Abstract: A door jamb adjusting tool has telescoping pair of tubes wherein the larger diameter tube has a plurality of holes, at precise intervals, into any one of which holes fits a biased pin which is part of the thinner tube so as to block the sliding motion relative to each tube in order to set a precise width. A pair of <<T>> bars is situated at opposite ends of the tool and a template is mechanically fastened to each <<T>> bar. Each template is configured and sized for a particular door jamb's size and configuration. In this manner, a very precise alignment of the base of a doorjamb can be obtained.

Abstract: The stud framing brace is a tool used in aligning and supporting wall studs during the construction of a building. The brace has a central arm with a stud-receiving member attached to a first end of the arm and a stud-clamping member attached to a second end of the arm. The stud-clamping member secures the brace to an installed stud, while the stud-receiving member may allow a free stud to rest against the brace. The arm may be extended to the proper standardized length to ensure the studs are properly spaced. Spirit levels disposed in the arm may be used to align the stud vertically.

Abstract: A beam stabilizer, comprising a threaded tubular part, and a screw like part, threaded together, and can be applied to either side of an I-beam, set within a foundation wall cavity, and tightened in place so as to fix the beam within the cavity at its precise set location, to be sure that the beam remains in place, once installed, during building of a residence or small building.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for supporting various equipment and/or structure which assists in isolating such structure from vibrations (“noise”) external to the platform. Generally, the platform comprises upper and lower plates, having conical depressions, upon which the upper plate supports the above-mentioned structure, and the lower plate contacting surface/area upon which the supported structure otherwise would have rested. Between the upper and lower plates, a plurality of rigid, spherical bearings are placed within the conical depressions, thereby allowing the upper and lower plates to displace relative to one another. Additionally, the platform may be provided with retaining mechanisms for holding the structure to be supported, maintaining the plates together and providing additional damping effects.

Abstract: A rocking-type seismic isolation base for protecting structure against earthquake includes a body having a configuration similar to a generally recognized flying saucer. The base serves as a buffer when a structure is horizontally displaced relative to a supporting foundation of the structure, and largely reduces the vertical displacement of the structure. The rocking-type seismic isolation base also allows the displaced structure to automatically return to its original position. The base is provided at a bottom with a space for an anti-slipping lock to mount and freely move therein, so as to prevent the rocking-type base from horizontally slipping in a condition exceeded the designed seismic vibration. The rocking-type base may be cooperatively used with a saucer spring to further mitigate the vertical vibration.

Abstract: An interlocking system of frames for floor or wall tiles. The frame has a base frame with a lid surrounding its perimeter. The lid serves to fill the gap between frames after the tiles are installed, as well as provide lateral stability to the tiles. The bottom of the base frame has an array or grid of support legs. On at least one side of the perimeter, the base frame has a plurality of bosses or slotted connectors extending outwardly from the base frame, which can be used to make connection with the support legs of another base frame. A filler, or divider, frame of a given shape, e.g. “+” or “#”, is used to guide the placement of the tiles onto the base frame, as well as fill the gap between the tiles. Notches are formed on the base frame to securely engage the filler frame. One set of notches are formed through the surface of the base frame's planar body, while the other set of notches are formed on the inside surface of the lid of the base frame.

Abstract: A staircase finishing arrangement includes a tread portion presenting a finishing surface layer, a nosing extending across substantially the whole length of the tread portion with a supporting layer affixed to the underside of the surface layer and mortised into the nosing, in the front and/or free side edges of the tread. Mechanical securement means are provided for interengagement as between the nosing and the subjacent riser, and are pivotally mounted such that upon interengagement limited adjustment may be achieved to secure the arrangement in proper transverse locational relationship with the stair.

Abstract: An end cap (20) for a roof beam for a conservatory roof is in the form of a cover for the roof beam end and has one or more internal projections (30) for locating in corresponding apertures in a roof beam.

Abstract: A flexible hurricane shutter or barrier to protect buildings from over pressure has inflatable cushions held in place by a fabric material capable of withstanding winds in excess of 100 mph. The barrier can be stored on site in a rolled fashion. Retainers are mounted on a building to guide and secure the longitudinal edges of the fabric to permit ease of deployment. The retainers may be spaced apart over one side of a building and the barrier may be deployed over an entire surface of a multi-story building by raising and lowering the fabric. Inflatable cushions are held between the fabric and the building. The inflated cushions reinforce the material and distribute the force of impact throughout the surface of the cushions and act as spacers to both hold the fabric off the structure and focus the forces onto stranger portions of the structure.

Abstract: A heat insulating window includes a pair of outer glass panes (10, 12) held apart by a spacing member (16) and surrounded by a frame. One frame member (26) serves as a dessicant concealing member which holds a removeable dessicant cartridge (44). The dessicant cartridge connects to a conduit system (42) providing gas communication to the air space between the glass panes (10, 12).

Abstract: A heat insulation window includes a pair of outer panes (14, 16) defining an interior air space (12) and held apart by a spacing member which as opposed and parallel first and second outer surfaces. A third outer surface extends between the first (21) and second (23) outer surfaces. The spacing member defines a first sealing groove (32)at the junction between the first (21) and third (19) outer surfaces and a second sealing groove (32) at the junction between the second (23) and third (19) outer surfaces. The sealing grooves (32) are filled with a gas-tight seal element. A metal band (34) overlays the third (19) outer surface and has edge flanges (34A, 34B) which fit into the first and second sealing grooves (32), isolating the third (19) outer surface from the seal element.

Abstract: A panel comprising: a frame member (70) defining a periphery of said panel; a first wall (77) retained by the frame (70) and a second wall (79) opposing said first wall (77) and together with the first wall (77) defining an internal space (73, 74) of the panel; the panel further comprising at least one intermediate wall (78) disposed in said internal space intermediate the first (77) and second walls (79) and which creates a first space (73) in said internal space between said intermediate wall (78) and said first wall (77) and a second space (74) in said internal space between said intermediate wall (78) and said second wall (79); characterized in that the frame includes respective abutment surfaces (80, 81, 82) which receive and retain respective first, second and intermediate walls wherein; the intermediate wall (78) insulates said first wall (77) from said second wall (79).

Abstract: An architectural detailing assembly (10) and a method of forming an architectural detailing assembly. The architectural detailing assembly includes an architectural detailing (12 or 14) having a length terminating in an end surface (22), and an appearance surface (28) adapted to be viewed by a user once installed upon a building structure and having a predetermined profile. The architectural detailing also includes a spacer (16) having a first planar wall (38) adapted to be selectively coupled to the end surface of the architectural detailing and a second planar wall (40) oriented substantially parallel with the first planar wall and separated from the first planar wall by a thickness. The spacer includes a sealant backing surface (45) oriented substantially perpendicular to and extending between the first and second planar walls. The sealant backing surface is shaped to substantially have the predetermined profile.

Abstract: A partition having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels of a flaccid material and each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces, adjacent faces of said panels being inter-connected to provide a lattice structure upon movement of abutting faces away from each other, a pair of supports at opposite ends of said core and connected to respective ones of said faces, said supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said core whereby said supports may be moved apart to expand said lattice and extend the length of said partition.

Abstract: A reinforced substrate is provided, so that the substrate is better able to withstand compression forces imposed on it by a structure bearing upon it.

Abstract: A floor construction covered with ceramic tiles, in which a film-like plastic mat having support elements disposed in a uniform area distribution, hollow towards the underside, capable of support, projecting out beyond the top of the mat, is applied on the sub-floor. Channels carrying open water are formed between the support elements, and a water-permeable or vapor-permeable covering in the manner of a non-woven fabric or woven fabric is disposed on the support elements. The plastic mat is embedded and attached, supported in a still soft, hardening thin-bed mortar layer on the sub-floor, over its full area, in the region of its lower contact surfaces. The ceramic tiles are laid and attached on the covering in the manner of a non-woven fabric, directly, with a thin-bed mortar layer.

Abstract: A translucent wall in accordance with the present invention is configured to provide aesthetic qualities to existing walls using resin-based panels. In one implementation, one or more resin-based panels are mounted to an existing wall using one or more easily assembled frames and one or more standoffs. The panels, frames, and standoffs are configured to mount the resin-based panels away from the wall by a specific distance, thereby allowing light to be transmitted through the resin-based panels. This light transmittance in turn provides a number of decorative advantages in terms of coloring, texturing, and in terms of exhibiting decorative objects embedded in the resin-based panels. The one or more frames used in accordance with the present invention can be easily adapted to any interior or exterior space or finish, such that the disclosed systems can benefit from mass-production techniques.

Abstract: An insulating system for use under one of concrete floors with radiant heating and concrete slabs. The insulating system comprises at least one layer of polyethylene and an aluminum foil layer bonded to at least one side of the at least one layer of polyethylene. Such insulating system further includes a foam insulating layer engageable with the aluminum foil layer that is bonded to the at least one layer of polyethylene.

Abstract: A tool for installing a floating floor includes a striking surface, a pair of opposed legs defining a cavity, and a body between the pair of opposed legs and the striking surface wherein forces created on the striking surface are transmitted to the legs via the body and wherein the cavity has a height that is set to limit a driving depth of a concrete anchor used to secure a subfloor panel to a substrate such that a pad disposed under the subfloor panel will not be compressed when the subfloor panel is secured to the substrate.

Abstract: A prefabricated cover board has a high-density polymer or predominantly polymer material core layer having a density between 6 lbs/ft3 and 25 lbs/ft3. A prefabricated roofing panel composite includes the cover board and an insulation board that has a low-density polymer or predominantly polymer material foam core layer having a density less than 6 lbs/ft3. The cover board may have a waterproofing membrane forming the top major surface of the cover board. When making the roofing panel composite, the low-density foam core layer of the insulation board may be formed with the high-density core layer of the cover board being currently or subsequently formed over and bonded to a top major surface of the low-density foam core layer in the same operation or preformed insulation boards may be fed into a production line with the high-density core layer of the cover board being formed over and bonded to top major surfaces of the low-density foam core layers of the insulation boards.

Abstract: Improvements to systems for building structures of reinforced concrete or other materials using high precision modular, integral coffering of the type of systems that use standardized panels preparing integral cofferings in which the reinforcements and various installations are placed, building the coffering on a foundation slab with the help of a layout template, in which the foundation slab is built using a mould based on modular pieces whose faces form a straight dihedral and squares for the corners the pieces of which are fixed with centering clips with angular reinforcements to fix stabilizers and anchorings, these pieces to having lugs for centering the layout template. Wall templates are also used to lay out the partitions and walls, with all their installations, and new means and panels for specific building solutions.

Abstract: A brace for concrete forms employing first and second form elements includes at least one attachment member adapted and constructed to secure the brace to at least one of the form elements. A span member is connected to the at least one attachment member, and has a length sufficient to hold the first and second form elements apart. At least one article securing mechanism is movable between a first position in which the securing mechanism receives an article associated with the concrete form, and a second position in which the securing mechanism secures the article associated with the concrete form to the brace.

Abstract: An insulated wall system comprises a plurality of foldable blocks, each having two panels of rigid insulated foam, multiple inserts embedded in the panels, and ties between pairs of inserts. Each insert has one or more connectors, each with an end hole that swivelably receives the end leg of a tie in a manner that enables the block to fold. Each connector further has a top opening that releaseably captures the middle leg of the tie and rigidly locks the block against folding. The connectors are double-ended, and the inserts are invertible in the panels. Corner and T-walls are made by simple cuts in the standard blocks. Plates and ties are used to hold together the blocks of a main wall and an intersecting T-wall. The connectors of a panel may contact either the connectors of the other panel, or the other panel itself, when the block is folded.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.

Abstract: Described is a simple and inexpensive method of manufacturing a floor panel (2) with which a floor panel (2) can be produced with a beveled or recessed edge (10a, 10b, 25, 26), a top surface layer (4) extending continuously and in one piece from a top side (3a) of a core (3) over the beveled edge (10a, 10b, 25, 26). A panel body (12) is first of all provided with a core (3, 13), a top side (3a, 13a) of the core (3, 13) being provided with a top surface layer (4). A recess (15) is then formed from a side surface (13b) into the panel body (12), the recess extending under the top surface layer (4) and leaving a freestanding ledge (16) which includes the top surface layer (4). The recess (15) is then closed by fixing the first and second recess surfaces (15a, 15b) to one another.

Abstract: A panel clip is disclosed for aligning precast Terrazzo panels to eliminate “lippage.” The clip comprises a rigid top portion screwed to an adjustable bottom portion, and adjacent panels are fixed therebetween. The rigid top portion fixes the top surfaces of the panels in the same plane, while the adjustable bottom portion automatically conforms to the bottom surfaces of the panels, even where the panels are of differing thicknesses. The bottom portion can be of a unitary flexible plastic design, of a pivoting multi-piece design, or of a thin deformable metal design. One or both of the portions can have a neck region for providing a desired offset between adjacent panels. Once an underlying setting compound has cured, the top portion can be removed, leaving the bottom portion in place to be grouted over. A method of use is also disclosed, as is a kit.

Abstract: A connector for a cross beam that hooks into a slot in a main beam in the grid of a suspended ceiling. The connector has a plastic encasement that forms abutments about a metallic core. The abutments position the connector within the slot, and prevent further entry of the connector into the slot, under normal conditions. The plastic abutments melt away during a fire, so that the beam can expand longitudinally to relieve stresses in the beam, without the beam buckling. Ridges on the bottom of the metallic core prevent pullback of the connector from the slot, during a fire, to prevent the ceiling from sagging or drooping.

Abstract: A tray ceiling for drop ceilings and method of manufacture and installation therefor, wherein a selected area of foam panels and associated intersecting and supporting T-bars of a drop ceiling are removed to form an open area or clearing bordered by a perimeter of T-bars, thereby enabling a suitably dimensioned tray ceiling of simple and light-weight construction to be received, seated, and supported on the perimeter of T-bars, and wherein the tray ceiling is sufficiently structured to support the weight of conventional light fixtures and/or ceiling fan assemblies recessedly mounted therewithin.

Abstract: A main tee with separate clips affixed on its ends for splicing the tee with identical tees in end-to-end butt joints. The tee and clip form a pocket for receiving the projecting end of an opposing clip with a uniform low insertion force. The clip is self-aligning with the pocket and when interconnected the clips precisely align the coupled tees both vertically and horizontally. The clips, formed of relatively strong material, have mutually engageable locking surfaces that ensure a strong joint.

Abstract: A lap siding system for use on an exterior of a building that includes a structure having a groove and a rear side for abutting the building. The groove may include a length and a contour extending along the length of the groove. The system also includes a flashing having an extension, a length, and a head. The head may be connectable to the structure so that the extension of the flashing extends from the structure generally parallel to the rear side of the structure. Additionally, a part of the head may abut and follow a portion of the contour of the groove. The lap siding system may also include a plurality of planks having a first end. The flashing may form at least part of a plank channel having a width sized to receive the first ends of the plurality of planks.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a paneling system including a first and a second span element each possessing a substantially non-rectangular lateral cross-section and at least one butt end having a surface substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the span element. The paneling system also includes a transition element having a first end defining a first coping profile, the first coping profile being mateable to the butt end of a first span element at substantially a right angle, and a second end defining a second coping profile, the second coping profile being mateable to the butt end of a second span element at substantially a right angle. Also disclosed is a method of installing a paneling system that includes arranging transition and span elements to mate and form miterless corners.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A prefabricated tile assembly comprising a rectangular piece of tile having four layers including a top clear wear surface, a patterned layer, and colored core wherein the top clear wear surface and patterned layer have been routed to form at least two squares by cutting along the edges of the piece of tile's top clear wear surface and patterned print film layer on one long side and one short side, and across the top clear wear surface and patterned print film layer at a point halfway along the length of one long side to expose the colored core beneath giving the appearance of two or more grouted tiles is provided, along with a method of making the prefabricated tile assembly.

Abstract: A tile wall structure and a tile wall construction method are disclosed which eliminate the necessity to perform inking for each tile support rail to significantly facilitate an installation operation of tile support rails. A tile supporting portion having upwardly and downwardly projecting portions is formed on a lower side edge of each tile support rail while a tile has upper and lower supporting grooves formed on upper and lower surfaces thereof. The tile support rails are disposed on the skeleton such that adjacent lower and upper portions thereof overlap with each other and positioning portions thereof are positioned relative to each other at the overlapping portions.

Abstract: A locking connection between first, second and third adjacent flooring panels. A tongue and groove connection is used for joining the long edges of the first and second pieces. The long edge of the third piece is inserted into an engaging relationship with the long edge of the first piece with the third piece is a tilted relationship with the first piece while a male protuberance on the short edge is aligned with a female groove of the second piece. The third piece is then tilted downwardly relative to the first and second pieces until it reaches the horizontal position and the groove has accepted the male protuberance along its full length.

Abstract: A laminate panel with a beveled edge in the clear covering over the decorative layer. The bevel in the clear covering is produced by heating a roller and bringing it into operable contact with the clear covering adjacent the edge of the laminate panel. The heated roller melts the clear covering and produces the bevel as the laminate panel is moved past the roller while the roller rotates about its axis.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system having small local protrusions which reduce displacement along the joint when the panels are laying flat on the sub floor and locked vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layered tile or block comprising of at least three different layers wherein at least one layer comprises of a cementitious material, mixed with a filler and/or an aggregate.

Abstract: A building block arrangement configured for constructing residential, industrial and commercial structures comprises a first layer of building blocks and a second layer of building blocks. The first layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the first layer. The second layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the second layer. The second layer of building blocks is positioned on top of the first layer of building blocks. The second layer of building blocks spans across at least a portion of the space in the first layer of building blocks.

Abstract: A mobile ring (1) connecting/release device (8), in particular for a high mast with a tower with predetermined height and a fixed supporting head (3) at one end of the tower. The device (8) comprises connecting means attached to the mobile ring (1) for removably connecting it to the fixed supporting head (3). In an original way, these means have rigid contact elements (9) shaped in such a way that they rest on corresponding supporting head (3) contact portions (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides a furniture assembly that includes rods and connection members, and that can be fully assembled without using tools or additional hardware. In one embodiment, the rods include a threaded end and an unthreaded end, and the connection members include an interior member and an exterior member, where the interior member and exterior member may be separate or of unitary construction. The exterior member includes unthreaded apertures for receiving the rods and the interior member includes an unthreaded aperture and a threaded aperture, also for receiving the rods. The rods and connection members are interconnected and gradually tightened to provide a stable furniture frame. Multi-level framing and methods of assembly are also provided. In an alternate embodiment, a connector assembly is provided for securing a plurality of rods within a connector using a leg threaded into the connector obliquely to a plane occupied by the rods.

Abstract: A bracket having a long leg and a base wherein the base has at least two layers. A preferred bracket has lateral support pieces connecting the long leg and the base. A method of holding a second portion of a structure which is subject to a pulling or pushing force tending to separate it from a first portion of the structure is also disclosed. The method comprises providing an “L”-shaped bracket having a long leg and a base, laterally attaching the long leg of the bracket to a first portion of the structure and laterally attaching the base of the bracket to the second portion of the structure.

Abstract: A roof anchor includes a base member and a connector. The base member has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are proximate one another at an end opposite the intermediate portion. A first interruption is proximate the junction of the first end and the intermediate portion, and a second interruption is proximate the junction of the second end and the intermediate portion. The first and second interruptions assist in bending the first and second ends outward from one another and from the intermediate portion. The connector is operatively connected to the intermediate portion proximate an opposing end relative to the first end and the second end thereby extending outward from the first end and the second end.

Abstract: Lining fastening constructional system comprising of supporting bar (4) on which is at least one inside fixing element (5) at which is fixed with the fixing screw (15) the outside fixing element (6) of the supporting bar, whereby on inside fixing element (5) is at least one gripping bracket (13) fastened with the second fixing screw (151), whereby the gripping bracket is longitudinal shaped L-profile and on surface (132) at shorter side (130a) at least two springing elements (17) are placed and on surface (133) at longer side (130b) at least one fixing hole (134) is made, whereby the gripping bracket (13) is on surface (132) of the shorter side equipped at least with two rectangular holes (135) for gripping element (16) and at least with two round holes (136) fixing the springing elements (17) or at least with one extended gripping bracket (14).

Abstract: The interlocking interior trim is a modular baseboard system that may be installed without using additional specialized tools or materials. The baseboard sections are stackable, and will connect to each other before being secured to the wall. The interlocking trim can be used around the walls of a room or along a staircase. When used along a staircase, the sections are cut at an angle to allow the system to run parallel to the slope of the stairs.

Abstract: An improved form construction enables wooden planks to be secured together with a novel clamp member when pouring various concrete structures. The novel clamp member has an L shaped body with the lower leg of the clamp member physically supporting the wooden plank while the upper leg of said clamp member is fastened to an already fixed retaining stake adjoining the clamp member. A pair of these clamp members can also be physically joined together in the present form construction to further position the supported plank members in a right angle orientation.

Abstract: The invention described herein includes a method embodiment for making a stone wall manufacturing kit. The method embodiment includes providing a plurality of stones having a variety of thicknesses and lengths; sorting the stones based upon length and thickness of each of the stones; preparing an image of the stone wall; marking each stone within the image with an identifier to make a marked stone image; marking each stone of the plurality of stones with an identifier corresponding to the identifier of the stone in the image of the assembled stone wall; and packaging the marked stones and marked stone image to make a stone wall kit.

Abstract: A building construction method for controlling moisture in a building attic and improving the energy efficiency of the building achieved by installing a breathable membrane directly above the roof rafters thereby providing the presence of an air gap between the breathable membrane and the roof deck and sealing the membrane to the peripheral walls of the building, such that energy that normally passes from the living space into the attic and out the top of the building is conserved.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a building element with at least two reference surfaces that are spaced apart and have a predetermined position relative to each other. The method includes forming at least two part-elements, with each part-element being formed of a hardened molding mass such that a first of the part-elements defines a first of the reference surfaces and a second of the part-elements defines a second of the reference surfaces. The two part-elements are positioned against each other with a resiliently deformable tie layer therebetween so that the first and second references surfaces face away from each other and the predetermined position thereof is established, after which the tie layer is hardened.

Abstract: A stud panel and method of making a stud panel where interior sheathing may be a temporary piece of transparent plastic or a permanent panel of sheet rock so as to retain insulation in place and minimize scarfing. The stud panel may include studs having through holes extending in a length direction of the stud panel such that insulation in adjacent inner regions separated by such studs interlock with each other and contribute to a structural integrity of the stud panel. The stud panel may include a space between inner studs and one of the exterior and interior sheathing so as to provide a thermal and sound break between the exterior and inner sheathing so as to minimize heat, air and sound transfer between the exterior and interior sheathing.