Abstract: Slip-on handgun grips which contribute to accuracy and speed of target acquisition and make shooting a handgun a more pleasant experience by providing a comfortable, secure grip; and by isolating a shooter's thumb from impact and reducing shock, muzzle jump, twist, and recoil when the handgun is fired. The grip is fabricated from a stretchable elastomeric material. This material plus breakaway technology, external grooving, and a thumb-isolating tab maximize the enumerated benefits.

Abstract: A collapsible stock assembly for a firearm includes a stock body defining a buffer tube passage for slidably accommodating a firearm buffer tube therein. An adjustment slit communicates with the buffer tube passage along a forward portion thereof. A first adjustment mechanism canied by the stock body includes a buffer tube engagement element that can extend into the buffer tube passage and is selectively positionable by a first operating lever. A second operating mechanism includes a second operating lever that is operable to selectively compress the adjustment slit. Disengaging the first adjustment mechanism automatically disengages the second adjustment mechanism. Excessive force on the stock in several embodiments automatically disengages both adjustment mechanisms and minimizes damage to stock assembly and/or buffer tube.

Abstract: A firearm with slide takedown mechanism and method for use is disclosed. In one embodiment, the firearm includes a frame, barrel, trigger and a reciprocating slide. A takedown lever is pivotably mounted to the firearm and engageable with the slide. In a first blocking position, the takedown lever engages and blocks the rearward path of the slide which is not movable beyond a first position. In a second unblocking position, the takedown lever is pivoted laterally outwards from the frame and disengages the slide. The rearward path of the slide is no longer blocked which may be moved to a second rearward removal position enabling a user to remove the slide and field strip the firearm. In one embodiment, the takedown lever is disposed underneath the frame. The firearm may be a semi-automatic pistol in some embodiments.

Abstract: The sighting telescope comprises an external tube and receives within it an inner tube that contains an optical reversal system with at least two optical elements which are fitted into optical mounts and are displaceably supported in the direction of the sighting telescope's longitudinal axis, as a result of which a displacement of the lenses causes a change in magnification, the mounts within a guide sleeve being supported while prestressed by an elastic device.

Abstract: A scope correction apparatus comprises at least one lens and is positioned on a weapon in front of a reticled scope. Such scope correction apparatus receives light from a scene that is located a relatively short distance from the scope such that, without the presence of the scope correction apparatus, the focal point of the light within the scope would not be overlaid with the scope reticle. The scope correction apparatus optically alters the light such that its focal point is overlaid with the scope reticle thereby correcting for optical aberrations caused by the short distance between the scene and the scope. Accordingly, the user is able to view through the scope clear images of both the scene and the reticle.

Abstract: A decoy collapsible base and frame that floats with a portion thereof immersed in a body of water. A plurality of fowl shaped bodies defining duck decoys that float are detachably connected to the frame by tether lines. The tether lines are connected to a cam and a tether anchor moveably mounted on the frame. Rotation of the cam connecting to the tether lines pivots opposing duck decoys resulting in a dunking motion of selectively positioned duck decoys.

Abstract: A hole retaining device to preserve an ice fishing hole comprising a cylinder, where the cylinder extends between an open rim and a closed bottom, and where the cylinder houses a fire ignited to melt ice surround the hole retaining device; a handle attached to the rim, where the handle serves to lift the cylinder; and a bait container attached to the bottom of the cylinder, where the bait container houses bait for ice fishing. The hole retaining device features a tapered cylinder to easily remove the device from the fishing hole.

Abstract: An electronic circuit in a fishing lure in the water is activated to broadcast a pre-recorded actual or simulated sound of a bait creature and or create lifelike bait creature motion. A switch in the lure activates a sound chip and a micro speaker, a water sensing automatic on-off switch turns the power on and off, and the battery is charged by an external charging coil. An alternate embodiment automatically activates the fishing lure device to replicate bait animals in size, shape, movement and sound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flasher, which has attachment points at two opposite ends for a line or hook used in fishing. The flasher includes two plate pieces, between which a connection is arranged, which permits the mutual movement of the plate pieces.

Abstract: Fishing line accessory systems, methods, and apparatuses for securing strike indicators, bobbers, floats, weights, and other accessories to a fishing line include a primary coupling component and a secondary threaded coupling component. At least one of the coupling components has a gap defined therein. At least one of the coupling components has at least one fishing accessory connected or connectable thereto. The secondary coupling component is matable with the primary coupling component such that the gap is obstructed when the coupling components are in a mating relationship. A fishing line that is captured by the coupling components in an adjustably secure relationship can be adjusted without completely disengaging the threaded coupling components.

Abstract: A large fly trap apparatus designed for use around livestock and other outdoor areas to attract and trap flies without bait. The apparatus includes a base and a cylindrical canopy having a plurality of conical feeder tubes for entrance into a trap chamber. The canopy is formed from a plurality of support frames covered by a mesh covering. The feeder tubes allow flies to land on the outside of the mesh cover and crawl through the funnel-shaped feeder tubes into the trap chamber, where they become trapped.

Abstract: A method of applying acoustic wave to rice seeds for increasing yield comprises the following steps: (1) Process rice seeds by winnowing and/or wet separation; (2) Soak the rice seeds for 10 to 12 hours and pre-process by acoustic wave irradiation in power density from 0.25 to 25 w/L; (3) Use acoustic wave frequency from 10 khz to 2000 khz for acoustic wave processing; (4) Take out the rice seeds processed by the acoustic wave from soaking liquid and keep the rice seeds stationary until they excrete convex white flakes. A device for applying acoustic wave to rice seeds for increasing yield comprises a container (1) for holding rice seeds and soaking liquid, and also a dasher (2); at least one ultrasonic transducer (3) for generating acoustic wave is disposed on sides or bottom of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable planter or holder. The planter or holder of the present invention includes one or more foldable compartments defined by an array of panels. Each compartment includes one or more upright panels to form an upright core; one or more movable panels to form a trough used for planting or storing belongings; and one or more fold lines, wherein at least one fold line is between the one or more upright panels and the one or more movable panels. In an embodiment, each panel is attached to at least one adjacent panel along a fold line. When the planter or holder is not in use, the movable panel pair folds at a fold line between the upright panel and the movable panel.

Abstract: There are provided a device for fixing biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas with a similarity to containerized culture having high crop productivity, which is capable of fixing carbon dioxide gas highly efficiently, while being compact and easily managed, and a house equipped with the fixing device having an energy circulation system. The fixing device for biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas is configured to include an air intake unit which takes air into a box, a mesh-like air and water flow-through unit laid in the bottom of the box that is configured to be open to the atmosphere, a water reservoir tray on which the box is mounted, and cultivation soil which is held inside the box. Further, in the house relating to the present invention, the fixing device for biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas is arranged in an area that gets a lot of sunshine.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vertical or angled arrangement of hydroponic cultivation of plants includes at least one module defining an inner space containing at least one nutritional substrate and plant. The module includes a front wall and a rear wall secured to the front wall. At least the front wall includes at least one opening for the plant to pass through. The front and/or the rear wall includes an attachment area for attaching the module to a mounting. The front wall and/or the rear wall has overlapping edges enabling, when the apparatus is installed on a green roof or a green wall with at least two adjacent modules, overlapping of the modules, at least partially.

Abstract: A potted tree support assembly includes a housing with a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A plurality of interlocking slats is positionable in the housing to define a plurality of compartments each configured for receiving a base of a tree therein. A plurality of slots extends into an inner surface of the perimeter wall. Each of the slots has an associated opposing slot extending into the perimeter wall to define an aligned pair of the slots. Each of the slats has a pair of opposed ends and the opposed ends of each of the slats is removably positionable in a selectable one of the aligned pair of the slots. A plurality of legs is coupled to and extends downwardly from a bottom surface of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A blast and projectile resistant gun port is provided with both a roller-slide mechanism and a lever-actuated, spring-loaded, cam mechanism which a shooter operates to open or close a gun-port door over a gun-port opening in a gun-port frame, as well as to translate the gun-port door out of the way of the gun-port opening. The shooter is able to effect these actions by nudging the lever on the cam mechanism with or without placing one or more hands on the lever and is thus able to keep both hands on weaponry. The gun-port door keys into its closed position, and an elastic weather seal is squeezed firmly between the gun-port door and the gun port frame when the gun-port door is closed. The squeezing of the weather seal is effected by springs in the cam mechanism. The gun-port door and the components and subassemblies are easily and rapidly replaceable.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for moving an element, such as a sliding door (1), is disclosed. In the movement a first end of the element is first turned outwards, a second opposite end is then turned out placing the element in parallel with the original location of the element. The element is then displaced by extending a pull-out guide (4). The mechanism comprises a housing (2), the pull-out guide rail (4), a lock-and-release mechanism (19) and at least two lever arms (8, 11, 14, 16, 27, 30, 33, 39, 42). One end of a first lever arm (8, 27, 39) is received in a pivoting point (10, 29, 41) at the pull-out guide rail (4) and the opposite end of said lever arm (8, 27, 39) is received in a pivoting point (9, 28, 40) at the housing (2). The pivoting point (10, 29, 41) at the pull-out guide rail (4) is placed at a first end of the pull-out guide rail (4).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sliding door arrangement with an attenuation and retraction device facilitating soft-closing of a sliding door. The arrangement includes an attenuation and retraction device, which may be placed in the extension of a rail guiding and retaining the door, and a pin that extends from the door and interacts with the attenuation and retraction device. The pin may optionally be locked in a retracted position during mounting of the door in order to protect the pin from damage resulting from excessive side forces.

Abstract: A sliding door drive assembly is provided for a vehicle. The assembly includes at least one grooveless drum. The drum has a cable wrap surface and is rotatable to wind cable thereon and unwind cable therefrom. A guide is positioned to be aligned generally with a first axial edge of the cable wrap surface. As cable is wrapped on the drum, the angle of the cable (due to the position of the guide) biases the cable towards the first axial edge, so that successive wraps of cable are snuggly positioned adjacent prior wraps. In another aspect, a cable drum includes a ramp at a second axial edge of the cable wrap surface, which guides the cable radially outwardly to start a second layer of wraps of cable on the first layer of wraps. In another aspect, an absolute position sensor is provided for a powered sliding door.

Abstract: A gate adjustment system has a bull-nose glide, a flat glide, a plurality of spacers, a gap size gauge, and a gap adjustment wedge. The glides are attached to the latch post and the latch side of a gate opposite one another. As the gate is shut, the bull-nose portion of the bull-nose glide impacts the rounded edge of the flat glide. The two curved surfaces allow the impact force to cause the gate to be lifted and pushed back into alignment. The gap adjustment wedge can be positioned between the top of the latch side and the latch post and pushed downwards into the gap until the gap is uniform from the top to the bottom. The gap size gauge then measures the size of the gap and that measurement is used to determine which of the plurality of spacers should be installed with the glides.

Abstract: A method of operating a window having a sash and a window opening limit device includes moving the sash from a closed position to a limited position. When in the limited position, the window opening limit device is in a projected position, and the sash is engaged with the window opening limit device. Moving the window opening limit device to a retracted position disengages the sash and the window opening limit device. The sash may then be moved from the limited position to an open range. When the sash is returned to the closed position, the window opening limit device automatically returns to the projected position, and the sash is disengaged with the window opening limit device.

Abstract: A latch load distribution system and method for assembling such for a vehicle are disclosed. The latch load distribution system may comprise a window, a door, a latch bracket and a door handle. The door may include a window and a door frame surrounding the window. The door frame may include an inner panel and an outer panel joined to the inner panel. The outer panel may define a cavity having an inner sidewall and a mouth with a mount width. The latch bracket may have a latch bracket length, and may include a primary end, a body and a secondary end. The primary end may be disposed in the cavity and may be coupled to the outer panel. The door handle may be coupled to the door frame and the latch bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes a door inner panel that has a header portion that at least partially defines a window opening. A reinforcement panel is configured to abut the door inner panel along the header portion and further defines the window opening. The door inner panel and the reinforcement panel each have a respective first flange extending at least partially outboard and a respective second flange extending at least partially inboard. The first flange of the door inner panel abuts the first flange of the reinforcement panel and the second flange of the door inner panel abuts the second flange of the reinforcement panel. A trim member is secured to the reinforcement panel and to the header portion to cover the second flanges without contacting the second flanges and has an inboard-facing planar portion as a furthest inboard extent of the trim member.

Abstract: A covered gutter assembly utilizing bi-directional vertical plates and a bi-directional vertical plate. A gutter trough and hood are secured to either or both sides of the bi-directional vertical plate, so that only a single design for the vertical plate is required for right end or left end terminations. Provisions for securing the hood and the trough to the vertical plate are provided as mirror images on opposed sides of the vertical plate. The bi-directional vertical plate is provided with channels that extend substantially around the entire perimeter of the vertical plate, and which further include guide slopes and reduced locking channels to assure precise securing of the trough and hood to the vertical plate.

Abstract: A rainwater head, including: a dome, a drainage pipe, a siphon, and a ball cock mechanism. The drainage pipe includes a drainage exit and a wall including a water outlet hole. The ball cock mechanism includes a floating ball, a connecting bar, a fulcrum, and a stopper. The drainage pipe is connected to the lower part of the dome. The drainage exit is arranged on the top of the drainage pipe. The drainage exit is adapted to be between 5 and 10 cm higher than the roof. The water outlet hole is arranged on the wall of the drainage pipe at a position having the same height as the roof or is lower than the roof. The siphon is disposed on the upper part of the drainage pipe. The inlet of the siphon faces the roof; and the outlet of the siphon extends inside the drainage pipe.

Abstract: A cable end anchorage for fastening at least one cable at a supporting structure includes at least one first connecting element for connection with the supporting structure, at least one second connecting element for connection with the cable and at least one coupling element for connection of the two connecting elements in a force-transmitting manner. In the region of the coupling element, an overload device designed as a predetermined breaking point of the coupling element is provided for unfastening the connection between the two connecting elements when a critical load has been exceeded. A stop device is provided for limiting the relative motion of the connecting elements after unfastening of the connection when a critical load has been exceeded.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

Abstract: The wooden building skeleton of the present invention has excellent quake resistance because the column of a rigid-frame structure joined to a cross member or the foundation so that a bending moment can be transferred therebetween and the load-bearing wall therein exhibit their load bearing ability. A foundation and a wooden column and the wooden column and a beam are respectively joined by two bolts so that a bending moment can be transferred therebetween. A load-bearing wall is also provided between the beam and the foundation. The length of the section of the bolts which undergoes elongation when inter-story deflection occurs between the beam and the foundation or the cross-sectional dimensions of the wooden column is set such that the inter-story deflection which is generated before the wooden column is fractured is almost equal to or greater than the inter-story deflection which is generated before the load-bearing wall is fractured.

Abstract: A wind turbine station for generating electricity comprising a multi floor structure having open framing. The open framing comprising at least two spaced-apart, open, vertical frames, the frames each made primarily of uncovered beams and columns. The station has a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontal, interior platforms forming the floors of the structure, each interior platform extending between and joined to both of the frames over the length of the frames. Wind turbines are mounted on the structure about the outer periphery of each platform. The wind turbines face outwardly and are each operatively connected to a generator to produce electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the structure has an annular shape with an outer cylindrical or polygonal prism frame and an inner cylindrical or polygonal prism frame spaced from the outer frame. The interior platforms have a flat, ring shape. The invention includes a method for building the station.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A shutter panel assembly is provided to protect a building opening from impact damage. The building opening includes a frame with a bore formed therein and an externally threaded elongated anchor having an exposed portion extending outwardly from a bottom surface of the bore. The shutter panel assembly includes a shutter panel and a fastener. The shutter panel having a first surface, an opposite second surface, and an aperture extend between the first surface and the second surface. The fastener having a shank portion and a flange portion. The shank portion having an internally threaded hollow portion adjacent a distal open end of the shank portion. The flange portion extending radially outwardly from a proximate end of the shank portion.

Abstract: Techniques for building construction using fabricated timbers. In one example, such timbers are fabricated using conventional 2× (two-by) lumber to produce a square log appearance. These fabricated timbers are stacked to form outside and/or inside walls. The fabricated timbers and walls are configured to sustain desired vertical and lateral loads anticipated of a building such as a cabin, home, garage, barn, office building, or the like. A building constructed using such timbers appears to be built of square logs. Fabricated timber construction, as compared to conventional log or stick-frame construction, provides the appearance of high-quality log construction at a far lower cost, with higher R-values and appraised values, and is also far lower in cost and much simpler than conventional stick-frame construction.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a plurality of curtain wall members positioned in a horizontal array, a first curtain wall member separated from an adjacent second curtain wall member by a gap. The system further includes a gap-filling member positioned in the gap separating the adjacent first and second curtain wall members, the gap filling member comprising one or more vents.

Abstract: The present premanufactured structures for constructing buildings comprises a construction system for an energy efficient multi-story building with a plurality of standard single or mixed units.

Abstract: A bracket that supports a precast structural element of concrete has: a first support part that casts at least partly into a support element of concrete; a bracket part movably fastened to the first support part by bolts, the bracket part having first through holes which are penetrated by the bolts, and the first support part having threaded holes for the bolts, the bolts having an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the through holes in the bracket part to fasten the bracket part in various positions with respect to the first support part; and a second support part to cast at least partly into a precast structural element of concrete and to support on the bracket part. The second support part has a support plate having a slot with a second support surface for support on a first support surface of the bracket part.

Abstract: A trim molding system for a wall surface having an existing baseboard disposed adjacent a floor and abutting a doorway. The trim molding system comprises a capping baseboard that is attachable to the wall surface in covering relationship with the existing baseboard. The system further includes baseboard return that is attachable to the wall surface. The baseboard return is disposed between the existing vertical doorway molding and the capping baseboard by removing a portion of the existing baseboard adjacent the doorway to accommodate the baseboard return.

Abstract: A corner assembly for siding and roofing coverings includes two complementary corner molding members, each one of the two corner molding members having a front wall including a covering section with simulated building elements on an outer face thereof. Each one of the two corner molding members further has at least one protruding finger and at least one recess. The at least one protruding finger and at least one recess are configured in an alternate configuration in order to interlock in a male-female configuration when the two complementary corner molding members are engaged with one another to define a corner. A method covers a length of a corner defined at a junction of a first support surface and a second support surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation system (2) for receiving the load of a housing or at least one housing module (13, 13?, 13?) of a self-service machine (1), comprising at least one base element (14, 14?, 14?), which has at least one support surface (16, 16?, 16?) for a housing or for at least one housing module (13, 13?, 13?) of a self-service machine (1). The base element (14, 14?, 14?) comprises a concrete body (17, 17?, 17?) and at least one metal carrier element (18, 18?, 18?) supported thereon, on which the least one support surface (16, 16?, 16?) for a housing or housing module (13, 13?, 13?) of a self-service machine (1) is formed, and the metal carrier element (18, 18?, 18?) can be leveled relative to the concrete body (17, 17?, 17?) of the base element (14, 14?, 14?) by means of at least one adjusting device (19).

Abstract: The invention comprises a foam insulating panel having an outer surface and a reinforcing member adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the foam insulating panel. An insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of surface elements is provided herein. The surface elements can include a decorative upper layer and a supporting core. A supporting core with a desired format is manufactured and provided with an upper side and a lower side. The upper side of the supporting core is provided with a décor, by for example printing, which décor is positioned after a predetermined fixed point on the supporting core. The upper side of the supporting core is provided with a protecting, at least partly translucent, wear layer by for example spray coating, roller coating, curtain coating and immersion coating or by being provided with one or more sheets of ?-cellulose impregnated with thermosetting resin or lacquer.

Abstract: A molded door skin is provided that features a molded component having a stainable or stained exterior surface including molded grooves and molded tonal portions. The grooves are configured with variable depths and lengths with respect to one another and variably spaced with respect to one another to collectively simulate an appearance of a naturally appearing wood grain tick pattern. The tonal portions are configured to receive and retain sufficient stain to simulate an appearance of darkened naturally appearing wood grain background tone. Doors having the molded door skin or first and second molded door skins are also provided.

Abstract: A system for mounting tile relative to a flat surface may include a plurality of tiles and support structure to be mounted to the flat surface. The support structure may have a plurality of support surfaces on which the tiles are mounted such that the tiles are at different angles and/or heights relative to the flat surface. The support surfaces may be arranged in a wide variety of patterns, and may have shapes that correspond to those of the tiles. The tiles and support surfaces may have a wide variety of shapes. The support structure may be a single piece on which all of the support surfaces are formed, or may be created through the assembly of multiple support blocks, each of which has one or more of the support surfaces thereon.

Abstract: An underlayment for use between a veneer material and a foundation surface comprises a base layer and a series of supports extending upwardly from the base layer. The supports are configured to create voids in a layer of bonding material used to adhere the veneer material to the underlayment. Each of the supports includes at least one outer wall extending upwardly from the base layer and terminating at an upper lip, a bowl area defined adjacent a center of the support; and an internal wall extending downwardly from the upper lip toward the center of the support to at least partially define the bowl area within each of the supports.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for insulating a component of a home or building. An insulated component may include a generally planar surface and a frame positioned atop one side of the generally planar surface. The frame may include a plurality of outer studs coupled together to form an outer periphery and inner studs that divide the frame into one or more sections. One or more of the sections may include a cavity or hollow space. The insulated component may also include a first layer of insulation within one or more of the cavities. The first layer of insulation may include a pour insulation material that transitions from a liquid state or phase to a solid state or phase.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems for connecting a flooring system to a vertical wall. In one embodiment the building structure includes a floor comprising a cementitious slab and a wall supporting at least a portion of the cementitious slab. A plurality of stand-off screws extend from the top of the wall into the cementitious slab and are configured to transfer forces between the cementitious slab and the wall. The stand-off screws comprise a lower screw portion and an upper stand-off portion. The lower screw portion is drilled into the top of the wall, and the upper stand-off portion extends above the top of the wall and is encapsulated within the cementitious slab. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lower screw portion is heat treated to a higher degree of hardness relative to the remainder of the stand-off screw.

Abstract: A composite lap joint for the assembly of a first and a second floor board from a plurality of boards, used to make the floor for a vehicular trailer, each board composed of a layer of wood at the top side and a layer of fiber reinforced composite at the bottom side, wherein the composite layer is at least partly bonded to the wood layer; the composite layer of a first board forming a lip, wherein the lip is a lateral extension of the composite layer and the lip is disposed under the bottom side recess of an adjacent second board to form a composite joint, whereby the joint provides improved flexibility, moisture sealing ability at the seam of the joint and higher strength to the edges of the boards.

Abstract: A lining comprising at least two opposing profiled frame elements in spaced relationship to each other, at least one membrane element disposed between said profiled frame elements and connected to said profiled frame elements, at least partially, by means of rearwardly engaging fastening means and at least one taughtening means adapted to taughten said membrane element between said profiled frame elements. The membrane element has, as taughtening means, at least one taughtening zip fastener, wherein the state of the membrane element can be changed, by closing the taughtening zip fastener, to a state in which it is taughtened between the profiled frame elements. Installation and opening of the membrane field can be significantly simplified by the inclusion of a second, so-called access zip fastener.

Abstract: A canopy system for use in the interior building environment. The canopy system of the invention meets seismic code requirements and includes a group suspension system for mechanically aligning and registering canopy modules relative one another.

Abstract: A floor panel and a floating floor system include a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface has a visible decorative pattern and the bottom surface has a recess which extends about the periphery of the bottom surface. The recess has a recess surface. The floor panel includes a joining member with a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the joining member is adhered to the recess surface of the recess. The bottom surface of the joining member and the bottom surface of the floor panel are essentially flush which each other. The use of the joining member does not create any imprints on the top surface of the floor panel.