Abstract: This invention relates to a novel structure for securely joining ceiling boards, wainscots and other similar types of paneling and boarding to supports or base members such as joists or furring strips. This joining structure finds application in securing ceiling boards (such as gypsum boards or slag wool boards) having relatively low mechanical strength to joists. Employment of the novel and unique joining devices permits easy construction and assembly at high working efficiency. Since the boards are joined together securely by the devices fitted into slots formed at the edges of the boards and are not suspended from the ceiling but are tightly attached to the joists, an elegant and monolithic finish as well as increased structural strength is provided.

Abstract: An expandable covering includes an insulating cushion dimensioned to bridge a gap between two structural members commonly referred to as an expansion joint. In a preferred form the construction comprises a composite neoprene coated fabric strip of a first width which is typically about 18 inches, a narrower expansion bellows and mailing strip constructed of an asphalt coated woven wire cloth and the insulating cushion. The coated woven wire cloth is heat sealed to the fabric side of the composite strip. In a different embodiment the neoprene coated fabric strip is replaced by an asphalt saturated cloth. In still a further embodiment a neoprene strip is glued directly to an asphalt-free center area of an asphalt impregnated or coated woven wire cloth.

Abstract: A casing brick comprising a hollow insulating insert, and a two-part concrete shell which substantially encloses the insert, two projections extending from the insert and positioned between the two parts of the shell and interlocking projections and grooves for connecting the shell and the insert together.

Abstract: A decorative trim strip and a suspended ceiling construction employing the trim strip with structural T- and L-beams having laterally extending portions or portion, wherein such trim strip is a resilient longitudinal "J" channel section having a lengthwise opening communicating with the interior thereof through which a laterally extending portion of a structural beam can be inserted internally to engage and maintain the decorative trim strip.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a greenhouse which defines an enclosed growing area covered by a structure including an external framework of convex shape in transverse cross-section, and a plurality of flexible light-transmitting panels arranged to form a covering at the inner side of the framework. The frame work includes a plurality of curved members extending transversely of the structure in parallel longitudinally spaced positions and forming rafters of the structure, and a plurality of parallel elongate members extending longitudinally of the structure and attached to the rafters. The light transmitting panels are each snap-fitted between adjacent ones of said longitudinal members of the framework in an outwardly bowed configuration.

Abstract: A starter strip and siding strip combination comprises a siding strip of the kind having a hooked lower edge. The starter strip consists of an upper nailing portion having a downwardly-outwardly-extending main flange projecting from its front face and a return retainer flange extending horizontally from the main flange toward the front face, the free end tip of the return flange being rounded. The hooked lower edge of the first siding strip can be engaged with the flanges while in a horizontal orientation, in which the siding strip floats freely and can easily be moved sideways for adjustment. The siding strip can then be rotated into the vertical position against the associated structure and nailed thereto, without the possibility of disengagement from the starter strip, either during installation or during subsequent expansion and contraction of the siding by daily and seasonal temperature changes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a track assembly, particularly adapted for embedding in a structural component, comprising a track member having a rear wall with at least one attachment aperture therein and a back surface adapted for abuttng against the structural component, at least one anchor lug extending from the back surface, the anchor lug having an extension which passes through the attachment aperture in the rear wall of the track member, the anchor lug being secured to the track member by a swaged deformation of the extension on at least one side of the rear wall.

Abstract: An upright standard assembly for failing when subjected to horizontal impact forces while solidly supporting an upright standard under normal conditions. The assembly includes a generally vertical standard, a base member, a connection member to releasably attach the standard to the base member, at least one fracture initiating slot formed in the coupling body, and a washer having one or more teeth formed therein for receipt by the fracture-initiating slot(s) of the coupling body. The washer is made of harder material than the coupling body, and has a smooth bore extending therethrough so that no positive holding action is provided between it and the connection member extending therethrough. The coupling body also does not have any threads formed on the portion thereof between the longitudinal termination of the slot(s) and the connection member receiving end thereof.

Abstract: A method and means by which buildings, particularly residential buildings, can be prefabricated of cut-to-size metal wall framing and roof member elements for erection upon a prepared foundation at the site, the building framework thus erected being adapted to structural completion by a process involving scratch cement-plaster coating the outsides of expanded sheet metal enclosing the rib-work of the walls and the underside of roofing rib framework assembly, and thereafter pump-spraying a cementacious mixture between the voids of such rib-work against the opposite side of the scratch-coated expanded sheet metal to provide a substantially monolithic steel-reinforced basic building structure.

Abstract: A building foundation is formed from precast modular components assembled in situ to enclose plumbing and ducting. The components include foundation pads clamped together and interfitted with perimeter wall sections and spacer posts for support of floor panels held together by slots in the top of the wall sections and the spacer posts.

Abstract: A two-span wall panel construction includes a plurality of spaced, horizontal structural girts with liner panels secured between each three adjacent girts. Horizontally extending subgirts are attached to the liner panels and exterior panels are secured to the subgirts. The adjacent, vertical liner panels are positioned in slightly spaced relationship at the end girts and the exterior panels are positioned in overlapping and unattached relationship at the end girts. Clips for holding the liner panels are secured to the end girts between the adjacent liner panels. These clips have angular flanges which pinch the adjacent liner panels against the end structural girts. External forces of predetermined magnitude cause the liner panels to deform about the middle girt as the liner panels pivot about and release from the clip flanges while the overlapping exterior panels simultaneously pivot and release at their overlapping end.

Abstract: There is provided a coupling device for joining together reinforced concrete elements, such as concrete piles or pillars. The device comprises a plurality of first coupling means for locked arrangement on the mutually opposing faces of two segments to be joined together. Each of said first coupling means has means for receiving a second coupling means so that the first coupling means of the two opposing faces are held in mutually locked relationship by said second coupling means.

Abstract: A protective shield overlies the wall panel supporting face of a building framing member and prevents a wall panel fastener of the self-drilling type from entering a utility service opening provided in the framing member. The protective shield is formed of a material and thickness which provides substantially greater resistance to penetration by the self-drilling fastener than the resistance of the wall panel supporting face of the framing member so that the fastener fails or the presence of the protective shield is sensed by the construction mechanic prior to entry of the fastener into the framing member. The protective shield includes integral fastening clips which project generally perpendicularly from the opposed side edges thereof and are adapted for resilient clamping engagement on the building framing member to mount the protective shield in juxtaposed relation with the face of the building framing member and in overlying alignment with the utility service opening.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches a turnbuckle connector useful in a method for replacing an existing utility pole (usually wood), without disturbing hardware mounted thereon. As taught in United States patent No. 3,911,548, the utility pole includes a proximal section having a bottom end attached to the earth and a distal section having hardware mounted thereon. The distal section (with its hardward intact thereon) is severed from the proximal section. A new pole section (preferably of prestressed concrete) is attached to the earth appropriately located and adapted for receiving the distal section. The distal section then is connected to project from the new pole section by means of the turnbuckle connector disclosed herein. A plurality of girdle plates, each having side marginal flanges and a terminal flange, are arranged about at least one of the sections to be connected.

Abstract: An improved anchoring means for attaching a pilaster to an existing structure comprises a footer bar which is secured by mounting means to the pilaster end. The footer bar is adjustably attached to stud bolts extending from an existing structure to which the pilaster is to be attached. A stablizer nut on the end of the stud bolts is tightened to act against a portion of the pilaster. The action of the stabilizer nut causes the mounting means for the footer bar to be placed in tension thereby increasing the stability of the mounting of the pilaster.

Abstract: An appurtenance may be lockably secured to a decoratable wall by the disclosed device. The decoratable wall includes a decoratable panel with a resilient edge, at least one spline with a plurality of slots therein, and a frame supporting the panel and spline. The device includes a bracket to which the appurtenance may be attached having at least one hook member for removable insertion into a first slot in the spline, and a safety lock carried by and movable with respect thereto into engagement with a second slot of the same spline. The safety lock ensures the hook member may not be disengaged from the spline while the safety lock is engaged with the second slot.

Abstract: Panel constructions comprising wall or ceiling panels of, for example, fire resistive material such as gypsum board wherein at least one of the lateral edges of one panel has secured thereto a female mounting member and at least one opposed lateral edge of a second panel has secured thereto a male mounting member. The female mounting member has opposed flanges which receive therebetween opposed surfaces adjacent the lateral edge of the panel and is provided with a central elongate channel for making engagement with a like panel to which has been secured the male mounting member. The male mounting member also comprises a channel-like member secured along the edge wherein opposed flanges receive an intermediate portion of the panel and wherein a protuberance or projecting tongue is received in nesting relationship in the channel of the female member. A covering of vinyl or other decorative material, textured paint or other finish is applied to one surface of each of the panels.

Abstract: Method and machine and a log product for log house construction includes improvements in apparatus to shape, and finish the logs, divide into halves or quarter sections for tongue-and-groove assembly construction of floors, walls, or ceiling appurtenant to the log house. Equally-spaced holes between the tongues and grooves provide additional functional uses for utility lines or vertical supports as needed.

Abstract: I-beam studs of sheet metal have overlapped shaftwall portions having holes to provide for flow of cooling air along the overlapped portions to prevent failure of the studs from fire. First drywall sheets are mounted in the studs on the shaftwall sides thereof, and second drywall sheets are secured to the studs at the corridor sides thereof.

Abstract: A high load extendible structure including an elongated thin pre-stressed element which has a cross section whose interior portion is curved to form substantially one-half of the perimeter of a circle and whose two exterior portions are each curved in an opposite direction to each form substantially one-quarter of a circle of the same radius as the central portion when the pre-stressed element is unrestrained from a flattened condition. The element is capable of being rolled flat upon a roller and yet can be extended to support or push various loads and plastic beads are located along the edges of the pre-stressed element to provide protection from these sharp edges. An equation is presented for determining the required thickness of the element once the radii associated with the element and the radius of the roller and other parameters for a given application have been determined.