Abstract: A portable modular building structure that includes a plurality of sections assembled adjacent one another. The sections include molded fiberboard panels, that optionally include interior plenums. In an embodiment, each panel has an upwardly curving profile, and mirror-image sections are attached to one another via a fastener, that may include tape or other mechanical fastener. The sections are positioned end to end, with the number of sections determining the overall length of the structure. An optional end section of the structure may include wedge shaped sections positioned end to end, forming a curved end.

Abstract: Novel devices, systems, and methods for providing exterior flooring that can be installed over existing exterior surfaces, such as surfaces of an outdoor deck, are provided herein. In some aspects, a joint device or joint member for an exterior floor covering can include a body portion and at least one tongue portion extending from the body portion. The joint device can be adapted to connect adjacent floor panels and secure the floor panels to an underlying surface. The joint device can, but is not required to pass liquid therebetween. The joint device and adjacent floor panels can be made of water resistant materials. The joint device can further include an optional opening adapted to receive an attachment member for attaching portions of the joint member to an underlying surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a threshold mat that provides a covering over the sill or threshold of an entryway. The device comprises a thickened interior layer sandwiched between an upper and lower covering, whereby the device is positioned over a threshold and connected to the ground surface and the threshold itself using a line of connection along the underside ends of the mat. This secures the mat against the threshold to prevent a tripping hazard, while providing a padded surface for children to crawl over the threshold. An embodiment of the mat contemplates the ability to size the mat to a particular threshold width by detaching removable outer portions that remove excess material. The mat construction is one of a thickened interior layer sandwiched between water proof outer material for exterior door use.

Abstract: A module rail for a photovoltaic system includes a module-supporting surface, and upper portion, and opposing vertical sidewalls. A first set of openings are spaced apart from one another along the length of the rail. Each of the openings in the first set extend through the upper portion for receiving a first set of fasteners for use in securing at least one photovoltaic module to the module rail. A second set of openings are spaced apart from one another along the length of the rail. Each of the openings in the second set extending through at least one of the module-supporting surface and one of the sidewalls for receiving a second set of fasteners for use in securing at least one photovoltaic module to the module rail.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel thermoplastic profile roofing strip and an apparatus for welding the thermoplastic profile roofing strip to a thermoplastic roofing membrane.

Abstract: A roof membrane is disclosed, for use in simulating a standing seam metal roof when applied to a roof surface and a roof system is also provided, that employs the roof membrane, disposed between longitudinal, but spaced-apart, generally parallel roof battens. Underlayments of various constructions are also provided, beneath the membrane, as an option. Caps are provided for upstanding legs of the roof battens.

Abstract: A caisson system having an attachment plate fastened to ceiling joists; compressible spacers to allow for the attachment plate to be perfectly straight; caisson frames consisting of a combination of a pair of length planks and a pair of width planks to create a generally rectangular structure; length cover planks and width cover planks, along with tiles to finish the caisson frames.

Abstract: A roof membrane is disclosed, for use in simulating a standing seam metal roof when applied to a roof surface and a roof system is also provided, that employs the roof membrane, disposed between longitudinal, but spaced-apart, generally parallel roof battens. Underlayments of various constructions are also provided, beneath the membrane, as an option. Caps are provided for upstanding legs of the roof battens.

Abstract: A pan tile for use in a roofing system, wherein a plurality of such pan tiles are disposed in confronting, supported relation on an underlying roof support and in underlying, at least partially supporting relation to plurality of overlapping, exteriorly exposed roof tiles, wherein the pan tiles may be structured individually or integrally in longitudinal arrays. The pan tile includes a planar base and two oppositely disposed planar side segments extending outwardly from opposite peripheries of said base at a common, preferred obtuse angle. Leading and trailing ends of pan tiles have a greater and lesser transverse dimension respectively, wherein the side segments or oriented in a converging configuration extending from the leading end to the trailing end of the pan tile. Solar energy systems may also be incorporated in the individual pan tiles and/or the longitudinal arrays thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive strip for the bonding of sheeting in the area of a building envelope, with a carrier material and an adhesive coating arranged on the carrier material, wherein the adhesive strip is vapor permeable with a diffusion resistance with an sd value of ?12 m and the carrier material can elongate elastically with a difference value between the percentage of total elongation under loading ?g and the percentage of permanent elongation after loading ?b in the range of 6-80. The invention also relates to the use of such an adhesive strip for the bonding of sheeting in the outer area in house construction.

Abstract: A panel attachment system (10) comprising a plurality of covering panels (12), a plurality of retaining members (16) to hold the panels (12), and a plurality of mounting structures (18) to secure the retaining members (16) to a surface (20). The panels (12) are held to the retaining members (16) through the use of protruding locking members (32) formed on the panels (12) which interlock with a slot (48) formed on the retaining member (16). The panels (12) may be coupled to the retaining members (16) without the need for precise alignment, thereby expediting the installation of the surface (20). The retaining members (16) additionally contain a drainage channel (50) to carry water and other debris away from the surface (20).

Abstract: A butt joint assembles side panels of a side wall of a trailer to the base rail of the trailer. The butt joint positions the side panels over the base rail and vertically aligns the outer surfaces of the side panels and the base rail, which provides for an improved trailer side wall.

Abstract: Structural connections between foam cored composite panels are formed using structural bonding tape. The structural bonding tape includes a structural adhesive layer and a reinforcement fabric of fibers at least partially embedded within the layer of adhesive. The structural adhesive is cured upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A glazing panel system is provided using retention clips formed of folded sheet metal having a top flange for engaging and retaining a pair of glazing panel ends against uplift forces generated by high velocity winds flowing across the glazing panels. The preferred one piece retention clip has a two ply central web which is formed on the retention clip to be positioned at a seam between adjacent glazing panels and these plies may be welded together to increase the strength of the central web. This top flange is strengthened to resist bending of its right or left flange section by raised portions extending normal to the fold lines that join the respective top flange sections to the top of the central web. The preferred retention clip also is formed with spot welds to join the two plies of the central web.

Abstract: A pan tile for use in a roofing system, wherein a plurality of such pan tiles are disposed in confronting, supported relation on an underlying roof support and in underlying, at least partially supporting relation to plurality of overlapping, exteriorly exposed roof tiles. The pan tile includes a planar base and two oppositely disposed planar side segments extending outwardly from opposite peripheries of said base at a common, preferred obtuse angle. Leading and trailing ends of pan tiles have a greater and lesser transverse dimension respectively, wherein the side segments or oriented in a converging configuration extending from the leading end to the trailing end of the pan tile.

Abstract: A device is described for the frontal termination of a floating-laid floor covering (3) having a terminus profile (4) and having a fastener fitting (5) for the terminus profile (4) resting on a subfloor (2). To provide advantageous design conditions, it is suggested that the fastener fitting (5) be connected in a shear-resistant manner to the floor covering (3) and have a rest (8) for the terminus profile (4) butt-jointed on the front face (1) of the floor covering (3).

Abstract: A glazing panel system is provided with improved glazing panels, retention clips and/or U-shaped connectors. The retention clip may engage the glazing panels at locations lower than top ends of the upstanding seam flanges. In one embodiment, an internal U-shaped connector is positioned to engage the seam flanges while an external U-shaped connector covers the internal connector and the seam between adjacent glazing panels. The retention clips may be formed with an upper transverse portion that is movable relative to the base portion of the clip to accommodate panel expansion and contraction. Also, a thicker plate or portion may be provided at a top flange for the retention clip to provide increased resistance to uplift loads trying to bend the flange.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for mounting a flexible material, such as a web of photovoltaic material, onto a surface, such as a roof. The system and method comprises providing a first and a second elongated web of flexible material and disposing the first and second webs on the surface in a longitudinally aligned relationship with one another, wherein a first edge of said first web abuts a first edge of said second web to form a longitudinal engagement point to produce a substantially triangular shape. At least one clamping strip is secured onto the longitudinal engagement point, wherein the clamping strip(s) is adapted to secure the longitudinal engagement point in a stable position for the length of the web. At least one batten cap is clamped onto the clamping strip(s), wherein the batten cap(s) is adapted to secure the clamping strips.

Abstract: A panel attachment system (10) comprising a plurality of covering panels (12), a plurality of retaining members (16) to hold the panels (12), and a plurality of mounting structures (18) to secure the retaining members (16) to a surface (20). The panels (12) are held to the retaining members (16) through the use of protruding locking members (32) formed on the panels (12) which interlock with a slot (48) formed on the retaining member (16). The panels (12) may be coupled to the retaining members (16) without the need for precise alignment, thereby expediting the installation of the surface (20). The retaining members (16) additionally contain a drainage channel (50) to carry water and other debris away from the surface (20).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are caulkless panelized wall systems and methods for their construction, wherein the wall systems have elastomeric joints that are resistant to cracking. Building panels are fastened to a frame with the edges adjacent to each other. No caulk is applied to the seam between the building panels. A backing material is applied over the seam between the panels and the wall is then finished with an elastomeric finish.

Abstract: A conservatory framework has an eaves structure from which the roof is supported, at least one comer and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure being two connector parts which are angularly adjustable relative to one another. The first and second elongate frame members, e.g. a hip bar and jack rafter, are coupled together in angular relation relative to one another by a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement includes a plate with an upstanding pivot post, a channel associated with and extending longitudinally of the first frame member for receiving the plate and maintaining it captive against separation from the first member in a direction generally transverse to its elongation, and an arm adapted to be coupled to the pivot post and to the second frame member. A roofing structure has a support structure, e.g.

Abstract: Described herein is a curtain wall system for multi-story buildings that is highly resistant to the damage caused by multidirectional swaying motions in building frames during an earthquake. In a conventional curtain wall system, each story is connected structurally to the stories above and/or below it. Earthquake-induced swaying motions of the building frame cause significant load transfers from story to story and cause such a conventional curtain wall system to be susceptible to earthquake damage. Not only does this damage necessitate expensive repairs, but serious threats to life safety are imposed when debris falls from a damaged wall system. In contrast, each story of the earthquake-immune curtain wall system is structurally isolated (i.e., decoupled) from adjacent stories, which produces the beneficial effects of minimizing wall system damage and the attendant risks of falling debris (in the forms of broken glass, stone, concrete, etc.) during an earthquake.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the joints, using a unified protective joint cap, of jointed building panel systems having a plurality of building panels. The unified sealing member is applied on top of the jointing means of the panel system wherein no modifications or alternations of the jointing means is required. As such, the protective joint cap may be applied directly to a jointing system in need of repair without the requirement of resealing the jointing system. Furthermore, the protective joint cap does not require an anchoring means to be installed prior to application. The protective joint cap further preferably contains an incorporated extrusion suitable for maintaining a bead of liquified elastomeric sealant, such as RTV, which may be applied prior to the sealing member's installation.

Abstract: An expansion joint cover (10) broadly comprises a cover plate (38) to cover an expansion joint (12) between a first and second surface (14,16), an anchor assembly (40) to secure the plate (38) to the first surface (14), an insert (46) to protect the second surface (16), and one or more resilient bushings (48) to isolate the plate (38) from the anchor assembly (40). Under adverse conditions, such as during seismic events, the surfaces (14,16) may move significantly with respect to one another, thereby causing the plate (38) to slide over the second surface (16) and the insert (46) and deform the bushings (48). Thus, the flexibility of the plate (38), the durability of the insert (46), and the resilience of the bushings (48) all cooperate to allow the cover (10) to minimize stresses otherwise transferred to the anchor assembly (40).

Abstract: A roof panel (20) for a sun room has a polystyrene foam core (40) and two aluminum covers (42) and (44) adhered to the top (41) and bottom (43) of the foam core. At least one groove (46) is cut into the foam core and a rib (56) is laterally fitted into the groove. The rib has its minor axis vertically oriented and its major axis running longitudinally with or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the panel to provide significant increase in strength to the panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for transitioning between a first floor covering and a second floor covering wherein the transition device includes an elongated core and a covering. The elongated core has a top, a bottom, opposing sides and opposing ends. The covering is attached to the elongated core and covers the top and opposing sides of the elongated core. The present invention also provides method for manufacturing the transition device. In addition, the present invention provides a system having an elongated core and a covering as described above. A first floor covering is attached to the floor and abuts one side of the transition device. Similarly, a second floor covering is attached to the floor and abuts the other side of the transition device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the joints, using a unified protective joint cap, of jointed building panel systems having a plurality of building panels. The unified sealing member is applied on top of the jointing means of the panel system wherein no modifications or alternations of the jointing means is required. As such, the protective joint cap may be applied directly to a jointing system in need of repair without the requirement of resealing the jointing system. Furthermore, the protective joint cap does not require an anchoring means to be installed prior to application. The protective joint cap further preferably contains an incorporated extrusion suitable for maintaining a bead of liquified elastomeric sealant, such as RTV, which may be applied prior to the sealing member's installation.

Abstract: The invention is a covering for a suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is particularly suited to be retrofitable onto an installed suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is preferably a plastic cup that can be snap fit onto the main runners or cross-tees of the installed suspended ceiling grid system, and the covering includes an elongate body having an opposed flange and lip which facilitate easy assembly and disassembly from a suspended ceiling grid system. The elongate body of the covering may be planar or non-planar. The covering may also have notches defined in the flange and lip in a suitable arrangement.

Abstract: A roof radiating assembly has a pair of radiating plates, a pair of positioning blocks, and a cover plate. Each radiating plate has a plurality of corrugations, a pair of right-angled edges, a pair of straight plates, a pair of curved edges, and a pair of bevel ends. Each positioning block has a transverse bar, a longitudinal plate disposed on the transverse bar, two arm bars extending from the longitudinal plate, two end protrusions connected to the arm bars, and two curved recesses and two insertion slots defined by the longitudinal plate and the arm bars. Each insertion slot receives the corresponding bevel end of the radiating plate. The transverse bar is disposed on a hollow beam. A screw fastens the transverse bar and the hollow beam together. The cover plate covers the positioning blocks.

Abstract: A construction block cap is used to cap the open end of a construction block in order to provide a generally air tight and water tight seal of the open end. The construction block cap has a body member with a top surface and a bottom surface and a raised portion extending upwardly from the top surface in spaced apart fashion with respect to the outer periphery of the body member. The body member is positioned so that the top surface rests on the edges of the open end and the outer surface of the raised portion abuts the interior surfaces of the faces and two of the side edges of the construction block. A channel can be located on the top surface on order to hold a desiccant tube. The bottom surface has a connection system to connect to a frame member, the connection system being either male or female in nature.

Abstract: A system for roofing a substructure has a plurality of roof panels, a plurality of support members and a plurality of cap members. The roof panels each have a horizontal channel section bounded on a pair of opposing side edges by side flanges, with an upper end of each side flange bent to provide a groove opening outwardly laterally from the panel. The support members each have a pair of oppositely extending base flanges and a pair of oppositely extending top flanges, the base flanges and top flanges being positioned along a vertical web member. The top flanges are adapted to be received in the groove of one of a pair of adjacent roof panels and one of the base flanges of each support member is adapted to fasten the support member to the substructure. The cap members have side walls to retain the top flanges in the grooves without fastening the roof panel to the support member, thereby allowing some relative movement upon deflection of the roof panel.

Abstract: A light transmitting panel of the type for connecting within a metal roofing system is provided. The light transmitting panel includes a translucent panel, a metal panel and a linear coefficient buffer therebetween to allow the respective panels to expand and contract with respect to the other without loss of containment or seal. The light transmitting panel is formed so as to substantially match the configuration and the strength characteristics of the roofing system into which it is installed.

Abstract: A covering for a suspended ceiling grid system particularly suited to be retrofitable onto an installed suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is preferably a plastic cap that can be snap fit onto the main runners of cross-tees of the installed suspended ceiling grid system, and the covering includes an elongate body having an opposed flange and lip which facilitate easy assembly and disassembly from a suspended ceiling grid system. The elongate body of the covering may be planar or non-planar.

Abstract: Cladding for a domed structure bridges gaps between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding preferably utilizes adjustable cladding panels and bridges to bridge the gap between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding is particularly suited for doubly curved surfaces.

Abstract: An insulating structure comprises a board of insulating material having two major surfaces, two side edges and top and bottom edges, and facing sheets on each of the major surfaces, and a generally rectangular closure strip having two equal and integral side portions. One side portion is bonded to one of the facing sheets and extends over said facing sheet from the top edge to the bottom edge and inwardly a short distance from one of the side edges of the board. The other side portion extends outwardly away from the board a short distance from said side edge. A plurality of the insulating structures are positioned in abutting relationship to form an insulating envelope covering a wall or roof of a building.

Abstract: Roof members of the present invention are those fixed to the roof, each roof member being a combination solar cell and roof member having a solar cell element and a metal reinforcing member, wherein a metal member is provided below the combination solar cell and roof member or a metal member is provided along an adjacent portion between adjacent combination solar cell and roof members, wherein the metal member is electrically conductive to metal reinforcing members of plural combination solar cell and roof members and wherein the metal member is electrically grounded. Provided based on this structure are the roof members easy to install and excellent in the external view and electric safety.

Abstract: A drywall reveal and retaining clip for assuring proper alignment of abutting drywall reveal sections. The retaining clip comprises a generally U-shaped channel that engages the rear of two abutting ends of similarly shaped drywall reveal and by engagement of longitudinal ribs on the retaining clip with mating longitudinal channels on the drywall reveal provides a joint that aligns the abutting drywall reveal ends and inhibits any relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A demountable wall system that is adapted to be interposed between a floor and ceiling structure and including a series of wall panels that include a continuous and seamless wall covering. More particularly, the demountable wall system includes a floor railing disposed adjacent to the floor structure and a ceiling railing detachably connected to the ceiling structure. Longitudinally spaced between the ceiling and floor railings are a series of upright wall studs. Secured generally between the ceiling and floor railings and connected to the wall studs is a series of wall panels that are disposed edge to edge to form a continuous wall along one or both sides of the demountable wall system. Each wall panel includes a face area and there is applied to the central portion of the face area a wall covering. However, this pre-applied wall covering is not applied to the entire face. Outer areas on each side of the pre-applied wall covering are left uncovered.

Abstract: A deck system including cooperating plastic planks, fastener covers and end caps. Each of the plastic planks has at least one channel in the upper surfaces which extends the length of the plank. Each channel includes at least one pair of opposed ledges. Each fastener cover is configured for insertion into one of the channels. The fastener cover is an elongate member having an upper face portion and a pair of legs downwardly depending from the upper face portion and extending substantially the entire length thereof. The fastener cover includes a pair of upper laterally projecting flanges and a pair of lower laterally projecting flanges. When a fastener cover is inserted into a channel, the pairs of upper and lower flanges receive the at least one pair of ledges with a gap sufficient to accommodate displacement of the fastener cover arising from ice expansion in the channel.

Abstract: A high performance light transmissive glazing panel system is provided such as for overhead roof constructions which has a wind load resistance on the order of 330 psf. The glazing panels are supported on a framework of purlins and rafters and include upstanding seam flanges for connecting adjacent panels together with a batten joining connector. Retention clips are secured to the purlins with each having a central web extending between the seam flanges and elongated top flanges which abut the tops of the seam flanges over a distance that is equal to or greater than the transverse width of the purlin for improved holding power. The preferred clip is an integral extrusion and can take on a variety of forms in accordance with the invention. In each form, the clip top flange extends continuously from one side of the web to the other so as to be resistant to being bent upward on either side of the web.

Abstract: A building structure, as for a conservatory roof, in which hollow building panels of a plastic material are connected side-by-side by upper and lower coupling members, between adjacent building panels. The coupling members receive aluminum reinforcing beams having longitudinal slots, in which the lower coupling members are held together. Each building panel has an integral cap, which covers the upper coupling members of two adjacent building panels for holding the adjacent building panels together while such a reinforcing beam is slid therebetween.

Abstract: An attachment member 11 for board materials 2 such as heat insulating materials and the like comprises an affixing plate part 5 which is affixed to the substrate surface 3a of a body 3, a support plate part 6 which extends approximately perpendicularly with respect to the substrate surface 3a when the affixing plate part 5 is affixed to the substrate surface 3a, and connecting plate parts 7 which extend in both directions at the upper end of support plate part 6. A support plate part elasticity providing part 12 and connecting plate part elasticity providing parts 13 are provided, respectively, in the support plate part 6 toward the point of connection with the affixing plate part 5, and in the connecting plate parts 7 toward the point of connection with the support plate part 6, along the longitudinal direction, and bent so as to achieve a wave form in cross-section.

Abstract: A new modular floor protection mat system for protecting a variety of sizes and types of floor surfaces from contaminants such as dirt, petroleum products and thawing compounds and the like falling off of vehicles parked on the floor surface. The inventive device includes at least one floor protection mat module having a mat portion and a perimeter lip portion. An elongate perimeter strip member mounts over the perimeter lip portion of the floor protection mat module to connect the mat module to other similar mat modules and allow a vehicle to roll over the perimeter lip portion of the mat module.

Abstract: A conservatory roof construction with a ridge member, glazing bars or rafters and two hip bars. Each hip bar has a track extending therealong. A connector plate connects to the track and is both slidable along the length thereof and is hingable with respect to a respective hip, glazing bars (or track rafters) which connect with the hip bars being configured to permit the connection of the connector plate thereto.

Abstract: Interior construction system for a sanitary area which has plate-shaped wall elements made of glass. The wall elements can be either straight or curved into a radius. The wall elements are connected positively and non-positively to a load-bearing element or stay pipe. Fastening locators on the stay pipe pass through a boring in the wall element and secure the wall element by the use of a fastener on the end of the fastening locator. A panel profile is attached to the stay pipe to conceal the joint formed by the wall elements. The panel profile has an enlarged cross-section at the end of its legs wherein a gasket resides in a groove and forms a seal at the wall elements. The interior construction system for a sanitary area has glass wall elements which are attached to stay pipes at differing angles. The joints of the wall elements on the stay pipes are hidden and sealed by panel profiles which are attached to the stay pipes.

Abstract: A wall surface of a structure to be rendered antifouling is covered with antifouling panels caused to firmly adhere thereto and fixed. Not only can this work be conducted easily and quickly but also part of the antifouling panels can be easily replaced. The disclosed antifouling wall structure and method of constructing the antifouling wall are characterized in that antifouling panels each comprising a base material layer and, formed thereon, an antifouling paint layer are arranged on a wall surface of structure to be rendered antifouling so that the antifouling panels have their side of antifouling paint layer brought into contact with water and detachably fixed by means of fastening members.

Abstract: Longitudinal facing laid on a base between retainers at a prescribed spacing includes a central face plate, an inner riser along right and left edges of the face plate, an outer riser on an outer side of each inner riser, a drain channel formed between the inner and outer risers, an engaging portion at at least one of end and median portions of the outer riser and in resilient engagement with the retainers.

Abstract: An integral drip system for thermally isolated straight in glazed curtain wall or window wall which will restrict water penetration into a building. The drip system includes at least one flange included for easy glazing replacement. This drip system reduces the number of parts required to assemble curtain wall or window wall systems.

Abstract: A structure for securing the edges of adjacent roof-forming panels is described. Channel members having gutter forming bottom and side walls engage the edges of adjacent panels. Specifically, ledges or the channel side walls cooperate with structures on the panel edges to secure the panel edges. A closure encloses the channel gutter.

Abstract: An interlocking roof system of tiers of successively higher interlocking panels mounted on base members, each panel being held in place by protrusions fitted into notches in the base member of the next higher tier, the panels of each higher tier having a groove wrapped about and locked onto a lip of the adjacent lower panel, side lips and clips being used to connect adjacent panels located in the same horizontal tier. The base member of the lowest tier is mounted at its lowest edge on a riser along the lowest edge of the roof being covered and at its upper edge on the rafters of the roof being covered. The next lowest base member is located at its lowest edge along the upper edge of the adjacent lower base member and at its upper edge on the rafters.