which can be reassembled comprises a skeleton support structure with vertical supports, substantially horizontal ceiling beams and a plurality of floor plates which are supported on the ceiling beams for forming a passable surface, wherein a gap formed between neighboring floor plates extends above a ceiling beam in the longitudinal direction thereof. The floor plates are disposed on the ceiling beams with the interposition of a groove-shaped profiled body, in particular of an elastic plastic material. The profiled body extends in the longitudinal direction of the gap below same and serves for accepting and draining liquid dropping onto the floor plates.

Abstract: Elevator landing door structure, comprising a door sill (1, 5) fixed to the lower edge of a landing door opening, an overhead supporter (2, 9) and at least one door panel (3) movably mounted on the overhead supporter. Furthermore, the door structure comprises vertical frames (4, 6) fixed to the door sill (1, 5) on either side of the door opening, the overhead supporter being attached to said vertical frames. The vertical frames (4, 6) are fastened by their upper parts via junctures that are rigid in the horizontal plane but capable of yielding in the vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of module in which the floor of the module is integral with the ceiling placement upon the module below it. This invention also provides utilization of temperature top protection a module during shipment. This invention also relates to a construction method where the stabilizing structure for the building including stairs and hallways constructed first, and the module are constructed therein.

Abstract: A multi-story apartment building has breezeways and apartment units with breezeway entrances, but also includes a plurality of first floor apartment units with non-breezeway entrances. The first floor apartment units with non-breezeway entrances may be single-bedroom apartment units without compromising the ratio of rentable area to breezeway area in comparison to conventional multi-story apartment buildings with breezeways.

Abstract: A group of connecting homes, commercial and/or not-for-profit buildings that serve to enclose a self-sustaining wildlife habitat sanctuary, specifically targeting the natural environment of endangered species, where appropriate. The homes serve as an impenetrable cage wall, much like the walls of a mountain valley, preventing animals from entering or exiting the habitat, with the possible exception of migrating birds and fish. On one side of the homes there is a self-sustaining habitat and on the other side of the homes there is modern civilization. The walls of the homes facing the habitat may have shatterproof glass windows or a caged terrace, allowing inhabitants of the building to safely observe the enclosed habitat, and human access to the habitat may be restricted to observation through windows, observation from the caged terrace, or hikes through caged walking paths.

Abstract: This invention relates to columnar, “primary support” for a building or other heavy structure, in which a beam is connected to a column in a strong, moment-resisting connection comprised of two gusset plates welded to a flange or the face of the flange of the column and welded to the beam or attached to cover plates fixedly attached to the beam.

Abstract: A building structure suitable as a two-unit building module which may be incorporated into a variety of multi-storey commercial or residential buildings. The structure includes two vertically stacked units which each define a respective self-contained space. As a module, the building structure extends downward from a planar ceiling surface which forms the ceiling of an uppermost unit to a planar lower floor surface of the second lower other unit. Together, the pair of stacked units has an overall height equal to two and one-half to three full storeys, and a height selected between twenty-three and thirty-six feet, depending upon the respective building structure (7.5-12 feet). The building module is bordered on each lateral side by load-bearing support pillars or sidewalls which extend the height of the building. An interior dividing bearing wall is positioned within each of the units between the load-bearing sidewalls, and which divide each unit into primary and secondary living areas or spaces.

Abstract: A multi-unit residential building design has a system of contiguous dwelling units arranged to occupy a single story at a high density. Each unit, whatever the number of bedrooms, is formed from an arrangement of overlapping rectangles, wherein most units assume a T-shape. These T-shaped units are positioned in either outer columns of the building or are embedded in inner columns; however, the layout of each unit is substantially the same. The building is constructed as an interlocking set of units which minimizes exterior wall space and maximizes density. The interlocking character of the design also allows all the rooms of each unit to have suitable window frontage, and provides for up-scale features such as courtyards for the embedded units.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for designing and constructing buildings, such as a residential building such as an apartment building, a commercial lodging building such as a hotel, a capsule type building for sleep and rest, an office building and a commercial building, in two or more of pre-fabricated, environmentally friendly and communal manners. The method includes the steps of constructing a basic framed structure in a conventional manner, manufacturing a part or the whole of one or more houses as a unit in advance, inserting the part and the whole of the houses into said basic framed structure, and forming a variety of living spaces and environmentally friendly and traditional facilities beside its passageways. Accordingly, the costs and period of construction can be reduced and the custom-made interior and structure of the building can be provided.

Abstract: A high-efficiency residential structure includes a set of dwelling units, wherein a portion of the dwelling units are first-floor dwelling units and a portion of said dwelling units are second-floor dwelling units, a set of garages comprising a plurality of parking spaces, wherein the dwelling units and the garages are disposed within a footprint associated with the residential structure, a set of interior passageways, each of the interior passageways directly linking one of the dwelling units to one of the garages such that the site-density, yield, direct-access ratio, and efficiency of the structure is substantially optimized

Abstract: A pre-fabricated service bay used for providing service access to the underside of vehicles. The service bay is fabricated as a single monolithic unit and then positioned in an excavated hole within a service building. The service bay has multiple safety cover grids that are hydraulically activated to enclose the bay's opening when not in use. An access stairway is retractable within the bay during use with a deployable safety handrail that collapses upon stairway retraction.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple dwelling house in which although its standard floors are constructed to have the same structural floor height, the ceiling heights of individual dwelling units positioned above and below each flat slab can be set to differ from each other so that the multiple dwelling house has ceiling heights capable of meeting a variety of needs of users. The multiple dwelling house includes standard floors constructed to have the same structural floor height dimension, intermediate slabs each of which is made of a flat slab and is disposed between each of adjacent upper and lower floors, and slabs each of which is made of a beam slab and forms a ceiling face of the upper floor and a floor face of the lower floor. One unit made of the adjacent upper and lower floors is constructed in a sequentially repeated manner to make dwelling-unit spaces different in ceiling height between the adjacent upper and lower floors.

Abstract: A prefabricated room module (1) is provided for use in the construction of a modular building. The room module comprises a floor slab (2) of generally rectangular shape in plan, and load bearing walls (3,4) formed at adjacent sides of the slab and mutually adjoining at a common corner (5). The module has no ceiling slab opposite the floor slab (2) and an open face opposite one of the load bearing walls (4) which constitutes a party wall. Opposite another of the load bearing walls (3) the module may be open or include a further wall (7) which can have an access opening (10) therein for providing service access to a kitchen or bathroom pod (9) installed in a corner of the module. Edges of the floor slab (2) have projecting tongues (11) and fastening means for engaging complementary recesses and fastening means respectively of an adjacent module. The module may have a ceiling slab instead of a floor slab (2).

Abstract: A burial structure (10) providing space for multiple human remains in the form of a body or cremens that has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of the individual units (12). This building feature allows the heretofore unknown ability to form the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes, from an obelisk shape, like the pyramids of Egypt, to religious symbolisms or aesthetic shapes, thus not solely relying on landscaping for giving beauty and reverence to the mausoleum and its surroundings. Each unit (12) comprises an area (52) for the remains, and alternately an area (50) for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit (12) is sealed with a cover (34) that has grooves (64) formed therein. The bottom of the unit (12) has corresponding tongues (62), which effect an interlocking relationship. The sides are designed to complement and complete this arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of module in which the floor of the module is integral with the ceiling placement upon the module below it. This invention also provides utilization of temperature top protection a module during shipment. This invention also relates to a construction method where the stabilizing structure for the building including stairs and hallways constructed first, and the module are constructed therein.

Abstract: A building frame resistant to earthquakes, gale-force wind loads, fire, insects and rot includes a peripheral frame wall constructed of rectangular steel tubing. Side wall frame modules bolted together along adjacent edges, and end wall modules bolted together along adjacent edges and to the ends of the connected side wall modules form the peripheral frame wall. Diagonal bracing is built into selected side and end wall modules as required for the desired degree of wind resistance. Trusses made of various size tube such as 2×3 inch rectangular steel tubing for supporting a roof, including a hip roof, on the peripheral wall, are assembled and welded in a welding shop and the prefabricated trusses and wall modules are trucked to the building site. Multiple stories may be erected and fastened together by anchor brackets arranged bottom-to-bottom above and below the second and higher floors. The building frame is secured to a foundation by attaching the anchor brackets to anchor bolts set in the foundation.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A system and method of panelized construction for use in construction of a building module, such as a residential housing addition. A plurality of pre-fabricated panels, such as wall panels, roof panels, floor panels, and ceiling panels may be provided to decrease on-site building time. The panels may comprise one or more covering layers pre-installed on a frame. The panels may also comprise pre-installed insulation or other core materials. The panels may further comprise a pre-installed portion of a house system, such as an electrical system. Additionally, the panels may comprise pre-installed windows, doors, or skylights. The panels may be designed to meet the residential building code requirements of one or more jurisdictions to decrease permitting time and inspection delays. The panels and other materials may be included in a building kit for a building module to be constructed by contractors or do-it-yourselfers.

Abstract: A raised flooring system and methods of forming components of such a system are disclosed. The present flooring system utilizes thin sheet metal, typically galvanized steel, to form a first strip having a plurality of pedestals formed in a spaced apart relation on the strip and connected via wings extending from the first strip to wings extending from a second strip, thereby forming an overall rectilinear, grid-like pattern of pedestals. The pedestals are used to maintain floor panels above a network of channels in which conduit, cables, hoses, pipe and other materials can be routed. The pedestals are punched and formed from strips of sheet metal and have an overall shape generally that of a tower supported by two legs that may have rounded edges for increased load-bearing capacity. The wings that are designed to interlock with corresponding wings from another strip may also be formed from the pedestal-bearing strips.