Abstract: A lap joint structure for adjoining panels of a sheet metal roofing assembly permits shifting of the joint panels longitudinally and transversely with respect to the joint as caused by thermally induced expansion and contraction, as well as providing a securely anchored connection of the panels to the roof substrate. Two adjacent panels are rigidly connected to one another, an underlying cleat is rigidly connected to the roof substrate, and the two joined panels are securely connected to the cleat with clearance allowed for thermally induced movements of the panels across the substrate.

Abstract: A ballast block is disclosed in the form of a planar plate member. The plate member has a top and bottom surface, front and rear end portions and oppositely disposed lateral edges. The end portions include a mechanism for preventing substantial uplift and rotational displacement of the block when its end portions are interlinked in overlapping relationship with the corresponding end portions of like ballast blocks.

Abstract: A roof tile with longitudinal flat and curved or barrel-shape sections and a wedge member mounted to the underside of the flat section, along its entire length with the exception of a portion at the front of the tile. The space defined is sufficient to cooperatively and snuggly house a part of the rear of a tile installed in front. This provides a longitudinal resting area on the flat section of the tile. A longitudinal flange member extends upwardly and outwardly from the edge of the side wall of the flat section of the tile so that it interlockingly engages with horizontally abutting tiles.

Abstract: A roof panel (1), which includes a support course (12) for supporting a water-impervious layer (11) or for supporting a windproof layer. The roof panel additionally includes a lower diffusionproof layer (15) and normally one insulating course (14) located in the region between the lower diffusionproof layer and the support course. The roof panel is disposed with a frame (16) which forms the outer edges (20-23) of the roof panel, in addition to which the frame along opposite edges is disposed with devices in order to affix adjacent roof panels in relation to one another and in order to affix the roof panels to a substrate (4) such as a roof truss, a support wall etc.

Abstract: A roof tile that has a top upper rectangular flat member and a wedged honeycomb frame integrally built on its underside. Grooves are formed on the underside of the top rectangular member and substantially adjacent to the lateral sides of the top rectangular flat member. The front and rear wall of the wedged from structure extend diagonally downwardly from the underside of the top member and towards the front of the tile. A cooperating gutter member is positioned below the interface of horizontally abutting tiles to collect the water that goes through the interface opening and to discharge it over the vertically abutting roof tile in front.

Abstract: The invention concerns an extruded concrete roof tile of the kind which is designed to be laid in broken bond, is generally rectangular in plan view and has underlying and overlying side lock portions at opposed edges respectively. The upper surface of the tile at the upper end thereof, when on the roof, is recessed to receive the side locks of two similar upper tiles laid in broken bond, and the underlying side lock portion is cut away at the lower end of the tile so that the lower end portion of the tile may lie over the upper surface of the tiles down the roof (in use) to extend beyond the said recessed portions of the lower tiles. The recessed portion is arranged to receive the tile hanging nibs of an identical tile when the two tiles are stacked one upon the other.

Abstract: A roofing tile comprises a rectangular panel having first and second longitudinal edge portions adapted to extend in the slope direction of a sloped roof and an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge is adapted to run parallel to the horizontal edges of the sloped roof. The upper lateral edge and the first longitudinal edge portion has an upstanding ledge portion. The second longitudinal edge portion has a raised portion with a downwardly extending flange. The raised portion is adapted to overlap the upstanding ledge of the first longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent tile. The bottom lateral edge portion has a downwardly extending flange adapted to overlap the upstanding ledge at the upper lateral edge portion of a further adjacent tile. A lower portion of the first longitudinal edge portion is provided with fastener access means whereby a fastener can be passed therethrough to anchor the tile to the roof.

Abstract: A tile system includes a running tile having a flat bottom and parallel longitudinal edges, and a covering tile designed to rest on a pair of running tiles. The running tile has two notches formed in its parallel longitudinal edges, and the covering tile has a vertical partition that is adapted to engage the notches of adjacent running tiles to allow the lateral adjustment of the relative positions of the running tile and covering tiles.

Abstract: Building components include, along opposite edges, opposed pairs of non-planar flanges respectively defining male and female attachment members. Provided on the components are opposite underlying and overlying sections with the male attachment members affixed to the front face of the underlying sections, and the female attachment members affixed to the rear face of the overlying sections. A guide element may extend from the female flanges to facilitate camming of paired female flanges about the male flanges of an adjacent component to insure a snap-fitting assembly of a plurality of components.

Abstract: A deck structure is disclosed in which overlapping and interlocking corrugated members, each formed from a single sheet of metal, are covered with a layer of concrete. Each corrugated member has at least one longitudinally extending valley along one side and a substantially flat flange provided on an opposite side. The flange may include spaced-apart longitudinally extending shallow depressions spaced at a distance and configured to receive and interlock with an adjacent member. When the decking is used as a deck form, the end portions of the sheet members may be partially or completely closed. Perforations which may be provided in flange portions of the members, allow water and other liquids to drain through deck form and to be caught in a vented valley portions of an adjacent member.

Abstract: Decorative wall covering panels are disclosed which sealingly fit against a wall and thereby protect the wall surface from the deteriorating effects of weather. Horizontally and vertically abutting panels which simulate real shingles, such as cedar shake shingles, overlap each other on all edges when installed. Sealing surfaces are provided around the periphery of the inside surface of the panels. The fitting arrangement of the overlapping edges between panels serves to make and maintain the seals between the panels and the wall.

Abstract: A roof tile that has a top upper rectangular flat member and a wedged honeycomb frame integrally built on its underside. Grooves are formed on the underside of the top rectangular member and substantially adjacent to the lateral sides of the top rectangular flat member. A cooperating gutter member is positioned below the interface of horizontally abutting tiles to collect the water that goes through the interface opening and to discharge it over the vertically abutting roof tile in front.

Abstract: Thermal insulation is prepared from a series of insulative elements capable of being interconnected with each other, and a series of protective sheet elements which when fitted over the insulative elements protect the insulative elements from the environment.

Abstract: A roof tile of rectangular and flat shape that can be interlockingly disposed with longitudinally and laterally adjacent tiles. The tile includes a frame member mounted to the underside of a flat top member and the frame member being of smaller dimensions than the top member and positioned towards the rear portion of the top member, it provides an interlocking cavity towards the front section that houses the rear of a longitudinally contiguous tile. Lateral ribs and grooves cooperate to provide lateral interlock.

Abstract: Roof system including a plurality of shingled generally wedge shaped roof members. Each roof member has a long rectangular shape with tile markings on the upper forward surface. The generally wedge shaped roof members include a relatively planar upper surface except for an upward projecting flange that leans forward toward the forward side of the roof member. The lower surface includes a first converging planer lower surface portion extending beyond the position of the upper flange of a shingled lower roof member. The lower surface includes a second converging planer lower surface portion that ends in a rear edge. A border area between the first portion and the second portion is of increased thickness. A mating flange groove is located in the first portion which is arranged and sized to mate over the upper flange and rear portion of a lower shingled roof member.

Abstract: A roofing/siding system and panels for use therein are provided. Each panel has a batten along one edge which includes a lock lip. Each panel also has a lockseam along the other edge for receiving the lock lip of an overlapping batten of an adjacent panel. The panels are secured to a substrate by clips having hook shaped portions which engage the lockseams.

Abstract: A system of prefabricated board mats for assembling plank roads for supporting heavy equipment on unprepared surfaces. The system is based on a standard eight foot by sixteen foot three-ply treated lumber prefabricated board road section. Individual board mat sections are linked in the direction of travel using a mating male and female plug and socket system to evenly transfer the weight load of heavy equipment in the direction of travel. Angle iron interlocks are provided laterally at the corners. The mats are lifted by use of three or more eyebolts countersunk into the top of the mat at strategic locations so that balance is maintained.In practice a porous protector filter cloth section is laid on an area where a board mat is to be placed.

Abstract: A module readily assembled roofing system for overlying a base structure, e.g. of a house or building, comprising a plurality of elongated modules of identical cross-section, each support including a principal body member defining a planar upper surface for the support and means defining a guideway or keyway aperture accessible from the undersurface of the support. The support also includes a planar web member extending from the principal body member and a locking member engaged to the free edge of the web member, including a terminal bead at the upper end of the locking member. The locking member mates with the guideway within an adjacent module such that one module is slideably received in mating relation within the guideway of an adjacent module to lock adjacent supports against vertical displacement. The web members are coupled to the base structure as by rivets, and a plurality of overlying covering members are affixed to the top surface of the body members.

Abstract: A roof tile is provided with a pair of batten lugs and a pair of stacking lugs protruding from the bottom side thereof. The batten lugs are positioned very close to and taper to the edge at the head end of the tile so that the thickness of the tail end of the tile may be relatively thin and may be equal to the thickness at the edge of the tile head end. The stacking lugs are positioned longitudinally away from the tail end of the tile so as not to interfere with tile overlapping. The thickness of the tile from the front surface thereof to the tip of each batten lug is substantially equal to the thickness of the tile from the front surface thereof to the tip of each stacking lug such that the tile may be stacked with other similar tiles without need to rotate every other tile by 180.degree..

Abstract: An inexpensive, modular, partition system is provided by panels which include a generally rectangular body and connector members on opposed sides of the body and integral therewith. Each connector member includes female and male elements joined together by a stop element which is generally perpendicular to the body. The panels may be connected to one another to form a wall by either an abutting type or overlapping type connection. In the abutting type connection, one connector member of one panel interlocks with a connector member of the other panel and the female and male elements come into mating engagement with each other, with the stop elements of each member abutting each other. In the overlapping type connection, the ends of adjacent panels overlap each other and the male elements of each connector member are secured to the body of an opposing panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a constant contact panel interlock even during thermal expansion and contraction by providing flexible pins to bear on a tongue in a tongue and groove interlock and also by providing ramps for a bendable flange to slide over and bear on. Further, a material made of polypropylene with 20% calcium carbonate filler is used to form the panels, such material being sufficiently flexible at the temperatures common for panels exposed to direct sunlight (as on a roof or wall) to permit the pins or flange to bend without breaking and also being a material of much lower coefficient of expansion than pure polypropylene.

Abstract: An interlocking building panel is provided having an intermediate portion and first and second interlocking portions at respective sides thereof which are adapted for interlocking engagement with interlocking portions of adjacent panels. The first interlocking portion is formed to define a first side wall having a lower and an upper segment intersecting at an obtuse, inwardly included angle and also formed to define a first lip extending inwardly from the upper segment. The second interlocking portion is formed to define a second upwardly extending side wall, an outwardly extending upper wall, a leg depending from said upper wall, and a second lip extending inwardly from the leg. In two embodiments, the upper wall also extends outwardly from the depending leg to define a fastening surface, while in a third embodiment, the depending leg is spaced outwardly from the second side wall sufficiently to provide a fastening surface in the upper wall between them.

Abstract: A roof tile made of a composition of matter comprising cement, silica sand, iron oxide pigment, acrylic polymer resin, an antifoaming agent and water, and formed into a shape having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top end, a butt end, and with a longitudinal side edge having a longitudinal flange, and another longitudinal side edge having a longitudinal concavity, with a plurality of ribs formed in the bottom surface, and reinforcing wire embedded in said ribs and the bottom perimeter of the tile.

Abstract: A concealed fastener arrangement useful in attaching a succession of profiled panel members to spaced-apart structural elements of a building framework to provide roof or wall structures. The arrangement includes repeating series of fixed and movable clip means secured to the structural elements in predetermined pattern. Adjacent ones of the fixed clip means are spaced-apart at a selected modular width corresponding to the desired panel coverage width. Plural movable clip means are presented between adjacent fixed clip means, and are capable of limited movement longitudinally of the structural elements. When assembled in side-by-side overlapped relation, the panel members present downwardly opening, longitudinal ribs including joint ribs formed by overlapping the complimentary male and female partial ribs of adjacent panel members. The fixed and movable clip means are received within the longitudinal ribs and connect the panel members to the structural elements.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained solar heat collector is disclosed which is particularly suited for addition to new or existing structures in the form of window shutters, exterior siding, awnings, columnar elements and the like. The exterior glazing (32) of the collector includes undulating transverse pane segments (36, 38, 118, 156), the angle of which is chosen to optimize insolation during winter months. Beneath the preferably sharp peaks and valleys of such undulations is positioned a heat absorption, storage and exchange assembly (42-64) which defines an enclosed heat transfer cavity (42, 122, 134, 142) through which a heat transfer fluid such as air is directed.

Abstract: A panel mounting clip assembly is adapted to connect the intermediate longitudinal ribs of panel members and the rib-like joints between adjacent ones of the panel members to panel support members. The clip assembly comprises a base member that is fastened to the panel support member and a top clip that is frictionally engaged with interior surfaces of the ribs or joints to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the panels. The top clip-to-base member connection provides for movement of the top clip transversely of the length of the panel member thereby to accommodate rib-to-clip and joint-to-clip misalignments. The top clip-to-base member connection also provides for limited universal movement of the top clip relative to the base member to accommodate any inherent minor distortions in the profile of the intermediate ribs or the panel elements of the rib-like joint. A roof or wall structure utilizing the panel mounting clip assembly is described.

Abstract: A roofing tile having on its bottom surface a rear edge flange, a pair of stabilizing pawls and a plurality of longitudinal ribs, said tile also having along its front edge bottom surface a lateral rib and further having projections on its lateral rib and recesses on its rear edge flange; said tile is able to be supported on a shingle by said stabilizing pawls and longitudinal ribs and is also stabilized by engaging the projections with the recesses of a subjacent tile, as a result the tile may distribute given load to several supporting points, preventing itself from being cracked and also may be installed regularly with ease without being disordered.

Abstract: A construction system is disclosed utilizing prefabricated panels which can be assembled in a contiguous, aligned relationship to form a construction section. In one form of the system, the individual panels may include a structural core with a flexible membrane covering, and include an edge portion adapted to engage the edge portion of the next adjacent panel to provide a substantially contiguous seal between panels. The edge portions are sealable by fasteners which may be in the form of interlocking male and female members proportioned so that when joined the male members of one fastener will wipe along the inside walls of the fastener to which it is being connected to clean dirt from these walls and push the dirt into one or more dirt cavities formed when the fasteners are joined. Multiple areas of intense contact are also provided between the mating members of the fasteners to provide an effective watertight seal.

Abstract: A thin shell of hard plastic has a cavity within which a polyurethane foam is received. Each panel includes an upper, relatively straight-line edge, two side edges at substantially 90 degrees to the upper edge, and a lower, irregular edge having the appearance of a plurality of individual roofing shakes. The upper edge is canted upwardly for receipt within a groove in the underside of an upper overlapping panel. In addition, immediately adjacent the canted upper edge, there is a bandlike section through which roofing nails may be applied for securing the panel to the roof. The undersurface of each panel includes a stepped arrangement, not unlike that encountered in a roof constructed of individual shakes, which arrangement enables a pair of such panels to be fitted together with the top surface of one panel contacting the lower surface of another panel and forming a substantially parallel surface package for storage and shipment.

Abstract: A solar energy structure which includes translucent panel members which cooperate to define a series of closed air spaces which may be generally V-shaped. Through panel configuration and interlocks the solar energy is permitted to pass through the panel structure which also serves to provide thermal insulation and drainage. In one embodiment, a panel member located between the starter panel and the flasher panel may be generally W-shaped having one sector serving as the inside air space defining surface for one closed air space and another sector serving as the outside air space defining surface for another closed air space.

Abstract: A moulded concrete roofing tile has at least two projecting nibs on the underside of the tile which nibs are spaced apart along the length of the tile. The tile may therefore be hung on a batten from either nib. An edge portion of the tile is cut away to receive a portion of a second tile in a vertical row adjacent a vertical row occupied by the said tile and staggered with regard to the said tile. In this way a horizontal row of tiles may be hung on a single batten with adjacent tiles in the row being displaced vertically in relation to one another and a roof may be constructed with the tiles in adjacent rows staggered but using only the same number and spacing of battens as would be required for rows which are not so arranged.

Abstract: A panel of molded plastic or cured composite materials configured to span the space between a pair of beam or support members by a slideable engagement between each of the opposite ends of the panel and its adjacent beam or support member, and the panel sealingly and lockingly engageable along each of its opposite edges to another panel adjacent each edge of the first panel. The panels are fabricated whereby the panel end engagement means with the beam or support members define a predetermined path which in turn is variable as the panels can be arcuately flexed widthwise upon installation engagement with the beam or support members while at the same time minimizing load deflection of the panels lengthwise when installed.

Abstract: One sheet section edge is bent to form two edge portions making a U shape with the sheet. The second sheet section has the adjacent edge bent to form two portions which lie adjacent the two edge portions of the first sheet section, a third portion formed by a 180.degree. bend and an additional bend to engage the inside of the U.

Abstract: A cladding for the exterior walls or the roof of a building comprises a plurality of overlapping, profiled and elongate panels of e.g. sheet metal or plastic attached to supporting rails extending in spaced relationship over the surface to be covered in a direction intersecting the longitudinal directions of the panels. Each supporting rail has a series of rigid fastener means each with a dovetail-shaped incut. One longitudinal marginal portion of each panel has a resiliently deformable cross section adapted for snapping into the incut of one fastener means on each of at least two adjacent supporting rails and forms a groove with undercut side walls opening towards the front or outer side of the cladding. The opposite longitudinal marginal portion of each panel also has a resiliently deformable cross section adapted to partly enter said groove of an adjacent panel and to be retained therein in a clamped position in which at least one of the two interengaging marginal panel portions is slightly deformed.

Abstract: An extruded aluminum planar roofing shingle with a structural capability of spanning over six feet which incorporates an integral tube which projects from its lower surface, the shingles being mounted in edge overlapping, parallel array fashion across laterally spaced, inclined roof rafters of a building structure and being interlocked at said edges, each shingle extending the full length of the roof. Preferably, a light transmissive plate of a size corresponding generally to that of the shingle is carried by each shingle on the upper surface of the shingle and spaced therefrom to enhance heating of the extruded aluminum shingle and collection of solar heat thereby. A second layer may also be applied in such a manner that there is an insulation air space between each layer of the light transmissive plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a channel shaped building panel especially adapted for installation on the underside of a roofing framework. The panel has opposed upstanding webs, one of which is provided with outwardly oriented generally L-shaped female locking and mounting means, and the other of which is provided with an inwardly oriented male locking means, both locking means terminating in detent ribs. At the juncture of the female locking means with its web, an integral inwardly oriented scabbard is formed, and a complementary outwardly oriented integral blade is formed at the juncture of the male locking member with its web. Upon upward insertion of the male locking member into the female locking member, the detent ribs interact in snap fashion, and the blade seats in the scabbard. The female locking and mounting member provides a surface for attachment of a fastener to the roofing framework.

Abstract: A construction system is disclosed utilizing a prefabricated plank which can be assembled in contiguous, aligned relationship with other similar planks to form a construction section. The individual planks are of varying geometric shapes and are of a composite construction having a structural core with a flexible membrane covering. The core may be formed from foamed plastic, concrete or the like and the membrane a flexible plastic or light gauge metal. The membrane covering includes an edge flap portion adapted to overlie the marginal edge of the next adjacent plank to provide a continuous weatherproof seal between planks. The flaps are sealable by flexible fasteners carried on the membrane flap and marginal portion in the form of interlocking rib and groove elements.

Abstract: An integrated shingle construction in which shingles are constructed perferably of foamed plastic primarily, the construction being in the form of panels in which the foamed plastic shingle is integrated with a board or wooden roofing member such as a standard sized sheeting member that attaches directly to the rafters. The integrated shingle and sheeting members are applied in courses to a pitched roof, for example, the first course being at the top or adjacent the ridge pole and then proceeding downwardly to the eves. Adjacent courses are in interlocking sealing interconnection. The integrated shingle and sheeting members are formed in extended panels with the shingle portion simulating a plurality of individual shingles. Sealing and interconnecting or joining means are provided to sealingly join panel courses at their ends.

Abstract: A panel for construction purposes and having opposite edges to be interlocked with adjacent panels. The panel has a C-shaped interlocked member at one edge and C-shaped slot at the other edge. In assembly the C-shaped member of one panel is slid into the C-shaped slot of the other panel for interlocked purposes.

Abstract: A construction system is disclosed utilizing a prefabricated plank which can be assembled in contiguous, aligned relationship with other similar planks to form a construction section. The individual planks are of varying geometric shapes and are of a composite construction having a structural core with a flexible membrane covering. The core may be formed from foamed plastic, concrete or the like and the membrane a flexible plastic or light gauge metal. The membrane covering includes an edge flap portion adapted to overlie the marginal edge of the next adjacent plank to provide a continuous weatherproof seal between planks. The flaps are sealable by flexible fasteners carried on the membrane flap and marginal portion in the form of interlocking rib and groove elements.

Abstract: A construction system is disclosed utilizing prefabricated panels which can be assembled in a contiguous, aligned relationship to form a construction section. In one form of the system, the individual panels may include a structural core with a flexible membrane covering, and include an edge portion adapted to engage the edge portion of the next adjacent panel to provide a substantially continuous seal between panels. The edge portions are sealable by fasteners which may be in the form of interlocking male and female members. The male and female member of the respective fasteners are proportioned so that when joined the male members of one fastener will wipe along the inside walls of the fastener to which it is being connected to clean dirt from these walls and push the dirt into one or more dirt cavities formed when the fasteners are joined.

Abstract: A self-supporting, modular structural panel comprises a rigid, opaque body panel of substantial thickness. One marginal edge portion of the body panel defines an integral, load-supporting beam which extends outwardly from a first major surface of the body panel. An exterior sheet member is bonded to and conforms to the contour of the body panel and beam. Marginal portions of the sheet are overlapped at an opposite marginal edge of the body panel to define an integral channel portion which extends outwardly from the first major surface of the body panel. The channel portion is configured to receive nestably and to interlock with the beam portion of a second structural member of like configuration.