Abstract: An entire structure utilizing fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) pultruded structural shapes is provided for use in decks, docks, and boardwalks. This deck system for building decking, docks, boardwalks, walkways, gazebos, hot tub decks and spas can be built either to and extending from the exterior side of residential or commercial structures or as an independent, freestanding structure. The invention is assembled from FRP pultruded components comprising several systems which include a weight bearing support system, flooring system, safety system, roofing system, and decorative system. Components of the invention including but not limited to vertical support posts, horizontal decking, railing, stairs, gates, doors, frames and supporting members will be manufactured from FRP pultrusion structural shapes and composite sections using corrosion resistant hardware and adhesives.

Abstract: A type of partially prefabricated waffle slabs, for use in building wafer foundry (or other structures) and for the purpose of installing equipment for wafer production. Said partially prefabricated waffle slabs comprise primarily: a main body, having a number of primary holes for air circulation or other mechanical needs. Said main body can have pillar (or column) holes or notched comers for the penetration of major pillars (or columns). Said partially prefabricated waffle slabs have the advantage of meeting the requirements of achieving field safety, reasonable cost, rapid production, transportation needs, easy installation, and simple structural joints and at the same time complying with the specifications of Fab.

Abstract: A panel for raised floors, which comprises: a box-like element made of metallic material, which forms a bottom and side walls with first edges which are folded outwards and is meant to contain a body made of filler material; and a covering element. The covering element also is made of metallic material, is flat, is larger than the dimensions of the box-like element and has second edges which are folded a first time around the first edges of the box-like element. The first and second edges of the box-like element and, respectively, of the covering element are folded together a second time along the side walls, so as to be arranged laterally thereto in order to reduce the dimensions of the panel and increase its loading strength along its sides.

Abstract: A base for a steel unit comprises a support tube, a bottom plate, a platform and at least one girder. The bottom plate is connected to a lower end of the support tube and is installed with a plurality of retaining holes. The platform is connected to a top end of the support tube; and the platform is installed with locking holes near the four corners. Thereby, at least one girder having an end may be placed on the platform; and one end of the girder is locked to the locking holes of the platform. Therefore, a preferred shock-proof ability is achieved so that the elevated floor having a better shock tolerance and safety of the structure is improved.

Abstract: A raised floor system for installation over a base floor that allows ready access to the space created thereunder. Raised floor panels are supported above the base floor by and secured to base floor web tile assemblies that interconnect one to another. Each base floor web tile assembly includes a plurality of hollow metal cylinders with a lower portion to which a plastic base floor web tile is over-molded. The base floor web tile has adhesion pads with apertures which allow adhesive to be injected below the tile from above. The adhesive is used to affix the interconnected base floor web tile assemblies to the base floor. Further, an upper surface of each metal cylinder has over-molded thereto a plastic floor panel support boss. The floor panel support boss engages with a threaded panel fastener to secure a raised floor panel to a floor panel support of a base floor web tile assembly. Services such as telephone, electricity and computer cables may be installed in the space under the raised floor panels.

Abstract: A connection is created between a first member and a second member. The connector used to join the first and second members includes the following members: an attachment member, a plurality of fasteners that are received by the attachment member, and an anchor member that is also received by the attachment member. These members can be arranged in the following manner with respect to the first and second members. The fasteners are received by the attachment member and anchored in the second member. The fasteners are driven into the second member through the attachment member, thus the heads of the fasteners are closer to the attachment member than the leading tips of the fasteners. At least one of the fasteners lies at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the second member.

Abstract: A new mounting system for elevating and supporting objects such as solar panels and satellite dishes upon a roof. The mounting base for attachment to a roof rafter incorporates a threadable elongated member or stanchion and only requires a single lag bolt which is positioned directly beneath the stanchion for fastening to a roof rafter. A guide tunnel is also provided on the roof mount for proper drill angle into the rafter. The solar panel support utilizes C-shaped extruded aluminum horizontal members where, upon fastening the solar panel to the members, enhances the strength properties from a C-shape to a square structural member. The disclosed design for the solar panel support and associated equipment which are attached to at least two mounting bases, permits efficient packaging, resulting in minimal packaging time and cost.

Abstract: A ribbed metal plate for a composite slab that includes a substantially planar plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of laterally-spaced, longitudinally-extending ribs that have a keystone profile and wherein the sidewalls are angled toward each other. Ends of the ribs are integrally formed. The rib plate is secured to bearing walls in a structure and concrete is poured on the ribs to form a composite deck. The ends of the ribs extend in the lateral direction to form a composite structure retarding movement of cured concrete in a longitudinal direction. The ribbed plate can also be used in composite beams.

Abstract: A flexible assembly cell is made up by providing a regular array of fixed, load supporting pedestals on a concrete sub-floor on a meter matrix throughout the assembly area. Jigs and other assembly equipment required in the area are provided with base fixtures on the same meter matrix and the base fixtures are coupled to the relevant pedestals. The gaps between the pedestals are bridged by rectangular load bearing floor panels to provide a raised floor and to provide an underfloor void for routing of services. Moving a jig would be simply achieved by unplugging the relevant services, relocating the jig to a vacant set of pedestals and reconnecting the services, minimising downtime and recurring costs.

Abstract: An access floor system including an access floor panel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface and at least one pedestal. The pedestal includes a base portion for resting on a subfloor, a head portion and a jack interconnecting the base portion and the head portion, the head portion having an upper surface for engaging the bottom surface of the floor panel. A selected one of the upper surface of the head portion of the pedestal or the bottom surface of the floor panel comprises a protrusion extending therefrom, and the other of the upper surface of the head portion or bottom surface of the floor panel defines a receptacle therein, the receptacle being of a size to complementarily and detachably engage the protrusion. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A rack assembly for supporting electronic units which includes a generally rectangular frame having reinforcing plates welded thereto to extend outwardly therefrom, and a reinforced mounting portion disposed at the lower end of the frame and having a length corresponding generally to the height of the vertical spacing between a permanent floor and secondary flooring disposed above the permanent flooring so that the mounting portion can be secured directly to the permanent flooring and pass upwardly through an opening in the secondary flooring. A plurality of the rack assemblies may be arranged in side-by-side relationship in a room, and the reinforcing plates of adjacent rack assemblies provide wire management channels.

Abstract: A raised floor system constructed of octagonal panels for use in a semiconductor clean room facility is disclosed. In the raised floor system, a plurality of pedestals each having a top portion and a base portion threadingly engaged together for adjusting a height of the pedestal is first provided. The top portion of the pedestal has a square top surface and four recessed peripheral slots surrounding the top surface. Each of the four recessed peripheral slots being adapted for engaging an octagonal panel. The raised floor system further includes a plurality of octagonal panels each has a flat top surface and a convex bottom surface equipped with a raised peripheral ridge for engaging one of the recessed slots on the top portion of the pedestal such that the flat top surface of the octagonal panel is coplanar with the square top surface of the pedestal when the octagonal panel is mounted to the pedestal.

Abstract: A support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals and floor panels, includes a support bracket having first and second end portions being configured and dimensioned to rest upon a portion of a support pedestal. An intermediate portion extends between the first and second end portions, and an article support member depends from the intermediate portion to support articles thereon a distance below the raised floor panels and a distance above a base.

Abstract: A universal block made of concrete designed to be used with different size posts and beams. The pier block is a conical, six-sided structure and includes two concentrically aligned, post-receiving voids designed to receive the ends of a (4×4) or (6×6) inch post. The (6×6) inch void is positioned above the (4×4) inch void. Formed horizontally on the top surface of the pier block are two transversely aligned beam-receiving slots. Each beam-receiving slot includes a narrow and a wide slot longitudinally aligned. The wide slot is positioned above the narrow slot. A vertically aligned drain hole is formed through the pier block from the bottom surface of the (4×4) inch void to the bottom of the pier block, which allows water to drain from the post-receiving voids.

Abstract: An intersection member is provided for use in a raised floor system having a plurality of support pedestals, a plurality of floor panels, and at least one cable support apparatus wherein the intersection member includes a cable support section, and connecting portions extending from the cable support section, the connecting portions being configured and dimensioned to retain the cable support section in place when positioned at the intersection of at least two cable pathways. A hardware mounting assembly is provided for mounting hardware relative to a cable support apparatus, which includes a bracket portion configured and dimensioned to support various hardware components and position the components relative to a cable support apparatus, and a plurality of notches formed along the bracket portion, the notches being configured and dimensioned to engage portions of the cable support apparatus such that the bracket portion is maintained a predetermined relative distance from the cable support apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet material attachment system including at least one longitudinal beam having a web, and at least one flange having first and second opposite sides, the web extending from the flange second side. A sheet material attachment element overlies the flange first side, the sheet material attachment element having a hardness which is less than the hardness of the flange. The sheet material attachment element is attached to the beam by a fastener, the fastener being substantially U-shaped and having a first leg which engages a side of the sheet material attachment element and a second leg which engages the flange second side. A piece of sheet material is anchored to the sheet material attachment element.

Abstract: A raised floor system which includes a plurality of upright support columns, a plurality of floor panels, and a cable tray support assembly. The cable tray support assembly includes a plurality of support pedestals and a platform section. Each support pedestal has an elongated stringer member, a first upright sleeve member, and a second upright sleeve member. Each first and second sleeve member defines a bore extending from a top end through a bottom end. The stringer member is attached to the sleeve members proximate the respective top ends of the first and second sleeve members so that the elongated stringer member is supported above the respective bottom ends of the first and second sleeve members. At least one of the first and second sleeve members of each first support pedestal is removably connected, in overlying registration, to the body portion of one support column of a pair of support columns. One platform section is suspended from the stringer members of a pair of opposing first support pedestals.

Abstract: A floor system includes a plurality of panels placed on a base floor. A space is formed between the panels and the base floor for laying cables. A plurality of sliding plates are arranged on the base floor. A plurality of supports are provided and each support of the plurality of supports is arranged on each of the sliding plates so as to freely slide. The plurality of panels are supported by the plurality of supports by being fixed on a pedestal of the each support of the plurality of supports. The plurality of panels are hence connected to each other to form a single floor surface. The dynamic coefficient of friction between the bottom of the supports and the sliding plates is selected to be a value within a range of 0.09 to 0.25.

Abstract: A large multi-level tent that has an interior divided into two levels. The tent is a ¾ sphere that is supported by shaped tubes, a set of braces, and a top band. The platform has polyvinylchloride (PVC) posts to secure the platform to the ground. Each post extends upward to the full desired height for a two level living space. Metal brackets are secured to the vertical posts at each floor location. These brackets hold 2×4 horizontal wooden frame members. The frame members are reinforced with additional wood framing, similar to deck construction. Each deck is then covered with plywood sheathing to form a “floor” surface. After the platform is built, the tent is constructed around it. The tent has frame, which is covered by a canvas outer covering that is attached to all the tent frame elements.

Abstract: A plastic trim strip for use with high pressure plastic laminate (HPL) modules or other decorative modules used on access flooring. The strip is extruded polyvinyl chloride or other polymeric or other material such as decorative metals such as brass or aluminum. The cross sectional shape of the strip is generally rectangular with a rectangular tab that: (1) protrudes from one of the narrow edges of the rectangle, (2) is thinner than the height of the strip and (3) has one surface flush with the bottom of the strip. A portion of the edge of the HPL or other floor covering with which the strip is used, and having the same shape as the tab, is router or otherwise removed from the floor covering. The protruding tab of the trim strip is then “captured” within this rabbet with or without adhesive, thereby securely engaging the trim strip when the floor covering is installed on or bonded to the access flooring structure.

Abstract: A free access floor eliminates positioning and gluing of support members and simplifies the construction process by automatically positioning the support members. The free access floor includes a plurality of panel support structures, each being formed of a square shaped frame where each of four sides of the frame is formed of a plate member, support units provided at two corners of the square shaped frame for supporting a free access floor panel, and grooves provided on a bottom surface of the support unit where corners of another panel support structure fit in the grooves.

Abstract: An assembly type wood floor comprising a high frame and a floor. The high floor is a net-like lattice frame formed by a plurality of upper plates, a plurality of lower plates and a plurality of flat plates. At first, the shape grooves of the upper plates is engaged with the U shape grooves of the lower plates, and the lower extended rod on the two sides of the bottom of the shape groove may be inserted into the positioning holes on the two sides of the nut of the upper plate. The upper extending rods on the two sides of the top of the U shape grooves are inserted into the positioning holes on the two sides of the nut of the upper plate. Next, the groove on the lower surface of the flat plate is engaged to the engaging plate of the upper plate and the pillar on the center of the engaging groove is inserted into the positioning hole on the middle section of the engaging plate.

Abstract: A utilities terminal for use in a raised floor system is disclosed. The utilities terminal includes a floor tile having an access cavity, a support pan and an upper surface. The support pan is positioned within the access cavity, and has at least one access opening. The utilities terminal further includes a utilities grommet configured to be received within the support pan, and covering at least a portion of the support pan. The utilities terminal further includes a plurality of cover blocks selectively configured and adapted to be received within the support pan, cover the remaining open area of the support pan, and positioned substantially flush to the upper surface of the floor tile.

Abstract: An isolating plate (10) and insulated bolt assembly (51) for electrically insulating a cabinet (22) for holding telecommunications switching equipment. The isolating plate (10) functions as an installation template to assist an installer with locating and installing cabinets (22) in a telecommunications center. The precut cable ways (12) and mounting holes (14) allow the installer to quickly locate and cut the floor as needed for cables (15) and bolts (26) required to install the cabinet (22).

Abstract: A rack assembly for supporting electronic units which includes a generally rectangular frame having reinforcing plates welded thereto to extend outwardly therefrom, and a reinforced mounting portion disposed at the lower end of the frame and having a length corresponding generally to the height of the vertical spacing between a permanent floor and secondary flooring disposed above the permanent flooring so that the mounting portion can be secured directly to the permanent flooring and pass upwardly through an opening in the secondary flooring. A plurality of the rack assemblies may be arranged in side-by-side relationship in a room, and the reinforcing plates of adjacent rack assemblies provide wire management channels.

Abstract: An incombustible fireproof network elevated floorboard in which the flanges of the cover boards are fitted into multiple grooves of the leg supports of the floorboard. In addition, the cover boards are partially locked with the leg supports by screws. The floorboard is made of metallic material and achieves enhanced fireproof effect to meet the strict requirement for incombustibility of skyscraper building. In addition, the present invention can be easily and quickly manufactured and assembled. The cover boards can be assembled with the leg support by various angles.

Abstract: Process for installing against a support (S), the ground in particular, a covering consisting of planks, laths, wooden panels (1) which consists in leveling the surface to be overlaid, then in fixing against the said surface (S), side-by-side planks (1), leaving a space between them and the ground. The process is characterized in that the spacing and the fixing of the planks (1) constituting the covering is obtained by means of pairs of elements (3, 4) distributed over the length of the said planks, which elements (3, 4) take the form of blocks, of which the one (3) is fixed transversely on the lower face of the plank and the second (4) over the ground, the opposite faces of the said blocks (3, 4) comprising interlockable complementary zones (7) ensuring the mutual securing of the said elements (3, 4).

Abstract: A mortise and tenon joint for I-beam members. The joint includes an I-beam post and an I-beam beam that interlocks with the I-beam post. The I-beam post and the I-beam beam are each made of fiber reinforced pultruded polymer composite. The web of the I-beam post extends past the flanges of the I-beam post so as to form a tenon. The flanges of the I-beam beam have a pair of aligned throughslots so as to form a mortise that snugly receives, and is filled by, the tenon. The tenon has a plurality of throughbores through the pair of opposing faces thereof. The web of the I-beam beam has a plurality of throughbores that are aligned with the plurality of throughbores in the tenon when the tenon is snugly received in the mortise. Bolts extend through first washers, through the plurality of throughbores in the web of the I-beam beam, through the plurality of throughbores in the tenon, through second washers, and threadably engage in nuts so as to maintain the tenon in the mortise.

Abstract: An article support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements and floor panels, the support apparatus includes an article support member configured to support articles thereon; and a mounting mechanism connectable with the article support member and adapted to mount the article support member to at least one stringer element of a raised floor system. The mounting mechanism further includes at least one fastener for the mounting thereof.

Abstract: Flooring systems including a metal raised access flooring panel (10) that is solid or is perforated by oval or oblong openings having major axes not parallel to any panel edge. The major slot axes may, for instance, be at a 45° angle to each panel edge. The slots (28) may be arranged in “clusters” of six slots, with one pair of slots above another pair and one slot to each side of, and mid-way above and below, the stacked pairs. Alternatively, the panels (10) may be perforated by circular holes arranged in a similar pattern. Adjacent panels may be interlocked with retractable pins extending from one panel (10) to another. Pedestal heads and stringers are adapted to accommodate panels of different sizes.

Abstract: Incombustible fireproof network elevated floorboard in which the cover boards are locked on the leg supports of the floorboard by screws. The floorboard is made of steel reinforcement and cement and is able to achieves enhanced fireproof effect to meet the strict requirement for incombustibility of skyscraper building. The floorboard of the present invention can be easily and quickly manufactured and assembled.

Abstract: A floor assembly includes at least two elongated extrusions disposed adjacent to each other where each extrusion includes a pair of outer leg members and a pair of inner leg members that are connected by a connector which engages the inner leg member and the outer leg member of one of the extrusions and the outer leg member and the inner leg member of the other extrusion. The connector includes a base and first and second end flanges where the first end flange engages the inner leg member of one of the extrusions and the second end flange engages the inner leg member of the other extrusion. A method of making a floor assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The floor system for a work environment providing for access to utilities to be associated with articles such as articles of furniture is disclosed. The floor system includes a plurality of floor tiles. At least one of the floor tiles provides an access pattern. A floor is formed by selective arrangement of the plurality of floor tiles with at least one access point for utilities provided by the access pattern of at least one of the plurality of floor tiles. At least one article of furniture is selectively positioned on the floor. At least one access point can be selectively located within the floor. The position of at least one article of furniture on the floor and location of the access point of the floor are at least partially coincident and access to utilities can be provided through the floor to the article of furniture regardless of the position of the article of furniture on the floor.

Abstract: A structure according to the invention comprises a series of interconnected structural members. The structural members, such as panels, are made of a composition comprising as its first essential ingredient a cured (cross-linked) resin having sufficient strength when filled as described below to support weights up to about 700 pounds without significant buckling, but which has sufficient resilience to flex and rebound from impacts such as low speed collisions with small boats or dropping of heavy human-carried objects without cracking or breaking. The cured resin matrix contains a first filler consisting essentially of inorganic particles effective to improve the impact resistance and flame resistance of the structure, and an amount of a second filler consisting essentially of fibers effective to enhance the rigidity of the structure and reduce crack propagation therein.

Abstract: A flooring which can be locally removed and relaid rapidly any number of times, comprising a plurality of tiles (2), a plurality of plate-shaped supports (5) arranged quincuncially below the tiles (2), and means of fixing the tiles to the plate-shaped supports (5).

Abstract: A floorboard for clean rooms is disclosed. The floorboard has a support unit (110) and a tile unit (120). In the support unit (110), a plate part (111) has a plurality of engaging holes (114) on its upper surface. A support part (112) is vertically and integrally formed along the edge of the lower surface of said plate part. A plurality of reinforcing ribs (113) linearly, regularly and integrally extend on the lower surface of the plate part in a way such that the ribs are integrated with both the plate part and the support part. In the tile unit (120), a cover part (121) engages with the upper surface of the plate part. A plurality of engaging projections are (122) formed on the lower surface of the cover part at positions corresponding to the engaging holes (114) of the support unit, thus engaging with the engaging holes of the support unit. Each of the engaging projections has a ventilation hole (123) at its central portion.FIG. 4 shows the most relevant embodiment.

Abstract: A method for forming a structural panel such as for a bridge deck includes providing a first and a second sheet formed by fibers and settable resin and laminating the sheets with a plurality of parallel side by side connection members. The connection members are formed by filament winding around a core using primarily a large wind angle followed by a final shallow angle of wrap. The connection members are triangular in cross section and each is inverted relative to the next so that the sides are in contact. The connection members are connected together while the resin is uncured so that during lamination they cure together to allow integration of the resin, close matching of the shapes so that the resin at the junction remains thin and intermingling of the filaments. The connection members are dry wound on a core and the resin is applied by infusion. The core carries reinforcing members to tailor strength as required along the length of the member.

Abstract: A knockdown garden deck, assembly and manufacture of which are simplified with a small number of components, and a fence and the like of which are built firmly, is provided.A frame member (10) and reinforcing frame members (21, 22, 23) form a deck floor. The frame member is obtained by combining longitudinal deck frames (11) and lateral deck frames (12) into a quadrilateral shape to place a decking (13) in it. The reinforcing frame members are framed to form mortices (h) at four corners of the frame member. Fence posts formed with elongated tenons projecting to extend through the mortices (h) are provided to vertically stand on the upper side of the deck floor. A fence body is fitted between the fence posts by clamping. Clustered piers (41) formed with tenon recesses at upper ends thereof are provided on the lower side of the deck floor. The tenon recesses fit on the tenons of the fence posts that extend through the mortices.

Abstract: A method for earthquake-proof mounting a semiconductor process machine on a removable floor (or a raised floor) in a semiconductor fabrication plant. In the method, a modified I-beam which has a horizontally extending upper flange is provided for mounting under a removable floor and attaching through the floor directly to a process machine situated on top of the floor. The process machine may be attached to the modified I-beam through an L-shaped bracket that is attached to the support frame of the process machine with the horizontal flange of the bracket attached to the modified I-beam through apertures in the removable floor. The present invention further comprises an earthquake-proof mounting fixture for mounting a process machine on a removable floor in a semiconductor fabrication plant.

Abstract: A modular decking system particularly adapted for use with docks in tidal coastal environments is presented. The system provides removable modular decking sections that allow the user to remove the decking prior to a large storm, preventing destruction of the dock by the hydraulic forces of violently rising water. Alternatively, the system may be used in a residential or commercial situation allowing the user to install decking over an area that typically requires access, such as over a flat roof or over areas containing buried services such as cables or piping. The system comprises a number of decking sections that are used with a conventional joist system. Each section includes a plurality of planks that are joined together in parallel to rails that hold the planks together during transportation, installation and removal of the decking sections. A joist cap is provided over each supporting joist, and clamping mechanisms are provided to secure the decking sections to the joist system.

Abstract: A modular structural section for use in support structures such as load bearing decks or highway bridges. The modular structural section includes at least one beam and a load bearing deck preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite material. The deck includes a core having elongated core members having side walls positioned generally adjacent one another. Preferably, at least one of the elongated core members has an upper and a lower facesheet extending beyond the side wall to receive another member. Also, preferably, the elongated core members have a polygonal, and more preferably a trapezoidal, shape. Alternatively, the load bearing deck contains at least one sandwich panel suitable for applications such as barge decks, hatchcovers, and other load bearing wall applications. Methods of constructing a support structure utilizing the novel modular structural section and support members are also provided.

Abstract: A load bearing deck of a modular structural section for use in support structures such as a load bearing deck or highway bridge. The at least one modular structural section includes at least one beam and a load bearing deck preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite material. The deck includes a core having elongate core members having a polygonal shape, preferably a trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, the load bearing deck comprising at least one sandwich panel is suitable for applications such as barge decks, hatchcovers, and other load bearing wall applications. Methods of constructing a support structure utilizing the modular structural section including the polygonal, preferably trapezoidal core deck, and support members are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a kit for producing structural parts and complete structural members using structural elements, which are to be connected, as well as to an arrangement for connecting the structural elements to one another. It is an object of the invention to provide a method, a kit and an arrangement of the generic type, with which it is possible to assemble structural bodies of different form and development of the structural elements into self-supporting structural members, structural sections and areas. Pursuant to the invention, this objective is accomplished owing to the fact that the structural elements are assembled together into planar structural parts and structural members by means of edge-overlapping and surface over-lapping connecting elements, which are to be inserted, and are fixed and locked in the completely assembled state as compact structural bodies.

Abstract: A load bearing deck of a modular structural section for use in support structures such as a load bearing deck or highway bridge. The at least one modular structural section includes at least one beam and a load bearing deck preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite material. The deck includes a core having elongate core members having a polygonal shape, preferably a trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, the load bearing deck comprising at least one sandwich panel is suitable for applications such as barge decks, hatchcovers, and other load bearing wall applications. Methods of constructing a support structure utilizing the modular structural section including the polygonal, preferably trapezoidal core deck, and support members are also provided.

Abstract: A deck system provides an easy to install deck by using unique columns, rails and planks. The columns can house electrical components. The rails enable quick assembly because they do not require additional fasteners or tools to install the balusters. The planks include a novel tongue-in-groove assembly that allows the planks to expand without damaging the deck.

Abstract: An improved floor box of the type commonly installed into the concrete floor of a facility for providing temporary connections to utilities is disclosed which may be removed and replaced without requiring either the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of the floor in which the improved floor box is installed or the replacement or repair of the utility lines located in the floor and connected to the improved floor box. The improved floor box is secured within a rim member mounted into the concrete floor by bolts mounted from the inside of the improved floor box, and the outside of the improved floor box is wrapped with sheets of extruded polystyrene expanded foam material to prevent poured concrete from encasing the improved floor box itself, thereby permitting easy removal of the improved floor box from the concrete floor. The connections to the improved floor box to electrical and plumbing lines are made in a manner allowing them to be disconnected from the improved floor box from the inside thereof.

Abstract: A flooring system is disclosed which utilizes prefabricated base modules installed in side by side relationship. The modules have base panels with elongate corrugations which stiffen the panels in one direction. Pedestal strips with elongated corrugations are secured to the base panels with the corrugations of the strips and panels orthoganal to one another. The strips include a series of upstanding pedestals. The pedestal and end half pedestals are positioned such that when the modules are installed they provide a geometric pedestal array. The pedestals are notched to receive snap in panels which collectively define fluid conduit, power cable and communications chases. Working floor panels are mounted atop the pedestals. The power cable, communications and work floor panels have knock outs which are readily removable to provide access to the chases. A heat pump is connected to supply, return and condensate conduits installed in the conduit chase to supply cooling water from a cooling tower.

Abstract: A plurality of struts extend upwardly from a subfloor and a plurality of racks interconnect selected rows of struts for supporting transmission lines and/or conduits. Each strut is formed of four orthogonally oriented C-channels having the edge of each leg curled inwardly to define a lip extending toward the base and each rack includes a similar C-channel. Each end of each rack is detachably attached to a C-channel of a strut by a bolt penetrating a plate at the rack end and threadedly engaging a nut captured in the C-channel of the strut. The transmission lines and conduits are secured to any of the C-channels of the struts and the racks by clamps having distal ends of two sections captured by the respective C-channel and an attachment mechanism securing the proximal ends of the sections to one another to retain the transmission lines and conduit clamped between the two sections.

Abstract: A modular structure for use in displays and exhibitions wherein three girders are affixed to vertical columns in a triangular patter having a right triangle. Triangular floor panels are supported by longitudinal flanges on the beams to provide an elevated load-bearing surface. The structure, girders and floor panels are designed for rapid assembly and take-down.

Abstract: A device for forming a framework of a wooden building including a steel pipe, screw bar, joint, bolt and joint stick. The steel pipe is tightly inserted in a hole formed at the top edge and/or the bottom edge of a vertical post. The screw bar connects two vertical posts in series as an upper half thereof is screwed into a screw hole of a steel pipe inserted into the bottom edge of a vertical post, while a lower half thereof is screwed into a screw hole of a steel pipe inserted into the top edge of a vertical post positioned below the former vertical post. The joint comprises a base portion and a flange portion oriented at a right angle with respect to the from base portion. The bolt passes through a hole of the base portion of the joint and a hole of the vertical post and is screwed into a screw hole of the steel pipe to secure the joint to the vertical post.