Abstract: An apparatus for applying strips of resiliently compressible gasket material to upper edges of beams that are fed therethrough. The apparatus includes a bed having a plurality of rollers that support the beams passing thereover, there being at least one drive roller for frictionally engaging the beams in drive relationship therewith. A guide maintains the beams in a predetermined orientation as they pass through the apparatus. An applicator roller presses against the upper edges of the beams, with the strip of resiliently compressible gasket material being guided under the applicator roller so that an adhesive layer on a lower surface thereof is pressed into adhesive engagement with the upper edges of the beams. An extensible blade actuated by a sensor cuts the strip of gasket material at the end of each beam.

Abstract: An anti-slip attachment for a ladder that forms a frictional engagement between the ladder and a metal gutter, so as to prevent the ladder from slipping laterally thereon. A layer of resiliently compressible material having a high surface coefficient of friction against smooth metal is mounted to the ladder so that it will bear against and be compressed by an edge of the gutter. The layer of resiliently compressible material may be at least one strip of resiliently compressible foam tape. The resiliently compressible material may be adhered directly to the side rails of the ladder so as to bear against the edge of a gutter when the ladder is rested thereon, or the layer or layers of resiliently compressible material may be mounted to a separate frame or bracket that is in turn mounted to the ladder itself. The anti-slip attachment helps to reduce the likelihood of fall injuries due to the ladder slipping sideways along a metal gutter during use.

Abstract: A floor, wall, roof, or ceiling of a building is made of specially adapted beams and overlying panels. The beams have a layer of foam material on their edges. The foam material can include a resiliently compressible material, a thermally insulating material, or a material which possesses both of these properties. The panels are positioned over the beams so that the foam material is sandwiched between the beams and the panels. When the panels are fastened to the beams, the resiliently compressible foam material partially compresses, thereby filling any gaps which may form between the beams and the panels. The resiliently compressible foam material thus prevents relative movement between the panel and the beams which would otherwise produce squeaks. When the foam material includes thermal insulating material, it forms a thermal barrier between panels and beams, especially metal beams, thereby eliminating various drawbacks of construction using metal beams.

Abstract: A floor, wall, roof, of ceilng of a building is made of specially adapted beams and overlying panels. The beams have a layer of foam material on their edges. The foam material can include a resiliently compressible material, a thermally insulating material, or a material which possesses both of these properties. The panels are positioned over the beams so that the foam material is sandwiched between the beams and the panels. When the panels are fastened to the beams, the resiliently compressible foam material partially compresses, thereby filling any gaps which may form between the beams and the panels. The resiliently compressible foam material thus prevents relative movement between the panel and the beams which would otherwise produce squeaks. When the foam material includes thermal insulating material, it forms a thermal barrier between panels and beams, especially metal beams, thereby eliminating various drawbacks of construction using metal beams.

Abstract: A method of constructing a floor so as to prevent squeaking due to movement of the floor decking relative to the joists. The joists are installed, and strips of resiliently compressible cushioning tape are laid on the upper edges of the joists so that an adhesive side of the tape adheres thereto to keep the strip in position, and so that a non-adhesive side of the tape faces upwardly therefrom. Floor decking is placed on top of this so that the strip of tape is sandwiched between the decking and the joists, and the non-adhesive surface of the tape permits the decking to be slid thereover to a desired position. Fasteners are then driven through the decking and into the joist to secure the decking in position, and the resilient cushioning tape fills any gaps between the joists and the decking so as to prevent the decking from moving on the joists and causing squeaks. A tool for laying the strips of tape is made up of a handle portion and a spool portion.

Abstract: A method for constructing flooring so as to prevent development of squeaks, by laying a strip of adhesive cushioning tape on the edges of the joists and placing the floor decking on top of this, and also a tool for applying this tape. The tool has a handle for manual operation, and there is an adjustable width head assembly on the lower end of this which enables the tool to engage joists of various widths. This has a central roller flanked by compound wall members. The compound wall members are made up of plate-like wall segments, and these may be displaced vertically on an axle member so as to adjust the width of the guide area which is defined between the wall members.