Abstract: An interlock grate structure is provided which includes longitudinal load bearing span bars having lateral locating slots spaced therealong for receiving transverse tie bars and transverse tie bars having axial locking means which engage the longitudinal span bar at the point of juncture and prevent axial displacement of the tie bar relative to the span bar. A longitudinal interlock member serves to interlock the position of the transverse tie bar locking means with respect to the longitudinal span bar and in some instances provides added structural support.

Abstract: A fiberglass reinforced molded resin grating is formed of first and second sets of mutually parallel, interlocking fiberglass reinforced molded resin bars with the sets extending transversely to one another. One set consists of bearing bars of rectangular cross section including at longitudinally spaced positions within an upper edge, inverted U-shaped notches including oppositely directed, downwardly and outwardly oblique slots terminating at their upper ends adjacent the upper edge of the bearing bars in upwardly and outwardly diverging oblique cam surfaces. The second set of bars consist of cross bars of inverted U-shaped cross section including a horizontal base portion and a pair of downwardly and outwardly diverging legs of a thickness equal to the width of the diverging slots and being respectively received in said slots.

Abstract: A louvered ceiling construction especially suited for parabolic louvers is claimed. Runners, of the same hollow channel shape as the louver members, are provided with openings into which extensions carried by the louver members are secured. The extensions are entirely concealed within the channels so that a smooth and uniform appearance is presented from below.

Abstract: A modular screening system which includes a plurality of screening modules supported in an interlocking manner of clamping bars secured to and positioned across a screening machine in parallel spaced relationship. The modules have a peripheral portion defined by side and end walls with a plurality of openings extending through the modules inwardly of the peripheral portion. The side and end walls of the modules are provided with interengaging means which interlock with longitudinal and transverse channels in the clamping bars to secure the modules in position in the machine, the modules are provided with interengaging means whereby the modules interlock together.

Abstract: In order to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance, and also in order to enable concealed, directional lighting to be used, an openword grid-like suspended ceiling system has outer squares which contain four inner blades forming an inner square surrounded by four rectangles. Light fittings are associated with the rectangles so that the axis of a light fitting can be inclined. In order to enable the ceiling system to be packaged at low packing density, the four inner blades are hinged to each other and collapse so as to lie parallel to each other. After opening out, they can be hooked into the sides of the outer squares.

Abstract: Light steel joists may be spaced 24 inches o.c. under ceramic tile floors when floor bracing members are spaced at 16 inch o.c. intervals between the joists under such floors. Also made of light gauge steel, the bracing member is slotted to receive a return flange of a channel-shaped joist so that the tops of the joists and bracing members are co-planar.

Abstract: Device for aligning main runners in a diffuser system, comprising a flat base, upturned tabs at each end of the base, and a slotted lug depending perpendicularly from each tab, such lugs adapted to releasably mate with main runner slots.

Abstract: It has two groups of thin partitions, which are parallel in one group and perpendicular from one group to the next, which are grooved and nested to define square cavities. Support points are made in the walls of the cavity to hold in place the fuel elements. In each group, a thin partition is constituted by two superimposed sheets. The height of the first sheet is equal to double the height of the second sheet. A first sheet is positioned above the second sheet in one of the groups and below the latter in the other group. Each second sheet is nested into the first sheet of the other group.

Abstract: Improved connection or joint for members of a grid system used, for example, for suspending a suspended ceiling and a process for forming the joint.

Abstract: A joiner for joining mullions to transoms in a curtain wall includes a U-shaped gasket receiving an outer transom surface and a table for slidably supporting an extended end of the transom. A slider element abuts the transom end to prevent outward movement thereof.

Abstract: Honeycomb floor panels for use in elevated floors or the like are disclosed. The honeycomb structure provides similar metal strips providing lateral cuts along one edge providing angulated tabs. The angulation of the tabs provides an angulated throat having a width substantially greater than the thickness of the strips so that the strips can be assembled in an interfitting relationship while the strips of the two arrays are angulated with respect to each other. After assembly, the arrays are moved to a substantially perpendicular position, and in such position a tight fitting relationship is achieved to eliminate looseness. Such honeycomb is provided, in accordance with one embodiment, with upper and lower metal sheets which are welded or otherwise fastened to the honeycomb itself. In such embodiment, an additional upper surface sheet is provided to prevent denting and to distribute concentrated loads to prevent crushing of the honeycomb. Sound deadening is provided between the two upper sheets.

Abstract: In a sub-ceiling system having removable modular panels of intersecting thick louvers defining a grid pattern with open cells, supported in a framework of suspended rails of inverted T cross-section, the panels are surrounded by perimeter strips attached to the ends of the louvers. The perimeter strips integrate visually with the exposed lower flange portion of the support rails to simulate louvers so as to conceal the panel boundaries and present the overall appearance of a monolithic grid pattern over the entire finished ceiling area while providing the utility and convenience of damage-resistant modular panels which are extremely easy to install and remove.

Abstract: A drop ceiling framework constructed of rolled sheet metal in which a longitudinal T-frame member has a web section formed of two sheet metal layers joined along a longitudinal edge, a channel section formed along the lower edge of the web section, and a pair of flange sections projecting outwardly in a common plane from the open end of the channel section. The flange sections are formed of two layers of sheet metal joined along the outer edge of the flange section. The outer layer of each flange section is notched, exposing the under layer at each position of intersection with cross members of the drop ceiling. The notches are aligned with the channel sections of the cross members to form an extension of the reveal formed by the channel portions of the cross members.

Abstract: An improved louvered ceiling construction is disclosed in which louver channel members are suspended from runner channel members by means of outwardly bent tabs on the ends of the channel members. The tabs are inserted behind widened slots in the runner. The runner slots are overlapped entirely by the tabs and louver channel interior so that leakage of light is prevented.

Abstract: A construction system comprises modules of polygonal shape including elongated rectangles, squares, triangles and trapezoids of stiff sheet material formed with integral interlocking tabs along their margins to permit them to be easily and firmly secured to each other to form three dimension structures. Some of the modules also incorporate interlocking slots for securement to each other. This system is especially adapted to the construction by children of an infinite variety of large structures such as playhouses and the like of sufficient size to permit children to play in them.

Abstract: A basketweave-type suspension ceiling grid system is disclosed wherein the grid members are generally U-shaped providing a relatively wide face portion, oppositely extending panel support flanges, and a pair of spaced and parallel webs. The system provides a connector system in which the female part of the connector system is provided by a longitudinally extending slot substantially adjacent to the panel support flanges. Male end connector parts are proportioned to fit through the slots and lock therein to the members of the grid. The male connector part provides a generally T-shaped lanced projection which extends rearwardly and upwardly from a hinge line and is formed with raised wing portions providing stop surfaces for engaging the remote side of an associated web. A dimple formed intermediate the rings and rearwardly therefrom provides a stop surface limiting the insertion movement of the connector.

Abstract: A grid which produces a vaultlike appearance on one side comprises a first series of parallel plates extending in one direction and a second series of parallel plates extending in the direction to intersect the first series of plates. At least one of the series of plates is generally concave on the one side; when only one series of plates is generally concave on the one side a tunnel effect is produced with the side edges generally concave, but when both series of plates are generally concave on the one side, a dome appearance is produced. The grid may be used as a ceiling grid and illuminated, if desired, or as an upright partition or divider placed on one edge. The opposite edges of the plates may be equidistant, including any deviations from a curve on which the edges may be laid out. A series of scallops, concave on the one side and convex on the opposite side of each plate may have the length corresponding to the distance between intersecting plates.

Abstract: A plurality of metallic or plastic strips or flats or bars with a certain types of notches and holes disposed along the length of said strips or flats or bars in a regular interval, which are used together with a plurality of rods in assembling a variety of self-interlocking grilles, are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-interlocking grille structure comprising a plurality of the bars curved to provide a required surface geometry, which bars including a series of notches and holes, and a plurality of rods wherein said plurality of bars are criss crossed to form a network of bars and said rods threaded through said holes in the bars criss cross each other forming a network of rods which network of rods is embedded into the network of the bars.

Abstract: In a ceiling assembly, a parallel array of horizontally elongated panels each having vertical major surfaces and a horizontal top flange and a plurality of spaced parallel horizontally elongated stringers extending above and transversely of the panels for supporting the panels, the stringers having horizontal flanges formed with slots in which the top edge portions of the panels are received. The slots are shaped to provide, in the stringer flanges, pairs of facing spring tabs to facilitate insertion of the top portions of the panels in the slots and to interlock with the panel top flanges.

Abstract: An arch-shaped building structure is constructed from a multiplicity of relatively small but uniform pieces without the use of metal hardware or fasteners and without the use of conventional tools. Overlapping or offset cross members are disposed between substantially parallel stringer members wherein a given cross member supports a given stringer member and in turn is supported between a pair of stringer members parallel to the given stringer member. Ends of cross members offset from the given cross member are supported by said given stringer member, said offset cross members in turn supporting stringer members parallel to said given stringer member. Stringer members are received in upper slots in cross members, while end tabs of the last mentioned cross members are received in upper slots in stringer members parallel to the first stringer members. The weight of the structure places the cross members in interlocked compression such that no fasteners are required for holding the structure together.

Abstract: Various embodiments of vacuum insulation spacers include supporters comprising crosspiece members formed of insulating material and having rectangular cross section. The spacers have at least three supporting levels. The crosspiece members of each level are positioned so that contact points between crosspiece members of a selected level and an adjacent level on a first side of the selected level do not overlap contact points between crosspiece members of the selected level and an adjacent level on a second side of the selected level.

Abstract: A binding device for a plurality of elongated pipes is provided which comprises sleepers, spacers and bundling strap means for tightly fastening and encircling a plurality of sleepers and spacers, thereby the sleepers and spacers extending respectively in spaced relation to each other and are assembled to form a plurality of spaces defined by the surfaces of the sleepers and spacers and adapted to receive the outer peripheral surfaces of the respective elongated pipes in tight contact relation thereto. Each elongated pipe is separately held by the respective space and secured tightly, thus preventing the pipes from bending, twisting or any damages.

Abstract: A display construction comprising first and second display panels of light-weight sheet material, each divided into a plurality of vertical planar sections by vertical folds. The top and bottom edges of each panel form a zig-zag pattern that enables the bottom panel to be supported on a flat supporting surface and the second panel supported on the first panel, the lower portions of individual sections of the second panel intersecting the upper portions of individual sections of the first panel.

Abstract: A means for interconnecting stringers is disclosed. More particularly, a knock-down pallet constructed from a plurality of interconnected stringers is disclosed. The interconnecting means and knock-down pallet is particularly useful in providing a system whose individual stringers are easily attachable by hand without requiring the assistance of any tools.

Abstract: A grille comprised of a plurality of the thin strips and bars made of the steel or plastics is disclosed, which grille is assembled without using any welding or bonding. The thin strips have a series of equally spaced notches cut out along the edge of said strips, which notches are of a rectangular shape of width slightly greater than the thickness of said strip and of depth approximately equal to the one half of the width of said strip. Said strips further include a series of holes disposed intermediate each pair of adjacent notches. First half of the grille assembly is formed by the plurality of said strips forming a network wherein the notches on the strips crossing each other engage one another at each crossing point. The last half of the grille assembly is composed of bars threaded through said holes on the strips which bars forms another network wherein bars crossing each other are interlaced to one another.

Abstract: A cantilevered cross truss construction provides a load supporting structure through the interlocking of the trusses, said trusses having continuous top and bottom chord members, the bottom chord of one of which is adapted to be cut in the field, said cut truss can be positioned over the other truss forming a superior load supporting truss construction.

Abstract: A process, as well as the relative elements therefore, for the realization, in loco, of floors, tile clothings or similar with different materials, or more generally with each material which is adapt for said purposes.

Abstract: A pedestal house with a cantilevered crossed truss construction forming the floor and wall supporting structure thereof has several pairs of crossed horizontally disposed truss members, each truss member has vertically spaced top and bottom cord members and interconnecting web members, one of each pair of truss members being of a greater height than the other so that one truss member of each pair passes through an opening in the other at right angles thereto. Members are located longitudinally of said other truss member of each pair so as to increase the height thereof to that of the higher truss member of the pair. This invention is distinguishable from others by reason of the pedestal house and the crossed truss members thereof forming a central area from which the ends of the truss members extend in cantilever form to form a wide stable support structure for the house on the pedestal.

Abstract: Wind and rack resistant cross bracing for wood truss building wall construction and which includes a metal strip or strap formed to include a pair of oppositely disposed lateral flanges having a depending reversely bent or U-shaped leg therebetween with a rolled bead formed in one or both opposite side walls; to extend the full length thereof and provide spring resistant spacing of the side walls of the leg portion for tight fitted engagement in a receptive channel groove or slot in the wall studs with which it is used and added rigidity against compressive loads in use and service.

Abstract: A window grille set of pre-fabricated tubular members of a uniform cross-section having flat top, bottom and side walls which are provided with means for their joinder in crossed relation to form a self-sustaining grille assembly in which said members serve in the manner of window sash mullions to provide it with multiple light openings. The mullion-like members are provided with interlocked cross-lapped joints at each point where they cross one another and where said members are angularly related to provide diamond-shaped "lights" the opposite ends of each contiguous pair thereof are held together in miter-jointed relation by a spring-biased clip inserted into the hollow mitered extremities of said paired members. In its assembled form the grille is designed to be installed as a unit and hermetically sealed within the space conventionally provided between the spaced panes of thermal insulated window sashes.

Abstract: A grid structure for holding a plurality of nuclear fuel rods. The grid structure is of the type having wall means, including rigidly interconnected generally rectangular metal strips, forming a plurality of passageways and adapted to support nuclear fuel rods within some of the passageways. The improvement comprises providing elongated slots intermediate and normal to the longitudinal edges of each of the strips at each intersection of the strips whereby the slots form openings in each corner of each passageway.

Abstract: Each one of a plurality of parallel horizontal beams has longitudinally spaced vertical slots extending transversely through it, with the lower wall of each slot formed by the top of the free end portion of a tongue struck out of the beam. Resting on these tongues are parallel cross bars that extend through the slots and have notches extending downwardly from the tops of the bars receiving the portions of the beams above the slots, with those portions substantially engaging the bottoms of the notches. The height of the tongues is great enough to permit the bars during assembly to be inserted in the slots while the tongues are bent laterally out of the beams, whereupon the bars can be raised in the slots and the tongues bent back beneath the bars to support them.

Abstract: A method for fabricating or joining crossed lengths of wood (e.g., table legs) together. Mating or facing portions of each leg are removed to about half the thickness of the leg at the point of intersection. The legs are then affixed to each other at the matching portions to form a joint therebetween having substantially flush lateral surfaces. The "V" portions (four in number) between the criss-crossed legs are filled with triangular blocks which have a thickness equal to that of the legs. A cover or face piece of wood is then placed over the criss-crossed legs and the triangular blocks.

Abstract: Intersecting hollow flat strips are adjoined by a concealed semi-rigid thin clip, having the configuration of a wide plus sign. The flat strips have half thickness cutouts to permit interlocking engagement of two intersecting strips, with the thin clip inserted within the cutouts. The thin clips have dimensions and configurations which permit assembly or disassembly with slight force but prevent unintentional disassembly.

Abstract: A light transmitting false ceiling made up of louvers and supporting runners, the latter being adapted to be suspended from a normal ceiling with lamps mounted above the false ceiling. The louvers have extensions at opposite edges for engagement with and support by the adjacent runners. The louvers are made up of intersecting members defining open cells therebetween. Each of the louver members as well as each of the runners is of upwardly open channel section. The runners have downwardly extending slots in their upstanding walls to receive hook-shaped extensions on the louver members, and these slots are wider at the top than at the bottom to facilitate installation on site. The widened runner slots on one wall of each runner are offset from those on the opposed wall by the width of the louver channel members.

Abstract: A lightweight cabin construction fabricated of a plurality of readily available lumber and plywood parts. The parts are worked to render them easily interfitting. All of the cabin construction materials may be easily transported in knocked-down condition and are designed to be easily assembled on the job site. The invention also includes a portable foundation which can be employed with the cabin construction for assembly at the job site.

Abstract: A preformed structural panel comprises a generally rectangular precast slab having sufficient thickness for load-carrying capability, and a joining arrangement extending across the slab and spaced from opposed sides thereof. About one-half of the joining arrangement is a tapered solid region and the remainder of the joining arrangement is a complementarily tapered void region. The solid joining region is capable of interfitting tightly within the void region of a similar structural panel, and the void region is capable of receiving the solid region of the other panel in tightly interfitting relationship, so that the structural panel when thus interfitted is positively prevented from angular displacement with respect to such other panel.The invention also contemplates unique building structures constructed from such panels.

Abstract: A load bearing two-way pallet fabricated as a permanent piece of hardware from tubular members integrally joined with transverse load bars embraced and enclosed by support rails. A common tube cross section is employed throughout with intermediate notching that reinforces complimentary engagement of one notched member with the other, and with end notching that reinforces the terminal ends of the tube members that are engaged with an embracing tube member. A feature is the method of manufacture wherein a rectangular and planar ladder-form is initially fabricated and the members thereof interjoined, followed by bending reformation of the rail members thereof so as to establish upwardly open transversely disposed channels for the reception of lifting forks, and openings beneath raised load bearing bars so as to receive the longitudinal insertion of lifting forks.

Abstract: A muntin bar unitary frame for disposition in confronting planar relationship to a glass pane to provide a visual appearance of the window glazing generally that of a divided glass assembly. The muntin bar unitary frame has a plurality of bars arranged in a desired pattern, with each of the bars being hollow with an internal central planar strengthening web defining a pair of tubular cavities and with a cross-joint where two bars intersect being formed by cutting of the two bars and reducing the thickness of the central web of the two bars to bring the central web surfaces in juxtaposed relation for bonding of the bars together. The planar walls of a bar for disposition adjacent glass panes each have raised ribs along the edge thereof to prevent contact of the planar walls with the surfaces of the glass panes.