Abstract: A flat cast structural member, particularly a cast metal part or a cast plastic part wherein the surface of the structural member is covered by a thin metal sheet or a plastic layer. An adhesive or coupling layer is provided between the thin metal sheet or plastic layer, whereby under the influence of heat, the adhesive or coupling layer absorbs any surface unevenness or irregularities on the structural member.

Abstract: Formwork system for concrete casting, comprising formwork units built up of modular panels, horizontal and vertical brace rows, where horizontal channel profiles (3) are fastened to the formwork skin (4) with a constant spacing, vertical profiles (2) are resting against the horizontal channel profiles (3), horizontal flange profiles or flange pads (1) which span over four, six and so on, modules, are arranged outside the vertical profiles (2), braces are led through brace holes in the skin (4) in the three profiles (1, 2, 3) in both the formwork sides, the horizontal flange pads (1) extend over at least three vertical profiles (2), and the panels are arranged horizontally or vertically as a whole number of modules.

Abstract: A shear wall panel for a building has a rectangular frame of vertical and horizontal members. Inside of the rectangular frame, at least four diagonal members are joined at their ends to create a multi-segmented assembly having at least three vertices and first and second ends and preferably forming a polygon, one of the at least three vertices secured to each of the vertical and an upper horizontal members, the first and second ends secured to a lower horizontal member. The members are preferably of wood and connected together with toothed plates. A lower horizontal member is shear connected to a foundation or laterally stabilized wall or floor below the shear wall panel. Upper strap connectors attach the upper horizontal member to a roof, floor or wall of the building. The upper strap connectors comprises metal straps, a first portion of which have teeth bent out of the metal strap, a second portion of which have holes for nailing through the metal strap into the roof, floor or wall of the building.

Abstract: A prefabricated staircase module (10, 11) comprises a first step and a second step, each step (14) having a tread member (13) and a riser member (15). The staircase module further has fixing means (31) for fixing the module to a sloping surface on which it is laid. The steps in a module may be connected to each other by a rigid or flexible bridging member (19), and the tread member (13) may be curved. Different designs and configurations of the prefabricated modules may be combined into a staircase assembly, the modules which can be chosen according to the gradient of the underlying surface on which the staircase is to be constructed.

Abstract: A building assembly for efficiently and economically constructing walls and roofs for a building assembly that utilizes a prefabricated building panel. The prefabricated panels utilize miter-cuts when joined, form cores, interior and exterior walls, and roofs, when placed together. The walls are pre-formed, offsite according to the required size dimensions and then transported to the job site. The panels are made essentially of a expanded polystyrene panel having cores and channels. Each building panel also includes vertically disposed parallel voids that are approximately 4 in. in diameter, spaced approximately 2 to 4 ft. apart, and receive poured concrete and steel rebar to provide structural rigidity to the entire building assembly. The poured concrete includes rebars that protrude through the entire channel and coring system and are embedded in the slab, and which may be extended above the wall height to bend and overlap the roof for added structural support.

Abstract: A one-piece metal connector that securely ties together the structural members of the roof and wall on a wood frame house. The connector has a vertical web on the top that is attached to a rafter and a vertical web on the bottom that is connected to a wall stud. The connector correctly places each structural member for maximum structural integrity, forming a direct load path. The middle part of the connector has a vertical plate and horizontal tabs that form a box-section around the top plate. Horizontal and vertical tabs form open boxes that hold sheathing tight to the wall. Gussets brace the rafter and stud against racking. The connector has a large surface area for maximum strength, and precise nail holes to avoid splitting the structural member. The connector grasps the structural members to avoid detachment of any structural members during hurricanes and seismic events. The connector's webs and bends help to avoid twisting, lateral forces, thrusting, and uplift.

Abstract: A collapsible blind and decoy apparatus (10) for attracting wild game wherein the apparatus (10) includes a blind/decoy unit (12) supported by a collapsible framework unit (11). The blind/decoy unit (12) includes a blind/decoy member (50) having a first sheet (51) of material (52) that is at least semi-transparent with a front surface (56) that is provided with an opaque decoy element (55) that is contoured, colored and configured to resemble a selected species of wild game for the purpose of attracting wild game towards the apparatus (10).

Abstract: A composite frame member and a method for making the same. In one embodiment, the frame member is a door frame including a plurality of framing members, each including a core formed from a foamed or cellulosic material that includes a wall surface adapted to be mounted within a cavity formed in the wall of the house or other building with which the frame is to be used, and a door surface is opposed to the wall surface and is adapted to extend within the cavity. The core preferably includes an elongate base member and an elongate stop member mounted on the base member in a parallel relationship to the base member. Each framing member further includes a resilient shell, which is preferably formed from a waterproof material, and which, in some embodiments, may be snap-fit on the core. A brickmold member is also disclosed, as well as various methods for making the invented frame and brickmold members.

Abstract: A door frame has hinge and latch jambs extending from opposite ends of a header jamb. Each jamb has an inside section for extending into a doorway opening in a wall and having a molding section extending laterally outwardly from the respective inside section for overlying a face of the wall adjacent the doorway opening. Each molding section includes an inner end extending from the inside section, an outer face extending generally perpendicularly from the inner end and an outer free end extending generally perpendicularly from the outer face. A jamb securing and sealing flange is joined to a jamb. The flange has first and second end sections coupled by a centered section. The first second is substantially parallel to and affix to a inner surface of the outer face of one jamb. The second end section extends substantially parallel to the first end section and laterally outwardly beyond its outer free end.

Abstract: A wall facing system including elongate wall facing tiles (15) of stone material and mounting bars (11) adapted to be secured in a vertical position on a building wall to support the tiles (15) with the tiles positioned one above the other and having their longitudinal dimension horizontal, and with vertically adjacent tiles adjacent and, optionally, overlapping one another. Each facing tile (15) has on its front side a rebate (15A), which extends along the upper edge of the tile, and a front plate, which extends from the rebate down to the lower edge of the tile. Moreover, each facing tile (15) has on its rear side a downwardly projecting support rib (15E), which extends in parallel with the upper and lower edges of the tile.

Abstract: A multipane window unit is provided in which a sash frame is formed having an integral spacing structure upon which glazing panes are directly affixed. The integrally spacing structure is formed integral with the sash frame at vertical internal glazing surfaces. Adhesive can be affixed to the vertical internal glazing surfaces the glazing panes. In this manner, a rigid, structural sash frame can be formed prior to attachment of the glazing panes, thereby eliminating the need for using separately manufactured insulating glass units while obtaining similar and improved benefits.

Abstract: Process for installing against a support (S), the ground in particular, a covering consisting of planks, laths, wooden panels (1) which consists in leveling the surface to be overlaid, then in fixing against the said surface (S), side-by-side planks (1), leaving a space between them and the ground. The process is characterized in that the spacing and the fixing of the planks (1) constituting the covering is obtained by means of pairs of elements (3, 4) distributed over the length of the said planks, which elements (3, 4) take the form of blocks, of which the one (3) is fixed transversely on the lower face of the plank and the second (4) over the ground, the opposite faces of the said blocks (3, 4) comprising interlockable complementary zones (7) ensuring the mutual securing of the said elements (3, 4).

Abstract: An articulating plate assembly for retaining sheets of roofing material on a roof surface includes a plate defining (i) a generally hemispherically-shaped recess in a central portion of a first surface thereof, and (ii) an aperture disposed in the recess and extending through the plate, and a fastener having (i) a shank portion configured to pass through the aperture and to engage the roof surface, and (ii) a head portion having an underside of a curved configuration generally complementary to the recess.

Abstract: An improved workcell is provided with a door hinged at a midpoint between the opposite sides and maintained in a parallel relationship to the workcell access opening, thereby minimizing the clearance space required to open and close the door. The workcell is formed of a plurality of posts and wall panels which can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled, such that the workcell is portable. The wall panels are pinned to the posts and include hollow ribs to receive cabling, wiring, and tubing for work functions within the workcell.

Abstract: A protective system for overhead doors on loading dock platforms for use in connection with a pair of pipe bollards permanently erected at each of the sides and in front of the door. The system includes a pair of net securing devices each having a mounting bracket allowing the assembly to be attached to the door, a variable linkage, and a bollard collar for fitting over the existing pipe bollard when the door comes down. A spring loaded bracket in connection with the bollard collar and variable linkage allows a netting connected between the bollard collars to move for a distance until the bollard collar abuts the pipe bollard to preclude damage to the door.

Abstract: A surround molding assembly is disclosed for a doorway window or window of a structure such as a residential home or commercial building. The surround molding assembly may include various embodiments of pilasters, end and corner members, and mantel members that may be fastened to one another or the structure with limited use and visibility of external fasteners. In one embodiment, a decorative molding strip includes a base strip and a decorative strip interconnected by a living hinge. The decorative strip may be pivoted about the living hinge to a closed position over the base strip to hide internally located fasteners. In another embodiment an extension cap is interconnected between a corner member and a decorative molding strip or pilaster without external fasteners. As a result, the molding assemblies of the present invention simplify assembly while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance free of external fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stud (1) intended for a timber wall and a method for manufacturing the stud (1). The stud (1) constitutes a part of a wooden frame on which, for example, plaster board panels (12) are secured in order to form the wall. The stud (1) is provided with at least two longitudinal grooves (6, 7) made alternatingly from opposing sides (2, 3) of the stud (1). Each individual groove (6, 7) is wholly open towards that side (2, 3) it was made from. Each groove (6, 7) moreover displays openings (10, 11) in the opposite side (2, 3) and portions (8, 9) with residual material between the openings (10, 11). Each longitudinal groove (6, 7) is thus alternatingly through-going and alternatingly not through-going.

Abstract: A three-dimensional laminate beam is formed by inserting a preformed foam core insert within a hydra-formed metal section having curved three-dimensional geometry. A reinforcing polymer is pumped in and around the foam core insert so as to be adjacent the inside wall of the shell. The polymer bonds to the inside wall of the shell upon the polymer being cured.

Abstract: A proposed wind and weather protection device is designed in the form of a collapsible pavilion. The collapsible pavilion is provided with a collapsible roof (1) formed from circular segments. In two preferential design variants, the maximum opening angle of the pavilion is 180°, 90° or 270°. The roof (1) consists of a central nodal element (2) on which several roof spars (11) are fixed. The roof spars (11) support a covering element (21) in the form of a circular segment. To extend the roof (1), at least one tensioning device is provided. The pavilion can have vertical side supports. Each side support is positioned at the outer end of each roof spar. Furthermore, the pavilion can be equipped with a side wall. A gathering device can be used to ensure that the covering element (21) does not hang too far down when folded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular building system. The system employs various building elements, which are interconnected by way of scarf joints. The building elements are connected to form a building module. The modules, in turn, can be interconnected to form a larger structure such as a dwelling. Additionally, the present system allows fixtures, such as window and door frames, to be incorporated into a completed dwelling. The details of the various components of the system of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.