Abstract: Self-closing vent assemblies configured to provide ventilation during normal ambient conditions and to close during a fire are provided. In one embodiment, the self-closing vent assembly includes a base vent plate having a plurality of apertures and a floating vent plate having a plurality of apertures offset from the apertures in the base vent plate. The floating vent plate is configured to move between a first position spaced apart by a distance from the base vent plate and a second position abutting the base vent plate.

Abstract: Self-closing vent assemblies configured to provide ventilation during normal ambient conditions and to close during a fire are provided. In one embodiment, the self-closing vent assembly includes a base vent plate having a plurality of apertures and a floating vent plate having a plurality of apertures offset from the apertures in the base vent plate. The floating vent plate is configured to move between a first position spaced apart by a distance from the base vent plate and a second position abutting the base vent plate.

Abstract: A deflection clip for erection of partitions in office space and commercial use is disclosed. A deflection clip in accordance with the present invention has a flat base with a left and right clasp that are substantially parallel to the base. The right and left clasps are used to secure the deflection clip to a leg of an open channel track attached to the floor and ceiling. The left and right clasp each have a left and right stud extension tab extending substantially perpendicular from an inside edge of the left and right clasps. The left and right stud extension tabs are used to secure a stud in relation to the open channel track, allowing the ceiling and floor to deflect relative to each other without transferring load to the stud.

Abstract: A channel screed that is less likely to cause troweled wall covering material to crack is provided. The channel screed includes a bottom member having bottom member lengthwise edges. Channel flanges extend from the bottom member lengthwise edges perpendicular to the bottom member. Semi-circular receptacles are located along the bottom member lengthwise edges. The semi-circular receptacles are adapted to receive fastening clips to be secured into place. The fastening clips have a width of about one inch and may be positioned along butt joints and adjacent to framing members for attaching the channel screed to the framing members.

Abstract: A deflection clip for erection of partitions in office space and commercial use is disclosed. A deflection clip in accordance with the present invention has a flat base with a left and right clasp that are substantially parallel to the base. The right and left clasps are used to secure the deflection clip to a leg of an open channel track attached to the floor and ceiling. The left and right clasp each have a left and right stud extension tab extending substantially perpendicular from an inside edge of the left and right clasps. The left and right stud extension tabs are used to secure a stud in relation to the open channel track, allowing the ceiling and floor to deflect relative to each other without transferring load to the stud.

Abstract: A vent device for overcoming the problem of moisture accumulating within a wall structure. The vent device promotes air and moisture circulation within the wall structure by having a channeling plate with a plurality of vertically oriented channels. The vent device also has a support flange adjoined to the channeling plate. The vertically oriented channels define a passageway for air and water to travel along when the vent device is disposed within the wall structure. The channeling plate is adapted for being positioned between a horizontal joist and a wallboard of the wall structure. When the vent device is positioned within the wall structure, the passageway allows air and moisture to travel between the horizontal joist and the wallboard.

Abstract: A corner plug is disclosed for filling a cavity created between a wall corner bullnose and a squared-off molding, having an upper portion and a lower portion, both portions having a concave back surface. A shoulder formed at the intersection of the upper and lower portions is dimensioned to traverse and cover the cavity between the wall corner bullnose and the squared-off molding. In one embodiment of the present invention, the back surface is dimensioned to continuously contact the wall corner bullnose. The upper portion is preferably thicker than the lower portion and the lower portion preferably tapers to facilitate the insertion of the plug into the cavity. In one embodiment of the invention, the front surface of the lower portion includes two planar members that intersect at an edge, corresponding to the edge portion of the molding. The corner plug can be constructed from any rigid material, including plastic, wood, metal, or other similar material.

Abstract: Sealed expansion joints comprise first and second joint members each having a backside surface adapted for installation against a planar surface. The first joint member further comprises at least one angular surface section that is designed to facilitate moisture passage thereover when installed onto an underlying wall structure. The first joint member also includes a groove disposed therein between the backside and frontside surfaces. The second joint member is positioned adjacent the first joint member, e.g., either below the first joint member or to the side of the first joint member, and includes an outwardly projecting tongue that extends towards first joint member. The tongue is disposed a desired depth into the groove. Together, the first and second joint members form a channel that extends therebetween. A sealing member is disposed within the groove and is interposed between the tongue and the groove.

Abstract: Fastening devices of this invention comprise a screw and a spacer element. The spacer element can be cylindrical in shape and includes a central opening extending between opposite axial surfaces. One or more grooves are disposed within and extend diametrically along at least one axial spacer surface. The groove is adapted to accommodate a wire section of a wire lath. The screw includes a head at one axial end positioned adjacent the spacer groove, and a tip at an opposite axial end for penetrating and engaging a surface of an adjacent structure. The head includes an enlarged diameter section that extends radially outwardly therefrom a sufficient distance to cover at least a portion of the groove when the mounting means is disposed within the central opening. The fastening device is used to attach a wire lath to another surface by placing a wire section of the wire lath within the spacer groove, and driving the mounting means into the other surface.

Abstract: A single sheet of metal such as galvanized steel is formed to provide an improved corner cap for the juncture of three walls. The improved cap has three legs having three arcuate regions extending from an apex into orthogonal or transverse planes. Each arcuate region has two lateral flanges. The prongs are formed by cutting and bending a piece of the flange so that the prong and the flange form a right angle. The corner piece is constructed to cover an outside corner for use on the outer portion of three adjoining walls. The apex region at the center of the three legs defines a raised portion against which corner beads will fit to provide an easy alignment mechanism for the corner beads, as well as a smooth surface.

Abstract: A weep screed for use in exterior construction has a vertical member, an outwardly projecting member, and an inwardly projecting member which is susceptible of being form-fit to a concrete foundation. The inwardly projecting member has a plurality of grooves or notches running along the length of the weep screed to provide tear strips, to permit adjustability of the length of the inwardly projecting member by allowing it to be torn off, or to permit bending of the inwardly projecting member for a form fit with the foundation where a flush fit occurs at a point in between tear strips.

Abstract: A T-shaped drywall casing bead having a removable tear strip portion. The casing bead includes a first strip corresponding to the leg of the T-shaped structure having a lip or bead formed along the fixed end thereof and a second and third strip corresponding to the cross bar portion of the T-shaped structure. A portion or all of the third strip is removable along an intentionally weakened line to provide the tear strip. Drywall finishing compound or material deposited on the tear strip is removed when the tear strip is removed. Various configurations of the casing bead are described.

Abstract: Improved welded wire fabric lath including a double strand of wire located at predetermined spaced intervals. The wires of the double strand are spaced slightly apart to provide a slot for receiving fasteners used to hold the lath in place on wood and metal framing. In a self furring embodiment of the lathing according to the present invention, the double strand is located along the interval corresponding to the crimping or ribs provided to space or fur the lathing from the framing. Self threading fasteners of a modified design for use with the lathing also comprise a part of the present invention.