Abstract: An elongate component for placement in a wall gap and a wall incorporating such a component. The component includes a wall-face leg configured to extend along a face of a wallboard and a wall-end leg configured to extend along an end of the wallboard. The wall-end leg is oriented perpendicular to the wall-face leg. The component further includes a flexible gap portion configured to be positioned within and extend along the wall gap. The gap portion is located on an opposite side of the wall-end leg relative to the wall-face leg. A blocking element is located in a space defined by the wall-end leg and the gap portion. The blocking element is configured to block fire and/or sound within the wall gap. At least a portion of the flexible gap portion is located on an exterior side of the blocking element.

Abstract: Precast concrete residences resist great hurricane wind forces and moderate seismic forces. The entire residential structure, excluding the slab on grade are made from plant-cast concrete panels. Foundation panel joints are designed at the center of the precast wall panels to assure proper load-distribution from the walls to the foundation. Using a precast foundation greatly increases the speed of construction. All structural elements are field-bolted together. An interior wall track design allows engineered, prefabricated interior wall panels to roll into the home and “tip up” into place without wedging between the floor and ceiling.

Abstract: An acoustic seal comprising an extrusion, which comprises a body portion and a plurality of deformable protrusions that project from the body portion, the protrusions comprising a first protrusion and a second protrusion that are spaced from one another. A sound proof booth comprising the seal.

Abstract: A modular system for dry building of structures includes a plurality of modular elements having a generally planar upper or lower wall and a plurality of side faces substantially perpendicular thereto, and further having a first end edge at the upper or lower wall and a second edge opposed thereto. Anchoring members couple the modular elements so that the planar walls cooperate to define a first plane generally parallel to or coinciding with the main development plane of the structure to be built, with each of the side faces interacting with each other. The second edges of the side faces cooperate to define a second plane generally parallel and opposed to the first plane. The anchoring members include first anchoring members that act in correspondence with the second plane to effectively counteract the tensile stresses developing in the structure due to a load acting on the first plane.

Abstract: A tray-like modular building component adapted for filling with concrete after assembly with like components into a building frame, said tray-like modular building component comprising: a substantially rectangular frame with a pair of opposed sides and a pair of opposed ends defining an interior therebetween; a sheet mounted to said building frame and extending over said interior; a pair of beams, each mounted to said building frame along each said pair of sides respectively; and a pair of end plates, each mounted to said building frame along each said pair of ends respectively, wherein said sheet, said pair of beams and said pair of end plates together form an open-topped tray for receiving the concrete therein.

Abstract: A chiral cell includes a cell structure. The cell structure includes an upper ring, a middle ring, a lower ring, upper connecting rods, and lower connecting rods. The upper ring and the lower ring have the same geometrical shape, and the middle ring is located between the upper ring and the lower ring. A plurality of upper connecting rods is provided; the two ends of each upper connecting rod are respectively correspondingly connected to the upper ring and the middle ring and the upper connecting rods are obliquely and uniformly distributed between the upper ring and the middle ring; a plurality of lower connecting rods is provided; the two ends of each lower connecting rod are respectively correspondingly connected to the lower ring and the middle ring and the lower connecting rods are obliquely and uniformly distributed between the lower ring and the middle ring.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protective enclosure to secure occupants against external threats, such as ballistic projectiles, blasts, or natural phenomena.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a precast wall having increased pouring resistance. The precast wall has a configuration by which resistance to the pouring pressure of concrete poured between outer and inner panels is increased, the configuration including rail members buried in outer and inner panels, link members disposed between connection members connecting the rail members in the outer and inner panels to act integrally, and coupling members.

Abstract: A mobile terminal booth with a sound masking function includes a sound absorbing panel which partitions a space as viewed from the above to provide a place where a user of a mobile terminal can have a telephone conversation; a speaker provided to emit sounds to an outside of the mobile terminal booth; and a masking sound generation unit provided to emit a masking sound through the speaker. The harsh-sounding high frequency components of the masking sound which is output from the speaker are attenuated so that the masking sound gives less uncomfortable feeling to persons surrounding the mobile terminal booth.

Abstract: A building framework is disclosed herein comprising a first structural member, a second structural member, and a third structural member disposed between the first and second structural members, a first web member connecting the first and third structural members in a spaced apart relationship, and a second web member connecting the second and third structural members in a spaced apart relationship. The first web member is positioned relative to the second web member such that the shortest distance between the first web member and second web member is greater than or equal to 5 times the thickness of the third structural member. Additional products, systems, and methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile terminal booth with a sound masking function includes a sound absorbing panel which partitions a space as viewed from the above to provide a place where a user of a mobile terminal can have a telephone conversation; a speaker provided to emit sounds to an outside of the mobile terminal booth; and a masking sound generation unit provided to emit a masking sound through the speaker. The harsh-sounding high frequency components of the masking sound which is output from the speaker are attenuated so that the masking sound gives less uncomfortable feeling to persons surrounding the mobile terminal booth.

Abstract: System for fixing to the ground walls of a building includes a plurality of supporting elements interposed between a concrete foundation of the building and the walls, connecting elements for connecting at least two supporting elements that are aligned on one another, adjusting elements for adjusting a distance of the supporting elements from the foundation and for correcting a possible tilt of the supporting elements with respect to a horizontal reference plane, anchoring elements for anchoring the supporting elements to the foundation, the supporting elements being made of plastics.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protective enclosure to secure occupants against external threats, such as ballistic projectiles, blasts, or natural phenomena.

Abstract: Prefabricated building panels combine new and unexpected element dimensions and materials with the effect of reducing overall weight and depth while simultaneously improving panel performance such as thermal insulation. As compared to former panels, prefabricated building panels according to exemplary embodiments of the invention generally include thinner concrete slabs, wider separations between concrete and support framing, and new material choices for anchors connecting slabs with framing. Exemplary panels are compliant with energy codes such as the latest ASHRAE and IECC.

Abstract: An elevator car (2), which is configured for moving along a hoistway in a vertical direction, comprises a passenger compartment defining an interior space (4) surrounded by sidewalls and at least one car door, said sidewalls (62, 63, 64) and/or said car door forming at least one vertically extending corner or protrusion (7). At least one vertically extending decorative element (13, 16) is assigned to the at least one vertically extending corner or protrusion (7) and comprises at least one vertically extending lighting element (10) which is configured for illuminating the interior space 4.

Abstract: A modular sidewall for a passenger vehicle. The modular sidewall comprises an outer frame, and a plurality of individual sections configured to be secured together at least partially within the outer frame. The plurality of individual sections includes —a main section presenting at least one window opening, and a standard section presenting at least one window opening. The standard section has a width that is smaller than a width of the main section. The modular sidewall may also include a seat rail for supporting one or more seats within the passenger vehicle.

Abstract: A modular storage structure can be constructed from a number of modular wall panels and modular roof panels. Multiple modular wall panels can be joined to form a wall system of the storage structure. The wall panels can be serially connected together such that a J-shaped interlock member of one panel is in abutting relationship with a corresponding J-shaped interlock member of another wall panel to define a series of wall stud assemblies adapted to receive fasteners for joining wall layers. The roof panels can be serially connected together in a similar fashion. In embodiments, the storage structure can be constructed such that it meets the predetermined requirements for a fire rating (e.g. a 2-hour or a 4-hour fire rating).

Abstract: An architectural screen roof curb supported by an upstanding support curb to camouflage or hide various articles including, but not limited to, HVAC units. The architectural screen roof curb includes a top curb portion and two or more spaced, generally horizontal extending support members which then, in turn, support one or more architectural screens such that no portion of the architectural screen roof curb comes into contact with the underlying roof.

Abstract: The application relates to a standalone portable protective enclosure that forms a complete envelope surrounding and protecting its contents from the extreme forces of nature and man. The invention can have other uses other than a protective enclosure and will not be out of place in a living room of a home. The invention pertains to a protective enclosure that is resistant to high velocity projectiles and massive blunt forces. More particularly, this invention relates to a protective enclosure that can be site assembled from matching parts and may be disassembled and relocated to different locations.

Abstract: A single container wind resistant modular ISO building includes a cargo container, and a pitched roof. However, the pitched roof structure is optional. The cargo container includes a bottom frame, a top frame, four corner tubes, two lengthwise side walls, an end wall, a top plate, a floor plate and an end door. At least one window system and at least one door entrance 124 are formed in at least one of the lengthwise side walls.

Abstract: A bird nest prevention device for use in a building structure includes a mounting face for connecting to a face of a truss by a connector, a first angled portion having a lower edge connecting to an upper edge of the mounting face and being inclined upward therefrom, a second angled portion having a lower edge opposing the lower edge of the first inclined portion and being inclined upward therefrom, an upward extending portion connecting at a lower portion thereof to the first angled portion and the second angled portion and wherein the lower edges form a stand to rest on top of the truss.

Abstract: In combination, extruded aluminum trim strips joined end-to-end and a splice plate, the trim strips together, the trim strip cross-sections including a web and a pair of opposed angles, the angles and web forming a track for receiving a mid-section of the splice plate with a close sliding fit, the splice plate having lever tabs at opposite ends, notches at sides of the plate, the plate being disposed in the tracks of both lengths of trim strips, the lever tabs and associated edges of the lever tabs formed by the notches being outside of the tracks, the associated edge being arranged in a locking manner with outer surfaces of the angles as a result of the lever tabs being bent in place towards the web.

Abstract: A cleat attachable device for attaching to a cleat having horns. The device includes a frame having a base end, a distal end opposite the base end, and lateral posts. The lateral posts are disposed opposite one another and are connected to one another at the distal end. The lateral posts each have a respective mounting plate with a longitudinal slot formed therein. A stud plate has an underside for resting on the cleat. The stud plate has two studs opposite the underside for receiving the mounting plates thereon and securing the frame to the cleat.

Abstract: A “future-enabled” rowhouse or similar residential unit is provided that may include a site-adaptable chassis for a rowhouse or similar residential unit construction that can be easily adjusted to varying site conditions (e.g., lot widths and depths) at the time of construction and that allows for cost-effective future reconfiguration of building systems and space configuration over the life of the building.

Abstract: We disclose a portable protection shelter that may be easily transported and set up as needed. The shelter provides protection from deadly weather, including storms, hail, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Additionally, it may be used as a survival pod or as protection from assailants or aggressive animals. The shelter can be transported as required, including through doors, and assembled and disassembled on demand using common handheld tools.

Abstract: A modular system for constructing flexible structures that maintain structural integrity through mostly direct frictional snap-lock engagements without requiring the modular components to slide against each other, or necessitating the need for fastening tools. The modular system may utilizes frictional channels that create a frictional snap-lock engagement to connect the modular components, and thus form the finished structure. The frictional channel connections use a direct lateral engagement to mate and hold components together. In this manner, an assortment of simple modular components can be interconnected without requiring extra space to slide the individual components against each other to interconnect. The panels have identically shaped projections and recessions that frictionally mate adjacent panels. A base frictionally interconnects with a wall panel and a floor panel. The panels take numerous shapes and orientations. A roof truss, roof base, and roof panel form the roof region for the structure.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building includes fastening a first structural truss panel to a first structural column. A second structural column is fastened vertically to the first structural column. A second structural truss panel is fastened to the second structural column so that the second structural truss panel is vertically above the first structural truss panel, so that a clearance is defined between the first and second structural truss panels, and so that loads on the structural truss panels are transferred from the first and second structural truss panels to the first and second structural columns and then vertically between the first and second columns. Other construction methods, structural panels, and building sections are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for constructing a multilevel structure using a hybrid top chord bearing floor framing system. The method and system may include a top chord bearing floor truss positioned on a first frame structure. The top chord of the truss may include a load-bearing interface with a top surface and a bottom surface. The truss may be wholly supported by the load-bearing interface of the top chord. The method and system may further include a second frame structure on the top surface of the truss. The first frame structure may be secured to the second frame structure via a fastener that extends through both the second bottom load bearing member and load-bearing interface of the truss into the first top load bearing member of the first frame structure.

Abstract: A building has walls built from blocks with cavities. Roofs and floors are formed from joists extending between walls. Each joist has a vertical plate, an angle piece located on each side of the vertical plate and end plates. The end plates bear on the wall blocks. Pins extend from the end plates into cavities of the wall blocks. Bond beams can be positioned on walls parallel to the joist. Horizontal blocks are laid across the joists to form a roof or floor.

Abstract: A cold-formed steel structural wall and floor framing system used for the construction of commercial and residential buildings. The framing system includes a plurality of horizontal, elongated, top and bottom spanning tracks. The spanning tracks are used for supporting a plurality of spaced apart vertical wall studs. Also, the spanning tracks are used to support a plurality of different floor systems, including but not limited to spanning steel floor decks with a concrete floor topping, composite floor joists, steel or wood joists, roof trusses and window and door headers.

Abstract: A flat roof support structure includes a plurality of vertical columns, an elongated generally horizontally oriented beam associated with and positioned atop each vertical column, and attachment structure fixing the upper end of each vertical column to a mounting area of the associated elongated beam. The attachment structure includes U-shaped attachment members affixed to opposed sides of the vertical columns at the upper end of each column with the attachment members opening in an outwardly directed orientation parallel to the associated elongated beam. A pair of attachment plates is fixed to opposed sides of each elongated beam in the mounting area. The attachment plates extend downwardly below a lower surface of the elongated beam a distance equal to a portion of the U-shaped attachment members so as to overlap the portion. Attachment devices fix the attachment plates to the U-shaped attachment members and are assembled on-site.

Abstract: For use in a building having a roof and a wall each formed of hollow logs, wherein the wall has an uppermost horizontal log, a device is provided for connecting the roof to the wall. The device has a connector for connection to an end of a roof log, a saddle for mounting on the wall log and spreading the roof load over a wide area of the wall log, and a plate for securing the connector to the saddle.

Abstract: Structural columns are fastened to one another vertically. Wall panels may be fastened to the structural columns so that load is transferred through the structural columns rather than vertically between the wall panels.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for constructing a multilevel structure using a hybrid top chord bearing floor framing system. The method and system may include a top chord bearing floor truss positioned on a first frame structure. The top chord of the truss may include a load-bearing interface with a top surface and a bottom surface. The truss may be wholly supported by the load-bearing interface of the top chord. The method and system may further include a second frame structure on the top surface of the truss. The first frame structure may be secured to the second frame structure via a fastener that extends through both the second bottom load bearing member and load-bearing interface of the truss into the first top load bearing member of the first frame structure.

Abstract: A support frame for supporting an intersection between a first wall section and a second wall section. The support frame including a first support panel having a top edge and a bottom edge, which are configured to be positioned between respective upper and lower plates of the first wall section. Moreover, the support frame has a pair of second support panels affixed to the first panel, and each second support panel has a top edge and a bottom edge configured to be positioned between respective upper and lower plates of the second wall section.

Abstract: Multi-story buildings assembled from pre-cast concrete components produced in a component factory to form earthquake-resistant buildings with lower cost and faster construction time. The multi-story building structure comprising a plurality of piles and pile caps; prefabricated concrete column components; prefabricated concrete beam components; prefabricated concrete floor components; prefabricated concrete stairs components and prefabricated concrete wall components. Each pile cap unites at least two piles to one column; each column component has a groove on each side of the column component for placement of the corresponding sides of prefabricated wall components; and each beam component comprises grooves on the bottom and top sides of the beam for placement of wall components; and openings are located in the body of the beam. Floor components, stairs components, and wall components are made of concrete that are pre-cast with a predetermined shape, size and strength as described.

Abstract: A metal panel generally constructed from sheet material, such as sheet metal, and assemblies thereof which can be used to construct an enclosure, and specifically a no-through-metal enclosure. There is also provided methods for constructing a floor, walls, and roof of a no-through-metal enclosure utilizing such panels or construction techniques. The construction can still utilize metal fasteners such as rivets, bolts, or screws for maintaining strength which still maintaining the no-through-metal construction.

Abstract: Fireblock devices, wall assemblies and related methods useful for retarding the spread of smoke and fire through dynamic head-of-wall construction joints and gaps are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the fireblock device is characterized by an elongated angled channel member having an elongated intumescent material strip, wherein the angled channel member is defined by an elongated top flange member connected to an elongated side flange member along a lengthwise edge, and wherein the top and side flange members define a right angle and a lengthwise interior corner region, and wherein the top and side flange members each have inner flange member surfaces that face inwardly with respect to the interior corner region, and outer flange member surfaces that face outwardly with respect to the interior corner region, and wherein the intumescent material strip is affixed on the outer flange member surface of the side flange member.

Abstract: A pedestal head for a floor panel comprises includes a base for a lower part of a floor panel and an upper support for receiving an upper part of a floor panel. The pedestal head has a receiver or projection for receiving and locating a corresponding projection or receiver of the floor panel The pedestal head may be die formed from a single piece of metal.

Abstract: A modular construction system is made of a plurality of panels having peripheral frame elements defining a top channel, a bottom channel, and side channels. An exterior planar sheet and an interior planar sheet element enclose an inner core region that is filled with an adhesive bonding material that attaches the components together.

Abstract: The present invention provides construction configurations and a construction method for steel houses that eliminate the shortcoming of the conventional platform construction method for steel houses that complicates the structure because of the need to use metal reinforcements without losing the advantage of the conventional method that facilitates the construction work by using wall panels. After constructing the ground story wall (lower story wall) 22 by attaching wall panels 21 for the ground story to through vertical frame studs 20 extending to upper floors, the second story wall (upper story wall) 23 is constructed by attaching wall panels 21 for the upper Story to the through vertical frame studs 20. Of the wall panels 21 disposed along the four sides of the lower story, the top ends 29 of the two opposite wall panels 21b are positioned lower than the top ends 29a of the lower story wall panels 21a on the other two opposite sides.

Abstract: A prefabricated roof truss which includes a bottom plate which attaches to the bottom chord of the roof truss in such a way that the bottom plate does not lift away from the top plate of an interior wall despite the vertical movement of the bottom chord of the roof truss.

Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include a number of components. For example, the enclosure may include roof panels, floor panels and wall panels that are connected to the roof and/or floor panels. Preferably, the wall panels span the seams disposed between the roof and/or floor panels. In addition, the wall panels are preferably offset from the roof and/or floor panels. Further, the roof panels, wall panels and floor panels desirably have a substantially similar width. The enclosure may also include one or more corner panels and the corner panels may have a living hinge that generally divides the corner panel in half. Advantageously, the offset connection of the roof panels, wall panels and floor panels may facilitate construction of an enclosure with increased strength and functionality.

Abstract: A structural member for a reinforced stud wall including a tie rod connected to a foundation of the wall. The structural member comprises a longitudinal hollow member having top and bottom walls; and first and second web flanges connecting the top and bottom walls, the web flanges extending along a longitudinal axis of the hollow member. An opening through the top and bottom walls to allow the tie rod to extend therethrough, the opening being disposed between the web flanges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of constructing a building, comprising the step of providing a skeleton for a building wall of the building. The skeleton includes at least upright building elements such as columns or dividing walls. At least one lightweight, heat insulating and fire retarding wall element is placed between each adjacent pair of said columns. The columns are covered to provide substantially closed wall surfaces. The wall surfaces are covered with a covering layer having properties so as to provide fire-resistance to the complete wall. The covering layer on the inside wall surface may include a base layer of modified resin mortar, and a top layer of plaster mortar. The covering layer on the outside wall surface may include a base layer of modified resin mortar and a top layer of mineral mortar.

Abstract: Steel frames formed of rolled steel I-beams are connected by steel framed wall panels spanned by steel studs, and covered by steel framed roof panels spanned by steel purlins, making a structural frame completely formed of steel components bolted together. All components are precut and predrilled before transport to a construction site. A crane is used to raise steel frames and steel framed roof panels into position for bolted assembly, reducing construction times to absolute minimums. Entire structure is virtually lightning-proof, wind-proof, and earthquake resistant.

Abstract: A roof joist for a roof section of a modular building having an interior ceiling with a length, having an upper chord, central chord, and lower chord. The lower chord comprises: (i) a top chord segment joined to, and parallel with, the central chord; (ii) a pair of sidewall chord segments that oppose one another and extend parallel to the top chord segment; and (iii) a pair of outer flanges that extend outwardly from the sidewall chord segments to support the interior ceiling. A pair of inner flanges can also extend inwardly from the sidewall chord segments to support fixtures in the interior of the building.

Abstract: Composite structural system for floors or roofs comprising steel beams and reinforced concrete slab or shear walls comprising steel columns and reinforced concrete diaphragms. In both cases a steel plate with holes crossed with rebars is welded to the steel beam or to the steel column which performs the integral combination of the concrete, the structural element and the rebars.

Abstract: A panel structure of a steel house built by constructing multi-story structural frameworks by forming wall panels by fastening face members to rectangular frames of light-gage channels of sheet steels, constructing walls of each story by disposing said wall panels along the four sides of a rectangle, and assembling said wall panels and a floor panel consisting of a wall plate mounted on floor joists, the panel structure characterized in that side ends of said floor panel are connected to the inner upper end of the wall panels of the lower story, and the end edges of the wall panels of the upper and lower stories on at least two opposite sides of said four sides are butt-joined.

Abstract: According to the invention, a building with an endwall overhang is disclosed. The building may include a wall and a roof frame. The wall may have an inside facing inward to the structure and an outside facing outward from the structure, each of the inside and the outside having an upper region, and the roof frame may include a plurality of roof members. The building may also include at least one support member on the upper region of the outside of the wall, protruding outward from the structure. The building may further include an overhang assembly with at least one roof piece, a trim piece and a lengthwise member, the lengthwise member having at least two orthogonal surfaces. The roof and trim pieces may be coupled with the surfaces of the lengthwise member. The overhang assembly may be coupled with the structure by coupling the roof piece with the support member.