Abstract: Furniture carcass formed from panels assembled edge to edge by means of a groove (21) and loose tongue (11) assembly, a first (10) and a second panel (20) being joined by the edge of the first panel (10) hearing against the inner side (20a) of the second panel (20). The first panel (10) comprises a loose tongue (11), and the second panel (20) comprises, along the edge of its inner side (20a), a recess (21), complementary in shape to that of the edge with the bearing surface (15), a longitudinal assembly groove (21), complementary in shape to that of the tongue (11), and, beyond the groove (21), a bearing surface (25), recessed relative to the plane of its inner side (20a), for receiving the edge tearing surface (15). The assembly groove (21) has a bottom surface (22) and a small bearing surface (24) joined by a truncated concave ridge (27) and the loose tongue (11) has a complementary truncated ridge (17).

Abstract: A panel for a shaftwall system includes a panel body with a core and at least one outer facing layer and an opposite backing surface. A score line is formed in the facing layer, defining two folded panel portions. The panel is folded along the score line to form a folded edge, and the folded panel portions are arranged so that the backing surfaces of the panel portions contact each other. A companion shaftwall building structure system is provided, including a plurality of the panels defining an enclosure, each panel being a ½-inch thick wallboard panel having a “V”-shaped score line defining a pair of panel portions, the score line forms a tapered edge of the folded panel. A plurality of brackets is provided, each bracket defining a panel track dimensioned for slidingly accommodating the folded panel and retaining the panel in place without the use of fasteners.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a bend in composite panel. A method for forming a bend in a composite panel comprises forming a slot having a curved flange in the composite panel, inserting a sheet into the curved flange, and bending the composite panel with the slot and the sheet within the curved flange about a longitudinal axis of the slot to form the bend.

Abstract: A wall bead 10 comprising a central longitudinally extending portion 13, a first elongate flange 11, and second elongate flange 12 which extend longitudinally of the bead, and which separately comprise a front and rear surface. The wall bead 10 further comprises a plurality of teeth 16 disposed upon the first and second flange at longitudinal positions thereon, wherein the teeth are directed away from the respective flange, substantially forwardly of the respective flange, along a common direction that is along the wall bead.

Abstract: A roof structure may be made with one or more sandwich panels having a round corner and installed with a drainage slope (e.g., 5-10 degree) to facilitate removal of liquid (e.g., water, rain, snow, sleet, etc.) from the roof structure. The round corner may have any desired curvature and/or angle for establishing a drainage area. A bonding material may be used to secure and/or seal the underlying interface of the round corner. The roof structure may be secured to an exterior wall by the bonding material.

Abstract: The thermal energy venting system includes an insulation board disposed in the cavity between adjacent studs and other areas of a domicile or building to form venting channels directing excess heat through a roof/ridge vent. The insulation board is a non-porous laminate formed by a rigid foam core covered or sheathed with a reflective polymeric facer or plastic. The insulation board provides a thermal barrier for conduction, convection and radiation aspects of thermal energy transfer. The installation of the insulation board forms an envelope that reflects exterior thermal energy and interior thermal energy to maintain comfortable interior temperatures with minimal heating/cooling energy expenditure and costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled element, in particular a profiled construction element, for example a profiled dry construction, façade, or plaster element, comprising an in particular metal elongated main body, in which at least one opening is formed. The opening has at least one edge formed transversely to the longitudinal extension of the main body, which edge is formed at least partially by a bent-over section of the main body. The bent-over section, together with an adjacent section of the main body, forms an at least double-layer area of the main body. In order to increase the stiffness of the profiled element transversely to the longitudinal extension thereof, the bent-over section is connected to the adjacent section within the at least double-layer area. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a profiled element.

Abstract: A gypsum board corner assembly is formed with an integrated reinforcement strip. The strip may be a folded sheet-metal strip or a thin rod. First, a gypsum board is formed with a groove that extends substantially through the entire gypsum core, but leaves the laminate paper of one side. Then a reinforcement insert is placed in the groove. Here, the insert is formed of or includes ferromagnetic material. The insert is subjected to a magnetic field to pull the insert into the groove, by action of the magnet. After an amount of adhesive is applied in the groove, the gypsum board is folded along the groove while the insert is being pulled into the groove by the magnet. The resulting gypsum board corner assembly has a very accurately placed insert that defines a straight corner edge thereof.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated architectural element and method of fabricating that same. A first step involves providing a piece of drywall having a first edge and a second end, the second edge being opposed to the first edge. A second step involves cutting two parallel ninety degree “V” grooves in a face of the piece of drywall. A third step involves folding a portion of the piece of drywall as dictated by the “V” grooves and securing the folded portion, thereby forming a square corner at the fold. A fourth step involves bending the piece of drywall to a desired radius of curvature.

Abstract: A projected corner structure in which two upright columns 3 and 4 substantially rectangular in cross section are disposed on a diagonal line in a pair of bracket-shaped runners (1, 2) arranged at an angle of about 90° on a floor surface. A corner upright column 5 of a synthetic resin including an outer end portion 5b having an outer surface formed in the form of a circular arc stands upright fitted into a substantially angular clearance C formed on an exterior side between the upright columns. Projecting portions 9 and 10 are formed integrally on lateral portions on both sides of the corner upright column, and are arranged to fit over interior side surfaces of the respective upright columns, and are fastened to the upright columns by countersunk screws 11 and 12. The resulting structure combines simplified construction with increased strength, improved appearance, and decreased cost.

Abstract: An enclosure, such as a column for supporting a roof, is defined by plural, adjacent, beveled segments, including two outermost segments, folded and joined. An adhesive is used on the beveled edges to help hold the shape of the enclosure. In addition, the edges of the outermost segments are configured to interlock so that, with manual force and no tools, the outermost segments can be snapped together, thereby holding the enclosure while the adhesive cures. The configurations on the outermost edges are preferably made of interlocking projections and recesses, at least one of which projections is displaced slightly when the outermost segments are joined. The segments may be formed by milling a single panel while applying tape to the joints between segments to hold them in adjacent relationship. The tape may then be removed after the enclosure is formed. The preferred material for the enclosure is foamed plastic.

Abstract: A gypsum board corner assembly is formed with an integrated reinforcement strip. The strip may be a folded sheet-metal strip or a thin rod. First, a gypsum board is formed with a groove that extends substantially through the entire gypsum core, but leaves the laminate paper of one side. Then a reinforcement insert is placed in the groove. Here, the insert is formed of or includes ferromagnetic material. The insert is subjected to a magnetic field to pull the insert into the groove, by action of the magnet. After an amount of adhesive is applied in the groove, the gypsum board is folded along the groove while the insert is being pulled into the groove by the magnet. The resulting gypsum board corner assembly has a very accurately placed insert that defines a straight corner edge thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling tile unit comprising a tile body made of mineral fibre material, a surface layer and a guide. The tile body has a front side, a rear side and at least one side edge, and the surface layer is arranged on said front side of said tile body. A groove is provided in said rear side of said tile body dividing said tile body into a first tile body section and a second tile body section. Said guide is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of said first tile body section in relation to said second tile body section by folding about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of said groove. The invention further relates to a method for forming a ceiling tile unit.

Abstract: A structural element comprises a groove formed in a sheet of foldable material. The groove substantially defines a fold line along which the sheet of material is foldable. At least one tab and at least one recess may be formed in the groove. The tab may be positioned on a side of the groove opposite the recess. The tab and recess may be oriented such that the tab is receivable within the recess positioned on an opposite side of the groove. The tab and recess may form an internal finger joint when the material is folded along the fold line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing objects, volumes, furniture modules and furniture as well as articles produced by said method that are composed of individual elements such as walls, panels, beams, legs, etc.

Abstract: Lightweight structural elements are fabricated by machining a serpentine groove in a sheet of structural material such as honeycomb composite material, filling the groove with adhesive, and folding the sheet along the groove to achieve a desired configuration. The groove defines one or more tabs and one or more corresponding recesses. The tabs enter corresponding recesses when the sheet is folded and force excess adhesive from the groove which then can be removed to reduce weight of the structural element. In some applications, the use of adhesive may be eliminated entirely. This technique of building lightweight structural elements is particularly attractive in the aerospace industry where weight reduction is of paramount concern.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a furniture leg is provided which includes the steps of providing a substrate having a thin covering and routing the substrate to provide an outer peripheral configuration having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, wherein the top side and the bottom side are each generally straight and converge. The method further includes the steps of routing v-shaped cut-out regions that extend through the substrate, but not into the thin covering, in a substantially straight line from the left side to the right side. Angled surfaces are mitered on the top side and the bottom side. Finally, the method includes the step of folding the substrate having the thin covering about the v-shaped cut-out regions into the elongate article.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for mounting one or more glazing panes or insulating glass units into a window sash frame member having spaced side walls joined by an inner facing frame surface with a spacing structure disposed on the frame surface. Glazing panes are placed against strips of adhesive sealant within the window sash frame. Folding glazing beads hingedly attached to the side or inner walls of the frame member are folded against the glazing panes to secure them to the window sash frame member and/or to cover the glazing pane edges.

Abstract: A partition panel system that requires no tools, is easy to handle and is quickly assembled. The partition panel system includes a panel of barrier material surrounded by a frame and several sets of connectors. Each connector of one set of connectors has an “H” shaped configuration for attaching to panels for linear alignment of the panels. Each connector of another set of connectors a configuration for attaching panels at right angles. Other angles may be used by providing variation connectors. The connectors are inexpensive because they may be made from extrusions that are cut to a predetermined length.

Abstract: A building is erected using pre-cast wall panels, preferably load-bearing wall panels having a shear key on each vertical edge and starter bars on each horizontal edge, by first erecting the wall panels, and then casting a concrete column around the vertical edges of adjacent or intersecting wall panels using movable formwork made up from a set of standard modules that can be assembled to form different configurations and sizes of column for different panel arrangements. The moulding surfaces of the modules may be shaped to provide decorative features to the columns and/or the column/wall intersections.

Abstract: An adjustable corner fitment for a roof and a method and apparatus for making the same are provided. The adjustable corner fitment may be comprised of a top membrane portion and a base membrane portion. The top membrane portion may have a cutout that may extend from a side of the top membrane portion. The base membrane portion may have four sides. The first side of the base membrane portion is preferably connected to the second side of the base membrane portion at a first angle greater than 90 degrees, and the third side of the base membrane portion is preferably connected to the fourth side of the base membrane portion at a second angle greater than 90 degrees. It is preferred that the top membrane portion and the base membrane portion are made from thermoplastic olefin (TPO) material or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing objects, volumes, furniture modules and furniture as well as articles produced by said method that are composed of individual elements such as walls, panels, beams, legs, etc.

Abstract: A building is erected using pre-cast wall panels, preferably load-bearing wall panels having a shear key on each vertical edge and starter bars on each horizontal edge, by first erecting the wall panels, and then casting a concrete column around the vertical edges of adjacent or intersecting wall panels using movable formwork made up from a set of standard modules that can be assembled to form different configurations and sizes of column for different panel arrangements. The moulding surfaces of the modules may be shaped to provide decorative features to the columns and/or the column/wall intersections.

Abstract: A process for producing structures includes: cutting a transverse groove in a panel; introducing a plastic material into the groove; applying an imprint to the panel; cutting V-shaped grooves in the panel and folding the panel to form a structure. The plastic material is initially free-flowing and subsequently solidifying. The plastic material forms a hinge which may be flush with the panel or project beyond the panel.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a furniture leg is provided which includes the steps of providing a substrate having a thin covering and routing the substrate to provide an outer peripheral configuration having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, wherein the top side and the bottom side are each generally straight and converge. The method further includes the steps of routing v-shaped cut-out regions that extend through the substrate, but not into the thin covering, in a substantially straight line from the left side to the right side. Angled surfaces are mitered on the top side and the bottom side. Finally, the method includes the step of folding the substrate having the thin covering about the v-shaped cut-out regions into the elongate article.

Abstract: A drywall joint assembly strip device comprised of an elongate core having a cover bonded to its exterior surface and extending beyond its longitudinal edges to form flexible flaps in which longitudinal, parallel grooves and ridges and/or spaced-apart perforations are formed for flow of joint compound during the installation process.

Abstract: A molding for positioning along a corner formed by an intersection of a wall and a floating floor, or between adjacent edges of a floating floor. The molding includes a generally planar floating floor engaging surface and a wall engaging surface. A pad is positioned along the floating-floor engaging face, and resiliently creates a substantially moisture-tight seal so as to prevent moisture from contacting the corner when the molding is in an installed position along the corner.

Abstract: A shapeable vacuum insulation panel containing a single core component is particularly useful for preparing thermally insulating containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing composite structural beams is disclosed. The invention includes novel apparatus for producing a continuous lightweight composite beam by combining solid pultruded cap sections with composite sandwich panels. The invention further provides novel means by which pultruded composite tubular structural elements can be made of composite materials, wherein the tubular elements include solid pultruded corners.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable corner fitment for a roof. The adjustable corner fitment is comprised of a top membrane and a bottom membrane. The top membrane has a cutout. The cutout extends from a side of the top membrane. The base membrane portion has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side is connected to the second side at a first angle greater than 90 degrees, and the third side is connected to the fourth side at a second angle greater than 90 degrees. The base membrane portion is conformed to loop shape such that the first side and the second side underlie portions of the top membrane contiguous to the cutout. The first side of the base membrane may be completely welded to the top membrane prior to installation. However, the second side of the base membrane is adjustable relative to the top membrane prior to installation on the roof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a panel system and manufacturing method in which a shaping member is used to form and support a similarly shaped fold in a panel. The shaping member can be held in position against the fold using one or more stiffening members.

Abstract: A system for the fabrication of molding from stock material is disclosed. The system includes a groove cutting assembly for cutting a groove of predetermined shape and size in stock material to define a facing member and bevel member, wherein the groove is positioned between the facing member and the bevel member to define respectively opposed surfaces on the facing member and the bevel member. The system also includes an adhesive application station for applying adhesive within the groove formed by the groove cutting assembly and a folding station for bringing the opposed surfaces of the facing member and the bevel member together. The system further includes a conveyor moving the stock material through the system.

Abstract: A corner assembly for concrete form panels has a pair of rigid members. Each member has a bend therein to form a selected dihedral angle. The members are spaced apart by a selected distance and a removable bridge is disposed between the pair of rigid members. At least one concrete panel form is juxtapositioned to and connected to each of the rigid members. One of the rigid members is disposed exteriorly of the at least one concrete panel form. Concrete is disposed interiorly of the at least one concrete panel form. The corner assembly is adjustable to provide support for the corner of the construction.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for continuously producing composite structural beams is disclosed. The process includes a first step of forming a tubular element from fibers of composite material, a second step of separating the tubular element into longitudinally extensive, circumferentially separated, corner caps, a third step of securing sandwich panels between adjacent corner caps to form a tubular beam, a fourth step of shaping the tubular beam, and a fifth step of curing the shaped tubular beam. Also disclosed is an exemplary beam constructed in accordance with the process of the present invention.

Abstract: A runner for maintaining at least two studs in a predetermined relationship relatively to one another so as to allow for the construction walls presenting a laterally curved portion, walls erected in a space where the distance between a floor and a ceiling varies or half walls having a figured upper end. Each runner includes at least two stud receiving components. Each of the stud receiving components is configured and sized for receiving one of the stud end portions. Each stud receiving component is provided with a linking structure mounted thereon for mechanically linking with an adjacent stud receiving component while allowing the linked stud receiving components to be angled relatively to each other. Each stud receiving component has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a base wall. The base wall has a base wall peripheral edge.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable corner fitment for a roof. The adjustable corner fitment is comprised of a top membrane and a bottom membrane. The top membrane has a cutout. The cutout extends from a side of the top membrane. The base membrane portion has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side is connected to the second side at a first angle greater than 90 degrees, and the third side is connected to the fourth side at a second angle greater than 90 degrees. The base membrane portion is conformed to loop shape such that the first side and the second side underlie portions of the top membrane contiguous to the cutout. The first side of the base membrane may be completely welded to the top membrane prior to installation. However, the second side of the base membrane is adjustable relative to the top membrane prior to installation on the roof.

Abstract: A drywall finishing system for finishing 1) normal inside and outside corners of any angle, 2) stub wall or closet corners, 3) window wrap corners, and 4) L-metal for window sills and areas where drywall ends against some other surface like brick. The finishing system comprises a preformed trim piece comprising a semi-rigid member that is relatively thick in the center and tapers laterally to a thin edge. A layer of paper is bonded to the inside surface of the semi-rigid member for receiving joint compound to continuously bond the trim piece to the dry wall. A layer of finishing material is bonded to the exterior surface of the semi-rigid member. To install one of the pieces, it is selected from stock and cut to length. A flat coat of mud is applied to both sides of an exterior or interior angle, and the trim piece is placed over the mud and smoothed into place. Since it is preformed, the piece makes a straight line at the required angle.

Abstract: An asphalt composition ridge cover providing a three dimensional character to a roof. The ridge covers are manufactured and packaged in an approximately 90 degree "V" shape so as to require very little bending during installation. Adhesive holds the angle formed during manufacture. The ridge cover may have a thickening member or members thereunder giving the ridge covers a tapered thickness which, when installed, gives the resulting roof a pronounced three dimensional appearance.

Abstract: A seamless siding made of vinyl, aluminum, or other sheet material strip is made by scoring flat material and punching fastener slots at the edges of the strip. The material is bent at the score lines to form a profile such as clap board or other desired style of siding. Fasteners through the slots hold the material to the wall while allowing the material to expand and contract in response to changing temperatures. The exposed surface may be embossed or textured as desired. The material provides a seamless siding with little waste compared to conventional wood siding products. No specialized expensive machinery, tools, or equipment is needed to carry out installation of this new siding product.

Abstract: A runner for maintaining at least two studs in a predetermined relationship relatively to one another so as to allow for the construction walls presenting a laterally curved portion, walls erected in a space where the distance between a floor and a ceiling varies or half walls having a figured upper end. Each runner includes at least two stud receiving components. Each of the stud receiving components is configured and sized for receiving one of the stud end portions. Each stud receiving component is provided with a linking structure mounted thereon for mechanically linking with an adjacent stud receiving component while allowing the linked stud receiving components to be angled relatively to each other. Each stud receiving component has a generally "U"-shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for framing and supporting curved wall structures including a leg member attached to a web member to form a basic frame support assembly. The web member includes a mounting surface which terminates at a curvilinear edge, while the leg member includes spaced-apart notches which collectively define multiple tab portions. The tab portions are bent such that they are skewed relative to a remaining support portion of the leg member. The support portion of the leg member is conformed to the curvature of a curvilinear edge of the web member, and the tab portions are fastened to the mounting surface of the web member. This process can be repeated for additional leg members at additional curvilinear edges that may be present on the web member. In another aspect of the invention, elongated frame members, which serve as support studs, may be attached to the basic frame support assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for attaching a panel to a building wall using an elongated channel. The panel has a main panel portion, a panel edge portion and a groove therebetween. The elongated channel has a body and a pair of rails. The body is attachable to the wall by a fastener. The pair of rails are integrally formed with the body, extending substantially perpendicularly from the body in the same direction. One, or both, of the rails ends in a flange that is contoured to engage the cavity formed by the groove when the panel edge portion is bent around the groove and toward the rail.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and products are provided in which a building structure is fabricated from a sheet by placing grooves in two sides of the sheet during a single pass, the grooves at least partially define multiple sections, and then folding up at least two of the sections at one or more of the grooves to form one or more joints. Preferred building structures include a countertop having a backsplash joint and an overhanging edge joint, and especially preferred building structures comprise a plastic solid surfacing material such as Corian.TM., Fountainhead.TM., Surell.TM., Avonite.TM., Gibraltar.TM. and Swan Stone.TM..

Abstract: A structural element made of a high impact sheet material, a resilient, semi-flexible core material, and a plurality of independent, preformed parallely-spaced rib members extending substantially across the width of said sheet material and fixedly attached thereto by an adhesive with said sheet material being flat, said plurality of rib members having adjacent, confronting side surfaces substantially parallel to one another, the forces created by bending of the structural element producing fractional detachment between at least some of said rib members and said sheet material being controlled by the width and height of said rib members and the distance between adjacent rib members and thereby determining the limit of bending of said structural element, thereby enabling a smooth surface of said high impact sheet material by preventing ripples and ridge lines therein with the bending of said structural element.

Abstract: A curved panel for use in furniture. The curved panel includes a sheet which in a free state is flat. A plurality of pins are secured to opposite ends of the sheet. One or more members are provided for engaging the pins to maintain the sheet in a curved state. The curved panel can include two spaced apart sheets and a frame defined by a plurality of curvable rails or spaced apart blocks and non-curvable rails that extend about a perimeter of the sheets. The frame is positioned between the sheets so that the curvable rails or spaced apart blocks and sheets are curved about an axis of curvature. Each curvable rail includes a slotted rail having a plurality of ribs defining slots therebetween. A plurality of pins are secured to the non-curvable rails and pass through holes defined in one of the sheets so as to maintain the sheets in a curved state. The curved panel can also be formed by a sheet having pins secured thereto, where the pins are received by template guides to maintain the sheet in a curved state.

Abstract: A foldable composite panel (1) comprising an inner layer (2) formed from a first material having a relatively high plasticity at least in compression, bonded to at least one adjacent outer layer (3) formed from a second material having a relatively low plasticity. The composite panel (1) can be permanently folded without failure at ambient temperature through an angle substantially greater than that through which the outer layer (3) alone could be folded without failure under comparable conditions.

Abstract: A face plate or framing member is thermoformed from a continuous length of longitudinal member which has a substantially flat cross section. The member is notched at predetermined locations along its length where the corners of the thermoformed face plate are situated. An enlarged opening at the apex of the notches facilitates and enhances the bending and corner forming of the longitudinal member as the member is bent along its longitudinal axis and along the the substantially flat of the member while maintaining the continuity of the longitudinal member. The thermoformed article prepared is of particular utility as a face plate or frame and may be used to cover and seal the connection such as that between a wall opening and a pre-formed stair module positioned in the wall opening of an inground swimming pool.

Abstract: A beam for reinforcement of a vehicle body is extruded as a hollow shape having substantially planar parallel longitudinally extending deformation walls each of which is of variable wall thickness along its length. Two laterally extending grooves define a deformation zone having a maximal wall thickness allowing for a controlled folding of the shape.

Abstract: Pre-fabricated building sections made up of gypsum board laminated to either a double or triple layer of a length of U- or C-shaped corrugated cardboard in approximately two foot widths are fastened together by angled metal stays. The completed sections are used in homes or building constructions. Within the shaped cardboard is a sheet of fireproof foam. Metal stays bolted in place at the ends and corners of corrugated cardboard, used to attach adjacent sections, assist in the rigidity of the resulting building structure.

Abstract: A supporting structure of one piece of sheet material constituting a top and several legs depending from that top in one piece has for each of these several legs an angled profile of that one piece of sheet material and in one piece with the top across the entire profile. Such supporting structure may be made of a blank of sheet material forming a pattern having a central portion for the top, first and second portions projecting from a first side of that central portion for first and second legs, third and fourth portions projecting from an opposite second side of the central portion for third and fourth legs, and first and second side panel portions projecting from opposed third and fourth sides of the central portion. These first, second, third and fourth portions are provided, respectively, with lateral ledges of which each is spaced from an adjacent one of the first and second side panel portions by a notch for a butt joint of each of the lateral ledges with an adjacent side panel portion.