Abstract: Vertical and/or horizontal frame members for use in a curtain wall construction including a framework and one or more glazing panels include a pair of elongated, spaced apart, metal elements structurally interconnected with a heat insulating element. One of the elements is formed with a pocket having an opening in a wall portion facing the other metal element and the other metal element includes a tongue extending into the pocket through the opening. The heat insulating element of resinous plastic material structurally interconnects the tongue and pocket of the metal elements into a composite frame member and provides a heat insulating thermal barrier therebetween.

Abstract: A standing seam roof panel joint assembly for standing seam roofs includes a pair of upstanding seam forming mating walls at the side edges of adjacent roof panels which may be interlocked and embraced by a cap strip. These walls of each panel are formed with opposed complementary pockets located substantially the same distance down from their upper ends, adjacent reversely bent contiguous wall sections which are embraced by the cap strip. Mastic or "hot melt" beads of predetermined volume are disposed in the pocket in each wall section, and distributed when the pockets are deformed during the seaming operation in which the seam forming edges are interlocked.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for window panes in an automotive vehicle includes a cover strip and a column for receiving the window panes. The column has a flange which extends into a joint between the window panes, which are arranged along a contour line of the vehicle, in a manner that does not extend beyond the contour line. The cover strip fastens to the flange in a manner hiding the joint. According to a preferred embodiment, the flange is a component of a locking plate that has a T-shaped cross section, the locking plate being joined to a cap-shaped profile of the column and the cover strip having a section that fastens around the flange in a clip-like manner.

Abstract: A thermally improved expanded store front system is disclosed including vertical mullions and horizontal members. The vertical mullions comprise a structural mullion portion which is securely attached to the sill and head members and an exterior mullion half removably secured by anchor means to said structural mullion. The mullions when assembled are adapted to receive clip means which secure the horizontal members in place without the need for screws thereby allowing the members to expand and contract without undue stress. The vertical mullions and horizontal members, which are cut to predetermined lengths may be easily spliced for typical multi-story applications.

Abstract: An expansion joint cover comprises at least one elongated frame assembly which includes a base member having a bridge-supporting rib adjacent the gap and a cover-supporting flange spaced laterally outwardly from the rib, the cover-supporting flange having an upwardly open groove and an abutment located laterally outwardly from the groove, relative to the expansion gap. A cover member having, in cross-section, a web portion, a bridge-supported flange extending down from the underside of the web portion adjacent to the gap and generally vertically above the rib of the base member and a retainer rib extending down from the underside of the web portion, is fastened to the base member of the frame assembly by longitudinally spaced-apart, generally U-shaped spring clips received on the retainer rib of the cover member and in the groove of the base member.

Abstract: A prefabricated insulated panel includes a sheet-like face member and an insulating mat extending along one surface of the face member. Complementary male and female formations extend along opposed edges of the face member and are adapted to matingly couple adjacent panels to form a contiguously extending insulated wall structure. The face member has an upstanding flange which is offset from one of the edges of the face member and which cooperates with such edge to define a recess adapted to receive the insulating mat of the next adjacent panel therein. The flange is adapted to facilitate attachment of the panel to a support and in a manner aiding in preventing heat flow through the panel. Each panel has a side edge structure which is constructed and arranged to minimize heat transmission through abutting side joints of adjacent panels while, at the same time, allowing for expansion and contraction of the panels.

Abstract: A pair of panels which may comprise a solar collector having an absorber and a transparent panel are supported on and integrated with a building, such as on a roof. The means of support includes a base mounting member, an intermediate mounting member, a top cover member and a plurality of bearing members. The base mounting member is secured to the building and supports the region of the edges of two absorbers of adjacent solar collectors in substantially contiguous relation. The intermediate mounting member is supported on each absorber and, in turn, supports two plates of the adjacent solar collectors. The top cover member is supported on each plate and each of the top cover members and intermediate mounting member are secured to the base mounting member. Contact between each member and the solar collector is through the bearing members which provide a tight sealing engagement upon securement.

Abstract: A thermally improved expanded store front system is disclosed including vertical mullions and horizontal members. The vertical mullions comprise a structural mullion portion which is securely attached to the sill and head members and an exterior mullion half removably secured by anchor means to said structural mullion. The mullions when assembled are adapted to receive clip means which secure the horizontal members in place without the need for screws thereby allowing the members to expand and contract without undue stress. The vertical mullions and horizontal members, which are cut to predetermined lengths may be easily spliced for typical multi-story applications.

Abstract: Window structure for a solar collector shield or the like having a frame defining a row of separate window openings. A self-contained window unit is installed in each opening. Each window unit comprises a pair of rectangular glass panes held in laterally spaced parallel relation by a peripheral window frame. A mounting frame is provided for mounting each window unit in its window opening. Each mounting frame has overlapping frame members. Adjacent side frame members of adjacent window units also overlap. The overlap is for the purpose of excluding moisture and preventing heat loss. A peripheral window seal is provided for the same purpose.

Abstract: A hollow wall partition assembly is disclosed which comprises a flanged ceiling rail, two opposing spaced apart rows of wall panels, snap-on trim pieces engaging grooves on the ceiling rail whereby the snap-on trim pieces conceal exposed unfinished portions of the ceiling rail. The partition assembly includes a snap-on glazing cover for window framing which is engageable with the assembled ceiling rail and snap-on trim pieces. A mullion and jamb attachment clip is provided for attaching door frame jambs and vertical mullions to the assembled ceiling rail and snap-on trim pieces.

Abstract: A wall construction includes a framework of mullions supporting one or more glazing panels and the mullions comprise an elongated inside member having an outwardly facing outer wall with an inwardly extending portion offset from the center of the outside wall which is formed with a longitudinal recess in an outer face thereof. An elongated glazing element having an outer wall spaced outwardly of the outer wall of the inside member is provided to form one or more glazing pockets on laterally opposite sides of the mullion for receiving the edge portions of the glazing panels. The glazing element includes a tongue extending inwardly from the outer wall toward the recess in the inside vertical structural member. Fastening means is provided for securing the outside glazing element and the inside structural member together from the inside of the building and includes insulating spacer blocks seated in the recess and extending into a groove in the tongue of the glazing member with the sealed fasteners.

Abstract: A skylight panel of fiberglass or other translucent material is integrated into a metal standing rib roof without loss of structural integrity in the roof system. The skylight panel is suspended in the roof system by a pair of formed suspension channels without the use of rivets or other like fasteners. The skylight panel is relieved of direct stresses caused by expansion and contraction of the roof system, and is protected from abrasion and wear caused by sliding contact with purlins or other metal parts. The skylight mounting means is characterized by simplicity and economy and is effectively sealed against leakage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing covering plates, particularly thin, flat and rigid plates, employing hard materials which are previously granulated or reduced to powder, agglomerated with the aid of synthetic resins, comprising the steps of:(a) depositing on a conveyor belt a layer of binding agent, containing hard purverulent matter and dyes,(b) depositing cleaned granules on the layer of binding agent,(c) depositing base granules on the preceding layer,(d) pressing vibro-compressor rollers on the strip thus formed,(e) passing the strip into a polymerization furnace,(f) removing the excess granules by suction,(g) stripping the strip from the belt and effecting the finishing and checking operations.

Abstract: A roof panel that is lightweight and structurally strong, and that can be assembled with other panels to form large area surfaces, comprises a rectangular panel made with an extruded U-shaped channel frame member, that is mitered at the corners. The frame is enclosed by two sheet members that are attached by adhesive bond supplemented by screws or other type fasteners to the outer surface arms of the frame. The base portion of the U-shaped channel member has a flange extension on one side whereby the two edges of two adjacent panels can be bolted together. A resilient sealing gasket is placed between the two flange extensions, of the U member so that as the bolts tighten the two members together, the joint between is sealed by the gasket. After the two panels are joined in this manner, a specially shaped inverted U shaped ridge cover channel is placed over the sealed joint, and is latched into notches, which hold the cover in place.

Abstract: A sloped curtain wall structure for buildings comprises an elongated, horizontal sill including a bottom wall and at least one upstanding side wall forming a gutter designed for mounting on a supporting base structure such as a vertical wall segment or a foundation wall. An elongated baffle is interconnected with the horizontal sill and is interlocked with side walls to substantially enclose the sill above the gutter and a plurality of rafters are connected through openings in the baffle by extruded anchors to the sill and supporting structure and slope upwardly to support glazing panels mounted in the frame work. Each rafter includes a gutter and a glazing pocket aligned with the glazing pocket in the baffle for receiving and supporting the edges of a glazing panel.

Abstract: A bearing member intermediate structural members provide for low friction relative movement of the structural members comprising, in operative position, a flattened tube having an elastic wall and an anti-friction medium deposited within the tube.

Abstract: A system for joining and adhering a pair of abutting panels to a rigid substrate and providing a seal against thermal and moisture transfer. The system is comprised of an elongated receptacle member with a base and a pair of spaced vertical elements extending upwardly from the base and forming a channel, to be placed under and between edges of the panels to be joined. The receptacle member is firmly attached to the rigid substrate by fastening means passed through the base. The adjacent side walls of the vertical elements include a plurality of vertically spaced, downwardly angled teeth projecting inwardly towards the center of the channel. An elongated resilient insert member includes a cap and a projection extending downwardly from said cap.

Abstract: A small boat or the like comprising a flotation chamber defined at its gunwale by a first member, preferably integral with the sides of the hull extending upwardly and defining a first lip at its terminal end portion, a second member or cover secured at its bottom portion to the hull and extending inwardly of the first member with its upper end portion extending over the first member and including a second lip, and a connecting device resiliently engaging the first and second lips with each other to secure flotation material in the form of a block of expanded polystyrene or the like within the flotation chamber. The connecting device can be a separate element pressing the lips of the first and second members against each other or can be a resilient portion of one of the members normally biasing the lips into engagement. A rub rail is defined at the upper end of the flotation chamber and can be formed either by a separate connecting member or by a portion of one of the other members.

Abstract: An expandable covering includes an insulating cushion dimensioned to bridge a gap between two structural members commonly referred to as an expansion joint. In a preferred form the construction comprises a composite neoprene coated fabric strip of a first width which is typically about 18 inches, a narrower expansion bellows and mailing strip constructed of an asphalt coated woven wire cloth and the insulating cushion. The coated woven wire cloth is heat sealed to the fabric side of the composite strip. In a different embodiment the neoprene coated fabric strip is replaced by an asphalt saturated cloth. In still a further embodiment a neoprene strip is glued directly to an asphalt-free center area of an asphalt impregnated or coated woven wire cloth.

Abstract: A building unit. The unit comprises a panel with a flange extending substantially normally from each of at least two opposing sides. Attachment means are formed in the flanges so that one panel can be attached to a panel formed with similar flanges to construct a strong, easily erected building that can be of large area and easily insulated.

Abstract: A structural assembly comprises a cellular frame structure in the cells of which panes or panels are mounted to form a curtain wall. The frame structure carries external sealing gaskets for the peripheries of said panes and arranged so that said panes are put in place from the interior face of the structure. Internally of said panes, clamping means are disposed to urge said panes into sealing engagement with the gaskets with an adjustable force. The external sealing gaskets cover those parts of the frame structure that project externally of said panes.

Abstract: A glazing division bar includes a facing member having a retaining clip secured therein and a gutter member. The retaining clip is secured in the facing member by opposed flexible legs of the retaining clip engaging an adjacent shoulder of a seal anchoring groove formed on the end of each side wall of the facing member. The retaining clip has a retaining groove formed by a bifurcated member disposed between the flexible legs for receiving arrow-shaped stem of the gutter member to secure the facing member to the gutter member about marginal edges of a glazed unit.The glazing division bar is disassembled by inserting a flat blade between a seal anchoring groove of the facing member and adjacent marginal edge of the unit into engagement with a flexible leg of the retaining clip and urging the flexible leg away from the shoulder of the seal anchoring groove to release the facing member. Thereafter the retaining clip is removed from the stem of the gutter member to free the glazed unit.

Abstract: A wall structure of the double-skin insulated type which spans across at least first and second building frame members. The wall structure comprises a liner sheet positively secured to the second frame member and having a liner sheet end lapping the first frame member; confinement means releasably retaining the liner sheet end to the first frame member; a facing sheet positioned outboard of the liner sheet; and at least two subgirts (a) entirely spaced-apart from the first frame member in the direction of the second frame member and from each other, (b) positioned between the facing sheet and the liner sheet, and (c) each secured to the facing sheet and to the liner sheet.The arrangement is such that the wall structure fails in a particular manner when subjected to abnormally high positive or negative wind pressures of preselected value. The failure load of the wall structure is controlled by the end-subgirt spacing -- the distance between the first frame member and the subgirt adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An improved curtain wall or wall system for building construction is provided which employs a unitary thermal barrier or thermal break vertical mullion. The novel unitary vertical thermal barrier mullion comprises metal exterior and interior vertical members uniquely joined together, and an insulating medium, or member further joining and separating the metal members. The members are so constructed that a fail-safe condition is provided which prohibits complete separation of the metal members should the insulating member or medium subsequently lose its structural integrity. The shape of the mullion may be varied without changing the construction providing the fail-safe condition.

Abstract: A planar structural assembly has a series of cells formed by elongate structural members, the cells each receiving a pane or panel. To provide a weather-seal, closed loops of resilient sealing strips extend around the exterior edge of each pane or panel and are mounted on auxiliary members secured to the structural members. The auxiliary members clamp the sealing strips in compression against their panes or panels to ensure the seal there. The contiguous edges of the sealing strips of adjacent cells are locked in place and a seal formed between them by locking or zipper strips.

Abstract: A planar structural assembly has a series of cells formed by elongate structural members, the cells each receiving a pane or panel. To provide a weather-seal, closed loops of resilient sealing strips extend around the exterior edge of each pane or panel and are mounted on auxiliary members secured to the structural members. The auxiliary members clamp the sealing strips in compression against their panes or panels to ensure the seal there. The contiguous edges of the sealing strips of adjacent cells are locked in place and a seal formed between them by locking or zipper strips.