Abstract: Metal and wood composites are used to create framing members (studs and tracks, joists and bands, rafters, headers and the like.) for lightweight construction. Metal is utilized for its high strength, resistance to rot and insects, cost stability, and potentially lower cost through recycling. Metal that can be used includes roll formed steel approximately 18-22 gauge. Wood is used primarily for its lower thermal conductivity, and availability. The metal components form the primary structure while wood, either solid or other engineered wood, provides some structure and a thermal break. The invention connects J-shaped or triangular shaped metal forms to wood sections. The metal flange ends can have various J, C, L, right triangular, triangular, T and straight line cross-sectional shapes. The wood is fastened to the metal by machine pressing of the metal to wood. Alternatively the fastening includes nails, staples, screws, and the like, and also by adhesive glue.

Abstract: A new Wall Construction System for providing a baseboard attachment system for masonry walls. The inventive device includes an elongated base member comprising an elongated bottom plate, an elongated setback sidewall extending upward from the elongated bottom plate, and an elongated top plate extending outward from the elongated setback sidewall. The elongated setback sidewall is orthogonally oriented relative to the elongated bottom plate and the elongated top plate whereby the elongated top plate parallels the elongated bottom plate in spaced relation. The elongated bottom plate, the elongated setback sidewall, and the elongated top plate form an elongated channel adapted for retaining an elongated wood member which defines a nailing strip for nailing of a molding thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a subfloor system for placement over a substrate. The subfloor consists of a base, a resilient pad, an upper member, and brackets. The resilient pad is positioned on the base, preferably within an elongated slot formed in the upper surface of the base. The upper member is operably connected to the top surface of the resilient pad. The upper member has a projection and two shoulders. The brackets have an upper and lower tab and are secured to the base and to the upper member. The lower tab is adapted to fit within the base and the upper tab rests on the corresponding shoulder of the upper member. When under load, the resilient pad compresses thereby causing the upper member to move towards the base. The brackets, however, limit vertical movement of the upper member relative to the base. The invention also includes a method of forming a resilient sports floor employing such a subfloor system.

Abstract: A combination C-shaped or U-shaped metal and composite construction stud for commercial and residential types of buildings. The stud may be made of various gauge galvanized structural or non-structural steel and has an insert made of softer material located at strategically placed points on the stud. Such softer materials may include wood, composite materials, plastic or fiberglass combinations. Pointed fastening devices such as nails and/or screws may then be used to fasten other structural components to the stud such as wall panels and other commonly used materials. Nails may be used at the blocking points of the stud and screws where there is no blocking.

Abstract: An improved wall stud utilized in framing structures, the wall stud including core elements and insulative materials enclosed within C-shaped frame members. The walls studs can be aligned and secured in a metal track mounted on the top and bottom ends of the wall studs. The wall studs provide good insulation, support, and easy access for the installation of electrical and plumbing equipment.

Abstract: A construction member for use in residential wall framing, floor joist systems and rafter system. The construction member comprises an elongate member having a longitudinal channel disposed therein, which is preferably comprised of sheet metal or other suitable material having similar characteristics. The elongate member has a C-shaped cross section adapted to receive and retain fastening blocks at respective ends of the channel. The blocks are shorter than the elongate member and are adapted to substantially fill the cross-sectional space of the channel. Preferably, the blocks are composed of wood or similar natural or synthetic material that can receive and hold conventional nails. The fastening blocks may receive nails driven through the upper and lower plates in a standard residential wall construction. End caps that attach to the ends of the elongate member are also provided so that a load beating surface abutting an elongate member is not damaged by the elongate member's end.

Abstract: A composite frame member that includes a longitudinally extending external member that defines a longitudinally extending internal cavity within which a longitudinally extending internal member is disposed. The internal member and external member, while being distinct components, are constructed and arranged to cooperate in a substantially synergistic fashion that seeks to provide a frame member having superior strength characteristics. Further, the internal member and the external member cooperate to define an accessible stapling channel that is capable of being readily stapled into. The external member includes walls that at least partially bound the internal cavity. The internal member is disposed within the internal cavity and defines the stapling channel, wherein the stapling channel receives a cover sheet and staples through an opening defined by the external member.

Abstract: A convertible top bow comprises an elongated U-shaped metal channel defining a trough bounded by a pair of spaced side walls interconnected at their bottom ends by a bottom wall. An elongated plastic tacking strip has a generally-trapezoidal main body received in the channel. The main body has an upper tacking surface for receiving staples to secure a fabric top to the bow. The tacking strip is secured to the channel by deforming the upper ends of the channel side walls inwardly to clinch the tacking strip body beneath the wings. The tacking strip has a pair of upwardly convex curved wings extending from the depressed upper tacking surface up and over the upper edges of the channel sides. This isolates the channel tops from engagement with the fabric cover and provides bearing surfaces for the fabric cover as it moves over the bow during top movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tilt-up concrete pad and the method or process for forming the tilt-up concrete pad and erecting a building comprised of a series of such tilt-up concrete pads. The precast concrete pad includes reinforcing rebar and embedded angled anchor plates that are secured to the embedded rebar and project therefrom where a portion of the angled anchor plates referred to as weld pads lie flush with the backside of the precast concrete pad. The respective precast concrete pads are placed around a foundation and are connected together by a series of connecting bars that are welded or secured on opposite ends to respective weld pads exposed on the back side of adjacently disposed concrete pads. The present disclosure also shows a work station used for pouring and manufacturing the concrete pads that form the present invention.

Abstract: A shaped, water-expandable water-sealing article used for sealing an area between a first section of at least partially cured concrete and a second, adjacent section of substantially uncured concrete. The clay water sealing article is in the shape of a quadrilateral, preferably a trapezoid, and is disposed to bridge an area between the two sections of concrete. Upon hydration of the clay contained within the shaped water sealing article, expansion of the clay creates expansion forces extending from a corner of the article that is surrounded by the uncured concrete, wherein the corner has an included angle greater than 90.degree., preferably at least 100.degree.. The expansion force developed by the expansion of the shaped water sealing article are absorbed by a substantially increased area of the uncured concrete as compared to expansion forces resulting from a clay-based water seal having a 90.degree. included angle at the corner(s) surrounded by the uncured concrete.

Abstract: Interlocking concrete form modules (21) suitable for creating a concrete wall form is disclosed. The modules (21) have the general shape of a right rectangular parallelepiped with parallel side walls (23a, 23b) joined by integral webs (25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 27c) that define a plurality of parallel elongate cavities (31). The edges of the side walls (23a, 23b) include tongues (33a, 33b) and grooves (35a, 35b) that allow the modules (21) to be interlocked to form a wall. The ends of the webs are undercut such that cavities between the modules are created when the modules are suitably interlocked. The between-the-module cavities lie orthogonal to the through-the-module cavities. The modules (21) are formed of an insulating material and left in place. Preferably, the tongues along one edge include notches aligned with the webs. In one embodiment, the modules (21) substantially entirely are formed of relatively dense (3-5 lb./ft..sup.3) expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Abstract: Metal studs to replace vertical wood studs for use in the framing of walls of partitions. The ends of the metal studs are configured to allow convenient and rapid use by carpenters in the same manner that wood studs are used in assembling the frame for partitions, walls or sections thereof, and without any need for additional training of or new tools for the carpenters. The unique configuration having a flange or leg on both ends of only one side of the metal studs, allowing the interior surface of the flanges to conveniently interconnect with the respective vertical surface of the top (ceiling) and bottom (floor) wood plates. Each end of the central portion of the stud has a flange to interface with the exposed horizontal surface of top and bottom wood plates. This unique configuration allows the metal studs to be attached conveniently and inexpensively, by nailing to the top and bottom wood plates.

Abstract: A prefabricated sleeper reduces labor costs associated with installing an anchored, resilient hardwood floor system. The prefabricated sleeper includes an elongated channel, pads located along the channel and an elongated nailing strip supported on the pads within the channel. A plurality of vertical access holes extend through the nailing strip. The pads are removed laterally from the access holes. The access holes enable a fastening gun to be inserted therein and into direct contact with the bottom of the channel to facilitate driving of fasteners through the bottom of the channel and directly into a base below. This prefabricated sleeper is formed by milling an elongated wooden strip to a desired T-shape and then drilling access holes therethrough. Pads are then stapled to the enlarged end of the T-shape, away from the access holes. An elongated sheet of steel is then rolled around the pads and the sides of the nailing strip to form a C-shaped channel thereabout.

Abstract: A roof mounting curb which may have its sides formed with hinge ears and hinge pin inserted into the ears to secure the curb sides to each other. Slots are provided in the curb sides and may be provided in the duct supports to position the duct supports.

Abstract: A structural member having a elongated front panel with lateral ends. Side panels extend generally perpendicularly from the front panel at each of the lateral ends; each of the side panels has a generally Z-shaped portion, a first flange at the end of each side panel extending toward the other side panel generally parallel to said front panel, and a second flange at the end of the first flange generally perpendicular thereto extending away from the front panel. Adjacent cooperating structural members are nestable with each other at the Z-shaped portions thereof with the first and second flanges of nested side panels cooperating to form a receptacle for a stud or joist to form a wall or a floor/ceiling combination for a rapidly constructed pre-fabricated structure.

Abstract: A unitary blind locking device for prefabricated structure construction configured into a substantially rectangular shape for securely binding together pairs of suitable similar and/or dissimilar construction materials of similar and/or dissimilar thicknesses. It has a plurality of legs with end parts that are to be used for gripping the construction parts firmly together by means of the cleats or teeth punched out of an interfitting plate that is part of the lock itself and, for anchoring purposes, said lock being fabricated in various shapes and sizes and with accompanying wall lifting straps to meet the demands of workmen at the permanent construction site so as not to hamper their vision while erecting the permanent structure and also to allow the construction at the prefabrication site to proceed smoothly.

Abstract: A sleeper is disclosed comprising a guideway, a resilient strip, a nailing bed and a spring. The guideway is an elongated channel of C-shaped cross-section with three fully closed faces and a partially open face. A plurality of the guideways are fastened to the floor base and the resilient strips placed in the bottom of the guideways. The nailing bed is an elongated wooden element with an elongated protrusion. The nailing bed defines an inverted T-shaped cross-section and is placed in each guideway above the resilient strip. The protrusion of the nailing bed extends through the partially open face for attachment to the flooring material. The nailing bed is shorter than the guideway to leave sufficient room within the guideway at at least one end of the guideway for the spring. The spring is inserted with one end against the end of the nailing bed. The spring is then compressed and a stop inserted through the guideway to maintain the spring in the compressed condition.

Abstract: A rail (1) of U-shaped section is used as a casing for a bar of wood. The rail has barbs on the inner walls and ribs (4, 3) at the bottom. Tracks extend on the underside of the rail, the said tracks matching tracks on the mountings (2). The rail also has a horizontal support shelf on its outer side. The rail with bars of wood are secured with the aid of the mountings on an underfloor damaged by moisture whereas a material serving to isolate the underfloor is located on the shelves. The said material rests on two support shelves (5) pertaining to the rails and situated at some distance from one another. It is also possible for an insulating material to be placed on top of the isolating material (12, 14). A new flooring material is now fixed on top of the bars. At this stage the space between the underfloor and the isolating material brought about in this way is ventilated naturally or by force. The same method can be used to prevent radon rising through the underfloor from penetrating the premises above.

Abstract: A flanged beam with a web structure formed of a wire or strip-like member (2) bent to zigzag, meander or wave configuration, the bending spots (3) thereof being attached to the flanges (1). The specific feature of a beam performed according to the invention is that at least one flange (1) incorporates a flange section extending alongside this flange. The flange section, which is made of another material than the rest of the flange, is embedded in the flange and is cast to form a unit with it and with the bending spots (3) of the wire or strip-like member (2) which spots are connected with the flange.

Abstract: A fire protective system and method for a support structure such as a truss having top and bottom chord members, web members extending between the top and bottom chord members and connector plates for connecting the respective ends of the web members to the top and bottom chord members. Fire protection is provided by an elongated metal member having a base portion and a pair of flanges projecting upwardly from the base portion to form a channel. The bottom chord member is received within the channel so that the flanges extend at least partially upwardly along respective opposite sides of the bottom chord member and are in contact therewith. The web members are preferably comprised of V-shaped metal webs having a central toothed connector plate, a pair of elongated arms diverging outwardly from the central connector plate and a pair of toothed connector plates integrally formed on respective ends of the arms opposite the central connector plate.

Abstract: Structural members for building systems include plastic base members having side flanges connected by a central web. For use at floor level at the perimeter of the building, a base member includes a series of openings spaced longitudinally along one flange to receive tubular members that span the building interior. Base members for use inwardly of the building perimeter include aligned openings in both flanges to permit the tubular members to extend through. Upright members also include side flanges and a central connecting web. Further inner flanges integral with the connecting web are spaced slightly from the side flanges and define slots running along the length of the member to receive edges of panels forming opposite surfaces of a wall. The inner flanges are shorter in length than the side flanges so that the upper ends of the upright members can receive a spanning element that runs from one upright member to the next.

Abstract: A building panel includes a main body having flanges extending from lateral edges and configured to have a portion in abutting, interconnected relation when two panels are in assembled relation and the remainder defining a slot for receipt of standard building studs. The panel is configured to fit between adjacent studs having standard sixteen-inch spacing so that a building structure can be formed using one type of panel and accompanying components which can be assembled without special tools.

Abstract: Soffits for interior construction purposes are preformed from U-shaped foam material having inset furring strips for attaching the soffits to walls and/or ceilings and, in some cases, for also hanging cabinets from the soffits. The preformed soffits are brought to the job site, quickly cut to length, fastened and/or glued in place, and then covered with plasterboard before the cabinets are mounted below.

Abstract: The beam disclosed has a bulky wooden top flange, an extruded aluminum bottom flange, and a plywood web. The web is tailed-in to the two flanges to form a unitary whole. The structure takes advantage of the rigidity of wood under compression and the strength of a slim extruded section of aluminum under tension.

Abstract: A structural member composed of two separate conformations, when joined together form a rectangular column with three separate compartments.

Abstract: A fastener strip is provided which is utilized in a building wall construction comprising sheets of foamed plastic such as polystyrene affixed to a concrete wall and covered by panels of gypsum or the like. The fastener strips are positioned over the foamed sheeting and assist in nailing the sheeting to the wall. The cover panels are screwed to the fastener strips. The fastener strips comprises a relatively thin, generally planar strip of material which includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs therein to provide strengthening of the strip and a series of teeth cut out of the body of the strip for engaging the foamed sheeting so as to hold the strip in the appropriate position for nailing. The teeth are formed simultaneously with rolling of the fastener strip from a roll-forming machine.

Abstract: A prefabricated gazebo having a floor assembly formed from a plurality of lengths of a structural supporting material secured together in polygonal formation and provided with joist members and joist support members secured to the polygon formation to support a deck material. A wall assembly is formed from a plurality of wall sections, each of which may be constructed in an arch formation, one such section being secured to each of the plurality of lengths of structural supporting material. Each wall section is also secured to the two adjacent wall sections. One wall section is adapted to serve as an entrance to the gazebo. A roof assembly is formed from a plurality of identical roof sections, one such section being secured to the center of the arch of each wall section, and also secured to the two adjacent roof sections.

Abstract: An elongate metal furring strip for an insulation system for attaching cellular insulation to a masonary wall having the strip formed in a general U-configuration. The metal strip has an integral spacer so a fastening portion of the strip is elevated above the surface of the insulation sheet providing for a dead air space when a finishing panel is attached to the strip. In the preferred embodiment, the spacer comprises a filler of insulative material extending between the legs of the strip.

Abstract: In the support of a concrete form panel, an elongate beam, acting as a waler, is employed that is in the general cross-sectional shape of an I-beam having an outwardly opening pocket extending along one edge to retain a nailer for securing the beam to the form panel and a Y-shaped segment extending along the opposite beam edge. The Y-shaped segment is formed by legs which are parallel for one length thereof to define an outwardly opening cavity there between and then the legs diverge outwardly for a second length with oppositely directed flanges extending from the outer ends of the diverging second length of the legs. A bracket having a flat portion inserted into the beam cavity is secured in the cavity and has a tubular portion connected to the flat portion, the tubular portion accommodating a fastening element therewithin to fasten the bracket to a stiffener member, preferrably provided by spaced outwardly facing channels with the bracket tubular portion disposed between the channel webs.

Abstract: A floor system for a trailer or the like comprising a plurality of elongate sheet metal floor panels extending side-by-side lengthwise of the trailer on beams extending transversely of the trailer. Each of the metal floor panels comprises upper and lower panel members, the upper member being in the form of a shallow inverted channel, comprising a relatively wide web member, a pair of relatively narrow flanges extending down from the web member at opposite sides of the web member, and a pair of fastening lips extending laterally outwardly from the flanges at the lower edges of the flanges and bearing on the beams of the trailer. The elongate metal floor panels are mounted on the beams one alongside another with the fastening lips at adjacent sides of adjacent floor panels defining, in conjunction with the opposing flanges extending up from the fastening lips, upwardly opening generally rectangular recesses extending longitudinally of the trailer between adjacent floor panels.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the type of joist having an upper chord in the form of an inverted top-hat channel into which an insert is forced. The inner faces of the side walls of the channel converge towards one another at the top of the channel and the width of the bottom of the channel is greater than the width of the bottom of the insert.

Abstract: A concrete forming structure is provided wherein a pair of substantially parallel trusses have a plurality of beam members placed transversely across their upper end with a substantially planar upper deck secured to the upper edges of the beams. Each beam has an upper portion which comprises an open, inverted top hat section into which a wooden joist member may be forced and graspingly secured in snug manner. Panels, such as plywood, which are usually used for concrete forming, may be nailed or screwed to the concrete forming structure at the wooden joists engaged in the open top hat sections of the beams. The deflection resistance of a beam having a wooden joist graspingly and snugly secured therein is improved over that of an I-beam having a similar metal cross-section.

Abstract: Concrete forming structures are provided particularly for use as horizontal floor forms or vertical wall forms. All such forms have a plurality of beam members placed across and secured to additional structural members such as trusses or stiffeners. Each beam is usually formed of extruded aluminum, and has an upper portion which has an open section in which an independent beam stiffening joist member may be secured. Sheeting, such as plywood panels which are usually used for concrete forming, may be nailed or screwed to a concrete forming structure at the independent beam stiffening joist members, which are usually wood. The deflection resistance of a beam having a wooden beam stiffening joist member secured in its upper portion is improved over that of a standard I-beam having an equal cross-sectional area of the same metal.

Abstract: A joist structure having a configuration useful for constructing concrete-forming structures. The joist is comprised of an upwardly opening channel and an oppositely facing downwardly opening keyhole-shaped channel. The joist is an extruded elongate member having the respective channel end walls abutting each other. The upwardly facing channel has a generally rectangular form with the side walls being considerably wider than the end walls to accommodate standard wooden beam sizes, such as a 2 .times. 4. The downwardly facing channel, somewhat narrower and shorter than the upwardly facing channel, has a keyhole shape which considerably increases the compressive and torsion strength of the overall joist. The keyhole shape also accommodates keyhole-shaped inserts for strengthening the joist at high stress points, such as bearing surfaces and the mid-point between spans. The keyhole-shaped inserts can be provided in varying lengths according to the need and can incorporate mounting holes for the joist.

Abstract: A device to facilitate use of scaffolding during construction of wood frame buildings by using a light-weight metal channel attached to and encasing occasional studs. Brackets hook into the channels at various desired heights, supporting planks which provide the working surface. At outside corners, one bracket hooks into the side of another at right angles to provide a scaffold in both directions from the corner using but one vertical channel. Channels are left in place and covered up as the siding is applied.

Abstract: In "flying forms" having a plurality of trusses -- usually two -- with a plurality of beams placed across the trusses and a deck placed on the beams, an extension leg for the truss is provided so that the working height of the truss may be nearly twice its flying height. The extension leg replaces a truss upright, and mounts using the same bolting arrangement therefor. The leg comprises inner and outer legs, where the outer leg is secured to the top and bottom chords of the truss, and the inner leg is telescopically engaged within the outer leg. The shape of the inner leg is such as to accommodate the bolts which secure the outer leg to the truss chords. Holes are formed in the inner and outer legs with predetermined spacings, and pairs of pins are used to lock the inner leg in any desired position with respect to the outer leg at substantially the desired height.

Abstract: A nailable door post for a freight car in which the post comprises a pair of upright metal members which tightly embrace a wooden nailing strip which is held captive between a transverse wall of the outer member and a transverse offset portion in a longitudinal wall of the inner member, the post being flanked on its inner and outer sides by the longitudinal walls of the inner and outer members, the longitudinal wall of the inner member being provided with nail holes aligned with the wooden strip.The strip is held along the edge of the post remote from the door edge and there being a hollow in the post structure between the door edge and the wooden strip so that if the metal members are distorted, if struck by a heavy object, the strip will remain intact. The offset in the inner member longitudinal wall provides a pocket in which is secured a vertical lading strap anchor disposed in non-obstructing position inwardly of the plane of the inner side of the side wall of the freight car.

Abstract: A sheet metal wall stud having a shape and dimensions corresponding substantially to wood studs and a cross-sectional configuration providing for rigidity and dimensional stability. A wall system employing such a stud wherein top and bottom plates of conventional lumber are employed and a strip of particle board is interposed between the ends of the metal stud and the surfaces of the plates. The ends of the stud are formed to penetrate the surface of the particle board to afford positional stability for the stud and the stud is provided with nailing extensions to attach the stud at its ends to the top and bottom plates. Wood blocks installed at the ends of the stud transmit the bearing force between the plates and the stud, and the stud is provided with improved knock-outs for the passage of utility lines therethrough. Improved nails for securing wall panels, such as gypsum board, to the studs are provided.