Abstract: A continuous sequence of thin spacer/bracing segments is provided in the form of an accordian-folded nested stack. Each segment is comprised of a center panel, one side of which is provided with a downwardly angled side appendage panel, the other side of the center panel being free of any appendages. A tang portion at each extremity of the center panel has no side panel associated therewith. In use, the segments are drawn from the stack and utilized to position and brace wooden structural members in the production of an equidistantly spaced parallel array of said structural members. Because of the thin nature of the segments, they may be left in place when paneling material is placed upon the array of structural members.

Abstract: A device for shutting-off a plastics pipe in the event of a fire comprises a sheath of a flexible refractory fabric around a portion of the pipe within or adjacent a fire-resisting partition such as a wall or floor. A spring is placed under tension around the fabric and acts to radially constrict the pipe and sheath, when the pipe softens in the event of a fire. Upon subsequent burning, the burnt plastics forms a foam-like carbon mass which plugs the constricted sheath.

Abstract: The invention concerns the provision of structural elements for building facades and the like, which are provided for fire protection according, for example, to German Industrial Standard requirements. Accordingly, measures should be provided for self-supporting fire protection elements which prevent the spreading of fire, for example, from floor to floor, regardless of whether the fire comes from the outside or the inside. This object is achieved in that the composite connecting body (4) consists of at least one statically loadable bearing body having an aluminum core (18) which is completely or partially surrounded by fire suppressant material (9). This fire suppressant material (9) can be provided with or without a covering (10).

Abstract: A penetration seal for a surface opening and method of forming it by positioning a non-liquid, non-combustible substance in the void of the surface opening to provide a dam of desired thickness and applying an elastic coating over the dam and the object adjacent its passage through the dam to accommodate movement of the object relative to the dam without forming cracks in the closure.

Abstract: Fire stops for structures formed of combustible materials such as frame dwellings and the like are formed of wire screen with support frames and positioned in spaced relation below wooden floor joists and wooden plates and other transverse wooden members positioned between wooden studding and the like in such structures. The wire screen introduces an element of high heat conductivity and effectively prevents the upward propagation of flame therethrough. Perforated metal sheets in contact with said wire screen support the same.

Abstract: In a curtain wall building structure, an improved fire containment arrangement is provided by supporting curtain wall insulation sheets and safing insulation directly to the periphery of the floor slab structure by means of a heat resistant clip.

Abstract: A method and means of improved drywall or wallboard construction is shown and described wherein the edges of adjacent wallboards are first mounted to a series of vertically spaced strap members affixed between, and spanning, adjacent typical wall stud or ceiling stud members. The strap members are each provided with a centrally located recessed area. The wallboard edges are then screwed into the recessed area of each of the strap members to form a recessed butt joint which can then be rendered flush by conventional means.The method and means of the invention permits the bending of wall board and forming of a recessed butt joint without setting up high stresses in the wallboard. Any stresses are adequately offset by the strap member which is substantially rigid, and reinforced, as well, in its central recessed area.

Abstract: Building structures having improved fire resistant properties through the use of metallic meshes having high heat conductivity to cover the building structure members in order to prevent spread of fire or flame while permitting free passage of ventilating air. The mesh may be utilized to cover impervious building members such as I-beams and the like, or air pervious building members such as trusses in order to provide adequate ventilation of attic spaces. In a preferred embodiment, the metallic mesh is utilized in an air envelope wall as a fire stop to permit free passage of air while preventing spread of fire between floors.

Abstract: Electrical power, instrument and communication cables constructed with combustible coverings can provide a pathway by which fire might spread. Cable fires within a room or compartment can be arrested by the construction of a properly designed "fire break" placed periodically along a cable run; and cable fire spread between rooms can be arrested by a properly placed "fire stop". Cable runs generally include a cable tray or raceway to contain the cables. An effective fire barrier, e.g., "fire break" or "fire stop" may be constructed in such a cable tray or raceway by filling a portion of the tray or raceway with a gypsum composition comprising gypsum plaster, an inert filler mixture of diatomaceous earth and lightweight expanded aggregate, and very small amounts of glycerin, boric acid and a corrosion inhibitor such as a boron nitride, boron nitrile or mixture of such boron compounds.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a device for eliminating seams at the butt joints caused by the installation of contiguous wall boards in building construction.A bracket, having means for fastening to the studs, has a slightly recessed surface. The butting edges of the wall boards that are fastened to the studs are screwed down tightly on the recessed surface of the bracket. The wall boards, being somewhat flexible, form a concave outer surface slightly below the plane of the wallboard surface that is mounted on the stud. The concave area is taped and then filled with a selected filling material or a joint compound, bringing the new surface formed thereby back to the original plane of the wallboard. The bracket is permanently secured by the wallboard so there will be no movements, and the filling and taping procedure completely conceal the joint lines, so that the wallboard can be painted or wallpapered and will appear as one continuous surface.

Abstract: An insulation stop for use in buildings, such as a dwelling, having truss type roof, and which is capable of confining any type of insulating material to the area directly above the ceiling, while providing maximum space between the roof rafters and the underside of the roof for full flow of ventilation, to thereby materially reduce the energy required for air conditioning the building, as well as the cost involved. The invention consists of a single sheet, preferably of fibrous material, or which could be composed of light weight metal or plastic capable of being bent and folded. A plurality of such items are utilized to form the insulation stop for a complete building with one such item associated with and disposed in part between adjacent roof rafters.

Abstract: A building panel in which transverse beam segments bracing primary beams or studs are comprised of particle board. Also disclosed is an assembly of panels in which the panels are coupled by bridging a plurality of transverse beam segments in pairs by means such as respective gang nail plates. Finally, a method of construction entailing an site cutting and assembly of extended panels is described.

Abstract: An eave thermal baffle for insulation adapted to be fastened on the exterior building wall and between adjacent roof framing members or other framing as may be appropriate. The baffle comprises a flat portion called the plate section adapted to lie on the top plate of the exterior wall and to be fastened thereto or placed against the exterior face of the exterior wall and to be fastened thereto. Extending vertically from this flat portion is a wall portion adapted to be fastened to the inner faces of appropriate framing members. Extending from this wall portion is a main baffle section which extends inwardly of the building and upwardly from the vertical wall. The main baffle section may also be fastened to the inner faces of a pair of appropriate framing members. Upstanding ribs extending along the sides of the main baffle section, and the main baffle section, serve to form a trough or channel for movement of ventilating air.

Abstract: A wall frame construction composed of sheet metal studs provided with a hole in at least one wall positioned at nogging level, nogging strips formable from offcuts of the studs slidable at right angles to the plane of the wall into pairs of nogging clips of U-shape provided with a swaged hole in each of their bases to form protruding collars for locating and retaining the nogging clips within said holes in the studs.