Abstract: A conservatory roofing system is constructed of a ridge, eaves and glazing bars supporting glazing material between the ridge and eaves. The ridge, eaves and glazing bars are made of structural aluminium components with visible surfaces covered with plastics cladding members. Onto internal surfaces on the plastics cladding members are mounted timber components to give an appearance from the inside that the conservatory is made of timber.

Abstract: A support frame for a dropped ceiling includes a plurality of elongated primary rails disposed substantially parallel to one another, with a plurality of elongated secondary rails disposed parallel to one another and transversely between a pair of primary rails to form a grid system. A ceiling panel is positioned with its edges supported on a pair of primary and secondary rails to form the dropped ceiling. Each primary rail includes an elongated generally inverted U-shaped support member connected to an upper face thereof to support and suspend the primary rails. Each secondary rail includes an elongated ridge with projecting ends connected to the primary rail support member to support the secondary rail from the primary rail support members. An insert extends the length of the primary rail and has a lower edge slidably engaged in a slot in the primary rail upper face, to support the primary rail therefrom. The insert is journaled between the legs of the primary rail support member and secured with fasteners.

Abstract: A tubular cover or metal support members has been provided in which the tubular cover member is made of multiple layers of material such as wood veneer and in which all of the layers are severed to form a slit to extend longitudinally of the tube and in which a hinge point is formed diametrically opposite to the slit by severing all except the outer layer of material. In one embodiment, the hinge is reinforced with a sheet of inorganic material. Applying the tube to the support member entails opening the cover to place it on the support member and fastening the opposite edges of the slit to each other to make a permanent enclosure for the support member.

Abstract: A converted wood article for use in combination with other converted wood articles to form composite wood products for use in general construction such as in the construction of posts, flooring, walls and support beams.

Abstract: A new Plastic Timber Landscaping System for providing an efficient landscaping tool which has the appearance of natural wood but does not rot or discolor from the elements, and of which is constructed from a staggered formation increasing strength and stability of the structure. The inventive device includes a plurality of elongated hollow rectangular members constructed from plastic including a plurality of knockout passages near the ends of said elongated hollow rectangular members, where the knockout passages align to corresponding knockout passages of other elongated hollow rectangular members where a joiner pipe projects through the corresponding knockout passages providing a strong, staggered, orthogonal connection of at least two elongated hollow rectangular members, and where the elongated hollow rectangular members include arcuate wood grain sides and a planar wood grain top simulating the appearance of natural wood.

Abstract: Simulated beam construction which has a central elongated I-beam member having opposing ends for connecting to opposing side panel members. The side panel members each have opposing lateral ends and later elongate panels extending between the lateral ends so as to enclose the central elongate I-beam. Flanged grooves on the lateral ends for sliding attachment to the lateral panels. The simulated wood beam construction has an I-beam member which is an elongate member, that when viewed in cross-section, has flanges or flanged slots on each opposite end for co-operative engagement with the opposing panel member. As an alternate embodiment it may be preferable to construct the I-beam of two substantial identical elongate members, fastened one to the other.

Abstract: An air beam made up of a cylindrical braid and lined with a gas-retaining bladder is improved in its resistance to wrinkling or buckling by incorporating linear bundles of fibers extending parallel to the axis of the cylindrical braid within the cylindrical weave and spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical weave. Another implementation is used when the required strength of the axial bundles implies that they will not fit within the braid, in which case, the bundles are made up into external straps retention means is a coating applied to the braided fibers.

Abstract: A foam-filled extruded plastic decking plank having a non-slip surface coating and a method for making same are described. The non-slip coating includes a layer of acrylic paint applied to the deck surface, grit material applied to the painted decking surface, and a top coat of acrylic paint applied over the grit.

Abstract: The invention presents a non-metallic laminated composite reinforcing rod for use in reinforced or prestressed concrete. The rod is made by creating a sheet of core material comprising a number of layers of "pre-preg" material. Ribs are formed on top of the core from additional layers of pre-preg material laid with the fibers transverse to those in the core. The ribs are then covered by additional layers of pre-preg laid with fibers parallel to the core fibers. The material is heated to fuse the layers. Finally, the sheets of laminated reinforcement are cut parallel to the core fibers to the width desired. The resulting reinforcing rod is superior to steel in corrosion resistance, flexibility, durability, and strength. The reinforcing rod may be used as a prestressing tendon in prestressed concrete after encasing the ends of the rod in an attachment formed of a sleeve filled with groutingmaterial such as mortar or epoxy. The glass-fiber embodiment is non-conductive.

Abstract: A furring apparatus for cylindrical lolly columns includes a pair of generally triangular support members, each having two sides which define a pair of outer walls and a third side defining an inner wall and the latter also having a generally semicylindrical channel formed therein configured and dimensioned to allow receipt of the same about a cylindrical column in close fitting relationship thereto. The support members are hingeably secured together at one corner thereof so as to allow the same to be pivoted between a closed position in which the inner sides thereof abut one another and are disposed with their channels positioned to allow receipt of the same about a cylindrical column in close fitting relationship thereto, and an open position, in which said inner sides of said members are pivoted apart from one another. The support members are fastened together when in the closed position so as to permit the members to be securely fastened on the column.

Abstract: An improved wood substitute product (56) is provided having sawability and fastener-holding properties which approximate natural wood. The product (56) includes an outermost casing (20) preformed to a desired shape and filled with a cementitious fill material (55) including respective amounts of cement and synthetic resin foam. In fabrication procedures, the casing (20) is first formed as a hollow tubular body by roll forming, rotational molding or similar techniques, whereupon the body is temporarily capped and filled with the material (55). A filling device (28) is preferably employed for this purpose, which includes a pumping assembly (32) as well as an elongated horn (30), which is complemental with the casing (20).

Abstract: A hollow light weight pole like structure suitable for use as a utility pole, column or log building member is made of a plurality of wood strips glued edge to edge forming a hollow interior core, with at least one layer of high strength veneer material glued to the exterior of the wood strips with the veneer grain running parallel to the length. The layer of veneer increases the strength, distributes bending stresses uniformly, provides greater decay resistance than ordinary glued hollow poles, and increases the service life. The veneer can be made in several layers forming a continuous overwrap without longitudinally extending gaps that expose the interior wood strips to weather or splitting.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling assembly is provided with its metallic runners covered with magnetic articles, which may be discrete or continuous members. The magnetic articles comprise an outer facing layer and an inner magnetic layer, and are conformed to fit over and embellish the runners. Preferably, the outer facing layer comprises a plastic material and the inner magnetic layer comprises a ferromagnetic material and a binder.

Abstract: A kit including a plurality of spaced parallel collar pairs are mounted about an associated column, wherein the column pairs are of a generally polygonal configuration having a predetermined number of walls, wherein the walls receive an individual cover plate of a plurality of cover plates to provide for securement of the cover plates to the collar pairs. Foot and crown molding is subsequently mounted to the upper and lowermost distal ends respectively of the cover plates to provide for enclosing of the associated column.

Abstract: An inflatable truss frame member for use in the frame of a large inflatable device such as a ship or satellite decoy. A first embodiment, developed for use in satellite decoys, comprises three main inflatable tubes separated by shear load carrying interlacing inflatable tubes. The first embodiment may be manufactured by laminating two MYLAR sheets together using a triangular pattern of adhesive print to form a series of inflatable tubes. Excess material is removed from between the tubes and the edges of the MYLAR are bonded together forming a cylinder to complete the inflatable truss frame member. A second embodiment, developed for the heavier shear loading of ship decoys, comprises three main inflatable tubes separated by a shear load carrying web. The second embodiment may be manufactured by bonding an inner and outer tube made of MYLAR along arcuately spaced strips. The bonded MYLAR forms the separating web and unbonded MYLAR forms three inflatable tubes.

Abstract: Miniature beams for easy installation onto a conventional inverted T-bar subceiling framework are disclosed. The beams comprise a flat portion or web adapted to fit snugly against the T-bar rail, the web having two hooked arms that snap over the edges of the rail and at least one element extending from the web that has a decorative element at the end of its vertical extension.

Abstract: A support system for trimming exposed edges of suspension ceilings provides a trim strip mounting clip which mounts on the bulb of an adjacent grid tee member and provides a face portion which snaps into and locks with a channel-shaped trim strip. The connector clip supports the trim strip from the adjacent grid members without any exposed fasteners and provides an uninterrupted finished edge appearance. Several embodiments of connector clips are illustrated, one of which provides a support portion pivotally connected to a face portion so that trim strips can be mounted on adjacent grid members in positions parallel to the adjacent grid members and at angles relative thereto. Also disclosed are splice plates which bridge between abutting ends of trim strips to lock such abutting ends in proper alignment. Such splice plates can be used with straight or curved trim strips and can also be used at inside corners.

Abstract: A furring apparatus is provided which comprises two U-shaped members, each having first and second ends and a channel formed on its inner surface. A spring retainer is located on each second end, whereby the second end of one U-shaped member may be inserted into and engaged with the first end of the other U-shaped member. Accordingly, a ring may be formed about the column to which wallboard may be secured. Each U-shaped member comprises two L-shaped members joined together via a spring retainer as discussed previously. An L-shaped member is formed by bending an initially straight member 90.degree. along a bend line. The present invention allows for economically produced furring to be quickly and efficiently mounted on a beam via self-tapping screws, thereby expediting the installation of wallboard.

Abstract: A unitary blind locking device for prefabricated structure construction configured into a substantially rectangular shape for securely binding together pairs of suitable similar and/or dissimilar construction materials of similar and/or dissimilar thicknesses. It has a plurality of legs with end parts that are to be used for gripping the construction parts firmly together by means of the cleats or teeth punched out of an interfitting plate that is part of the lock itself and, for anchoring purposes, said lock being fabricated in various shapes and sizes and with accompanying wall lifting straps to meet the demands of workmen at the permanent construction site so as not to hamper their vision while erecting the permanent structure and also to allow the construction at the prefabrication site to proceed smoothly.

Abstract: A simulated beam construction comprises a rectangular elongated core member with several laterally arranged prongs or barbs. Wooden, laminated wooden or plastic planks with a lateral channel are fitted closely together and adapted to receive one of the barbs for the anchoring of the planks along the core member. Two L-shaped planks are arranged on opposite sides of the extrusion member such that the horizontal legs abut each other and cooperate with the other laterally arranged planks to enclose the core member.

Abstract: An elongated sheet metal corner framing element is provided having an essentially "E" shaped cross-sectional area. The center point of the "E" is longer than the end points and one section of the "E" is configured to engage a flange of an H- or I-beam structural member. The other section of the "E" extends from the structural beam and forms a squared open corner section along the entire beam length for attachment of wallboard thereto. The extra length center point of the "E" configuration permits shooting (with power driven pins or nails) of the corner element to the beam at spaced intervals along the element length where more than a frictional fit is desired or required. The corner element may be cold-rolled, extruded, or formed of a flat or square bottom U-channel with an uneven side sheet metal angle attached therein via spot welding or metal screws.

Abstract: For easy installation onto conventional inverted T-bar subceiling support framework, hollow miniature beams of this invention are readily attached onto the bottom flanges of the T-bar rails without requiring fastening hardware or tools. The beams are supported by return flanges at the top of their sidewalls, resting on the top sides of the flanges of the T-bar rail. The beams may be extruded from plastic for light weight, reinforced by a transverse web bridging the top region of the sidewalls. Other U-shaped configurations, without the web, are suited to roll- or brake-forming from sheet metal, or extruding from aluminum. A longitudinal groove is provided along the upper portion of each sidewall; the inward intrusions of the grooves, in co-operation with the bridge web when used, function as a strike plate against the bottom side of the rail flanges to constrain the beam from skewing or working upwards.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced structural member comprises a shell element formed of a fiber reinforced material such as, for example, a fiber reinforced plastic, and a core element having a large joining surface fixedly joined to the inner surface of the shell element, and comprising one or a plurality of primary core elements each formed of a fiber reinforced material such as, for example, a fiber reinforced plastic, in the form of a tube or a channel, and internally filled with a filling material such as, for example, foam polyurethane. Since the shell element and the core element are joined together over the large joining area, an external force applied to the fiber reinforced structural member is distributed over the large joining surface and hence the stress in the joining surface is reduced, so that the durability and reliability of the fiber reinforced structural member is enhanced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suspended ceiling having rectilinear panels held within a co-planar matrix of inverted T-grid elements; each T-grid element possesses a horizontal and a vertical component.The T-grid elements are suspended by their vertical component from the natural ceiling or ceiling beams. The improvement set forth relates the use of imitation beams secureable to the horizontal components of the matrix of T-grid elements at a time after installation of the suspended ceiling has occurred. Each of the imitation beams is an elongate rectilinear element complemental on at least one surface with the horizontal component of the T-grid elements. Included are press-fit securement elements in the rectilinear elements, such elements imbedded within the complemental surface of the elongate elements. Thereby an imitation beam structure for a suspended ceiling may be achieved through the manual affixation of the rectilinear elements to the horizontal components of the matrix of the T-grid elements.

Abstract: A ceiling trim support clip that secures masking rails to ceiling support rails for a suspended ceiling. The clip includes spaced projections forming channels that snap over the edges of the ceiling support rail. One channel is deeper than the opposite channel, and a biasing element in the deeper channel biases the ceiling support rail toward the opposite projection to be seated in the channel therein. A wall mounting clip includes a hook spaced from a pair of upright projections, so that the hook is received over the outer edge of the wall rail and the projections slide between the wall rail and the supporting wall.

Abstract: A decorative beam assembly comprising a beam support bracket which is attached to a ceiling or wall and a hollow plastic channel shaped decorative beam, which snap-fittinglyengages the bracket by means of inwardly extending arms on the beam contacting flange surfaces on the bracket. The flexibility of the beam allows for easy installation, as well as removal and subsequent replacement, of the beam.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises at least one ply comprising approximately parallel unidirected twines comprising helically-configured matrix-impregnated continuous strands of filament reinforcements to provide a flanged composite cantilever spring which serves as the principal constituent of a coupling structure. An interior ply of a coupling structure body member comprises unidirected longitudinal twines configured at a body member extremity to provide a flange member connected to a cantilever spring. An exterior ply is disposed transversely of and superimposed upon the interior ply to provide the cantilever spring hinge line. The composite cantilever spring can be constructed to deflect about either a straight or curved hinge line. A preferred tubular form of the coupling structure comprises at least one end configured as a polygonal array of flanged cantilever springs which serve as the socket end of a spring-lock coupling used to connect mating flanged spigot-end structures.

Abstract: A unit for use with a snap-in metal ceiling panel, which comprises an elongated snap-bar comprising spring-like arms extending from a common, integrally formed base portion and terminating in opposed free ends biased towards one another, first and second elongated members held within said spring-like arms and depending from said snap-bar, said first member having a first portion held within said snap-bar and a second portion transverse to said first portion and terminating in a free end, and said second member having a body portion with one edge thereof held within said snap-bar and with a clip portion longitudinally extending along the opposite edge thereof, said clip portion having a spring-like arm integral with said body portion terminating in a free end biased toward said body portion, said clip portion facing away from said transverse portion and being operable to retain a side wall of a metal ceiling panel.

Abstract: A ceiling assembly includes a plurality of elongate, side-by-side gripping members which easily fit onto and conceal the otherwise exposed lower portions of overhead floor joists, as in a basement. Appropriately sized elongate panels fit between the floor joists and have edges supported by the gripping members, thereby forming a smooth, finished appearing ceiling which is quickly and easily installed at low cost by a home resident. Extender members may be used to drop the gripping members a short distance below the joints to accommodate cross braces and plumbing lines.

Abstract: A hollow beam having longitudinally extending sides arranged in a beam-shape. The beam has corner members which interconnect adjacent pairs of sides to define respective corners of the beam. The corner members include longitudinally extending tongues and grooves which engage cooperating parts provided on adjacent ones of the sides. There are a plurality of clips provided at spaced intervals along the length of each respective corner, the opposed ends of the clips engaging longitudinally extending recesses formed into the inner surfaces of the sides adjacent the respective corner members. In addition, an attachment is provided which securely connects each clip to the respective corner member.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for use in installing beam-like channel members under ceilings and the like. The bracket includes a substantially rectangular base having four perpendicularly bent sidepieces. The mounting bracket is fastened to an existing ceiling by means of a screw running through an opening in the upper perpendicularly bent sidepiece and fastened to a flap of the mounting bracket by means of a clasp nut and a counter nut around the flap, which extends perpendicularly from the base and has an opening for passing through the screw thread. The other perpendicularly bent sidepieces are provided with substantially 8-shaped openings for releasable receipt of screw heads of wood screws screwed into wooden sheets in such a manner that they extend slightly from the surfaces of the wooden sheets.

Abstract: A composite wood article includes a plurality of four elongated triangular-shaped pieces and opposing pieces are substantially similar in cross-sectional dimensions. They are joined together to form a composite parallelogram in cross-section. One alternative embodiment includes using sector-shaped pieces that have been cut from generally cylindrical logs, while another embodiment includes triangular-shaped pieces cut from readily available rectangular lumber. In the process of manufacturing the composite article, the four triangular-shaped pieces are first machined so they are properly sized and then after the appropriate application of adhesive to the surfaces which will form the connecting joints, the joinder base leg of each triangular-shaped piece is positioned so as to be juxtaposed against the adjacent joinder leg of the next adjacent triangular-shaped piece.

Abstract: A decorative arch form including a pair of side sections, each of the side sections having two edges substantially perpendicular to one another, integral flange members extending from the perpendicular edges of each of the side sections with lines of reduced thickness at the junctures of the flange members with the sections, the side sections being disposed in a substantially parallel spaced relationship with the flange members of one side section in alignment with the flange members of the other side section, a decorative facia section connecting corresponding edges of the aligned side sections and extending from the far ends of the aligned flange members of the parallel side sections to the far ends of the flange members which are perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: An improved process for forming cast articles of plaster reinforced with fibers is disclosed wherein low consistency plaster slurries that include a fluidizing agent and fibrous reinforcing materials are co-sprayed onto a sectionalized casting bed having a flexible membrane section connecting rigid sheet forming bed portions; allowed to stand in a horizontal position through initial stiffening; and then before the slurry has set, the sectionalized casting bed is reformed so as to produce a contoured shape to the gypsum cement sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pole structure comprising one series of alternate sides in a first form and another series of alternate sides in a second form, said first form comprising structural plates which are joined by one or more bracing members, and said second form comprising shrouds attached to the structured plates to form an enclosed pole structure, at least one of the other series of alternate sides having the shrouds removably or hingedly attached.