Vertical Patents (Class 52/745.09)
  • Patent number: 8490352
    Abstract: Improved concrete form insert assemblies (20) are provided for use in the construction of thermally insulated poured concrete sandwich wall structures (22). The insert assemblies (20) include a central sheet (32) of insulative material such as synthetic resin foam, which is preferably encapsulated by a sheath (78) to enhance the structural integrity of the sheet (32). A pair of reinforcing bar assemblies (46, 48) preferably made up of welded-together horizontal and vertical bars (50, 52) are respectively positioned adjacent the side surfaces (34, 36) of the sheet (32). The bar assemblies (46, 48) are secured to sheet (32) by means of connector elements (54) extending through the sheet (32) and presenting oppositely outwardly extending, apertured segments (56, 58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Precise Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Trimmer, Dan Dugger
  • Patent number: 8448387
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for constructing support structures in buildings or other projects, which can support molds for use when pouring reinforced concrete slabs. The disclosed structures can accommodate more than one molds stacked vertically one over the other, and can remain in place to define walls or other separators in the completed structure. In one embodiment, the disclosed structure is a wall panel including a frame and vertical support members. The wall panel includes features allowing the vertical stacking of multiple wall panels. A temporary bracing system is further disclosed for use when stabilizing multiple stacked panels until construction of the surrounding floor or ceiling slabs has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Integrity Wall, LLC
    Inventor: Frederick Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20130111827
    Abstract: A modular paneling system for modular wall assemblies includes a plurality of panels, each including panel mounting brackets attached to the top, bottom, first side and second side frame members of the panel; a plurality of elongated posts; a plurality of end pieces, each configured for removably receiving and retaining at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of mounting brackets; and a plurality of caps, each configured for removably receiving and retaining at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of mounting brackets. The modular wall is assembled by individually attaching the first and the second side frame members to respective elongated poles, and securing a top cap to each elongated post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Bellcomb, Inc.
    Inventor: Bellcomb, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130097956
    Abstract: A composite building construction system and method comprising a frame, wallboard, and a concrete layer wherein the wallboard is attached to an exterior side of the frame and the concrete layer is provided on the wallboard. A wire grid is attached to and spaced apart from the wallboard to provide support for the concrete layer. The resulting building construction composite provides enhanced strength and stability due to the relatively thick layer of concrete combined with the frame, which may comprise steel. The wallboard comprises blueboard or similar insulating wallboard material that preferably includes concrete adhesion characteristics. The frame comprises outer framing members and cross-members each of which may include apertures for receiving plumbing and/or electrical wires. The apertures may also receive conduits to protect the plumbing and electrical wires. An interior side of the frame is configured to received drywall or other interior housing finishing product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: John Joseph Francavilla
  • Publication number: 20130074432
    Abstract: The invention comprises connector for a pair of opposed spaced concrete forming panels. The connector comprises an elongate spacer member having flanges formed thereon intermediate a central portion thereof and each opposite end thereof. A portion of at least one end of the spacer member is sized and shaped to selectively engage an elongate panel bracing member. A composite insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Romeo Ilarian Ciuperca
  • Patent number: 8402714
    Abstract: The system includes a plurality of mullion retrofit adaptors, each having a rear side configured and disposed to fit over the front side of at least some mullion of the existing supporting framework. It also includes a plurality of new mullions, each having a rear side configured and disposed to fit over at least some of the retrofit adaptors. A method for refurbishing an existing curtain wall attached to a base structure is also presented. This proposed concept can significantly reduce the time and costs for refurbishing an existing curtain wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Groupe Lessard Inc.
    Inventor: Normand Labrecque
  • Patent number: 8397465
    Abstract: Construct a wall assembly by: (a) providing a support structure with spaced apart structural members; (b) affixing a thermally insulating layer of polymeric foam boards to the structural members, the foam boards achieving a Class A rating according to ASTM E-84; (c) covering seams between polymeric foam boards with a sealing tape; (d) affixing a plurality of fasteners through the thermally insulating layer to structural members with the fasteners extending beyond the outside surface of the thermally insulating layer; (e) attaching a façade selected from metal panel, metal-composite-metal panels, fiber reinforced cementitious siding veneer and materials having a thickness of at least 1.9 centimeters (0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Hansbro, Michael J. Kontranowski, Daniel R. Schroer, Daniel A. Tempas
  • Publication number: 20130061551
    Abstract: A cavity forming device, also referred to as a cavity forming retaining clip, includes a first face and a second face. The first face and the second face are connected together by a body. The body is elongate and extends along an imaginary longitudinal axis from the first face to the second face. The body separates the first face from the second face by a predetermined distance. The second face is arranged to receive a wall therethrough. In use a backing board for an outer skin is able to be clamped against the cavity forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: CAV-FORM LIMITED
    Inventors: Brian Gregory Birkett, John Austin Wade
  • Patent number: 8387339
    Abstract: An adjustable support system and method for supporting for an operable partition includes an adjustable length overhead truss. The adjustable length overhead truss is supported at opposite ends by first and second vertical supports. A track is coupled to the adjustable length overhead truss, and a plurality of wall panels are coupled to the track. The plurality of wall panels are movable from a folded storage position to a deployed use position to form a wall under the adjustable length overhead truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.
    Inventors: Julia Ann Birch, Bryan Thomas Welch, Aaron Earl Daniel
  • Patent number: 8387338
    Abstract: A method of making siding for attachment to a frame of a building. The siding has the appearance of antique hewn wood logs, and the siding includes modular lengthwise sections and corner modular sections of reinforced concrete façade logs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Smith
  • Patent number: 8375669
    Abstract: The invention is a formwork system and a method of using the formwork to construct rammed earth walls. The formwork comprises end panels which can be quickly assembled and disassembled to provide end stops to support side panels without the need for through-ties. The end panels comprise integral handholds for access to the full height of the formwork. The end panels are stackable, rotatable and interchangeable, such that one set of formwork may be used to create several different wall configurations. The finished wall contains an internal support structure and insulating core, without through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: SIREwall Inc.
    Inventor: Meror Krayenhoff
  • Patent number: 8365498
    Abstract: A thermal board including a first layer, a reflective layer a spacing device and a second layer bonded together as a single unitary structure. The spacing device forms a cavity between the first and second layers in which insulation may be positioned. It is contemplated that in one embodiment the first layer is provided as gypsum board and the second layer is a paper material. In another embodiment, a third layer is positioned between the first and second layers, where the third layer is a dense fiber board. Reflective layer(s) is/are provided as thermally reflective layers are provided as, for example, a spray coating and/or a metallic foil acting like a mirror to Infrared Radiation. The thermal board may be provided as a 4?×8? sheet of material as a single bonded, unitary structure that may be cut and installed in the same manner as standard drywall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Lucian Hurlburt
  • Publication number: 20130025227
    Abstract: A corner block and a wall block system with a corner block for forming in multiple courses a wall which includes first and second visible wall portions which meet at a corner and where the corner block has a front face and at least one side surface having a texture or pattern matching the texture or pattern of a front face of a first block of the wall system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
  • Patent number: 8356453
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a bracket for use in a metal stud wall having internal bridging members for tying the metal studs and bridging members together. The bracket is an L shaped bracket having a leg for overlying the bridging member joined to an upright for overlying the metal stud. The outside corners of the leg and upright of the L shaped bracket are truncated such that the diagonal dimension across the L-shaped bracket is less than the width of the channel of the metal stud so that the bracket may be inserted within the channel of the metal stud and rotated to the proper position for attaching to the bridging member and metal stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bailey Metal Products Limited
    Inventor: John Rice
  • Publication number: 20130014469
    Abstract: A constructional building material, such as a brick, with at least one base section and a vane extending from the base section. The vane defines, at least in part, a volume of space within an envelope boundary that facilitates fluid flow, such as airflow, through a wall system formed at least in part from one or more constructional building materials. Adjacent vanes, either of the same constructional building material or of different constructional building materials, may operate to provide or define one or more common volumes of space and corresponding fluid flow channels and associated fluid flow paths. A wall system, formed in accordance with the present invention, allows fluid to pass from one side to the other through the wall system while also providing up to complete visual obstruction through the wall depending upon how the wall system is constructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: James K. Elwell
  • Publication number: 20120324818
    Abstract: A method of assembling a powder coated wall frame supporting a wooden panel therein, by: (1) powder coating various metal members; (2) connecting top and side metal members together to form a frame having an open bottom; (3) inserting a wooden panel into the open bottom of the frame; and then (4) connecting a bottom metal member onto the side members, thereby sealing the wooden panel within the metal frame structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Paskenta Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Harrah
  • Publication number: 20120317922
    Abstract: An ecological greening wall and a construction method thereof are provided. The ecological greening wall comprises a plurality of fixed poles (2) arranged at intervals on the ground (1), and a reinforcement (3) with openings is fixedly connected between the fixed poles (2) and arranged along the fixed poles (2) in a vertical direction. Stacked vegetation bags (4) for greening are provided on at least one side of the reinforcement (3), and each includes a breathable and permeable bag body (41) and a vegetation base material (42) filled in the bag body (41). The bag body (41) and the reinforcement (3) are fixedly connected together by a reinforcing wall (6) so as to form a whole body by the reinforcing wall (6), the reinforcement (3) and the vegetation bag (4). The ecological greening wall has a simple and firm structure, and it is easy to be constructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Yushun Chang
  • Publication number: 20120297721
    Abstract: Disclosed are a floating wall bracket and a method for constructing a floating wall using floating wall brackets. A floating wall bracket may have bracket walls designed to hold a vertical member with at least one fastening tab disposed perpendicular to said bracket walls, at least one attachment means to attach the at least one fastening tab to a base plate member, and at least one friction means that provides enough friction to hold the weight of the vertical member, but not so much friction that it will stop the vertical member from moving within the bracket once a floating wall assembly is incorporated into a building/structure. The bracket may also have at least one guide/lateral support flange disposed parallel to the bracket walls and sized/places to guide installation of the floating wall brackets and to provide lateral support to the vertical members of the floating wall assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: VIKING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley Duane Rempel
  • Publication number: 20120279155
    Abstract: A method, kit and armature for assembling a number of upright slabs into a decorative enclosure are described herein. The armature includes a same number of armature elements than of slabs. A respective armature element is positioned at each intersection of two adjacent slabs. Each armature element includes a stopper for contacting onto one side face of corresponding slabs and a cable-receiving member mounted to the stopper. The armature further includes a cable that is mounted into the cable-receiving member and that is then tensioned to add rigidity to the assembly. The kit includes the armature elements, the cable, elastic bands and attachments that cooperate with the elastic band for holding the slabs in the predetermined configuration prior and during assembly of the armature. A tensioning element can further be used to tension the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Samy Mortreuil
  • Patent number: 8276335
    Abstract: In the construction of walls in balloon framing below roof pitches, the attachment profiles need to be suitable for different inclines and are to be connectable to the incline. For this purpose, the attachment profiles have fastening tabs on both sides, which may be bent into the particular required inclined attitude. The fastening tabs extend nearly over the entire profile web and are only linked on a deflection edge on one side on the attachment profile in the area of the profile web. In addition, the attachment profile can be used for the upper and lower fixing of the sub profiles of a stud or stud round wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Protektorwerk Florenz Maisch GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Waibel
  • Publication number: 20120240501
    Abstract: An insulated frame unit for enclosing a wall to provide a highly insulated and airtight wall is provided. The frame unit includes a panel that is formed from a rigid insulated composition such as an expanded foam composition. The panels can be mounted to a wall frame in rows and columns to enclose the wall, and may include outwardly extending flanges that can cooperate with a flange of an adjacent frame unit to provide a stud-receiving opening into which a stud is inserted when mounting the frame units to the frame of the building. The frame unit is mountable to the frame with the interior side of the stud extending from the inner side of the frame unit so that adequate space is provided between the inner side of the frame unit and an interior finish member mounted to the interior side of the studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Marko Spiegel
  • Publication number: 20120227342
    Abstract: Wall systems and methods for making such wall systems are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a wall system comprises a plurality of vertically displaced horizontal support members, and a wall panel having at least one inwardly-extending ridge. The wall system also includes at least two foam insulation blocks. Each block has a surface that is adapted to conform to the shape of the inwardly-extending ridge of the wall panel. The blocks are spaced apart along each of the horizontal support members and are fastened between the panel and the support member. The spacing created by the blocks allows for a blanket of insulation between the blocks and the support members to expand, improving the system's insulative properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Richard R. McClure
  • Publication number: 20120227346
    Abstract: A wall is constructed from many wall units (31, 32, 33) that are fastened together, with each wall unit having moderate width and height dimensions. Each wall unit includes a pair of parallel and aligned face plates (40, 42) and a middle plate (44) sandwiched between the face plates. The middle plate is offset a distance (Df, Du) from alignment with the face plates, to leave a first unit (31) with a pair of tongues (60A, 62A) that project forwardly (F) and upwardly (U), and to leave a pair of grooves (64A, 66A) at the rear and bottom of the first unit. A frontward projecting tongue (60B) of a second unit (32) projects into a groove (64A) in the first unit, and an upwardly projecting tongue (62A) of the first unit projects upward into a groove (66C) at the bottom of a third unit (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Costa Tsambasis
  • Publication number: 20120216470
    Abstract: A manufactured assembly and method used to form poured concrete foundations and walls. The foundation and wall form's lattice grid exterior face holds adequate flow though concrete, with the assistance of the exterior grid fingers, for smoothing and decorative treatments and troweling is aided by lattice grid exterior screed guide points. The lattice grid panels, the lattice grid forming panel flow through concrete and the form cavity poured concrete become a substantially monolithic structure when the concrete is set and hardens dry. Rigid foam insulation is added to the center of a lattice grid paneled poured concrete wall form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: John M. McCary
  • Publication number: 20120216471
    Abstract: A building wall system has a plurality of panels positioned adjacent one another for securement to a frame structure of a building via a plurality of fasteners. A plurality of rails secures a façade to the panels. Each rail has a first, second and third portion. The first portion receives the fasteners to secure the bracket to the frame structure. The second portion provides a surface for securement with the façade. The second portion is spaced from the panel so that fasteners do not enter the panel. The third portion rests against the panel to provide rigidity for the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Kingspan Insulated Panels, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian J. Manser, Brian Glancy
  • Publication number: 20120210657
    Abstract: A sound barrier wall has a plurality of footings spaced apart and vertical “I” beam wall stiffeners mounted to the footings. Alternatively, the vertical wall stiffeners are mounted to a crash barrier. A horizontal wall stiffener can be disposed between the adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. A plurality of wall panels is vertically stacked between adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. Each wall panel includes a sound insulating block, and plurality of support members disposed on opposite sides of the sound insulating block for providing structural support. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the sound insulating block and a stem portion extending into the sound insulating block. An “I” beam can be disposed between the vertically stacked wall panels. A top cap is mounted over the vertically stacked wall panels and protective layer is formed over the wall panels and vertical wall stiffeners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: METAL-WELD SPECIALTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith A. Sanders, Donald J. Parks, James L. Beavers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120198781
    Abstract: A building structure comprises a post having a vertically extending longitudinal face. A plurality of horizontal logs extends from said longitudinal face and has an end face in abutment with said longitudinal face. The post having an undercut channel in said longitudinal face and extends along said post. At least one of said end faces has a recess aligned with said undercut channel, and a spline assembly extends between said post and said log to secure said log to said post. The spline assembly includes a key located in and extends between said channel and said recess and an insert in one of said undercut channel and said recess. The insert co operates with said key to facilitate relative sliding movement therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Robert A. Wrightman
  • Patent number: 8209935
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and straightening a framed wall includes a plurality of beams, a mounting plate, a bolt, and a pusher. The mounting plate is secured to the beam and the bolt is threadably secured to the mounting plate. The bolt is received by the pusher. When tightened, the bolt applies pressure to the pusher which in turn applies pressure to the framed wall. Alternatively, a plurality of mounting plates and pushers may be used to apply pressure to a cross beam and thereby efficiently apply pressure to a plurality of framed wall beams. By tightening the bolt, the user can apply pressure to the beam and straighten or retain the wall. As the wall shifts during periods of correction, the bolt may be re-tightened to apply additional pressure to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy P. Heady, Charles W. Heady
  • Publication number: 20120159885
    Abstract: An insulated wall system and related methods of installing walls is set forth. The system includes a plurality of metal purlins (10), a plurality of outer panels (2), a plurality of thermal insulation blocks (4), cleats (14), and fasteners (12). The metal purlins (10) can form a parallel array of purlins. The outer panels (2) can be attached to the metal purlins (10) in the parallel array. The thermal insulation blocks (4) can be disposed between the metal purlin (10) and the outer panel (2). The cleat (14) can be disposed between the thermal insulation blocks (4) and the outer panel (2) and has a protrusion which is capable of securing the thermal insulation block (4) and inhibits lateral movement between the thermal insulation block (4) and the cleat (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Oberg
  • Patent number: 8205403
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a system, methods and compositions for attaching architectural panels to a building surface, such as a wall. In certain embodiments, the system comprises panels, each with upper, lower and side interlocking members. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower interlocking members form a modified tongue and groove joint, with a 45 degree angle interface, while the side interlocking members form a ship lap joint. The upper and lower interlocking members may be designed to press the panels against the building surface and to hide the locations of screws or other attachment devices when the interlocking members are engaged. The system provides a stronger and more secure attachment of panels to a building surface, while eliminating the problem of having to disguise the location of the attachment devices where such devices are inserted directly through the surface of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Composite Foam Material Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Myers, Scott Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120151872
    Abstract: A building panel includes a sheet of wood material having opposing surfaces and bounding edges. The sheet of wood material is encased by a coating of a mixture of pigments and polymeric resins electrostatically adhered to the opposing surfaces and edges, and cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: STORMWALL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Grady L. PAULEY, Scott Graham, Craig Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8191335
    Abstract: A multi-sided framing guide includes a stud side with stud pockets, a nail side with nailing windows, and an intermediate side adjoining the stud and nail sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Kevin Davis
  • Patent number: 8186128
    Abstract: Multi-storey ICF building having concrete walls poured into insulated concrete forms with adjustments mounted between floors and an outside foam layer and guides for an inside for layer. ICF buildings can be constructed with greater than three stories and masonry or stucco exteriors without the use of supplementary forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Alven J. Way
  • Publication number: 20120117907
    Abstract: An apparatus for casting concrete wall elements, which together form a wall, running along a curvature at least in sections, of a container, in particular of a fermenter for biogas plants, comprising a horizontal foundation, to which several horizontally extending bounding elements are attached, which between them form fields to be cast with concrete, several formwork elements, which are detachably secured to at least a few bounding elements, which form formwork surfaces, which are opposite each other in a field and which are aligned at an angle with respect to the vertical, which in the erected state form the face side surfaces of adjacent wall elements, that face each other, wherein the formwork elements each have at the formwork surfaces at least one receiving device, and wherein at least one end of at least one reinforcing element to be cast in the concrete is secured in each receiving device of formwork surfaces, which are opposite each other in a field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: MT-ENERGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Maack, Christoph Martens
  • Publication number: 20120102863
    Abstract: The invention relates to the Soloarmar construction system comprising an original wall construction method, in which the cavities in the blocks are precisely aligned in the vertical axis. According to the invention, the blocks are assembled using an inner engagement device such that resistant masonry can be produced quickly and specially adapted for clay or concrete blocks using specific industrial templates, machines, nozzles and dies designed by Soloarmar. The appearance and characteristics obtained are similar to those obtained with standard masonry techniques, but with the mixture only being used to lay the first course instead of between all of the blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Mixza Yap Ching
  • Publication number: 20120096785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to prefabricated structural building frames and, in particular, to foam-filled exterior wall frames for a building structure such as a house. In a preferred embodiment, each wall frame includes a foam facade on one side of the frame for receiving a finishing material and service cut-outs on the opposed internal side of the frame. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the frames in accordance with building design data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin Weeks
  • Patent number: 8161697
    Abstract: A studless load bearing panel wall system includes an assembly of bamboo based load bearing panels. The panels may be centrally milled along all edges suitable for accepting spline brackets along the vertical edges thereby constructing wall faces. Channels along the top and bottom edges accept two panels to form a studless wall having an inner and outer panel. The panels may be fastened to the splines and channels by means of screw fasteners. Bamboo based load bearing panels comprising layers formed from pressed bamboo strips bonded with layers of softwood veneers provide high load bearing strength while being dimensionally similar to conventional plywood. Non-load bearing alternate embodiments of the bamboo based panels in combination with similar spline brackets and channels are utilized to construct studless interior walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bamcore LLC
    Inventor: William D McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120090264
    Abstract: A machine (10) for cutting a rebate edge (30) in a building panel (24) has a cutting wheel (12) which can be connected to a source of power for rotating the cutting wheel. There is a planar plate (14) that has a flat surface (16) located parallel to the cutting wheel (12). The flat surface (16) can allow a planar portion of the panel (24) to be slid thereover so that an edge of the panel can engage the cutting wheel (12). The flat surface (16) is spaced apart from the cutting wheel (12) by a distance so that, in use, the cutting wheel causes the removal of a portion of the edge so as to form a rebate edge (30) of the panel. Ideally, building panel (24) is a plasterboard panel which has an edge formed by a core encased between two surface layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: William John Goss
  • Publication number: 20120073229
    Abstract: Disclosed is an economical and effective way of producing a modular retaining wall, using only blocks which in and of themselves are of insufficient thickness to function as retaining wall blocks. The modular wall includes backer blocks and facing blocks which are connected by connectors in a back to back, spaced apart arrangement, thereby forming a hollow retaining wall. The hollow wall can be filled with loose filler material to increase the mass and retaining capacity of the wall. Further disclosed are wall components and a wall kit for a modular retaining wall. A double sided decorative wall is also disclosed. The modular wall system allows for the construction of retaining walls and freestanding, double sided, decorative walls forming both straight and curved walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: LES MATERIAUX DE CONSTRUCTION OLDCASTLE CANADA, INC.
    Inventors: Bertin CASTONGUAY, Marc-André LACAS, Robert DAOUST
  • Publication number: 20120060438
    Abstract: A system for assembling two-sided walls on, through, and around a pre-installed structural steel grid. System wall units have an outer side and an inner side, the outer side being an outer wall surface, the inner side opposing an inner side of one or more wall units on an opposing side of the structural steel grid. Interlock elements extend through spaces in the structural steel grid and connect opposing wall units to prevent separation of the opposing wall units. Installed in courses, the wall units create a continuous void between opposing wall units, such that structural void fill material can be poured into the assembled wall at one or more openings, and the void fill material will fill the continuous void from the top of the wall to the bottom of the wall. Plumbing, electrical, and other building systems can be installed on the steel grid prior to wall assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: David I. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20120017537
    Abstract: In building a house, it is necessary to arrange bearing walls and non-bearing walls in a well-balanced manner. However, in the case where a bearing wall is configured by fixing a plate-like body such as a bearing wall panel to the exterior-side face of a structural frame member formed by assembling horizontal members and pillar members into the shape of a square frame, the surface of the bearing wall panel protrudes from the face of the structural frame member on the exterior side by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the bearing wall panel. Thus, the exterior-side face of the bearing wall in which the bearing wall panel is provided is not flush with the exterior-side face of the non-bearing wall in which the bearing wall panel is not provided, and so there is a step. Accordingly, processing of the base during attachment of an exterior building material has been necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Teruyuki Kato
  • Publication number: 20120012259
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition coupled to and movable along a track. The movable partition may comprise at least two accordion folding sheets of panels, a motor carried by the movable partition, and at least one electronic component unit configured to control the motor. The electronic component unit may be carried by the movable partition and disposed between the sheets of folding panels. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling an electronic component box to a floating door jamb within a movable partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Publication number: 20120011792
    Abstract: A light-framed wall structure contains a wall frame of studs, a bottom plate and a single top plate that together define a stud cavity; exterior sheathing attached to the wall frame and covering the stud cavity; and a polyurethane foam within the stud cavity and affixed to the exterior sheathing, studs, bottom plate and top plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Dean P. DeWildt, Gregory S. Bergtold
  • Publication number: 20110296783
    Abstract: A system of building modules that may readily be assembled into wall structures that, when filled with concrete, form an insulated, roughly-finished wall structure ready to receive both exterior and interior wall treatments. The building modules may be readily assembled by relatively untrained personnel and form walls typically having an overall R-value in the range of approximately 30. The novel building modules eliminate the need for setting traditional concrete forms and of finishing a bare concrete wall. The modules are provided in various lengths, the lengths typically being multiples of 16 inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Brian D. Hicks
  • Publication number: 20110296786
    Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect for a bracket for use in a metal stud wall having internal bridging members for tying the metal studs and bridging members together. The bracket comprises an L shaped bracket having a leg for overlying the bridging member joined to an upright for overlying the metal stud. The outside corners of the leg and upright of the L shaped bracket are truncated so that the bracket may be inserted within the channel of a metal stud and rotated to the proper position for attaching to the bridging member and metal stud. In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a bridging member for a metal stud partition wall, the bridging member being provided with openings at regular intervals along its length thereof to aid in spacing of the studs in the metal stud partition wall. In an aspect of the invention, the bracket is provided with a downwardly extending tab at the junction of the leg and the upright sized to fit within the opening of the bridging member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: BAILEY METAL PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventor: John Rice
  • Publication number: 20110289857
    Abstract: An inflatable, noise attenuating panel or barrier, comprised of an inflatable air chamber coated with (wrapped in or attached thereto) an acoustic barrier material, with which to construct a variety of structures that benefit from a degree of soundproofing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: James G. Pilaar
  • Patent number: 8056301
    Abstract: A shear wall structure is formed on a building wall or section thereof designed to accommodate anticipated wind or seismic shear loads by initially securing one or more subsurface shear panels on the interior or exterior sides of the wood or steel framing studs. Each shear panel consists of a thin steel sheet (0.015? to 0.060? thick) laminated to a thin rigid sheet material such as medium density fiberboard ( 1/16? to ¼? thick). Subsequently, the shear panels are covered with a conventional interior (e.g., drywall panels) or exterior (e.g., plaster) finishing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Specialty Hardware L.P.
    Inventors: Albert C. Elliott, Jr., Gregory A. Kulpa, Allan J. Swartz
  • Publication number: 20110271619
    Abstract: A wood fastener according to principles of the invention comprises a wood unit having at least one upper and one lower groove. The grooves are offset. The grooves have sufficient depth and width to allow a nail or similar fastener to extend therethrough and also allow passage of a reciprocating saw blade. The side ends are trimmed to mesh with furring strips. The fastener includes one or more starter holes to facilitate use by guiding placement and insertion of screws or nails. In use, the fastener attaches a movable wall to bracing provided in finished walls and ceilings of a room. To facilitate removal of the fastener for rearrangement of the wall, nails or screws extending through the grooved sections of the fastener may be cut using a reciprocating saw. A method for using the fastener is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Charles R. Horn
  • Publication number: 20110265416
    Abstract: A cladding system based on a specially configured base sheet profiled to provide a ship lap expressed joint with an adjacent sheet, which is ideal for use with relatively low-build brushable or rollable texture coatings. The ship lap expressed joint includes within the visible portion of the joint between the outer surfaces of the base sheets, an interface line defined by an inner overlapping edge of one of the base sheets, whereby the interface line is set in from the outer surface of the base sheets. This arrangement enables coated walls, and in particular texture coated masonry look walls, to be created at a much lower cost and using less skilled operators, as it obviates the need to set and finish the joints between adjacent sheets and the problems associated with that process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: JAMES HARDIE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Darren Southwell
  • Publication number: 20110252729
    Abstract: An adjustable support system and method for supporting for an operable partition includes an adjustable length overhead truss. The adjustable length overhead truss is supported at opposite ends by first and second vertical supports. A track is coupled to the adjustable length overhead truss, and a plurality of wall panels are coupled to the track. The plurality of wall panels are movable from a folded storage position to a deployed use position to form a wall under the adjustable length overhead truss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: MODERNFOLD, INC.
    Inventors: Julia Ann Birch, Bryan Thomas Welch, Aaron Earl Daniel