Abstract: Example aspects of a simulated steel fenestration system, an insulated fenestration system, and a method for insulating a fenestration system are disclosed. The simulated steel fenestration system can comprise a frame, a pane assembly assembled with the frame, and a muntin bar, wherein at least one of the frame and the muntin bar comprise a non-steel material configured to resemble steel.

Abstract: Example aspects of a simulated steel fenestration system, an insulated fenestration system, and a method for insulating a fenestration system are disclosed. The simulated steel fenestration system can comprise a frame, a pane assembly assembled with the frame, and a muntin bar, wherein at least one of the frame and the muntin bar comprise a non-steel material configured to resemble steel.

Abstract: A kit can be used to construct a shower enclosure within a plurality of walls and above a floor. Each wall has a plurality of vertical studs. The kit comprises a prefabricated shower base having a drain hole, a plurality of attachment pieces, and a plurality of prefabricated shower wall panels. The prefabricated base is configured to be positioned on the floor so that its drain hole is positioned over the floor's drain outlet. Each attachment piece has a front planar portion and is configured to attach to a stud of a wall so that the front planar portions of the attachment pieces on the same wall frame are essentially co-planar and plumb regardless of whether the front-facing surfaces of the studs are co-planar, plumb, and straight. Each prefabricated wall panel has a backside configured to attach to the front planar portions of a plurality of the attachment sleeves.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are system, methods and apparatuses for wall coverings with adjustable spacing. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a concrete wall panel including a mounting system that includes a decorative panel with a flange embedded within the panel, the flange having mounting features providing for a number of ways to mount a plurality of such panels to a wall or other planar surface. The mounting system allows for fasteners to be used to connect the wall panel to a wall and provides a mount that has an air gap to allow for air to flow and for any moisture to pass between the wall inner surface and behind the wall panels.

Abstract: There is described a shower enclosure and kit of walls therefor. The kit of decorative wall panels comprise a first wall panel including a front face, the front face of the first wall panel defining a first decorative pattern and including a relief element, a second wall panel including a front face, the front face of the second wall panel defining a second decorative pattern, and a connecting assembly for connecting the first wall panel adjacent to the second wall panel. The first decorative pattern of the first wall panel and the second decorative pattern of the second wall panel are configured to counteract a visual distortion caused by the relief element of the first wall panel when the first wall panel is adjacent to the second wall panel.

Abstract: A prefabricated tiling system includes a tiled panel assembly and a mounting adhesive configured to affix the tiled panel assembly on a planar surface. The tiled panel assembly further includes a tiling material configured to couple with a mounting substrate through the use of a tiling adhesive. The prefabricated tiling system is useful for providing a lightweight and waterproof system for applying a plurality of tiles to a planar surface with minimal equipment and technical knowledge required.

Abstract: An integrated joint sealing system that is incorporated into the edges of a sheathing panel, which also may have a factory bonded weather resistive barrier. The edges of each panel are configured as a shiplap joint, or similarly functioning joint, that is present as either an overlap or underlap on each of the four panel edges. The arrangement of the joints are such that one edge will have an overlap and the opposite edge will have an underlap. A flexible gasket material (or materials) is factory applied to one or both sides (underlap and/or overlap) of the shiplap joint. This flexible gasket material, when overlapped with adjacent shiplap panels, provides a weather resistive seal to limit both water and air penetration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floorboard (1, 2) which has a carrier plate (3) having a top-side veneer (4), in particular a wood veneer. The carrier plate (3) and the veneer (4) are connected to each other via a resin (6). There is an edge strip (14, 15) at least on two side edges (12, 13) of the veneer (4). Said edge strip (14, 15) consists of resin (6). Carrier plate (3) and veneer (4) having the resin (6) are hot-compressed to each other. During compressing, pores, cracks, and/or gaps in the veneer (4) are filled with resin (6).

Abstract: There is described a shower enclosure and kit of walls therefor. The kit of decorative wall panels comprise a first wall panel including a front face, the front face of the first wall panel defining a first decorative pattern and including a relief element, a second wall panel including a front face, the front face of the second wall panel defining a second decorative pattern, and a connecting assembly for connecting the first wall panel adjacent to the second wall panel. The first decorative pattern of the first wall panel and the second decorative pattern of the second wall panel are configured to counteract a visual distortion caused by the relief element of the first wall panel when the first wall panel is adjacent to the second wall panel.

Abstract: A textured cladding element can be manufactured to approximate the aesthetic and functional properties or natural wood siding and/or shingles. The cladding element can comprise non-wood material, such as fiber cement. The cladding element can include a step and a recessed portion or cove which enables the element to have a relatively low thickness while also achieving a desirable drip edge and/or shadow line when multiple cladding elements are overlapping when installed in a finished product.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.

Abstract: A floorboard, includes a carrier plate and a veneer arranged on a topside of the carrier plate, wherein the carrier plate and the veneer are connected with each other via a resin, wherein an edge strip made of the resin is provided on at least two side margins of the veneer, and wherein a surface of the edge strip extends in a same plane as a surface of the veneer.

Abstract: Features for formliners to form a decorative pattern in a curable material and methods of using the same are disclosed. An improved formliner is disclosed with substantially seamlessly connecting components that reduces the need for using adhesives for interconnecting a plurality of formliners in a pattern. Further, the formliner is configured to reduce and/or substantially eliminate visible seams in order to create a more natural appearance in a finished product of the curable material.

Abstract: A mortarless stone veneer is provided which is in a panel format and which has an upper end, a lower end, a first end, a second end, a front side and a rear side. An upper attachment flange has its lower end embedded in the rear side of the panel so as to extend upwardly therefrom. A first end attachment flange has its inner end embedded in the panel at the first end thereof. A second end attachment flange has its inner end embedded in the panel at the second end. The end attachment flanges are bendably movable between an extended attachment position and a folded position behind the panel.

Abstract: A manufactured panel includes a body having a front, back, top, bottom and side walls, the side walls extend between the front and back, and an interior volume located between the front, back, top, bottom and side walls. An insert having an interior portion is embedded within the interior volume of the body, and an exterior portion extends from the interior portion to an exterior of the body. The exterior portion includes stand-offs protruding from the body, such that at least some of the stand-offs are connected to each other inside the interior volume of the body. At least some of the stand-offs are independent and detached from each other on the exterior of the body.

Abstract: A construction block and a wall face structure with high durability and versatility are provided. The construction block including: a front face wall and a rear face wall being parallel to each other; a top face wall with a horizontal groove formed for inserting a horizontal reinforcement; side face walls formed with at least one vertical groove for inserting a vertical reinforcement; at least one vertical hole formed between both of the side face walls and closed off by the top face wall and opened at a bottom face; a plurality of protrusions formed on the bottom face in a shape to engage with the horizontal groove; and recessed slits respectively formed in vertical direction on each side face of the front face wall and the rear face wall, is used.

Abstract: A backed panel comprising a facing panel and a backing panel. The backing panel has a groove, recessed portion, or any other suitable type of relief channel adapted to receive a side edge portion of a facing panel of an adjacent backed panel. By providing a space to receive a side edge portion of an adjacent facing panel, the relief channel may enable an improved lap joint to be established between adjacent backed panels.

Abstract: A panel configured for attachment to a mounting surface includes a plurality of raised faces that are formed between an upper edge and a lower edge of the panel. A shoulder is defined on the raised faces adjacent the upper edge and is spaced from the mounting surface, when assembled or attached thereto, by a shoulder offset. A plurality of keyways are recessed between each of the raised faces and are spaced from the mounting surface by a bottom keyway offset adjacent to the butt edge. The bottom keyway offset is substantially aligned with the shoulder offset.

Abstract: An architectural finish element operable to be placed adjacent similar architectural finish elements to form a finished surface on an architectural structure includes a body formed of a rock-based composite material comprising a low density solid particle additive, a plurality of unitary real stone veneer elements bonded to the body in courses extending in a first direction and in a random non-repetitive pattern, the real stone veneer elements having respective face surfaces generally lying in a plane to form an overall face surface of the architectural finish element. The low density solid particle additive is provided in an amount suitable to cause the architectural finish element to have a density of between about 10 to 15 pounds per square foot. The architectural finishing element may be mounted by mounting a portion of a body of at least one dual architectural finish element support to a surface of an architectural structure.

Abstract: A wall panel, a masonry wall system, and a method are described. Masonry units are used with wall panels to make a masonry wall. The wall panel has a back face and a front face. The front face has multiple ribs which engage the masonry units, where each rib has top and bottom sides. The bottom sides of the ribs have multiple compressible projections with cavities which can be deformed so as to retain the masonry unit in the panel. Each masonry unit has a body with a front face, a back face, and top and lateral faces. The back face and top lateral face form a back peripheral edge, and the top lateral face has at least one tooth for securing the masonry unit in the panel. In operation, the tooth compresses the projections of the horizontal ribs, thereby securing the masonry unit in the panel.

Abstract: A panel member prepared from a fibrous slurry and replicates a structure prepared from masonry, carpentry, or other finishes. The panel member includes a body, a plurality of ornamental sections, a plurality of interior filler sections, and an exterior filler section. The body is prepared from a substantial uniform caliper of fiber material. The exterior filler section thickness is substantially equal to a thickness of the interior filler sections.

Abstract: A siding system has elongated stringers, each having a plurality of clips spaced at regular intervals along its length. In use, the stringers can be mounted upright, spaced apart and parallel, on an upright wall, and aligned so that the clips are in horizontal rows. A siding panel has a plurality of elongated connectors, spaced apart and parallel, on a rear face. In use, the panel can be mounted upright, with the connectors horizontal, and each connector engaged in the clips of one of the horizontal rows of clips so that the weight of the panel is supported by the clips of a plurality of the horizontal rows of clips through the connectors.

Abstract: An apparatus and refrigerator for creating ice pellets is disclosed. The apparatus and refrigerator include a compartment, an ice storage bin positioned in the compartment and configured to store whole ice cubes therein, and a pellet ice dispenser. The pellet ice dispenser includes a first motor, a first axle drivingly connected to a shaft of the first motor, a first ice cube auger drivingly connected to the first axle, a blade downstream of the first ice cube auger and configured to shave whole ice cubes into ice pieces, and an ice pelleter. The ice pelleter includes an extrusion die disposed downstream of the blade, a shaved ice auger disposed between the blade and the extrusion die and configured to move and compress the ice pieces through the extrusion die to form pellet ice.

Abstract: A wall construction system comprises a number of courses of masonry construction blocks stacked one atop another in any desired pattern, such as a running bond pattern. One or more fluid conduits are disposed in thermal communication with one or more of the masonry construction blocks and one or more fluids are passed through the fluid conduits. The fluid(s) may comprise one or more liquids, one or more gases, or a combination of liquid(s) and gas(es). The fluid(s) can transfer heat between an enclosed environment, such as a room, and the material of the masonry construction blocks.

Abstract: A roofing shingle is provided. The roofing shingles includes an overlay sheet including a headlap portion and a tab portion and an underlay sheet secured to the overlay sheet such that a region of the underlay sheet overlaps a region of the headlap portion of the overlay sheet. A reinforcement material is secured to the headlap portion of the overlay sheet. The reinforcement material is configured to improve nail pull-through. The reinforcement material extends beyond the overlapping regions of the headlap portion and the underlay sheet a distance of about 0.12 inches or less.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.

Abstract: A roofing shingle has side edges, an upper unexposed area, and a lower exposed area. The lower exposed area has a lower edge. The lower edge can include an uneven profile. The uneven profile can include a symmetry element. The symmetry element can only pertain to the course of the uneven profile.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall system consisting of a plurality of panels and artificial masonry units. The panels are provided with channels sized to receive the artificial masonry units and delimited by protruding ribs. The protruding ribs have a predetermined width w and also have notches uniformly spaced along the ribs. The artificial masonry units have protuberances devised and positioned on the masonry units to be fitted in the notches of the protruding ribs so that the masonry units are equally spaced-apart from each other by a predetermined gap (g).

Abstract: A corner assembly for siding and roofing coverings includes two complementary corner molding members, each one of the two corner molding members having a front wall including a covering section with simulated building elements on an outer face thereof. Each one of the two corner molding members further has at least one protruding finger and at least one recess. The at least one protruding finger and at least one recess are configured in an alternate configuration in order to interlock in a male-female configuration when the two complementary corner molding members are engaged with one another to define a corner. A method covers a length of a corner defined at a junction of a first support surface and a second support surface.

Abstract: A panel for attachment to a mounting surface includes a fastener edge defined along one edge of the panel and a butt edge defined opposite the fastener edge. The fastener edge contacts the mounting surface. The panel includes a plurality of raised faces formed between the fastener edge and the butt edge. The raised faces are oriented at a first angle to the mounting surface, such that the raised faces are further from the mounting surface toward the butt edge. The panel also includes a tapered keyway linking each of the raised faces. The tapered keyway extends from the raised faces toward the mounting surface and is at a second angle to the raised faces. An offset hem is formed on the fastener edge and extends away from the mounting surface.

Abstract: A unique, three-dimensional wall or ceiling panel system has finished panels with randomly placed blocks protruding from the base board of each panel. These blocks are arranged in horizontal rows. Each block has the same thickness to form uniform rows but the lengths and heights of each block vary to form a random pattern on the base board. The ends of several rows of each finished panel are left open. When the finished panels are laid end to end, these open spaces may be filled with connecting blocks to create a seamless effect for the wall or ceiling system. Outside or inside corners are also provided for continuing the system around corners. The corners have one beveled edge to create a 90 degree corner. The other end of the corner connects to the finished pieces in the usual construction manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices, and more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising a roofing substrate; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed on the roofing substrate; and a colored or patterned layer disposed on the roofing substrate and visible in the area surrounding the photovoltaic cells; and an encapsulant layer disposed over the photovoltaic cells and the patterned colored layer.

Abstract: A shaped roof element (1) for roofs made of elements, the roof element (1) comprising a first and a second side edge (4, 6), an upper edge (8) and a lower edge (10), a profile substantially parallel to the side edges (4, 6) and a series of steps comprising two or more steps (12, 14) extending substantially parallel to the upper and lower edges (8, 10), the steps being produced so that the lower edge (10) forms one of the steps (14). The step (14) on the lower edge (10) is produced in the form of a round bend (20) bending underneath the shaped roof element (1), the profile of the bend corresponding substantially to a profile parallel to the side edges (4, 6) of the shaped roof element (1).

Abstract: A laminated roofing shingle is provided, having an anterior shingle layer and a posterior shingle layer. Openings exist in tab portions of the anterior shingle layer, allowing for visible front surface portions of the posterior shingle layer to be visible through the openings. Such visible portions can be of varying vertical contrast from at least some of the top edges of the openings to at least some of the bottom edges of the posterior shingle layer that are exposed through the openings, and are generally of consistent horizontal contrast between right and left edges of the openings. Front surface portions of the posterior shingle layer that are exposed through one or more openings have a different contrast that is in interrupting contrast to at least a portion of any of the varying or consistent contrast that are visible through the openings between tabs of the anterior shingle layer.

Abstract: An artificial stone is disclosed for use in creating a covering for a supporting surface. The artificial stone includes a body for placement on the supporting surface, which is shaped for mating engagement with like stones with intermediate perimeter joints to produce a continuous surface covering. The stone has a facing surface on the body, which facing surface has a contour defining a surface area and is subdivided by at least one simulated joint into a major surface portion and at least one minor surface portion. The major surface portion is free of simulated joints and extends over at least about 60% of the total surface of the facing surface. The stone further includes at least one perimeter recess in the body for generating a gap between the stone and another like stone in mating engagement therewith, which gap is wider than adjacent the adjoining perimeter joint.

Abstract: A building panel including a magnesium oxide board having a front surface and back surface, wherein the front surface of the magnesium oxide board displays a pattern of cuts, wherein the front surface of said magnesium oxide board is covered by an acrylic paint and sand mixture, wherein the pattern of cuts are grouted, wherein the first end of said magnesium oxide board includes at least one male engaging member and the second end includes at least one female recess. A method of making a faux brick building panel and a faux rock building panel are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall system consisting of a plurality of panels and artificial masonry units. The panels are provided with channels sized to receive the artificial masonry units and delimited by protruding ribs. The protruding ribs have a predetermined width w and also have notches uniformly spaced along the ribs. The artificial masonry units have protuberances devised and positioned on the masonry units to be fitted in the notches of the protruding ribs so that the masonry units are equally spaced-apart from each other by a predetermined gap (g).

Abstract: Disclosed is a raised profile panel having various patterns for a door, which allows a user to repair a profile of the door or change a design of the door according to the demand of the user without exchanging the door with a new one when the profile formed on a surface of the door for decoration is damaged or the user wants to change the design of the door. The raised profile panel includes a profile section manufactured separately from the door and having a bonding surface forming an inner wall of the profile section and an exposed surface forming an outer wall of the profile section; and an adhesive layer provided on the bonding surface of the profile section to bond the bonding surface of the profile section with the surface of the door.

Abstract: A simulative brick or other block covering for a wall is provided with grooves cut sufficiently deep into the coating to substantially separate all simulated structured sections from each other with respect to drying and coating on the outside with a waterproof acrylic coloring material.

Abstract: Embodiments of a carved solid face door and methods of fabrication are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a carved solid face door includes a solid base having a substantially flat face and an opposing rear surface, wherein the face has a design carved into at least one section of the face that emulates the appearance of a multiple-piece construction including at least one of a frame, a rail, a stile, a molding, a trim, a plurality of planks, or a panel. Optionally, a backing may be coupled to the solid base. Optionally, the solid base may comprise a plurality of horizontal sections.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components with one of the plurality of vehicle treatment components including at least one support member. The at least one support member has an exterior surface. A shrinkable sleeve is sized to fit over the exterior surface of the at least one support member. The shrinkable sleeve is slid onto the at least one support member and located in a predetermined position around the exterior surface. Upon application of heat to the shrinkable sleeve, it shrinks and conforms to the shape of the exterior surface of the at least one support member such that it is fixedly attached to the exterior surface of the at least one support member in the predetermined position. The result is a protective covering for the support member that is durable and readily cleanable such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of the covering and corrosion of the support member is minimized.

Abstract: A structure to form flooring transitions having outer surfaces comprising two disparate materials. In a preferred embodiment the flooring transitions includes a T-shaped molding and at least one attachment thereto. The outer surfaces of the T-molding and attachment may be comprised of different materials, even though they may sometimes have the same pattern or décor. For example, the T-molding may have a surface of real wood or veneer and the attachment may have an outer surface of abrasion resistant foil, metal, or even a visual perception element, such as lights or reflective tape. A kit is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a shingle includes a first layer having at least one full tab and at least one full cut-out. A second layer is positioned under the first layer. The full tab width to first layer length ratio is greater than 8.5/36. The full cut-out width to first layer length ratio is greater than 8.5/36. A method that includes applying such shingles to a roof.

Abstract: A fiber enforced sheet for use as a wall or floor covering which comprises of adhered thin bricks bonded to a fiber-reinforced, backing layer. Thin brick is adhered to the fiber enforced sheet. The fiber enforced backing increases strength and rigidity to the thin brick during handling, and installation permits the thin bricks to be adhered to proper specification and spacing to be cut using ordinary tile or thin brick tools.

Abstract: An artificial stone is disclosed for use in creating a covering for a supporting surface. The artificial stone includes a body for placement on the supporting surface, which is shaped for mating engagement with like stones with intermediate perimeter joints to produce a continuous surface covering. The stone has a facing surface on the body, which facing surface has a contour defining a surface area and is subdivided by at least one simulated joint into a major surface portion and at least one minor surface portion. The major surface portion is free of simulated joints and extends over at least about 60% of the total surface of the facing surface. The stone further includes at least one perimeter recess in the body for generating a gap between the stone and another like stone in mating engagement therewith, which gap is wider than adjacent the adjoining perimeter joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roof shingle comprising a shingle with at least one layer having a head lap and a butt, the head lap including at least one alignment notch and the butt including at least one corner that corresponds to the alignment notch. Also, the present invention provides a roofing shingle comprising at least one layer formed from a cutting cylinder having a circumference that is a fraction of said roofing shingle length. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the inventive shingles and a method for installing the inventive shingles upon a roofing area.

Abstract: An artificial stone siding product for use as siding for homes, commercial buildings, and other structures, as well as for hearths, mantles, and other similar indoor structures, is provided. The artificial stone siding product includes a stone body cast of a cement aggregate and having an outer visible surface area shaped and colored to resemble real stone. An integral mounting support extends from at least one edge of the stone body. The mounting support allows the attachment of the artificial stone siding product to a surface of a wall using fasteners inserted through apertures defined by the support. The artificial stone siding product may be used to quickly and easily construct a stone wall by mounting a plurality of the artificial stone siding products to the exterior of a wall in much the same way as standard siding.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for use in forming a decorative feature on a structure, and a method of forming a decorative feature on a structure. In an embodiment of the invention, apparatus (10) for use in forming a decorative feature on a structure such as a building is disclosed.

Abstract: Floor panel, said floor panel (1) comprising a decor (2), as well as a top layer (8) based on synthetic material (9), and wherein the decor (2) represents a pattern with several wood parts (3) per floor panel (1), characterized in that in the upper surface (14) of the floor panel (1) one or more height differences are present in that the upper surface (14), at the location of one of more of the wood parts (3), shows an individualized global surface level (16).

Abstract: A shingle layer of shingle is provided having an increased thickness adhesive coating on at least a portion of its rear surface, with granules embedded therein, with the granules being of a size range that is larger than the fine particles normally applied to the rear surface of a shingle layer.