Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating plastic block panels suitable for use as building and construction materials. According to the invention, the panels are fabricated using a plurality of novel plastic blocks. Each block, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, is rectangularly shaped, has broad opposite parallel surfaces (faces) and has four edges which form a closed border around the block. Two adjacent edges of each block have two laterally spaced, longitudinally extending formations thereon, each formation comprising a longitudinally extending tongue. The other two adjacent edges of each block have four laterally spaced, longitudinally extending formations thereon.

Abstract: Connector means embodying the concepts of the present invention are adapted to secure one or more roof panel members to a modular building structure. Broadly, such a connector means has a horizontally disposed base portion that is adapted to engage a supporting member incorporated in, and presented from, the modular building. An inclined, plate portion is supported from the base portion. The plate portion is adapted to receive, and support, the roof panel. A locking member frictionally secures each roof panel to one or more inclined plate portions.

Abstract: Track members of specific configuration are embedded in the edges of flat panel members. Extrusion members of specific configuration are employed to interlock the track members to one another in differing configurations. Each track member defines a cavity and in a first embodiment, two cavities are brought into abutting relation to one another to form a collective cavity into which a first embodiment of the extrusion member slidably fits. When so interlocked, the panels collectively form a wall or other surface. Additional embodiments enable the panels to be disposed at right angles to one another, to form "+" sign shaped intersections, radial arrays, and the like.

Abstract: The invention comprises means of constructing insulated enclosures and structures for housing, storage, emergency shelter and vacation homes. The structural materials required comprise principally only two components, panels of plastic insulating foam and extruded plastic connectors.The panels are shaped and sized to eliminate virtually all waste when cut from 4 foot by 8 foot sheets of rigid insulating foam. A single extruded connector joins the panels together along mutually adjacent edges and eliminates the need for complicated geometric connectors where three or more panels adjoin. The hinged configuration of the extruded connectors permits a virtually unlimited variety of structural enclosures to be constructed with 4 foot by 8 foot sheets of insulating foam plastic. Disclosed for illustration are a dome shaped structure with a plurality of alcoves extending outwardly from the periphery of the structure and other free form structures of "crystalline" shape.

Abstract: Construction means for wall and/or roof structures, e.g. for exhibitions etc. has a stanchion profile section (10) with protruding webs (11) forming mortise-shaped pockets (12) and wall and/or roof supports (13, 14) each provided with a turnbuckle (15) consisting of three fixing elements (16, 17, 18) insertable into three adjacent pockets (12) of the stanchion (10), the fixing elements being urged towards each other by transverse tensioning means such as a screw (24) to grip the intervening webs (11) and simultaneously to urge the outer pair of fixing elements (16, 17) against the inner wall (71) of a support box (72) housing the turnbuckle (15).

Abstract: A modular housing system made up of wall panel units, roof panel units and floor panel units. Each unit is a framework made up of members which are preferably wooden or metal 2.times.4's or other readily available shape. The units are uniformly predrilled for connectors in such manner that they can be readily rotated into a variety of orientations and yet register with the connector holes in the adjacent unit.The system utilizes a novel removable connector also disclosed herein, an elongated headed pin having at its opposite a pair of parallel chordal slots adapted to receive both a serrated locking plate and a tapered wedge. The locking plate is disposed next to the wood and the wedge is tapped into locking position on the plate by motion parallel to the surface of the wood. It can not be unlocked by motion in the opposite direction, but can be removed simply by prying up on the end spaced away from the pin hole.

Abstract: A modular building construction system having (a) a series of rectangular U-shaped in vertical cross-section modules, each having only two bearing walls opposite each other and joined by a floor panel and open on top, and (b) a series of rectangular tube-shaped in vertical cross-section modules, each having only two bearing walls opposite each other and joined by both a floor panel and a ceiling panel. The tube-shaped modules are used only on the top story, and the U-shaped modules are used generally as lower units. The modules on each level are installed end to end so as to form a continuous living space in the longitudinal direction and side by side so as to form a separate series of living spaces and double walls separating the living spaces in the transverse direction.

Abstract: The building structure of the present invention comprises a rectangular box having ceiling and floor walls and four upstanding walls. The lateral edges of each of the aforementioned walls have L-shaped indentations therein which provide glue surfaces. These L-shaped indentations are mated together at the corner junctions of all walls in the box and are glued together and nailed so as to provide an integral rectangular box. Each wall comprises a plurality of panels joined together in side to side relationship. Each panel comprises spaced apart rigid sheet members, and the panels are joined together in side to side relation by means of elongated stretchers which extend between the spaced apart sheet members and interconnect the panels which are arranged in side to side relationship.

Abstract: A load bearing wall element is provided with recesses or projections at the upper ends of the side edges, for interlocking or engaging projections or recesses respectively of adjacent wall elements. The wall elements may be provided with cantilevers extending at the tops of the side edges, the cantilevers either having recesses at their upper or lower edges in order to enable interlocking with recesses of adjoining elements. The wall elements may be fabricated from reinforced concrete and may preferably have a hard foam layer affixed thereto or incorporated therein.

Abstract: A removable structure for the bed of a truck, the components of the structure being removably joined together so that the entire structure can be easily disassembled for storage and shipment. The structure includes a framework which can be used for supporting implements such as ladders in conveying them to a work place. The invention also encompasses a roof, walls and a rear door mounted as separate components to the framework to form an enclosure such as a camper.

Abstract: A cabinet for high shock and vibration environments such as shipboard use. A pair of side panels are bolted to the deck or other rigid structure. Front, top and back panels are then secured to the side panels through mating surfaces capable of transferring shear forces. The mating surfaces include cooperating tooth forms. The tooth forms have sloping sides that produce a wedging interfitting relationship between the plates and side panels.