Vertical Patents (Class 52/745.09)
  • Publication number: 20110247286
    Abstract: An insulating wall assembly, including a framework having opposite interior and exterior sides and including a plurality of vertical and horizontal support studs defining an inner spacing within the framework, a substantially rigid insulating panel mounted to the framework, and an insulating material extending in the inner spacing and juxtaposed to the rigid insulating panel. Each one of the vertical and horizontal support studs has an outer stud member having a thickness t1 and an inner stud member mounted inwardly to the outer stud member and having a thickness t2 thinner than the thickness t1. The substantially rigid insulating panel is supported peripherally by the inner stud members with the outer stud member circumscribing the rigid insulating panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: André HOULE
  • Patent number: 8029258
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a nozzle assembly configured to extrude material through an outlet; and a controllable robotic arm coupled to the nozzle assembly, the robotic arm having at one end a gripper configured to pick up an element and deposit the element at a desired position relative to the extruded material. The element may be one of: a reinforcement member for a structure being constructed; a segment of a plumbing pipe; an electric network component; and a tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Behrokh Khoshnevis
  • Publication number: 20110219724
    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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Kevin Davis
  • Patent number: 8011160
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to 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 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Bailey Metal Products Limited
    Inventor: John Rice
  • Publication number: 20110209426
    Abstract: Insulation spacer devices, methods and related construction techniques are provided. An exemplary device may include a body having a plurality of openings defining an openwork, to allow the passage of air therethrough when placed in contact with insulation material. The device may further include a plurality of spacer struts and/or spacing depressions fixedly attached to the body. The struts may be configured to maintain a predetermined distance between a first side of the insulation material and a building surface. The body and struts act together to define and maintain a space between the first side of the insulation material and the building surface, for example, for ventilation. The building surface can be the bottom face of a roof, an insulated attic floor, wall sheathing or a soundproofed demising wall, for example. The spacer device can be capable of being transported and stored together with, or as a separate item from, the insulation material, and can also be stored in nested layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Robert W. Pollack
  • Publication number: 20110211918
    Abstract: A landscaping wall includes concrete blocks dry stacked to form a wall. At least one of the blocks has a channel in the lower or upper surface of the block. An accessory mounting bar having a mounting portion and an outer end is positioned in the channel of the at least one block. At least one of an accessory or an accessory holder on the outer end of the mounting bar extends beyond the front face of the at least one block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: ANCHOR WALL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jay J. Johnson, Harrison John Brown
  • Publication number: 20110197533
    Abstract: Energy absorbing wall assemblies, structures including energy absorbing wall assemblies, methods of making energy absorbing wall assemblies, and methods of utilizing energy absorbing wall assemblies are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, energy absorbing wall assemblies may include a first self-supporting wall structure, a second self-supporting wall structure, and an energy absorbing filler material positioned between the first self-supporting wall structure and the second self-supporting wall structure. In additional embodiments, methods of making an energy absorbing wall assembly may include assembling a first self-supporting wall structure, and assembling a second self-supporting wall structure defining a space between the first self-supporting wall structure and the second self-supporting wall structure. The methods may further include flowing an energy absorbing filler material into the space between the first self-supporting wall structure and the second self-supporting wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: BLUE TOMATO, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Morrow
  • Publication number: 20110185673
    Abstract: A stackable building block for constructing a masonry wall includes a front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The top surface includes one or more regions having a higher surface height that is manufactured and then precision ground to the desired height and positioned between or next to lower surface areas. The building block also has a rear section substantially parallel to the front section and similarly arranged. The top surface may include a tapered region beginning proximate at least one of the side or end regions and tapering outwardly away from the side toward the center of the block. The tapered region may include an indentation. The tapered region and indentation provide a true mortar joint capability and resistance to water infiltrating the joint. During assembly of the stack building block, a thin set mortar, grout or adhesive is used between successive courses and that is applied using a high speed applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: FSN, LLC
    Inventor: Alan C. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20110179731
    Abstract: A plurality of columns are erected with predetermined spacing on a groundsill. Then, a wall panel composed of a plurality of paulownia plates laminated, with the grains of the paulownia plates being crossed, is fixed between these columns. One surface of the wall panel is used as an external wall and the other surface of the wall panel is used as an internal wall to form the walls of the wooden house.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Yoichiro KUROIWA
  • Publication number: 20110162295
    Abstract: The present invention relates in a first part to a fibre cement lining board for use as a replacement to building wrap which can be used to form a sub wall on the outer surface of a wall frame, and to building wall structures and methods of constructing buildings using these particular lining boards. The invention also relates to a new method of constructing framed dual skin walls using the lining boards, particularly brick or masonry veneer walls, and to the wall structures formed by that method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: JAMES HARDIE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: John Sydney Cottier, Milton O'Chee, Damien Buongiorno, Craig Chetty
  • Patent number: 7966780
    Abstract: There is described a wall structure for absorbing or transferring heat from or to the ground, the wall structure comprising a footing for the wall structure disposed in the ground below grade extending in the longitudinal direction of the wall structure, a vertical wall supported on and extending longitudinally in the direction of the footing, the vertical wall extending upwardly from the footing above grade to a predetermined height, and having upper, lower, interior, exterior and end surfaces, a sheath of insulation for enveloping the vertical wall's upper, end, interior and exterior surfaces and thermal conductors disposed in the wall structure to be in thermal communication with one another, at least some of the conductors extending outwardly from the footing into the ground, the thermal conductors facilitating heat transfer between the ground and the vertical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Encon Environmental Construction Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Marshall, Carlo Galasso
  • Publication number: 20110131911
    Abstract: A tie system and method for forming a wall from a hardenable building material. In one embodiment, the tie system includes multiple ties configured to be directly interconnected into a vertically extending tie stack such that multiple tie stacks can be positioned over a footing in a spaced apart arrangement. The multiple tie stacks are configured to extend substantially perpendicular between substantially parallel panel structures. Each tie stack includes one or more base members and one or more wall ties, each of which directly attach to each other in a vertically stacked arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory M. McDonagh
  • Publication number: 20110120041
    Abstract: Embodiments of a structural stud and panel for use in building a tilt-wall building are disclosed. Devices and methods for forming structural studs and panels are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: John J. Valle, Kenneth A. Valls, Jose R. Medina, Abdiel Daniel Guajardo
  • Patent number: 7934351
    Abstract: A block wall or fence and methods for constructing a block wall or fence with a footing framework encased in concrete to form a footing support structure wherein the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid without first constructing the footing support framework or first enclosing the footing framework in concrete. Additionally, vertical reinforcing members located in vertical columnar cavities within blocks of the wall and/or horizontal reinforcing members located in horizontal channels within blocks of the wall form a reinforcing framework; wherein some or all of the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid before encasing the reinforcing framework and/or the footing support framework in concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Alliance Construction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Clarno
  • Publication number: 20110078967
    Abstract: A building assembly is provided which includes in certain embodiments a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides, joists supported on the perimeter structure and extending between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, a rim board positioned at aligned first ends of the joists, and connectors. Each of the connectors is fastened to and/or embedded in the perimeter structure, and is fastened to the front face of the rim board. Methods of constructing a building structure are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Edward PACYLOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20110072751
    Abstract: The present invention provides a masonry wall reinforcing bracket (2) comprising an elongate inter-course shear transfer member (4), the shear transfer member (4) comprising a rebar cradling feature (6). The shear transfer member (4) may further comprise a plate (5) operative to be located within at least a perpend (22) of a masonry wall (10). The bracket may further comprise a supporting member (28) that protrudes perpendicularly from the length of the shear transfer member (4). The supporting member (28) may comprises a plate operative to be located within a bed joint (24) of the masonry wall (10). The supporting member (28) may be a stabilising foot. The rebars and brackets are used in a bond beam (10) system incorporated within the wall (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Wembley Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Liam Clear, Hamish Corbett
  • Publication number: 20110047921
    Abstract: A masonry block and hardware set for constructing dry stack walls and columns, including a wall unit, a corner unit, and an end unit, wherein each of said wall, corner, and end units have a top surface with a depression that is brought into substantial alignment when an adjoining block at the same level or in the same course is abutted with the respective unit, and further wherein when any two of said units are adjoined, said units create a vertically oriented space for accommodated clamping hardware, and further wherein each of said end and corner units include an alignment slot to align said end units and said corner units in relation to adjoining wall units. Clamping hardware is employed to bolt the wall while construction proceeds, the hardware being disposed in the masonry unit depressions and in the vertically oriented space created by stacked units. The clamping provides a downwardly directed compressive force and lateral rigidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Steve D. Witcher
  • Publication number: 20110041419
    Abstract: A nuclear power plant building includes a building body portion and a roof covering over the building body portion. The building body portion is formed in a rectangular shape in plane cross section by four outer walls. The roof is of a shell construction. In addition, corner walls each to bridge between the adjacent outer walls or to bridge between the roof and the outer wall are provided at angle portions of the body portion of the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Soichi YOSHIDA, Munetaka Takahashi, Hiroshi Yamazaki, Eiichi Tanaka, Kishio Sano, Yoshinori Mihara
  • Publication number: 20110041432
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a sleeve system and methods of using the system. The system uses an elongated open-ended sleeve, and mounting plate parts which mate with each other to form a mounting plate and which are securable to each other and to a wall. The mounting plate thus formed comprises a collar which, when the mounting plates parts are secured together, presses against portions of the outer surface of the sleeve to hold the sleeve in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Ted D. Colwell, Krisen A. Jensen, Rebecca C. Lee, Ernst L. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20110036048
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a building that uses composite light-weight panels for structure and a construction method therefor, more particularly, to a building constructed without pillars using composite light weight panels for structure and a construction method therefor, wherein the building comprises: a steel floor made out of sectional steel for example; walls which are formed by joining composite light-weight panels for structure having steel structure frames installed at corners to the steel floor by welding or joining means, neighboring steel structure frames being joined together by welding or joining means to form walls; roof frames which are constituted by a steel structure and have a truss structure to be positioned on the top of the walls and joined to the wall panels by welding or joining means; wall inner/outer coverings applied to the inner/outer peripherals of the walls; and roof coverings applied to the outer peripheral face of the roof frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Byung Hwa Lee, Kyung Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7861474
    Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a top frame structure defining an upward-opening channel extending lengthwise along the upper edge of the panel. An elongate header member is normally disposed within this channel. The header member is vertically slidably supported on supports fixed to the top frame structure so that the header member, in a storage position, is retained in the space. When the panel has been swung upwardly so that the upper edge is aligned below a preinstalled ceiling track, then the header member is manually displaced upwardly until the header telescopes over the ceiling track. A fixed connection is then formed between the header and the ceiling track to provide lateral stability at the upper edge of the wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Leo Houle, Charine Ella Roy, Steven Charles McIlvenna
  • Publication number: 20100326010
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall system consisting of a plurality of panels and artificial masonry units. The panels are provided with channels sized to receive the artificial masonry units and delimited by protruding ribs. The protruding ribs have a predetermined width w and also have notches uniformly spaced along the ribs. The artificial masonry units have protuberances devised and positioned on the masonry units to be fitted in the notches of the protruding ribs so that the masonry units are equally spaced-apart from each other by a predetermined gap (g).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Michel Bouchard
  • Publication number: 20100325969
    Abstract: An adapter for facilitating the installation of finished walls around bathing units, such as bathtubs, shower basins, or one-piece shower units, where the bathing units have a vertical water-retaining flange around at least part of their perimeter. The adapter includes an elongated channel and a sealing strip extending down from the channel. The adapter may be applied to the bottom edge of a section of wall board, so that the wall board enters the channel and the sealing strip points down. The wall board can then be secured to a wall adjacent the bathing unit with the sealing strip extending over the flange and abutting against a surface of the bathing unit, such as a tub deck, where it forms a water-resistant seal. The adapter forms a substantially planar surface to which finished walling materials may be applied without requiring the use of furring strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin Hourihan
  • Publication number: 20100313513
    Abstract: A construction block for use with other like construction blocks to build a retaining wall has a “bullet shaped” front with a pair of angled forward surfaces joining the front surface to the sides, and forming a 45° angle with the front and side surfaces. At least one hole is located in the front portion of the block, passing vertically through the block from the top through the bottom. The rear portion of the block is shaped to receive the front end of a corresponding block when two of said blocks are placed in a front-to-end orientation, and includes an indent defining a second hole extending through the block when two blocks are placed in a front-to-end orientation. Multiple front holes and multiple rear holes may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: John C. Kliethermes
  • Patent number: 7849647
    Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Trussed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Donald Lucey, Ronald F Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100307083
    Abstract: A method for forming a concrete wall structure is provided. The method includes providing a frame having a plurality of spaced-apart wall studs interconnecting opposing frame members within a casting bed. A plurality of blocks are positioned proximal the frame within the interior area of the casting bed. Concrete is poured and finished within the casting bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: IDEAL PRECAST, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Buedel, Justin Leitzel
  • Publication number: 20100293889
    Abstract: An i-stud having a web and flanges comprising oriented strand board (OSB) and a method of assembling a wall utilizing the same, wherein the flanges are unitary and non-laminated. The method of assembling a wall may utilize a wall system comprising upper and lower frame members or may utilize existing structural members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Duane R. DeBoef, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100293888
    Abstract: A wall structure has a telescoping portion and a stationary portion. An overlapping section of the telescoping portion has a recess to allow dry wall to be fastened to the stationary portion at the overlapping section without being attached to the telescoping portion. The fastener pierces through the drywall and a sidewall of the stationary portion. However, a tip of the fastener does not engage a sidewall of the telescoping portion. Rather, the tip of the fastener stops within the recess of the telescoping portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: William Andrews
  • Patent number: 7832174
    Abstract: A method of constructing one or more storeys of a multi-storey insulated concrete form structure using insulated forms and a multi-storey insulated concrete form structure built using the method. An aspect of the method comprises erecting a set of forms comprising an inner form and an outer form a set distance apart, the outer form extending higher than the inner form when erected. Pouring concrete between the forms upto an upper portion of the inner form and allowing the concrete to set creating a first concrete bearing surface. Positioning a floor on the first concrete bearing surface above the inner form. Pouring concrete between the floor and the outer form to an upper portion of the outer form and allowing the concrete to set creating a second bearing surface substantially in-line with the upper portion of the outer form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Alven J. Way
  • Publication number: 20100269436
    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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Martin Waibel
  • Publication number: 20100263313
    Abstract: A panel assembly for a building structure including a support frame that is mountable relative to a building substrate, the support frame including a plurality of first members extending in a first direction and at least one member extending in a second direction and overlaying the members in the first direction, at least one sheeting member provided on at least one side of the support frame so that the support frame and the structural sheeting define a zone or a cementitious material, and a layer of cementitious material positioned against the structural sheeting to at least partially fill the zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Tristanagh PTY LTD
    Inventor: Ian MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20100257813
    Abstract: A method of building a structure, the method including the steps of: 1. fabricating a generally longitudinal, non-steel sub-structure of the structure with a cable retainer attached to, or forming part of, the sub-structure and that extends substantially longitudinally therealong; 2. assembling the sub-structure into a structure; 3. inserting a cable into the cable retainer; 4. after step 2, applying a tensile force to the cable relative to the cable retainer; and 5. after step 4, bonding the cable to the cable retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Murray Ellen
  • Publication number: 20100257814
    Abstract: A method of building a structure, the method including the steps of: 1. fabricating a generally longitudinal, steel sub-structure of the structure with a cable retainer attached to, or forming part of, the substructure and that extends substantially longitudinally therealong; 2. assembling the sub-structure into a structure; 3. inserting a cable into the cable retainer; 4. after step 2, applying a tensile force to the cable relative to the cable retainer; and 5. after step 4, bonding the cable to the cable retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: S2 HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Murray Ellen
  • Publication number: 20100242387
    Abstract: A prefabricated corner post (10) and associated method for attachment to an external corner (106) on a building (100). An angled body (12) has adjacent panels (14, 16) that form an inner corner (18) having inner flat surfaces (20, 22) adapted to closely engage the building corner (106), and an outer corner (24) forming an outer flat surface (26) that extends to side edges (28, 30). A nailing flange (32, 34) extends from the inner flat surface of each panel beyond a respective side edge of the outer surface. A trim piece (36) closely conforms to and is slidable vertically along the outer surface between an installation position (38) and a final position (40). Each panel of the body has a through hole (42) from the outer to the inner surface at the final position of the trim piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel J. Cashman
  • Publication number: 20100236163
    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: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: METAL-WELD SPECIALTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith A. Sanders, Donald J. Parks, James L. Beavers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100223869
    Abstract: A method for forming a brick façade positioning assembly includes positioning a plurality of bricks in a specified wall pattern. A film is placed over the bricks, and the film is molded over the bricks to form a custom brick film tray. The custom brick film tray includes brick shaped tray recesses in the specified wall pattern. The plurality of bricks are positioned within the brick shaped tray recesses. Optionally, a liquid setting material is poured on the custom brick film tray and the plurality of bricks to form a brick façade wall. The brick façade wall includes the bricks in the specified wall pattern provided by the custom brick film tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Steven George Smith, Troy Achterkirch, Steven John Thorkelson
  • Publication number: 20100218443
    Abstract: A building structure comprising a support structure having upper portion extending to adjacent a floor structure above the support structure and adapted to receive stand-off fasteners there along, a plurality of stand-off fasteners each having a lower portion and an upper portion, where the lower portion of the stand-off fasteners comprises a self-drilling end portion and an adjacent thread-forming portion and, when installed into the upper portion of the support structure, at least a portion of the upper portion of each stand-off fastener extends significantly above the upper portion of the support structure, a cementitious wall structure formed above the upper portion of the wall structure with the upper portions of the stand-off fasteners encapsulated in the cementitious wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: NUCOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Glenn Wayne Studebaker, David Lee Samuelson, Lionel Edward Dayton
  • Publication number: 20100218453
    Abstract: A method of constructing an external weatherpoof wall of a building 1 by way of a series of posts 6, 10 and panels 9. The method involves orienting a post 6, 10 vertically between the roof and wall and securing it in place. A panel is then oriented vertically and moved against the post. A further post is placed against the free side of the panel and the procedure repeated until a wall is established panel after post. The wall can be disassembled without the application of destructive force. Preferably only the posts are bolted to the roof and floor and the panels are held between the posts without receiving fixing means such as screws, bolts, or the like to hold them there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Rodney Mark GIBSON
  • Publication number: 20100218447
    Abstract: A thin brick and method of forming a thin brick having a generally rectangular base portion with a plurality of laterally extending tabs extending therefrom is provided. An outer perimeter edge of each tab and a respective opposite side of the base portion has a precise dimension. A decorative upper portion is integrally formed with the base portion and has a generally rectangular shape, sized and shaped to substantially match the size and shape of the base portion. The upper portion extending from the base portion has a thickness that is at least equal to a thickness of the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Steve Gehring
  • Publication number: 20100218454
    Abstract: A novel way of building walls using lightweight lava blocks without mortar in a three step procedure, fabricating the light weight lava block, setting the block and then filling the block with a lava and cement mixture or slurry; further described is a process for fabricating the lava block from a composition of lava rock, aggregate, Portland Cement, hardening catalyst, fiber, and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Ken Detjen
  • Patent number: 7762040
    Abstract: A method for installing siding panels to a building includes providing a foam backing board having alignment ribs on a front surface and a drainage grid on a back surface and then establishing a reference line at a lower end of the building for aligning a lower edge of a first backing board and tacking thereon. Tabs and slots along vertical edges of the foam backing board align and secure adjacent backing boards to each other. A siding panel is butted against one of the lower alignment ribs and secured thereto. Another siding panel is butted against and secured to an adjacent alignment rib to form a shadow line between the adjacent siding panels on the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Progressive Foam Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Wilson, Patrick M. Culpepper
  • Patent number: 7762033
    Abstract: A wall construction system includes a footer attached to a floor or footer; vertical reinforcing bars attached to the footer; horizontal reinforcing bars attached to vertical reinforcing bars at predetermined heights above the footer; blocks attached onto the footer, each layer including a row of blocks, each block including a pair of flat major surfaces and four contoured minor surfaces, and a plurality of longitudinal grooves parallel to the major surfaces and incorporated into the edges of the minor surfaces; a plurality of joining strips, the strips placed end to end and pressed into each longitudinal groove, with about half their width protruding from the longitudinal grooves; a plurality of lateral clips attached to pairs of joining strips across the top of the blocks, perpendicular to the longitudinal grooves; and a quantity of concrete in horizontal and vertical air gaps between adjacent blocks enveloping horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventors: Robert E. Scott, Jason E. Scott
  • Publication number: 20100170187
    Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Oryzatech, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Korman, John Ruskey, Douglas Priest
  • Patent number: 7748197
    Abstract: A method and/or system is provided that compensates for the flow of air through fiberglass insulation. In certain example embodiments, a dynamic heat flow meter or the like is provided for measuring and/or determining any detrimental effects of air flow through insulation such as fiberglass insulation. Once the possible detrimental effects are recognized, an insulation system is adapted (e.g., by providing a foam based insulation in a wall cavity in addition to the fiberglass insulation) to compensate, or substantially compensate, for the effects of air flow through the fiberglass. For instance, a sufficient amount of foam insulation may be provided in a cavity adjacent fiberglass, where the foam blocks or substantially blocks air from flowing through the cavity, thereby compensating for the effects of air flow through fiberglass and permitting the intended R-value to be maintained or substantially maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Guardian Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Romes, David W. Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 7743583
    Abstract: A structural assembly has a first set of first elongate structural members alternately spaced apart from a second set of second elongate structural members by locking blocks, the first set defining a first plane and the second set defining a second plane forming an intersection at an angle with the first plane, the structural members and locking blocks defining an assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection, and a compressive mechanism spanning the assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection. Compressing the adjoined blocks and structural members by the spanning compression mechanism locks the blocks and structural members together in a manner to resist applied forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Kozel, David Alexander Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100154349
    Abstract: To produce the wall (1), gypsum panels (2) are mounted adjacent to each other on a frame (4). Instead of forming a strip made of flat gypsum panels against the frame on site, use is made of two-dimensionally shaped profile strips (3) which are made of plastic foam. In contrast to conventional finishing strips, these profile strips (3) are mounted not on the gypsum panels (2) but on the frame (4), in particular with one edge adjacent to one edge of the gypsum panels. A first part (9) of the visible side of the profile strip (3) here lies in the extension of the surface formed by the gypsum panel (2) while a second part (10) of the visible side of the profile strip (3) protrudes from this surface. The profile strip (3) is chamfered at the edge adjacent to the gypsum panel (2) to form a chamfered edge zone (8). With the profile strip in mounted state, this chamfered edge zone forms a groove (11) that is filled with caulking agent (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Peter Penders, Herman Gomme
  • Patent number: 7735292
    Abstract: A masonry cavity wall structure includes a cast-in-place reinforced concrete structural wall member erected between and in confronting engagement with the outer side of a first, inner masonry wythe and the inner side of an outwardly spaced-away, upstanding wall of rigid insulation panels supported by wire tie members in embedded engagement in the mortar joints of the inner wythe, the inner wythe and tie-supported insulation panels also being used during construction of the cavity wall to provide the supporting concrete formwork for the poured structural wall member. A second, outer veneer wythe is erected a predetermined spaced distance outwardly from the insulation panels and forms an airspace cavity therebetween, the wire tie members also engaged in the mortar joints of the second, outer wythe whereby to structurally tie the masonry cavity wall together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Michael C. Massie
  • Publication number: 20100139207
    Abstract: A rotary cutting tool is provided for cutting an opening in a sheet of material (e.g., drywall) around a pre-installed item (e.g., an electrical box). The cutting tool may include a shaft, at least one cutter, a guide tip and a shoulder formed by a lower edge of the cutter adjacent the guide tip. The shoulder may have a width that corresponds to the width of a wall of the pre-installed item. The width of the shoulder may be equal to the width of the wall, or it may be slightly greater than the width of the wall. The guide tip may include a bearing to prevent marring of the wall of the item when the guide tip is rotating and in contact with the wall. An adjustable collar and corresponding bearing may also be disposed around the shaft for controlling a preferred cutting depth of the cutter. The cutting tool may be engaged with any suitable rotary tool, including one having an adjustable table for controlling a preferred cutting depth of the cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Lonnie Cox
  • Patent number: 7726093
    Abstract: A wall support and reinforcing apparatus that applies a constant force on a structural support member, such as a steel I-beam, that is adjacent the wall. The apparatus includes a bias that is interposed between the building, or a bracket mounted to the building, and the structural member. Thus, the bias force is applied to straighten the wall at all times, thereby having the straightening effect and keeping the structural member from being displaced laterally due to complete release of all forces to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Nationwide Reinforcing Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven E. Morton, Robert R. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100126106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wall framing system (1), comprising a channel member (2 and a stud member (6) for interconnection with said channel member (2), the stud member (6) being insertable between side walls (4, 5) of the channel member (2), and comprising locking means or members (10) for fixating the stud member (6) to the channel member (2), where said locking members (10) are arranged to exert a force on inner surfaces (11, 12) of the side walls (8, 9) of the stud member (6) such that, when the locking means (10) are engaged with the stud member (6), outer surfaces (13, 14) of the side walls (8, 9) of the stud member (6) are pressed against inner surfaces (15, 16) of the side walls (4, 5) of the channel member (2) thereby achieving a frictional engagement between the contacting surfaces of the stud member (6) and the channel member (2). The invention also relates to a stud member (6) for use in a wall framing system (1) as described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: LINDAB AB
    Inventor: Niclas IVARSSON