Abstract: A tough, water-proof building system which provides walls and wall sections for use on upright walls, ceilings, and floors, and appurtenances, as well as accessories which make such structures more versatile. The walls and wall sections can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions. A wall section has inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members which extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of the wall section, at spaced locations along the length of the wall section. The spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the wall or wall section.

Abstract: The Composite-Box (C-B) System consists of various composite components that can be connected in a combination of methods to form a wide variety of items. The main components include a square panel, an adjustable square panel, a half-panel, poles and different straps and accessories. The panels, poles and accessories can be connected and released without any adhesives. Panels are connected to one another using tongue and groove connections and can be secured using composite straps with screws attached to recessed screw threads on panels. Accessories and poles are connected using screw or plug connections. C-B System components uses include, but are not limited to, cubes for material transportation or force protection, barriers, various size structures, temporary roads and helicopter pads, bunkers, guard towers and numerous other uses. Panels have a tongue-and-groove edge so they can be connected end to end or at 90 degree angles to other panels.

Abstract: A multi-functional building assembly includes a plurality of elongated studs, each of the studs including a recessed notch defined in axially extending fashion along first and second opposite extending surfaces. A plurality of elongated and planar shaped panels include extending edges which match in configuration that of each of the notches and in order that a selected panel is secured to a selected stud. A plurality of the studs and panels are engaged in end-to-end extending fashion to construct at least one of a wall and a corner detail.

Abstract: A door stile structure utilizing a pair of skins. An elongated member extends between at least a portion of the pair of skins. The elongated member includes an outer surface having a pair of ridges with a recessed portion therebetween. The ridges lie in a plane which intersects the edge of the door. The elongated member may lie flush with the edges of the skins forming the door or be imbedded within the skins to lock the elongated member into the door structure.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite door is disclosed. The method comprises: mixing together a thermoplastic polymer with an organic fibrous material in a ratio such that the organic fibrous material constitutes 40 to 60 percent by weight of the mixture; extruding the mixture under heat and pressure to create a thin sheet form; cutting the sheet to a predetermined size; removing material from at least one surface of the sheet to create a homogeneous appearance devoid of obvious fibrous particles; thermoforming the sheet to impart to the at least one surface an exterior three dimensional door surface to create a thin door facing; and assembling two of the thermoformed thin door facings, a peripheral frame and a core material into a door.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reinforced panel that includes a face sheet having an interior side and an exterior side, a plurality of integral and intersecting ribs having distal ends and projecting from the interior side of the face sheet to form contiguous cells, and a reinforcing member positioned in a channel and secured thereto for increasing bending resistance of the panel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a trough-edge building panel used in the fabrication of panelized wall systems with elastomeric joints that are resistant to cracking. The panels are preferably fiber cement. The front surface of each panel has a trough adjacent to an edge of the panel. Panels are fastened to a frame with the trough-edges adjacent to each other. A joint tape is applied to the seam between the panels such that the edges of the joint tape fall within the troughs of the adjacent panels. The wall is then finished with an elastomeric finish. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the trough-edge panels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are panelized wall systems and methods for their construction, wherein the wall systems have elastomeric joints that are resistant to cracking. The walls are constructed with trough-edge building panels. The trough-edge building panels are preferably fiber cement. The front surface of each panel has a trough adjacent to an edge of the panel. Panels are fastened to a frame with the trough-edges adjacent to each other. A joint tape is applied to the seam between the panels such that the edges of the joint tape fall within the troughs of the adjacent panels. The wall is then finished with an elastomeric finish.

Abstract: A door comprises a framework formed from lengths of pultruded synthetic material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, the space defined by the framework may be at least partially occupied by a core comprising a body of synthetic, structural-density, foam material and skins may be secured to opposed faces thereof to leave edges of the framework exposed.

Abstract: A countertop assembly comprising a horizontal deck having an upper and a lower surface and an elongated vertical edge surface and an elongated molded strip superimposed on the vertical surface. A pattern formed from either ridges or recesses or a combination of ridges and recesses may be molded into the front side of the elongated molded strip. A method of manufacturing this countertop assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The prefab external-wall structure is provided to increase the resisting strength of the external-wall against the external destruction force under the condition that the original wall strength is not damaged. The external-wall structure mainly comprises a main frame, a honeycomb structural board and an outer decorative wall-portion, wherein the main frame has on the two ends thereof a first receiving recess and a second receiving recess for embedding respectively therein the honeycomb structural board and the outer decorative wall-portion, and they are firmly stuck with silicone adhesive material. The main frame between the first and the second receiving recesses is formed therearound cut grooves for the purpose of fixing the external-wall structure of the present invention onto the wall of a building using fixing members.

Abstract: Moulding strip, preferably a moulding strip for use in the transition between a floor covering and a wall, which floor covering consists of floor elements provided with a decor. Decor comprises a number of decor elements with intermediate demarcations which demarcations are arranged at a predetermined mutual distance A. The moulding strip is provided with a decor which comprises a number of decor elements with intermediate demarcations. The demarcations are arranged at a mutual distance A′ whereby A=A′±(0,1×A), preferably is A=A′±(0.05×A), most preferably A=A′±(0.005×A).

Abstract: A tiling tatami panel suitable for tiling comprises a base member easy to cut and a facing on the base member, and preferably has a 300 to 750 mm square size in its plan view. The facing is made of natural or synthetic-resin rushes of wooden fibers. The base material is composed of an upper layer of composite foam of calcium carbonate and polyethylene or polyolefin, or felt, and stacked on a main layer of natural or synthetic rubber. The tiling tatami panel has chamfered borders, and peripheral surfaces of the tiling tatami panel including the chamfered borders are covered with a protective film.

Abstract: A modular wall panel and mounting members for attaching a panel covering thereto. The modular wall panel has one or more flanges that connect to a frame support. A panel covering is tensioned across a face of the frame support and is connected to the flanges by the mounting members.

Abstract: A structural tie shear connector for use with a concrete and insulation composite panel. The panel has a first concrete wythe, a second concrete wythe, and an insulation layer interposed between the first and second concrete wythes. The connector has two sides extending in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the connector and two sides extending across the longitudinal centerline of the connector. First and second pairs of angular links are connected to the sides, and a pair of legs are connected to, and extend outward from, one side of the connector. The connector is extendable through the insulation layer and into the first and second concrete wythes to hold the panel together.

Abstract: A method of assembling a frame assembly for a partition system is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a partition panel, a fabric covering the panel, and a frame component. The frame component automatically and evenly tensions the fabric about the panel. The frame component provided according to this method includes a support element, a lockable element, and an integral hinge defined between the support and lockable elements. The support element defines a cavity for receiving and supporting the panel. The lockable element extends from and is moveable relative to the support element. The panel is inserted into the cavity, and the fabric is mounted to the lockable element. Next, the lockable element is moved about the integral hinge such that the fabric mounted to the lockable element is automatically and evenly tensioned about the panel. A backing strip may be mounted to the frame component to protect the fabric from the integral hinge.

Abstract: An improved molded door having provisions for glass insert comprising at least 50% of said door's exterior surface includes a quadrilateral frame formed of a top rail, a bottom rail, a right stile and a left stile joined together, two sheets of molded door skins, each skin having a large central opening with an inwardly directed flange extending normal to its planer surface and around its respective opening, which flanges interlock when assembled on frame and form secondary frame for receiving a glass insert, means operable to join the skins to the quadrilateral frame, means operable to join the integral flanges of the skins in an interlocked relationship around their respective openings thereby forming an interlocked secondary frame for receiving a glass insert, a secondary left stile located between the joined flanges and the left stile with this stile joined to the skins and a secondary right stile located between the joined flanges and the right stile with this stile joined to said skins whereby the

Abstract: A structural panel for building structures such as residential houses or the like comprises a honeycomb or other cellular core sandwiched between two metal face sheets and surrounded by a metal frame. Frame members of the frame form mechanical interlocking connections with the face sheets of the panel. Side frame members of the panel define interlocking protrusions and channels for making interlocking joints between panels. A building structure employing the panels for forming floor and roofs includes brackets that extend into a gap between the side frame members of the panel at the panel joints and attach to the side frame members. The brackets are used for attaching the panels to other parts of the structure.

Abstract: A carriage house garage door (20) is formed from first, second, and third wood overlay sections (22, 24, 26). Each of the wood overlay sections (22, 24, and 26) includes first and second layers of sheet metal (46, 48) and an insulating core (50). The first layer of sheet metal (46) is bonded to a first side (52) of the insulating core (50) and the second layer of sheet metal (48) is bonded to the second side (54) of the insulating core (50). Wood siding (30) is coupled to the first layer of sheet metal (46) by bonding the wood siding (30) to the first layer (46) using an adhesive and by stapling the wood siding (30) to the first layer (46).

Abstract: An access floor panel having an improved applied edge trim element comprising a panel base capable of being suspended above a subfloor surface, having a load surface for supporting loads, and a method for forming such an edge trim element. Affixed to the load surface is a covering comprising a top layer having a thickness and an underlying backing layer. The covering further comprises a wear surface with a central portion and perimeter edges therearound, the wear surface along the perimeter edges of the covering being etched to a depth that is less than the thickness of the top layer. An edge trim element, such as ink, is applied to the etched portion of the covering, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the access floor panel. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A method for forming the edge profile of a decorative laminate panel, wherein the decorative laminate panel includes a decorative surfacing layer, a backing layer and a substrate positioned between the decorative surfacing layer and the backing layer. The method is achieved by creating a recess defined by the decorative surfacing layer and the backing layer, forming an edge member shaped and dimensioned for placement within the recess, the edge member including an interlocking profile, and positioning the edge member within the recess with the interlocking profile exposed for selective attachment to adjacent laminate panels. The invention further relates to a laminate panel manufactured by the method described above. In addition, the invention relates to a connecting system for coupling adjacent panels. The connecting system employs a track locking strip in securely coupling the panels in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: An edge for removable attachment to a work surface includes a frame having a base and a vertical support orthogonally extending from the base. A wrist rest is affixed to the frame and is configured in ergonomic fashion to allow a user to rest his or her wrists and forearms against the edge in a natural position. The removable edge may easily be replaced when damaged or worn.

Abstract: A partition including a panel element with a front face and a rear face separated by a dimension termed thickness. The front and the rear surfaces are delineated at least in part by an edge of the panel element. The partition further includes a profile with a ridge deployed substantially in abutment with the edge of the panel element, a substantially planar attachment surface integrally formed with the ridge and extending therefrom so as to be adjacent to the rear face, the attachment surface attached to the panel element, and a substantially planar flange surface integrally formed with the ridge and extending therefrom substantially parallel to the attachment surface and in a direction primarily away from the panel element so as to form a flange extending for at least about 1 cm beyond the edge of the panel element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid panel window shutters having both high strength and structural stability. More particularly, an exterior window shutter made of a solid panel of polyvinyl chloride with at least one support member affixed in the panel. The shutter includes a solid panel having front and back surfaces and side edges, support member, impact resistant member and slats having a channel to receive the support member; wherein the support member is embedded between the panel and the slats. Also contemplated by this invention are: a method to manufacture high strength and structurally stable exterior window shutters and a method to protect windows from extreme weather.

Abstract: The present group of inventions pertains to building and mechanical engineering and can be implemented in structural load-carrying components.

Abstract: A door member comprising a frame having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, a core positioned within the frame, and a molded skin attached to the first side of the frame. The skin is prepared from a molding compound which, when molded, has a shrinkage of between about −0.0003 to about +0.0015. The molding compound comprises a resin system comprising a curable polyester resin, a co-curable unsaturated monomer, and at least two low profile additives. The molding compound also comprises at least about 30 percent by weight, based on the weight of the molding compound, of filler material, and fibrous reinforcement in an amount of less than about 35 weight percent, based on the weight of the molding compound.

Abstract: A press-molded door including a reinforcing structure having a plurality of hollow vertical stiffeners joined by a horizontal web, two of the stiffeners arranged on opposite edges of the reinforcing structure with a groove formed in an edge face thereof, a T-shaped stile arranged in each edge stiffener with a tongue that fits into the groove, and front and back panels arranged on opposite sides of the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A countertop assembly comprising a horizontal deck having an upper and a lower surface and an elongated vertical edge surface and an elongated molded strip superimposed on the vertical surface. A pattern formed from either ridges or recesses or a combination of ridges and recesses may be molded into the front side of the elongated molded strip. A method of manufacturing this countertop assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete reinforcing panel with face sheet reinforcement is provided having a face sheet and a frame with reinforcing members. The reinforcing members preferably extend between opposed rails of the frame and have openings therethrough with braces extending transversely to the axis ofthe reinforcing members. The braces may be provided by cutting and bending the reinforcing member to form flanges and the openings, and may alternate on either side of the reinforcing member, or alternatively may be separate, discrete bracing elements which pass through the openings. Thus positioned, the bracing elements may pivot on the reinforcing member to flex with the face sheet. The bracing elements may be linear, such as bars, loops, or other shapes to spread the load applied to the front side of the face sheet.

Abstract: A joining strip is provided by which sheet metal may be formed into a hollow tubular panel. The joining strip provides a seam between panel edges that acts as a thermal break between inner and outer faces of the panel. The joining strip may also carry a resilient tubular cushion which extends into the joint between the side ends of two panels that are connected by a hinge. This cushion contributes to providing an air seal within the joint between the two panels. Applications include roll-up garage doors and roll-away, articulated walls.

Abstract: A door comprises a framework formed from lengths of pultruded synthetic material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, the space defined by the framework may be at least partially occupied by a core comprising a body of synthetic, structural-density, foam material and skins may be secured to opposed faces thereof to leave edges of the framework exposed.

Abstract: A panel for a portable floor system comprising a rectangular core defining an upper surface and a lower surface extending parallel to the upper surface and lateral side surfaces extending from edges of the upper surface to edges of the lower surface. Frame members are connected to the lateral side surfaces and define outwardly projecting channels. The frame members have opposed spaced parallel horizontal walls defining an upper wall and a lower wall, and further have a transverse connecting end wall for connection to the lateral side surfaces. A laminated graphic layer is integrally joined to the upper surface of the rectangular core and extends over the upper walls of the frame members to conceal the frame members. The channels of the frame members have flanges for releasably securing connecting members for joining a panel to other panels in side-by-side aligned relationship.

Abstract: A door assembly is disclosed that includes a latch-side stile with bores for accommodating one or more bolts that extend through the stile and into an adjacent doorjamb to secure door with respect to the doorjamb. A reinforcing plate is mounted on the inner edge of the latch-side stile with flared flanges extending into the stile bores to hold the plate in place and to make it more difficult to force the door open by kicking the door in the area of its latch and lock. A method of assembling a door including such a reinforcing plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Exterior finishing panels are provided which contain an elongated, thermoplastic sheet which is supported by a rigid support member disposed along a portion of the length of the sheet. The panels of this invention will be more kink-resistant, and will ride uneven walls better to present a flatter-looking finished wall surface. These panels are also capable of being worked with ordinary hand tools, such as a standard wood saw made of steel or carbide.

Abstract: An insulation panel (1) for cabinets containing air handling equipment has an exterior housing section (2) and an interior housing section (3) which is joined to the exterior housing section by snap-in engagement means, preferably comprising a plurality of tabs (12) provided on the interior housing section. The tabs engage a flange (6) of the first housing section (2) via a first gasket (13), and a circumferential side wall (10) of the second housing section (3) abuts against the first housing section (2) via a resilient second gasket (14), whereby the tabs (12) abut against said first gasket under some pressure to firmly secure the first and second housing sections to each other without creating any thermal bridges between the housing sections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite part that includes a semi-rigid interior part and a rigid exterior part. A sheet of flexible material (1) is given rigidifying additives and is molded before being inserted into an injection mold that adds a rigid thermoplastic strip to the edges of the said sheet. The invention is primarily suitable for producing parts for the automotive industry.

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

Abstract: The Universal Direction Post and Wall Panel Adapter consists of multiples of a single adapter to be installed on vertical round posts which when assembled on posts provide continuous vertical slots, in the desired position around the posts, in which plank like panels may be inserted one above the other, to provide the desired direction for continuing sagments of a fence or wall at each post location.

Abstract: A modular wall panel and mounting members for attaching a panel covering thereto. The modular wall panel has one or more flanges that connect to a frame support. A panel covering is tensioned across a face of the frame support and is connected to the flanges by the mounting members.

Abstract: An integrated system and method for fabricating a countertop from a slab is disclosed. The system includes a cutting station where an apron strip of a predetermined size is cut from a slab, a translating station where the apron strip is translated and positioned along the cut edge of the slab, and a press for adhesively bonding the apron to the cut edge of the slab.

Abstract: A roof structure comprises at least one ducted plastics panel having a top wall, bottom wall, and connecting walls, therebetween, said at least one panel being cut to a desired size and having an open space between the top and bottom walls and the last connecting wall, and an adaptor located in said open space, the adaptor having formations thereon for coupling to a glazing bar.