Abstract: There is disclosed a sealant material for providing sealing to a substrate and preferably an interface. The sealant material may also include a material, shape, ingredient or otherwise for inhibiting the flow of bubbles throught the material.

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: A method of manufacturing a plastic molded shutter assembly that can be customized in size. A shutter of a standard length, or series of shutters of standard lengths are manufactured. A plurality of cuts are made in the shutter, removing a predetermined amount of material from the shutter. The end cap is replaced and fixedly secured to the remaining shutter, resulting in a single shutter of a desired length.

Abstract: A method for finishing a building board, in particular a wood material or plastic board or a mixture of wood material and plastic. The building board includes a top side and an underside and opposite side edges. The method includes embossing a structure and/or a relief in at least the top side of the building board. A pattern is applied to the embossed side of the building board. The pattern is sealed by the application of an abrasion-resistant layer to the pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a decoration acoustic board placed on the indoor wall to absorb sound waves. The substrate has been processed fireproof treatment, and being made of solid wood or chip wood processed by the fire resistant resin. The front of the substrate has guide slots, and the bottom of the guide slots is waved, and this waved surface has a plurality of holes, and the holes are in communication with the slots at the back of the substrate, and the width of the guide slots is larger than the width of the slot; and the front and back of the substrate can be pasted up with the solid wood lamination, melamine board lamination or be processed by baking, spraying or priming.

Abstract: An artificial masonry unit suitable for use with a panel made of a compressible material having masonry unit receiving depressions in a front face thereof and protruding ribs defining and bordering the depressions. The depressions are sized to receive respective artificial masonry units in a close-fitting relationship. The artificial masonry unit comprises a body bounded by a front face, a back face, and a lateral face providing a thickness to the unit, and a back peripheral edge joining the back face and the lateral face. A tooth projection is projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge for thrusting into the protruding rib when the masonry unit is inserted in a respective depression. Thanks to the tooth projection that is thrusting into the rib of a respective depression and that helps retaining the masonry unit within the depression prior to mortaring the wall, there is no need for using a mixture of cement to temporarily retain the masonry units within the depression.

Abstract: A panel for mounting on an exterior wall includes a shaped, molded backing member and a siding member attached to the backing member wherein the shape-molded backing member includes a rear face and an opposing front face. The shape-molded backing member is composed of closed cell expanded polystyrene foam, the front and rear faces having an outer surface composed of a tough smooth skin.

Abstract: A device for locking two building boards comprises a tongue element inserted into a groove a first building board. The tongue element comprises a spring having a plurality of wave arches. A groove is provided in a core of a second building board and corresponds to the groove of the first building board, such that when the groove of the first and second building boards overlap during a connection of the first and second building boards, by a vertical lowering movement, the first and second building boards are locked in a direction parallel to the visible side by the tongue element.

Abstract: A vehicular surface floor has a length and a width, made from a plurality of planks. Each plank has a length substantially equal to the length of the floor and a width that is less than the width of the floor. Each plank has first and second side surfaces and are arranged side by side so that a first side surface of one plank faces a second side surface of an adjacent plank, a joint region being formed at an area where the first side surface meets the second side surface. Each plank consists of at least two rows of boards, and each board consists of a plurality of segments joined end-to-end to one another by shaped coupling portions and side by side along a glue line; so that each of the at least two rows are longitudinally offset from an adjacent row, and a glue line of one row is offset from a glue line from an adjacent row.

Abstract: A flooring system is provided with a combination of features which work with the expansion/contraction naturally occurring when wood is subjected to moisture variations. Part of the process is taken within the plank (52), which is the internal or intra-plank compensation system (82) and another part is taken by interacting between the planks (52) which is the inter-plank compensation system (50, 60).

Abstract: A concrete wall block manufactured using the dry cast process includes a top surface and a bottom surface. Opposing front and rear surfaces extend between the top surface and the bottom surface. Opposing first and second sidewall surfaces extend between the top surface and the bottom surface, and between the front and rear surfaces. The front surface and the first sidewall surface have a three dimensional texture imprinted thereon. The rear surface and the second sidewall surface may be smooth. The texturing on the front and first sidewall surfaces may generally resemble natural stone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel way of building walls using lightweight lava blocks without mortar in a three step procedure, fabricating the light weight lava block, setting the block and then filling the block with a lava and cement mixture or slurry.

Abstract: A modular post block may include a core through the block body and three interlocking portions disposed on the inner perimeter surface of each block that project outward from one of the bottom surface or the top surface of each block. First and second interlocking portions are disposed on one surface of the inner perimeter and third interlocking portion is disposed on the opposite side. Blocks can be stacked in a column by horizontally rotating each successive block 180 degrees. Interlocking portions of a first block then project into the core of a second block and the third interlocking portion of the first block fits at least partially between two interlocking portions of the adjacent second block.

Abstract: A panel formed from sheet material and suitable for roofing and other cladding type applications is described. The panel has opposite longitudinal edges and incorporates a plurality of longitudinally extending formations. The formations are generally of common shape but have at least one portion which is not of constant size across the panel. The panel in at least one form is formed from sheet steel and may be galvanized and/or have other outer protective coatings or finishes.

Abstract: A composite truss includes a pair of spaced apart concrete panels and a plurality of substantially vertical members spanning between the pair of spaced apart concrete panels, a first end portion of each vertical member embedded in one of the pair, and a second end portion of each vertical member embedded in an opposite one of the pair. The truss also includes a diagonal member spanning between the first end of a first vertical member and the second end of a second vertical member linearly adjacent to the first vertical member and non-structurally engaging the first end portion of the first vertical member and the second end portion of the second vertical member during an assembly of the truss. The diagonal member also includes a first development length portion embedded in the first concrete panel and a second development length portion embedded in the second concrete panel.

Abstract: A load-bearing structure, said structure comprising a plurality of single elongated chords, the exterior surface of each said chord defining a cross-section, said cross-section having an interior volume, each said chord having an elongated centerline, said structure further including a plurality of elongated cross-members, each of said cross-members having at least a first and a second end, said elongated cross-members cooperating in maintaining said single elongated chords spaced apart by a dimension substantially greater than said cross-section, at least one of said chords having at least one elongated opening in said exterior surface, through which one of said ends enters said volume interior.

Abstract: An improved system, method and product are disclosed for attaching non load-bearing metal wall studs to an overhead metal track in metal stud framing systems used for wall partitioning, in a manner that allows the overhead track to deflect under load without transferring the load to the studs and any attached wall partitions. The system features compression spring attachment products that frictionally engage overlapping flange portions of the track and studs so that any overhead load-induced movements of the track are not transferred from the track to the studs, or to any wall partitions attached to the studs.

Abstract: A muntin clip is adapted to be connected to a muntin bar end and a spacer frame. The muntin clip includes a base member adapted for connection to the spacer frame and a bar support adapted for connection to the muntin bar end. The base member has a first segment, a second segment, and a mount structure. The bar support extends from the base member and has a first segment extending from the first segment of the base member and a second segment extending from the second segment of the base member. A flexible hinge member connects the first segment of the bar support to the second segment of the bar support, allowing the muntin clip assembly to move between an unfolded position and a folded position. A tension mechanism exerts outward force on the first and second segments of the base member when the muntin clip assembly is in the folded position.

Abstract: A chair for supporting and spacing concrete reinforcement members having an integrally formed body including an upper receiving area and a lower base, where the receiving area includes a vertical fin defining an open notch for receiving a concrete reinforcement member. The receiving area may further include a gusset projecting from the vertical fin and extending upward to define a medial, lowest portion of the associated open notch. The vertical fin and gusset are adaptable such that chairs having different heights can be manufactured using a single molding apparatus.

Abstract: A rack truss for use in forming shelf-type storage racks which may be assembled at the site using bolts and/or which includes reinforcement at the lower level of the rack truss.

Abstract: Panel accessory system for a movable panel (3) of a joinery system (2) including a locking system (1) incorporating a catch (9) associated with the leading edge (4a) of the panel to be secured, a locking member (6) associated with a panel receiving face (5) whereby the locking member engages the catch.

Abstract: Moisture resistant foundation footing form sections constructed from corrugated plastic are disclosed. Supports for holding sections of reinforcing bar, and connecting the side walls of the form sections are included. The form sections can be secured in position with stakes, and leveling devices for leveling the form once it is secured in position are disclosed. The form sections disclosed herein can be reused, but they do not attract insects and therefore they do not have to be removed from finished foundation footings.

Abstract: A joist hanging apparatus includes a rigid body forming a support region, a joist contact region and a first pair of opposing flanges. The flanges and joist contact region form a first U-shaped region for positioning a joist therebetween, wherein an edge of the joist coupled to the contact region is level with a support beam when the support region rests on the support beam. In a related method for mounting joists, a top edge of a joist is mounted within a U-shaped region formed by a monolithic rigid body. An end of the rigid body rests upon a support beam, the top edge of the joist level with the top of the support beam, and an end of the joist flush with a side of the beam. A joist hanger is mounted with the support beam, around a bottom edge of the joist, and the rigid body is removed from the joist and the support beam.

Abstract: Width enlargement means is described, which is adapted to be attached to a joist end to adapt the latter for use with a joist hanger having a joist receiving socket with diverging side cheeks therein. When attached, the cross section shape of the end of the joist becomes trapezoidal so as to form a wedge. The inclined faces engage the diverging side cheeks of the socket thereby to provide lateral support for the joist end when fitted in the joist receiving socket. One form of enlargement means for a conventional rectangular cross section joist comprises triangular cross section fillets, which are adapted to be fitted to the opposite faces of the end of a the joist. Alternatively it may comprise a wedge shaped member having a central slot into which the end of the joist is fitted. Where the joist has an I-beam cross section, fillets are secured to opposite faces of the central web of the I-beam, or the end of the latter is fitted into a slot in a slotted wedge.

Abstract: A joist hanger is described which comprises one or more open-topped joist receiving sockets, each socket being defined by two side cheeks and a bridge section which joins the lower ends of the two side cheeks, the joist hanger further comprising one or more flanges by which the hanger can be secured to an abutting face and/or upper edge of a wall or beam, characterised in that the two side cheeks diverge from the bridge section to the open top of the joist receiving socket, so that the width of the socket is greater at the top than the bottom, such that a joist will fit snugly in the socket between the two side cheeks in the region of the bridge section but the upper portion of the socket is wider to facilitate entry thereinto of the joist.

Abstract: Clips for mounting attention-attracting ornaments and decorations on corrugated core twinwall panels, which clips are designed for insertion in the core openings of the corrugated twinwall plastic panels or sheets and displaying the ornaments and decorations for attracting attention to advertising or other indicia on the front and/or rear twinwall panels. The clips are designed to receive strings, ribbons and rubber bands for tethering balloons, as well as wire, tassels, ribbons, streamers and other attachments, decorations, attractive items and ornaments for attracting the attention of passersby. Each of the clips is characterized by one or more engaging leg for insertion in the twinwall panel core openings and an ornament-receiving end or ends extending from the engaging leg(s) and removably securing the various types of ornaments and decorations on the twinwall panel.

Abstract: Brackets are provided to attach a trim item having a nailing flange to an exterior wall of a building. The brackets have a generally planar profile formed from two elongated strips attached along a fold line. The brackets are attached to adjacent studs of an exterior wall with a nail flange of the trim item fixed between the elongated strips of the bracket. Siding is then applied over the brackets and the nailing flange to conceal both the bracket and the nailing flange of the trim item.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim component and a method for manufacturing the same are provided in which a vehicle interior trim component comprises a substrate provided with a groove portion having a plurality of bottomed groove portions and a plurality of cutout groove portions from which the bottoms have been cut, and a trim member provided with a first cover portion, the second cover portion, and a fixing member mounted on a boundary portion between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, the first cover portion located on the opposite side of the groove portion from a second cover portion, the trim member covering the substrate. The boundary portion including the fixing member is attached to the groove portion by insertion through one end of the groove portion. Each of the cutout groove portions is provided on its edge with a retainer for retaining the fixing member.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacture providing reinforced structurally functional load-bearing members, including but not limited to using thermoplastic materials, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), reinforced such as with an aluminum alloy or carbon fiber core element. Among its possible uses, the present invention has application for provision of structural support members, such as an illustrative I-joist product having a vertical center member preferably comprising HDPE, and top and bottom flanges having structurally meaningful reinforcement. The center member and flanges preferably comprising HDPE provides a relatively hard, durable, substantially weather-resistant structure.

Abstract: In a sleeper having an actuator for switch tongues (3a and 3b), designed as a hollow box sleeper (1) open at the top, for installation in a railway line, in particular in the vicinity of switches, the linkages for the movable switch tongues (3a and 3b) and other functional elements such as drive and locking means, monitoring devices, or the like being housed in the hollow box sleeper (1), the hollow box sleeper (1) is provided with a floor trough (8; 8a; 8b) for housing the functional elements or parts thereof.

Abstract: An extrusion for forming a shower recess, said extrusion including: a base having means for retaining adhesive for adhering the member to a floor; securing means for securing a waterproof membrane; and a feature visible on the member at a level above the base corresponding to a bedding level for the shower recess.

Abstract: The present invention provides for track for use in constructing metal stud walls. The track is a generally U-shaped channel having a base and upstanding side walls extending along either side of the base. The base is provided with a plurality of embossed indicator means evenly spaced along the length of the base. The spacing of the embossed indicator means provides a guide for the proper spacing of the studs placed in the base.

Abstract: Embodiments are described of devices for concealing and/or protecting a portion of a member, such as the base of a post, which devices can be easily applied to the member at any time. These embodiments include a plurality of components adjustably connected to one another so as to provide a snug fit of the device against the member to be protected, regardless of initial variations from the expected dimensions of the member. Further device embodiments are self-adjusting to provide a snug fit regardless of subsequent changes in the dimension of the member over time.

Abstract: Molds and processes that permit high-speed, mass production of retaining wall blocks having patterned or other processed front faces, as well as retaining wall blocks formed by such processes. The invention permits the front face of the block to be impressed with a pattern or otherwise directly processed, to allow the formation of pre-determined block front faces, while at the same time facilitating high-speed, high-volume production of blocks. A mirror image of the desired pattern can be created on a stripper shoe by selecting a desired three-dimensional surface from a naturally occurring or man made object and digitally scanning the selected three-dimensional pattern to create scanned data. The scanned data can then be used to machine a face of the stripper shoe that is the mirror image of the selected pattern.

Abstract: A method of making a fenestration frame member including at least one fenestration member that includes a channel defined by at least a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall, and a thermal break composition disposed in the channel, the method includes exposing the surface of the channel to a flame for period sufficient to oxidize the surface of the channel, and depositing a thermal break composition on the oxidized surface of the channel, the thermal break composition having a thermal conductivity less than the thermal conductivity of the walls of the channel.

Abstract: A method to fabricate and assemble metal doors and panels, or similar structures, is taught. Under the present invention, profiled edges of two or more skins forming the sides of the door or panel are moved together. The skins are only locked together when a locking bar or wedge is applied to the channels formed by the profiled edges. Under the present invention, less effort is required to assemble such metal doors and panels as the contact between the profiled edges of the skins is not tight. This allows the skins to be easily moved together or repositioned.

Abstract: Siding installation apparatuses and methods for engaging a first siding piece and supporting a second siding piece are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support member having a support surface to support the second siding piece, an engagement member projecting from the support member, and a securing assembly coupled to the support member to releasably restrict the support member from moving relative to the first siding piece. The engagement member is configured to engage the bottom portion of the first siding piece by contacting the back surface.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for use in a fastener driving tool includes a row of fasteners arranged substantially parallel to each other and a strip having a supporting substrate and an adhesive composition thereon. The supporting substrate has an elongated dimension extending generally in the direction of the row of fasteners. The substrate has embossings formed therein. The adhesive composition is bonded to the fasteners and maintains them in the substantially parallel arrangement in the row. A method for making the embossed strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: The standing seam vertical slitter makes it possible for roofers to remove an installed steel roof by cutting the standing or vertical seams that hold the steel sheets together. The machine grips the seam and slices it with a minimum of damage to the steel sheets. It cuts the seams quickly and without leaving the kind of dangerous debris on the roof that results from cutting the seams with a plasma torch or a corundum wheel or a metal-cutting saw. The standing seam vertical slitter works faster than conventional methods of seam cutting, and it does so without using up expensive tools such as corundum wheels and saw blades.

Abstract: A connector for fastening an angle iron to a profile section has a connector element configured so as to embrace the profile section, and a single connecting member connecting the connector element, the profile section and the angle iron, wherein the connector element is substantially U-shaped and has a base and two legs configured for embracing the profile section.

Abstract: A self-securing clip comprises a first clip member having a first end and a second end; and, a second clip member, pivotally connected to the first clip member and having a first end and a second end. The first ends of the clip members are biased toward and engaging one another, and the second ends of the clip members are biased away from one another. Gripping members on the first ends of the first and second clip members engage one another when the clip is closed so that the first and second clip members are disposed substantially parallel to one another. The clip may be attached to the surface of a fixture so that a first article may be attached to the second clip member, and a second article may be secured between the gripping members.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacture providing reinforced structurally functional load-bearing members, including but not limited to using thermoplastic materials, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), reinforced such as with an aluminum alloy or carbon fiber core element. Among its possible uses, the present invention has application for provision of structural support members, such as an illustrative I-joist product having a vertical center member preferably comprising HDPE, and top and bottom flanges having structurally meaningful reinforcement. The center member and flanges preferably comprising HDPE provides a relatively hard, durable, substantially weather-resistant structure.

Abstract: A blast protective barrier system, termed a blast wall, providing a security perimeter or boundary at and above a ground level definable in terms of an x, y, z coordinate system, includes several substantially ground level (xy plane) pile caps, each itself having a y-axis elongate length, a x-axis width, and a z-axis depth, the x-axis substantially defining the width of the barrier system. Each pile cap also includes an upper and lower xy plane surface, each of the upper surfaces including y-axis channels and each of the lower surfaces including several recesses. The system also includes a first, second and further modules having a plurality of opposing pairs of yz plane, the y-axis elongate concrete panels including opposing integral xz end cap elements having a high shock-absorptive structure for isolating each module from the effect of a blast upon an adjacent module.

Abstract: Drywall Shark is a specialized drywall cutter. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a housing containing blades and rollers and having two levels, a lever operatively connected to the blades and a measuring line on the exterior. To use Drywall Shark, an individual slides the lever in the channel of the housing to the appropriate demarcation on the measuring line. He then locks the lever and consequently the blades in place inside the appropriate slot. The user then places the housing over the drywall to be cut and positions the blades on the outside edge of the drywall, insuring that the levels show that the housing is being held parallel to the cutting surface. The housing is then slid across the drywall leaving a groove on both sides of the drywall that extends approximately one-eighth of an inch into the drywall. The rollers near the top of the interior of the housing make this sliding motion simple to complete with one hand, leaving the operator's other hand free for other tasks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered building wall provided with an inner wall comprising a building inner surface and an outer surface, and a facade layer forming the outer side of the building wall. The aim of the invention is to provide a multi-layered building wall, wherein damp penetrating the wall from the inside or the outside is reliably drained off. To this end, a draining vapour barrier (6) having a cavity-forming structure on both sides and an S<SB>D</SB>-value=50 m corresponding to an equivalent air layer thickness is arranged on the outer surface of the inner wall (4).

Abstract: A wall element, of a double walled combustor of a gas turbine engine, comprises an inner, in use, hot surface, and an outer, in use, cooler surface. A plurality of projections is provided on the outer surface to facilitate heat transfer to a coolant flow. The projections are arranged in a first density pattern and in a second higher density pattern for increased cooling. The denser pattern is positioned adjacent a hotter region of the tile than the less dense pattern thereby reducing the thermal gradient throughout the wall element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a basic module, which can for instance be of a substantially rectangular shape and where there at opposite ends of the module outwardly extending protrusions for releasable engagement with co-operating openings in adjacent modules are provided. It is thereby possible by using the modules according to the invention to form for instance a partition and by proper choice of modules (for instance relating to colour, choice of material and other characteristics) to form partitions or the like having desirable design and application related characteristics (for instance acoustical characteristics).

Abstract: A screw-less batten system is described. The screw-less batten system includes a stud, at least one removable flange and at least one closure strip. The stud includes a neck opening with at least one receiving trough. The stud also includes a jamb-nut channel. The jamb-nut channel has a predetermined profile. In some embodiments, the screw-less batten system includes a jamb-nut.

Abstract: A kit of decorative paneling for walls and method for installation therefor, comprises a lower crosspiece, and main panels connected to the lower crosspiece. Adjustable main panels are connected to the lower crosspiece, and have a connector configuration such that a first and a second lateral vertical segment of the adjustable main panel are interconnectable after a central vertical segment is removed from the adjustable main panel to select a length of the adjustable main panel. Posts are connected to the lower crosspiece, with lateral edge portions connectable to lateral edges portions of the main panels/adjustable main panel in a decorative configuration of the decorative paneling system, whereby a sequence of main panels/adjustable main panel and posts is received in the longitudinal channel of the lower crosspiece, so as to form decorative paneling of adjustable length for the wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for producing fire rated doors having added strength, better finishing and low cost manufacturing flexibility. The fire rated doors are made from two panels “sandwiched” together. An optional interior layer (e.g., fire resistant material, lead sheeting, steel or Kevlar) can be added between the door panels for various purposes. Splines, stiles or sticks are inserted in longitudinal channels in the door panels to provide assistance in aligning the door panels and greater hardware holding strength. An intumescent banding material concealed by a banding material around the perimeter of the door seals the door within its frame during a fire. The door design and the automated manufacturing process provide greater design choice, reduced cost and faster fabrication.