Abstract: The invention concerns a floor construction comprising a plurality of surface portions (12) which each comprise at least one respective material with possibly different properties, in particular properties in regard to human perception when standing on the surface portions (12), wherein the different surface portions (12) are of such an arrangement and configuration that when moving on the floor construction (10) a continuously changing, unforeseeable sequence of different surface portions (12) has to be unavoidably stepped upon.

Abstract: The glazing panel, conform the present invention, comprises a panel of thermoplastic material provided with a three-dimensional decorative pattern. The latter includes elevated portions projecting outwardly from the three-dimensional decorative pattern and also simulated joints dividing the three-dimensional decorative pattern into the elevated portions. Each simulated joint has a transversal profile shaped into a groove with a flat bottom. A peripheral flat flange surrounds the elevated portions and the simulated joints as well and is connected to both by an inclined portion. An elevation L1, measured between the elevated portions and the flat bottoms, is lesser than an overall height L2, measured between the elevated portions and the peripheral flat flange. The elevated portions the flat bottoms and the peripheral flat flange are parallel to each other. The insulated glazing panel comprises a pair of glazing panels.

Abstract: A decorative border assembly that makes it easy to change the decorative pattern is provided. The decorative border assembly beneficially includes one or more mounting strips with mounting notches, and spaced apart retaining channels for removably retaining the mounting strips.

Abstract: The present invention comprises architectural building products or “trim” and methods for making, installing and finishing the same.

Abstract: A plastics floor covering (1) comprises a plurality of discrete plastics components (2, 3, 4) each having an upper surface and a lower surface (lower surface shown). The discrete components (2, 3, 4) are assembled together to form a predetermined design and are held in the assembled position to form a unitary floor covering (1) by at least one portion of a joining film (14) secured to the lower surface of each discrete component (2, 3, 4). The joining film (14) spans at least the edges of neighboring discrete components (2, 3, 4) and is coated with a thermally labile polymeric coupling agent. The joining film (14) is perforated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A thatch eave member formed of a plurality of individual thatch elements, either natural or synthetic, having a backing member retaining a plurality of individual thatch elements such that the free ends present a generally planar exposed face, wherein the backing member is adapted for attachment along the eave of a roof such that the exposed face matches the ends of a lowermost thatched roofing shingle or roll to give the illusion of a thicker roof, and the system comprising the combination of such eave members and roof members.

Abstract: New direct laminated floor, of the kind that contain, on their surface, cellulose sheets impregnated in polymerizable resins, on which some characteristics have been drawn and where, once pressed and mechanized, the finished strips have an offset/sunk area on the peripheral edge and the optic/tactile texture of the surface corresponds and adapts to the characteristics drawn on the cellulose sheets. For application in the construction industry.

Abstract: An aesthetic security doorway is made up of a door with a support structure and a number of crossbars which are shaped and arranged to take on an aesthetically pleasing design, and a doorframe surrounding the door with ornamentation that continues the design of the door onto the doorframe so as to form a unitary decorative image. The crossbars and ornamentation can convey a variety of suitable design themes, such as palm tree branches and fronds, or vines and leaves. Also disclosed is a method for concealing a security door by arranging a number of crossbars on the door to form a decorative design, and providing ornamentation on the surrounding doorframe to continue the design of the door onto the doorframe.

Abstract: This invention titled “Can Shield” is an apparatus consisting of a semi-permanent (removable for maintenance purposes) modular wall(s) or monument(s) of sufficient height and breadth to shield from public view unsightly utility equipment. Pre-manufactured off-site this device is transported to the site and erected on site with equipments and materials provided as a package. Prior to this patent application, this merchandise has been available to the consumer only as expensive “construct on the premises” manufactured goods and only as a permanent structure.

Abstract: A window and door treatment complex characterized by base pairs of hook and fastener strapping units removably affixed to a window to which units there is removably affixed via hook and fastener strapping affixed to a rear side of a first coverlet, a first coverlet made up of insulating fabric about which there is sewn an outer fabric and into which insulating fabric and outer fabric a through hole has been cut and affixed to near the top border and near the bottom border of the frontal side of which first coverlet there is hook and fastener material removably affixable to hook and fastener material attached to a rear side of a second coverlet made up of an insulating material about which there is sewn an outer fabric, the front side of which, near lateral borders thereof and near top and bottom borders thereof, is characterized by the presence of hook and fastener material.

Abstract: Articles comprising simulated stone block walls and artist's canvases may be formed by providing a burlap or canvas substrate, coating the substrate with a layer of gypsum wallboard finishing compound or similar plaster-like composition, and folding or otherwise manipulating the substrate when a predetermined set or hardening of the composition has occurred to create cracks, crevices and chipped corners of the article, for example, to simulate a broken stone block or an aged artist's work.

Abstract: A reverse molded, plant-on decorative panel component comprises a panel portion lying on a first plane, a skirt portion, and a contoured portion. The skirt portion has a first surface adapted to be exteriorly disposed and an opposite second surface adapted to be interiorly disposed in order to be adhesively secured to a planar surface. The contoured portion extends outwardly from and surrounds the panel portion and interconnects and is integral with the panel portion and the skirt portion. The skirt portion extends peripherally about the contoured portion.

Abstract: A decorative tile set of nonuniformly-shaped tiles (tiles with non-parallel sides and/or non-perpendicular comers) is manufactured for interlocking installation adjacent uniformly-shaped tiles, i.e., adjacent to tiles having parallel sides and/or perpendicular corners, as in standard flooring tiles such as laminate flooring planks. A sacrificial bed having a planar upper bed surface is provided, and trenches are cut in the sacrificial bed to define areas on the upper bed surface which at least substantially correspond to tile boundaries. At least one workpiece from which the tiles are to be cut is then provided atop the sacrificial bed with its finished face closely held against the sacrificial bed. The workpiece is then cut to produce tile blanks bounded by tile blank boundaries, with the tile blank boundaries being outwardly spaced from the desired tile boundaries by an offset distance.

Abstract: A camouflaged structure and a method of camouflaging a structure against a background having a generally uniform composition of hue, saturation and brightness. In one embodiment, the camouflaged structures comprises a cell tower (100) camouflaged to decrease its visual impact when viewed by a viewer against a background sky (122) from an expected vantage point (102) using camouflaging techniques according to various aspects of the present invention. In a first aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises applying regions of color to one or more components of cell tower, wherein the colors are selected to match the composition (hue, saturation and brightness) of the background sky. In a seconds aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises providing one or more components of cell tower with reflectors that reflect light from an ambient sky (124) to a viewer.

Abstract: A surfacing system including both methods and apparatus may in some embodiments comprise a single width relationally sized surfacing system and associated design patterns that involve discrete stone surface units in several embodiments. In at least one embodiment, surfacing units are stone. A multi-width surfacing unit system is also included as part of the invention, as are associated design patterns. Other embodiments include surface unit packaging apparatus and methods that reduce surface unit transport costs and breakage.

Abstract: A reverse molded fiberboard panel; a wainscot kit comprising a plurality of differently sized reverse molded panels, and a planar finishing or spacer panel, adapted to completely cover any size wall between a wall base board and a wall chair rail; and a method of reverse molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, raised panels without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The reverse-molded panels are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press, in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture.

Abstract: As extruded from a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride, a drywall-trimming strip has a central portion, which has a bullnose region and two planar regions, one at each side of the bullnose portion. Further, the drywall-trimming strip has two lateral flanges, each of which is joined unitarily to the bullnose portion by a stepped junction. The bullnose region has an exterior radius of 0.350 inch approximately. Each planar region has a width of 0.217 inch approximately, as measured in a plane normal to an axis defined by the bullnose region. Each junction has a measurement of 0.095 approximately, as measured between a plane defined by the exterior surface of the bullnose portion and a plane defined by the interior surface of the flange at such junction. Having a thickness of 0.055 inch approximately, the strip is adapted to fit along an elongate corner defined by two drywall panels, each of which has a thickness not less than 0.

Abstract: The following artificial stone having a deep color tone and a glaze and having a luminousness is provided at low costs. An artificial mixture in which a fine powder component of an inorganic material having a size of from 5 to 70 mesh is used, the sum of this fine powder component and a finely divided component of an inorganic material of 100 mesh-under is 89% by weight or more of the product and a resin component is 11% or less is struck and integrated into a cured slab which has been cured.

Abstract: Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing.

Abstract: Signature entryway units combine common non-circular elements to form an entryway unit that suggests a circle. The entryway unit can include a door and one or more sidelight panels. The non-circular elements can include glazing units.

Abstract: An architectural building panel comprises a sealed glazing unit having at least two spaced apart parallel glazing sheets which define a cavity closed by a peripheral seal. Opaque strip elements on the building panel provide the appearance of window frames surrounding transparent glass areas, with regions of the panel outside these frames being provided with surface area patterns that simulate the appearance of conventional building materials such as brick or the like. The building panel can be used in any convenient size, and may be of a size to extend between structural floors of a building so that a curtain wall for the building can be composed of exteriors of such building panels.

Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of hard panels, with a laminated structure, whereby at least at the upper surface a printed decorative layer with a wood pattern is present, with thereupon a transparent layer of synthetic material in which impressions are formed, wherein the impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.

Abstract: A cementations block for seating in adjacent and adjoining relation with a plurality of the cementations blocks to define a wall, with each block comprising a body having a top and an opposing bottom, opposing front and back faces, and a first and second opposing ends, with beveled edges along a bottom and side. The top defines a geometric protruding surface and the bottom defines a mating geometric surface, whereby two of the block stacked one on another matingly engage together. The first end defines a protrudence and the second end defines a recess conforming substantially in shape to the protrudence, whereby linearly adjacent blocks matingly engage for assembling a wall therewith, with the beveled surfaces simulating mortar joints between adjacent blocks.

Abstract: A tile with a transparent glass body having a smooth front face and a three-dimensional design impressed on the rear face that is viewed through the front face. The impressed design is further defined by a layer of decorative glass materials fused to the impressed design as well as some or all of the rear face. An overlay of glass material is fused to and follows the topography of, the decorative glass materials layer and/or the rear face of the glass tile body, sandwiching the decorative glass materials layer between the glass tile body and the glass material overlay. Once fused; the glass material overlay, the decorative glass materials layer and the glass tile body meld to become one homogenous glass layer, comprising the tile, that cannot delaminate. The resulting glass tile is similar in use and durability to ceramic tile while adding the ability to carry a protected, three-dimensional design.

Abstract: A system for the application of an image to an upper surface of a built structure, the image arranged for visibility from over-flying craft.

Abstract: The glazing panel, conform the present invention, comprises a panel of thermoplastic material provided with a three-dimensional decorative pattern. The latter includes elevated portions projecting outwardly from the three-dimensional decorative pattern and also simulated joints dividing the three-dimensional decorative pattern into the elevated portions. Each simulated joint has a transversal profile shaped into a groove with a flat bottom. A peripheral flat flange surrounds the elevated portions and the simulated joints as well and is connected to both by an inclined portion. An elevation L1, measured between the elevated portions and the flat bottoms, is lesser than an overall height L2, measured between the elevated portions and the peripheral flat flange. The elevated portions the flat bottoms and the peripheral flat flange are parallel to each other.

Abstract: A prefabricated relief form member for use as an architectural feature on a structure formed alternatively by use of welded wire mesh, double wire welded wire mesh, corner beads fixed together, or woven wire mesh and optionally using corner beads at the corners of the top and sides, and having backing paper.

Abstract: A sheet of glass having impressed therein a grid pattern which simulates a stacked series of glass blocks joined by mortar at their joints, in which the grid pattern is confined to certain tolerances so that the sheet is temperable and at the same time creates the desired glass block appearance.

Abstract: A modular construction system for reducing costs and improving the long term structural integrity of buildings. The modular construction system includes a plurality of lateral members which are stackable and couplable end-to-end with other lateral members, a plurality of anchor members which are couplable to a foundation of a building and include an eye portion, a plurality of anchor segments which include a hook portion for engaging the eye portion of the anchor member and are positionable through a bore of the lateral members for securing the lateral members to the foundation, and a plurality of fastener members which are each couplable to an associated one of the anchor segments to prevent the lateral members from being lifted away from the foundation.

Abstract: A prefabricated relief form member for use as an architectural feature on a structure formed alternatively by use of welded wire mesh, double wire welded wire mesh, corner beads fixed together, or woven wire mesh and optionally using corner beads at the corners of the top and sides, and having backing paper.

Abstract: A window wrap used to accommodate and protect various thicknesses of drywall around a rough window frame, which forms a window frame with perfectly square corners. The window wrap has a jamb/sill extension and a wall extension, each extending perpendicular to each other. The wall extension has a front surface, a rear surface, and a distal surface extending between the front and rear surfaces, and is adjustable to fit various thicknesses of drywall panel. A layer of primer or adhesive laminate is applied to the front surface of each extension so that paint can bond to the front surface. The jamb/sill extension of the window wrap may also be made similar to the wall extension and used to form any depth of jamb/sill.

Abstract: A solid core door with architectural features, such as raised panels, comprises a solid core door having planar opposed major surfaces. A groove is cut in at least one of the major surfaces. The groove has a bottom surface and side walls extending at an obtuse angle relative to the bottom surface. The groove may also extend arcuately from the bottom surface. In either case, the portion of the groove opening on the associated major surface has a dimension exceeding the corresponding dimension of the groove bottom surface. A trim piece is secured within the groove, which may overlie the edges of a veneer surface at the groove opening on the associated major surface.

Abstract: The roof shingle system of the present invention includes rows of shingle elements having parallel, slanting lower edges that are aligned to divert the flow of water away from areas where high flow volumes are not desired toward areas where high flow volumes will not cause harm. Because water flowing down a surface will tend to adhere to that surface, the water flowing down the surface of the shingle system of the present invention will tend to follow the slanting lower edges of the shingle elements in the direction of the slanted edges so as to provide a way to control the flow of water on the surface of a roof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stretched film of a thermoplastic resin comprising a stretched film base layer (A) containing 40 to 85 wt % of a thermoplastic resin and 60 to 15 wt % of an inorganic or organic fine powder; and a stretched film surface layer(B), being provided at least on one surface of said stretched film base layer (A), containing 30 to 90 wt % of a thermoplastic resin and 70 to 10 wt % of inorganic or organic fine powder having an average particle size smaller than that of the inorganic or organic fine powder contained in the stretched film base layer (A), and has a porosity of 5 to 60%. The stretched film of the thermoplastic resin has a high surface hardness, excellent processability in embossing and desirable ink adhesiveness, and can effectively be used in a variety of applications including building decorative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling panel for suspended ceiling systems that is designed to create a moiré effect when viewed from below. The moiré ceiling panels are designed to fit into a standard suspended ceiling grid and include a semi-transparent upper layer, a semi-transparent lower layer, and a light diffusing layer. The lower layer includes a surface with a plurality of evenly spaced apertures to allow light from above the suspended ceiling to pass through. The upper layer also includes a surface with a plurality of apertures and is connected to the lower layer to form the moiré panel. The light diffusing layer is connected to the upper panel and is design to intensify the moiré pattern while simultaneously concealing the area above the panel.

Abstract: A glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, and a method for making a glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, including a flat panel of glass, a raised bead of air-curable acrylic resin applied in a prescribed pattern to at least one surface of the flat panel of glass, and a metal film overlying the bead of acrylic resin.

Abstract: A wainscot or panel for boarding of vertical surfaces consists of a plurality of lengthwise in parallel with each other mounted fillets or boards (1) which, with the side thereof facing said surface, are located on a support structure holding together said fillets or boards, which are sawn such that the angle between the flat sides of each fillet or board and the annual rings in the surfaces of said flat sides is 45-90°, preferably 60-90°, and which are mounted standing upright and held in position by means of mounting means (4) only at the end portions (1c, 1d) of said panel fillets or panel boards.

Abstract: A decorative window assembly for creating dazzling eye-catching designs in any room. The decorative window assembly includes a window frame with a window panel being securely mounted to the window frame. Tubular reservoir members are securely attached to the window frame and are adapted to store anti-freeze colored liquid. Decorative conduit members are disposed upon the window panel and are connected to the tubular reservoir members with tubular connectors. Pump members are connected to the tubular reservoir members for urging the anti-freeze colored liquid into the decorative conduit members and for drawing the anti-freeze colored liquid from said decorative conduit members.

Abstract: A polymeric floor tile of elongated shape having a top surface molded to simulate a section of wood flooring with a plurality of staggered boards. The tile is adhesive-free, made possible by novel mating interlocks formed so as to lie below the linear edges defining the top tile surface. A decorative layer of wood grain may be applied to the top surface during or after molding to enhance simulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to veneered paneled elements such as doors. For example, a veneered raised panel door could include two vertically-oriented framing members (e.g., stiles) and two horizontally-oriented framing members (e.g., rails). These members are combined with a center panel to create a door frame. Each exposed edge of the door is layered with an edge banding. This edge banding (e.g., a wood or plastic veneer) covers any joints between the vertically-oriented and horizontally oriented framing members.

Abstract: A door member comprising a frame having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, a core positioned within the frame, and a molded skin attached to the first side of the frame. The skin is prepared from a molding compound which, when molded, has a shrinkage of between about −0.0003 to about +0.0015. The molding compound comprises a resin system comprising a curable polyester resin, a co-curable unsaturated monomer, and at least two low profile additives. The molding compound also comprises at least about 30 percent by weight, based on the weight of the molding compound, of filler material, and fibrous reinforcement in an amount of less than about 35 weight percent, based on the weight of the molding compound.

Abstract: A wall paneling system is provided in which panels of various widths are pre-fabricated with raised moldings. The panels are thin enough to be easily cut, if necessary, and applied to a wall by an inexperienced installer with adhesive. Various chair rails and baseboards are provided. By providing the panels in different standard widths, they can be easily pieced together to cover walls of any length, thereby enabling an inexperienced installer to easily complete the lower wall paneling of an entire room. Corner moldings are provided to cover any gaps where the panels meet in corners of a room.

Abstract: A brick or other structural member is provided for use in building a wall or other similar structure which is to be provided with a cementitious surface coat application to one, typically exposed, face. The brick includes a relief pattern or profile on at least one face. This allows the installer to adequately affix an external cementitious surface coat to the outer surface of, a brick wall, while also providing a “depth gauge”, which can identify proper coating thickness during installation, which not only ensures proper application thickness but can preclude waste due to overapplication. The added brick texture (a.k.a. profile) increases the surface area of the brick to improve the bonding of the brick surface coating and to provide mechanical underpinning for the surface coating.

Abstract: A molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. A first set of elongated members lies in one plane, with each of the members having a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting the upper and lower surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces each have central regions that are intermediate the edges. The central regions of the upper and lower surfaces are separated by a distance less than the thickness of the edges such that each of the members have a bowtie shaped cross-section. A second set of elongated members lies in a second plane, with the second set of members intersecting and interconnecting the first set at junction regions. Each of the members in the second set also has a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, and a method for making a glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, including a flat panel of glass, a raised bead of air-curable acrylic resin applied in a prescribed pattern to at least one surface of the flat panel of glass, and a metal film overlying the bead of acrylic resin.

Abstract: A user controlled ornamental panel or window, which is useful for a number of applications in which the degree or amount of light passing through the panel is to be controlled. One such application is to control the amount of light, ambient or otherwise, entering through a window. The ability to control the amount of ambient light entering through a vehicle window and/or window of a dwelling is particularly useful. The present invention enables the user to control the amount of ambient light passing through the ornamental panel, such that the lighting of the environment is determined by the user without permanently blocking or altering the ability of the ornamental panel to permit the entry of light. Such flexibility is important for adjusting the amount of light entering through the panel according to the ambient lighting of the external environment, which would differ during daylight hours as opposed to the night, for example.

Abstract: An artificial snow tile system made up of one or more artificial snow tiles, which are optionally backlightable and wind-resistant, for affixing to a surface; an artificial snow tile having a rough surface having a dull white luster to resemble one or more layers of fallen snow, and at least two edges that are opposite each other and mirror images of each other, such that an edge may be lined up with a respective opposite edge of another tile so as to create a smooth continuous snow drift appearance without visible gaps between the edges.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a decorative window insert, and from the insert a decorative window, comprises the steps of producing a plurality of planar glass units each adapted by size and shape, for assembly together as a decorative insert master by assembling the planar glass units into a planar assembly wherein the planar glass units are joined by a came, producing a mold from the decorative insert master, the mold replicating the decorative insert master with a came mold portion and a planar glass units mold portion, filling the came mold portion of the mold with a dyed catalyzed resin and curing the resin as a simulated came portion of the insert, filling a planar glass units mold portion of the mold with a non-dyed catalyzed resin and curing it as a simulated glass portion of the insert followed by a post-curing of the simulated came portion and the simulated glass portion to produce the decorative window insert.

Abstract: A panel for a portable floor system comprising a rectangular core defining an upper surface and a lower surface extending parallel to the upper surface and lateral side surfaces extending from edges of the upper surface to edges of the lower surface. Frame members are connected to the lateral side surfaces and define outwardly projecting channels. The frame members have opposed spaced parallel horizontal walls defining an upper wall and a lower wall, and further have a transverse connecting end wall for connection to the lateral side surfaces. A laminated graphic layer is integrally joined to the upper surface of the rectangular core and extends over the upper walls of the frame members to conceal the frame members. The channels of the frame members have flanges for releasably securing connecting members for joining a panel to other panels in side-by-side aligned relationship.

Abstract: A panel having a panel topology and a mode-shaped panel are provided each having pre-defined bending strength characteristics, vibration characteristics and acoustic characteristics improved from those of a flat panel. A panel having both panel topology and a mode shape is provided having further improvements. A panel having a multi-layered structure is provided having at least one layer that has either a mode shape or a panel topology, and other layers that may be flat or curved and that may be damping layers.