Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for a modular sprung floor. An example embodiment is a sprung floor module having interchangeable components. Interchangeable components make up standardized assemblies. An example embodiment has a frame module that may be installed in a series to cover a given area. The frame and edge modules comprise a frame that supports a performance surface. Standardized components include fiber-reinforced composite linear-structural members combined with elastomeric joints and support members.

Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, a method, system and apparatus for a modular sprung-floor is disclosed. An example embodiment is a sprung floor module having interchangeable components. Interchangeable components make up standardized assemblies. An example embodiment has a frame module that may be installed in a series to cover a given area. The frame and edge modules comprise a frame that supports a performance surface. Standardized components include fiber-reinforced composite linear-structural members combined with elastomeric joints and support members.

Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, a method, system and apparatus for a modular sprung floor is disclosed. An example embodiment is a sprung floor module having interchangeable components. Interchangeable components make up standardized assemblies. An example embodiment has a frame module that may be installed in a series to cover a given area. The frame and edge modules comprise a frame that supports a performance surface. Standardized components include fiber-reinforced, composite linear-structural members combined with elastomeric joints and support members.

Abstract: An improved screed guide/control joint and clip for the placement of concrete in concrete slabs on a plurality of different surfaces, the clip accommodating different sized screed guides to accommodate different depths of concrete pours, the screed guide/control joint inhibiting water passage, impeding growth of weeds in the joint, and having improved lateral flexibility to the expansion and contraction of the concrete, the screed guide also allowing placement of conduits within the cover portion of the channel cavity of the screed guide.

Abstract: An article of manufacture which comprises a laminate flooring product, having at least one edge provided with one or more elements making it capable of interlocking with a reciprocally configured flooring product, and having a thickness of less than 4 mm, which product includes a plurality of component layers, a first one of said layers being a design layer, a second one being a backing layer, and a third one being a wear layer, said second and third layers being arranged respectively proximate opposite surfaces of said first layer; and a method of making said article of manufacture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of casting in-situ a ferrocement ribbed slab with a spliced rack and a suspended formwork. The method comprises the following specific steps: step 1: machining at a plant a transverse plane truss girder, an incomplete longitudinal plane truss girder and an incomplete longitudinal plane truss; step 2: making a bottom formwork; step 3: splicing and constructing an on-site truss in a grid shape; step 4: suspending the bottom formwork; step 5: laying reinforcing mesh pieces; and step 6: performing in-situ casting. In the present method of casting in-situ a ferrocement ribbed slab with a spliced rack and a suspended formwork, the interspaced rack becomes a spliced rack and is applied to in-situ casting of floor slabs, such that a ferrocement ribbed slab is directly cast on site, and is cast as one with beams and columns, enabling the range of use of ferrocement ribbed slabs to be extended to the floor slabs of various buildings.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing terrazzo tiles and tiles manufactured in accordance with the method is described. A resin, curing agent, filler, and pigment are poured into a mold. Stone chips are then poured into the mold to settle with the majority at the bottom of the mold. Thereafter, curing occurs to result in rough tiles which are ground and then polished with the upper surface being the resulting tile surface at which the majority of the stones settle. The tiles are assembled onto a floor with grout lines resulting from spacing of the tiles, one from another. Grout made of resin or a resign and terrazzo chip mixture is then poured in and skived, and the floor polished to result in a sealed monolithic surface.

Abstract: An epoxy porcelain tile surface including a plurality of spaced, substantially flat substantially smooth porcelain tiles and epoxy grouting substantially filling the spaces between the porcelain tiles. The plurality of spaced, substantially flat substantially smooth porcelain tiles are substantially flush with one another and substantially flush with the epoxy grouting.

Abstract: A profiled rail for supporting plate-shaped elements, particularly for inlay mounting of ceiling plates for louvered ceilings includes a base body, having a T-profile in select areas, a longitudinally extended web and a lower flange. The lower flange runs along a longitudinal edge of the web and comprises two lower flange sections each extending from the web essentially in opposite directions. The lower flange is formed by bending the web. The side of the lower flange, which is oriented away from the web, is provided with a facing board. A multitude of openings are provided in the web, whereby at least one of the lower flange sections is formed by material sections of the web that are folded out from the openings. The web is provided as a single layer essentially over its entire surface. A method for producing a profiled rail of this type is also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for forming paving from a settable material and which comprises: a base frame having a plurality of upstanding walls which, alone or together with an adjacent positioned said base frame, defines a plurality of compartments within which the settable material may be placed to be moulded by the compartments of the base frame(s) into a plurality of blocks, the base frame being adapted to be left in situ; and a grout frame which is of a substantially corresponding shape in plan to the base frame and which is positioned atop the walls of the base frame in use, extending the walls upwardly.

Abstract: A coated bathroom or kitchen component product includes a transparent polymerized resin and inserts of gravel of marble and/or other stones embedded substantially uniformly in the transparent polymerized resin. The inserts have a coplanar leveled surface at a surface of the component. The inserts are surrounded by a surface of the polymerized resin defining surface depressions having a lowest depression surface in a region between inserts and the surface of the polymerized resin rising form the lowest depression surface to the level of the surface of the component adjacent to the inserts.

Abstract: A protective cover for a reinforcing bar including a collar structure defining a perimeter portion and having an open end for receiving the end of a rebar. A cap portion is connected to the collar structure oriented substantially perpendicularly to the collar structure and including a support portion formed integrally with the collar structure. The cap portion further includes a barrier plate supported on the support portion and defining an exposed upper surface of the cover. In one embodiment, a reinforcing plate is disposed beneath the barrier cover and defines an lower surface lower surface within an area defined by the perimeter portion of the collar structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary resilient insert member for filing an expansion joint gap formed between adjacent concrete slabs, floor tiles, or the like wherein the insert member consisting essentially of a preassembled wedge shape form. Also disclosed is a method for sealing the gap located between adjacent flooring or structural members by filling the said gap with a sealing material insert.

Abstract: A prefabricated terrazzo panel and system, method for making terrazzo panels and method for installing terrazzo panels wherein the panels comprise terrazzo epoxy, a top surface, a bottom surface, sides and a groove along each side and the panel system comprises a plurality of panels, locking strips that join adjacent panels and terrazzo or terrazzo-like filler for joining and creating a seamless joint between adjacent panels. The method of manufacturing the panels generally includes providing, installing and, or preparing borders on a flat, level horizontal structure, applying an epoxy primer having a high viscous to the supporting structure to prevent adherence, introducing previously prepared epoxy terrazzo or comparable aggregate mixture into the border volume, leveling the pour mixture, allowing it to cure, grinding the surface of the cured aggregate to a desired thickness, sanding and polishing the top surface, and cutting the cured terrazzo into panels having predetermined dimensions.

Abstract: A combination floor pad having composite base boards includes at least one base pad, and multiple base boards fixed on the base pad. The base pad has a surface provided with two adjacent side ribs, and provided with multiple positioning ribs arranged longitudinally and transversely in a staggered manner, thereby forming multiple receiving spaces in the base pad for insertion and placement of the base boards. Thus, each of the base boards may be securely locked in the base pad rigidly and stably, thereby preventing each of the base boards from being detached or loosened from the base pad.

Abstract: The joint thereshown has two stainless steel side plates (21, 22) which are rolled from a single strip and are bent double at the bottom of the lower limb (23) of the Y. The plates have rolled in ridges (24) at the top of this limb (23) and diverge above the ridges (24) as upper Y limbs (26). Between the limbs (26) a core is captivated at a relatively hard, necked lower core-portion or rib (31) by the ridges (24). Above these, a relatively softer upper core-portion or strip (32) fills the space between the upper limbs (26), tapering out with them. The core is a co-extrusion of the two portions (31, 32) joined by a neck (33). It is held in place by the ridges (24) being rolled around lower portion (31). This joint is fitted between tiles at a gap of the width of the ridges (24), by driving it between the tiles to compress the divergent upper Y limbs (26).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a sloped floor includes a plurality of elongate arms disposed in radial array relative to a drain. Each arm has a common height along its extent. The radially innermost end of each arm is positioned near or connected to the drain. In a first embodiment, the radially innermost end of each arm is pivotally connected to an adapter that is connected to a center ring that circumscribes the drain. In a second embodiment, each arm is positioned at an incline by an adapter that rigidly joins the arm to the center ring. In a third embodiment, the arms are of shallow construction and are removed after the concrete has been poured. A mounting strip secured to the shower wall may support the radially outermost end of each arm. In all embodiments, the concrete is worked so that it is flush with the uppermost edge of each elongate arm.

Abstract: A method of making terrazzo floors with design inlays. The method utilizes pre-molded inserts as inlays in the finished floor, and generally includes four steps. First, inserts are pre-molded, which has design elements in terms of their color, nature of inclusions (chips, glass fragments, etc. and their colors), shape and/or a pattern of grooves in their upper surfaces. Second, the pre-molded inserts are placed on and affixed to the sub-flooring in a predetermined arrangement. Third, epoxy flooring mixture is poured to a height that fills the grooves in the inserts' upper surfaces and preferably cover the inserts. Fourth, the floor, after cured and hardened, is ground and polished to expose the upper surfaces of the inserts, which now become seamlessly integrated inlays within the overall finished floor.

Abstract: A stucco reveal system that can be assembled in a pattern which defines visual breaks between panels of applied stucco. The stucco reveal system includes individual strips of contoured stucco reveal constructed of extruded vinyl or metal that have the qualities of easy installation and cleaning and aesthetic desirability. The contoured reveal strips include a floor to which a pair of contoured walls are attached. The inside surfaces of the floor and contoured walls define a channel which forms the visual break between stucco panels. The shape of contoured walls are defined in part by an arc portion, an angled straight wall portion or a partial bevel portion. The contoured walls have a vertical component that makes them easily visible for cleaning and reflects cleaning water spray out of the channel, reducing soiling of the grid due to cleaning and rain runoff. The top edges of the contoured walls act as guides during stucco application for a screed stucco surface.

Abstract: A protective cover for a reinforcing bar including a collar structure defining a perimeter portion and having an open end for receiving the end of a rebar. A cap portion is connected to the collar structure oriented substantially perpendicularly to the collar structure and including a support portion formed integrally with the collar structure. The cap portion further includes a barrier plate supported on the support portion and defining an exposed upper surface of the cover. In one embodiment, a reinforcing plate is disposed beneath the barrier cover and defines an lower surface lower surface within an area defined by the perimeter portion of the collar structure.

Abstract: A door stop is adapted to be deformably subjected to compressive and torque forces and to elastically return to its normal position after being subjected to said forces.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular reinforcement assembly for concrete castings, having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The assembly comprises a frame, a first set of longitudinal runners, a second set of transverse runners, and a third set of transverse runners. Each individual runner has two short ends, and each short end has a frame holding means. The runners are arranged in a hatch pattern, where the longitudinal runners are arranged substantially perpendicular to the transverse runners. The frame comprises a first leg member, a second leg member, and a shoulder member. The first leg member has a plurality of through holes and the second leg member has a corresponding number of through holes, which are substantially concentric with the corresponding through holes of the first leg member.

Abstract: A rectangular dowel bar sleeve is disclosed for receiving dowel bars and tie-bars that allows opening and closing of joints between adjacent cast-in-place slabs and pavements while allowing differential lateral movement of adjacent cast-in-place slabs in either direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the joint and while preventing differential vertical movement of the slabs on either side of the joint. A form panel having an alignment ridge and spaced apart holes for attaching blockout bars to the form panel is disclosed. The blockout bars can be used to accurately create voids extending perpendicularly from the form panel and having upper and lower surfaces that are parallel to the intended upper surface of the cast-in-place slab.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form and permitting a top surface to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture to thereby form a first layer of the wall. In like manner, a second concrete mixture is poured on top of the first layer and a joint forming material is included.

Abstract: A method for making a floor that slopes toward a drain includes the steps of enclosing a predetermined area of a flat support surface around the drain with upstanding border members, positioning an annular ring in closely spaced, concentric relation around the drain, arranging a plurality of straight form members in radial relation to the drain, connecting a radially innermost end of each form member to the annular ring so that the top edge of each form member is spaced downwardly from the plane of the drain by a distance equal to a tile thickness, and positioning an outermost end of each form member in abutting relation to the border member. Each form member has a height at its innermost end that is less than a height of its outermost end. A cementitious material is poured into the predetermined area and the material is made flush with the respective top edges of the form members. An auxiliary form member is attachable to a trailing end of each form member to increase the versatility of the method.

Abstract: A control joint for forming and controlling concrete structures such as floors and tilt-up walls. The joint has a base and an upstanding web and is preferably extruded from plastic having a honeycomb cell structure. The honeycomb structure may include a metal reinforcing section extending within the structure along the length of the joint. The joint may be utilized to form various concrete structures such as sidewalks, pads and tilt-up walls.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form which can be constructed as a channel within a generally elongate mound of a naturally occurring material and thereafter permitting a top surface of the concrete mixture to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture.

Abstract: A ground cover with an improved resistance to degradation by freezing and thawing, a kit for the manufacture of the ground cover and a method for manufacturing such a ground cover. The ground cover has a plurality of molds each having a bottom wall and side walls. The molds have their bottom walls laying flat onto the ground and are positioned with their side walls in close adjacent relationship with respect to each other so as to fully cover the ground. Connectors of given flexibility extend through the side walls of pairs of adjacent molds in order to connect the molds to each other. A filling material is poured and hardened into said molds. The filling material acts as a covering. Once installed, the ground cover forms a network that can easily be adapted to floor surfaces of different shapes. The cover is prepared by attaching together similar units made from a kit consisting of the molds and the connectors of given flexibility.

Abstract: A control joint for forming and controlling concrete structures such as floors and tilt-up walls. The joint has a base and an upstanding web with an off-set section and is preferably extruded from plastic. In alternate embodiments, the joint has a base and a web with a removable top cap for forming a chamber or recess in the completed product. A reusable, reinforced form for structures such as stem walls is also disclosed which form can be cut at spaced-apart locations to the desired length.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form and permitting a top surface to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture to thereby form a first layer of the wall. In like manner, a second concrete mixture is poured on top of the first layer and a joint forming material is included.

Abstract: A yielding tie bar transfers load stress across a joint between adjacent concrete slabs, and accommodates internal movement of the slabs to reduce cracking. A combination of adjacent slabs have a cracking strength and comprise a plurality of such tie bars. A yieldable strip made of yieldable metal is welded to the bar and mounted near each end of the bar perpendicular to the bar axis. The strip has a predetermined yield strength (a) sufficient to restrain slab movement in a direction which opens the joint, and (b) yielding in the metal thereof to an extent that will prevent substantial cracking of the slabs. The bar is preferably rectangular and further comprises a resilient facing attached to at least one face to accommodate movement perpendicular to the facing. As preferred, the bar yield strength is sufficient to restrain slab movement at forces between the slabs below 80% of the slab cracking strength, and insufficient to restrain slab movement above at least 80% of the slab cracking strength.

Abstract: A concrete dowel slab joint system for maintaining adjacent sections of concrete in alignment during contraction and expansion of the concrete, and for transferring shear stresses and bending moments across a joint formed between adjacent concrete slabs. It includes a sleeve assembly for receiving and maintaining the dowel bar therewithin. In this is way, the dowel bar does not transmit substantial shear stresses to the concrete during the contraction and expansion of the concrete. The sleeve assembly comprises an elongate sleeve body having an outer surface and an inner surface, and defining a hollow interior compartment, (b) at least one closed end, and (c) at least one collapsible spacer member located within the hollow interior compartment. The collapsible spacer member engages and positions the dowel bar at a lateral distance from the inner surface of the elongate sleeve body and at a longitudinal distance from the closed end.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for creating tiling networks with geometrical and ornamental patterns and designs without using tile. The networks consist of units which may be manufactured in whatever patterns or designs that are desired. The network units are pre-manufactured to form the required ornamental pattern or design and may be assembled on site on a level surface. When assembled, a series of cavities are created. The cavities are divided by the walls of the network units. The top surface of the walls of the network units are an integral component of the pattern or design created. The cavities and the patterns formed by the top surfaces of the network units comprise the ornamental pattern or design. The cavities are filled with a material in order to make the ornamental surface relatively level. The cavities may be filled with materials of different colors to enhance the pattern or design.

Abstract: A stone-like coating is applied to architectural structures to closely simulate stonework both as to appearance and feel, the coating being applied in successive layers, with the outer surface of the coating being sculpted, configured or colored to imitate the appearance of stonework. The coating is provided by an aqueous composition comprising about one part by weight portland white cement, about 0.9 to 1.1 parts by weight white silica sand, about 1.8 to 2.2 parts by weight limestone sand, and about 0.9 to 1.1 parts by volume acrylic liquid solution. The aqueous composition is capable of being adhered to an exterior surface of a structure, and, upon curing, solidifies into a layer of stone-like composition exhibiting high compressive strength.

Abstract: A grid assembly, and method for use in manufacturing a grid reinforced concrete deck, including a plurality of longitudinally extending main beams in parallel spaced relation, each of the main beams having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots therein and a central flange thereon, a plurality of cross bars adapted to be inserted through the aligned slots and rotated into an upright position, a form pan extending between two adjacent main beams and having a first and a second side portion adapted to rest on the central flange of the two adjacent main beams, respectively, wherein the form pan includes at least a first ridge extending upwardly thereon, the first ridge having a height which enables a lower edge of the cross bars to come into contact therewith when in the upright position, wherein the contact causes a downward force on the first ridge which mechanically locks the form pan between the cross bars and the flange on the adjacent main beams.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for creating tiling networks with geometrical and ornamental patterns and designs without using tile. The networks consist of units which may be manufactured in whatever patterns or designs that are desired. The network units are pre-manufactured to form the required ornamental pattern or design and may be assembled on site on a level surface. When assembled, a series of cavities are created. The cavities are divided by the walls of the network units. The top surface of the walls of the network units are an integral component of the pattern or design created. The cavities and the patterns formed by the top surfaces of the network units comprise the ornamental pattern or design. The cavities are filled with a material in order to make the ornamental surface relatively level. The cavities may be filled with materials of different colors to enhance the pattern or design.

Abstract: An aggregate floor including terrazzo and the like and a method for forming the floor on a supporting surface, the floor including a layer of flexible compound applied to the surface, a reinforcement mesh positioned between divider strips and adjacent the compound and supporting a layer of compacted aggregate forming a substantially level surface. The divider strips are selectively positioned in desired configurations on the flexible compound layer to divide the mesh and aggregate into discreet and crack controlled sections. A mixture of composite cement, water and, in some cases, sand is applied to the surface of the aggregate layer in such a viscosity as to gravitate completely through the aggregate layer and make contact with the underlying layer of flexible compound. Such permeation fills and replaces the air pockets between the aggregate particles and deposits sufficient top coating on the surface of the aggregate to be polished to a finished surface.

Abstract: An overlay brick deck system (10) is provided which includes a base surface formed of slat members (20). A liquid pervious layer (24) is sandwiched between an upper surface (22) of slat members (20) and a lower rim surface (34) of brick or tile members (26). The brick or tile members (26) include a hollowed out under portion defining an internal chamber (32) which lessens the weight of individual brick or tile members (26) into an acceptable range for deck use purposes. Brick or tile members (26) are mounted adjacent each to the other and include recesses (36) at least partially filled with granulated composition (38). In this manner, there is provided an overlay brick deck system (10) which upon exposure to an external environment extends the useful working life of a deck over that of commercially available wooden deck systems.

Abstract: A one piece molded plastic sheet is glued to a floor surface and properly fastened. As many more molded sheets are added to the first in building a complete coverage over the surface. A loose grout material is placed over the molded sheet and into numerous shallow enclosures which consist of a network of raised ribbing that intersect to form a variety of shapes and patterns on the surface. The grout material is levelled off at the top of the raised ribbing so the rib top would appear to be the grout fill characteristic of conventional tile. As the tiles which were formed from the fill material is hardened it is bonded to the molded sheet by special entrapping designs in the mold that prohibit its release. The device serves to structurally support the subfloor by being bonded to the subfloor covering its surface with a strong plastic that supports the subfloors lateral movement.

Abstract: An invented composition for promoting the adhesion of adhesives, coatings and/or composites to proteinsceous substrates is disclosed comprising a water-miscible solvent; and an unsaturated caboxylic acid of the general formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is selected from CH.dbd.CH, C(CH.sub.3).dbd.C(CH.sub.3), C(CH.sub.3).dbd.CH, CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2, or CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 ; and R.sub.2 is selected from a terminally mono-, di-, tri-, or multi- unsaturated group. Methods of making the compound and methods of its use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for forming joints in a floor or pavement, generally made of concrete. The device includes a guide bar and assembling members, having oblique legs forming an inverted V. The summit of the inverted V has a part rising from it in the form of a crest with vertical sides and a horizontal edge. The guide bar has a profile with a lower part which has the shape of a two legged clamped-nail, each of the legs of the clamp-nail having on their internal side, at some distance down from the summit of the clamp-nail, a boss forming a locking means for holding together the guide bar and the assembling members when said guide bar is placed astride the crest of an assembling member.

Abstract: A roofing panel is provided comprising a layer of closed cell plastic foam and a layer of mortar. A reinforcing grid is disposed within the mortar layer.