Abstract: A surface covering system is described which involves a series of interconnected tiles having a spline system located between the tiles to simulate the appearance of grout. Each tile has on its sides, at least one tongue section and at least two groove sections wherein the tongue section of one tile interconnects with the groove section of a second tile and further forms a gap at least at the upper surface between the two tiles. A first spline, having two tongue sections for interconnecting with the groove section(s) of at least one tile, is inserted between a series of tiles. A second spline capable of fitting into the gap formed between two or more tiles, which are interconnected at a tongue of a first tile and a groove of a second tile is further used. Methods of installing the surface covering system of the invention are further described.

Abstract: A pre-cured caulk joint system including a joint having a width and opposite walls, an insert being formed of a flexible material and having a length and a width, and an adhesive. The width of the insert being greater than the width of the joint, the insert being received in the joint length-wise with the insert being compressed width-wise along its length, the insert having opposite walls, with one wall facing towards one wall of the joint, and the other wall of the insert facing towards the other wall of the joint, a channel being defined by each wall of the insert, and an adhesive being received in each wall of the insert for adhering the walls of the insert to the walls of the joint.

Abstract: Variable gaps between adjacent concrete panels are covered and sealed by a T-shaped body of extruded semi-rigid plastics material and which includes a one piece cover section and stem section of generally uniform wall thickness. The stem section has a set of parallel spaced flexible fins projecting from each side at an angle of 45° towards the cover section, and the fins increase in width from the distal end of the stem section towards the cover section. Each fin has parallel spaced triangular gripping ribs on its side facing away from the cover section for gripping opposing concrete surfaces defining gaps ranging generally from ½″ to 1¼″. In one embodiment, the cover section has a slightly crowned intermediate portion with tapered opposite edge portions, and in other embodiments, the intermediate portion is curved or configured to cover gaps defined within outside and inside corners formed by adjacent panels.

Abstract: An applique used to conceal design limitations in panel doors as used on furniture and kitchen cabinets. The applique comprises of a body which permits its alignment with structural features found on panel doors in the area in and around the inside corner section of the door's panel section. With the application of the said appliques, the resultant is a workpiece comprising of a decorative element that enhances the overall character of the workpiece and also disguises either the joints between components which make-up a conventional door or the curved inside corners found on simulated raised panel doors.

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 joint seal is designed to maintain its proper position in the joint groove opening port to create an effective seal between the inner walls of the joint groove and to resist peeling or damage, even in an event, such as an earthquake, during which the adjacent outer wall materials shift; and to have a joint base material 2, a sealing material 3 and a heart wood 8. The joint base material 2 has at least two seal tongue pieces 14a and 14b projecting from the outer face of side plates 5, 5. A number of small openings 8 to allow sealing material to be pressed out at the insertion of heart wood 8 is punched between the seal tongue pieces 14a and 14b, and release mold sheets 18a and 18b are attached to joint base material 2 as a cap member covering the small openings 8 and the opening ports of side plates 5, 5.

Abstract: A floor panel joint structure and a method of constructing a wooden building with the same are provided. The method comprises mounting floor panels on the foundation, and, joining a group of structural units to the foundation to produce a first floor structure. This is followed by mounting on the structural units at the first floor another group of structural units having a second floor structure made of floor panels joined to each other by panel joiners. The second floor structure are joined to top beams of the structural units at the first floor by through bolts which extend vertically across the floor panel, panel joiner, and beam. A roof structure is fabricated by joining roof panels to purlins. The purlin has a rib provided on a lower side thereof for connecting to the beams by a length of plywood boards. Accordingly, the installation of the floor and roof structures is simplified and its physical strength will be increased.

Abstract: A cover panel system for a vessel having an opening includes a plurality of individual panels arranged adjacent each other and spanning at least a portion of the opening. Each panel is generally polygonal in shape and has a depending side wall depending from each polygon side. Each panel is supported along at least one depending side wall across the portion of the opening. The side walls of adjacent panels facing each other and define a gap--between them. A compressible seal is located in the gap between the side portions of adjacent panels for tightly sealing the facing side portions of adjacent panels. Adjacent panels are removably interlocked together.

Abstract: A grid system for supporting panels and adaptable for use in association with a substructure, comprising a plurality of spaced, horizontally disposed main runners and cross-runners arranged perpendicular to each other. The main runners are adaptable for attachment to the substructure, and include (i) a crosspiece having a horizontally oriented surface provided with a plurality of spaced notches and (ii) a downwardly depending member terminating with a horizontally disposed flange. The cross-runners have horizontally disposed flanges arranged in a common plane with the flanges of the main runners, which support the tile panels in a common plane. The cross-runners include connecting means for insertion in the notches upon the perpendicular arrangement, and the connecting means have a horizontally oriented surface for mating with the surface of the crosspiece and disposed for overlapping engagement with the crosspiece thereby supporting the cross-runner and preventing undesired disengagement therebetween.

Abstract: A panel edge-finishing accessory which is useful as an expansion joint between two drywall panels comprises three integrally joined, elongate strips, namely two relatively rigid, lateral strips and a relatively pliable, middle strip, which may be respectively coextruded from polyvinyl chloride having different durometer hardnesses. Each lateral strip has a broad portion with a distal edge and a proximal edge, a rib with a distal edge and a proximal edge merging with the proximal edge of such lateral strip, and a tear-away flange joined integrally to the distal edge of the rib at a preferentially weakened juncture. The middle strip has a zig-zag profile and is joined integrally at each of its opposite edges to the distal edge of the rib of one of the lateral strips. The ribs extend so as to be generally normal to the lateral strips and are used for guiding a tool used to apply drywall-finishing material over the lateral strips.

Abstract: An adjustable fastener assembly which can readily be engaged and disengaged including a receptacle member, a connecting member and an engagement member for retaining the connecting member to the receptacle member upon engagement in a first direction, for maintaining retention and providing movement between the receptacle member and the connecting member for a predetermined distance in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and for enabling disengagement of the connecting member from the receptacle member upon movement in the second direction beyond the predetermined distance.

Abstract: An extension joint for use with wall boards simulating tiles embedded in grout. The extension joint is disposed between two adjoining wall board panels and simulates a grout line. The wall joint comprises a long narrow strip of material having two spaced apart base sections and a raised ridge section connecting the two base sections. The top outer surface of the ridge section is concave to simulate a grout line.

Abstract: A modular wall system adapted for use as part of a clean room structure, comprising a plurality of unibody panel sections, each panel section having a uniform width and including an exterior face, an interior face, and laterally opposing assembly flanges extending along the length of each edge of the panel section. Each assembly flange includes (i) a flange side wall extending inward from the interior face, (ii) an interlocking member adapted to be engaged with another interlocking member of a separate panel to secure the two flanges together, and (iii) a sealing member for sealing openings between coupled assembly flanges. A support channel configured in size and shape for snug fit around the coupled assembly flanges includes a channel cap and side channel walls which extend for equal lengths sufficient to abut against the interior faces of the coupled panel sections. These side walls operate as spacer members for aligning panel sections as the assembly flanges are secured within the support channel.

Abstract: A panelized fabric-covered structure with removable and replaceable fabric panels including an expandable frame having a plurality of frame members for holding a fabric cover, a fabric cover including a plurality of discrete fabric panels each having at least one enlarged edge, and a connector for connecting the enlarged edges of the fabric panels to each other and to the frame and allowing the panels to slide and seat as the frame is expanded.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spline structure for use with at least two wallboard structures. A vertical web is positioned between the butt edges of two wallboards and is provided with a decorative fabric coating to provide a decorative joint for the wallboard structures. Horizontal flanges from the vertical web member form fastening splines to hold the wallboard structures in position on a wall.

Abstract: A solar-energy-collector and solar roof. The collector comprises a panel of solar-energy-absorbing material adapted to lie flat on a roof or other supporting surface. The panel has on its undersurface a plurality of projections serving as feet which support the panel. The projections are spaced from each other by an amount predetermined to provide channels dimensioned to receive a flexible conduit adapted to transport a fluid heat exchange medium in heat exchange relation to the panel. The panels may be cut to conform to roof configuration, chimneys, etc. and the conduit arranged accordingly in the channels. The solar roof comprises a plurality of the panels interconnected to each other.

Abstract: Sheets of plastic materials including glass are interconnected along a longitudinal outer dimension thereof by an elongated longitudinal female interconnecting member having an upstanding base with transverse legs extending on opposite sides thereof and a central longitudinal socket therein having an open top with a downwardly extending prong receptacle which extends longitudinally the entire length of the socket. The female interconnecting member is adapted to mate with a male interconnecting member having an upstanding longitudinal housing with transverse support members extending from opposite sides thereof and having a downwardly extending bayonet prong centrally located in and integral with the housing extending longitudinally the length of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabin-like cover, in particular for covering machines, in which the panels of the side walls have a U-shaped cross-section which is open towards the bottom and engages over a base frame so that the junction of the panels in the base frame is well protected against the entry of fluid and foreign bodies. In at least one side wall of the cabin-like cover a closure element is also provided and after it has been detached the individual panels of the side wall can be removed and thus later alterations to the side walls can be carried out without complete dismantling of the cabin-like cover.

Abstract: The construction element comprises a profile frame, a filler material and two cover panels which cover the filler material and the profile frame. The profile frame comprises a profile section having an axially symmetrical cross-section which forms a groove-like recess in which a connector element is frictionally engagingly insertable and arrestable. In a building construction system with construction elements erected, the construction elements are fastened on one side to a framework, connected with another construction element on the opposite side by the connector element and supported on the edge of the third side. These construction elements can be assembled in the manner of a construction set, for instance like a child's toy (Lego) and the requirements for tools and plant are very modest.

Abstract: In a series of insulated panel members an interlocking labyrinth seal is provided to minimize the heat loss, the seal having a pair of first slots for receiving a U-shaped clip, a pair of second slots for receiving an offset spacer, and a plurality of right angle flanges for locking the offset spacer into the second slots. Insulated panel members are placed in end-to-end relationship and locked together when the U-shaped clip is inserted into the first slots and retained in position by an undercut slot. Heat loss through the seal is minimized because slots in the spacers expose insulation material into the area where the heat loss can occur.

Abstract: A panel installation comprising a layer of panel pieces supported on a supporting surface. An anchoring element secures adjacent pieces to the supporting surface which has wing flanges seated in slots presented by adjacent panel pieces. A cover strip seats within a receptor channel defined in an anchoring element.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a panel assembly including at least two panels and a connector member for mounting the panels to a support surface, the panels being positioned edge-to-edge in coplanar relationship with the respective confronting edges thereof spaced apart, and the connector member between the confronting panel edges and interlocking the panels together by being fixedly secured to the support surface. Each panel has first and second surfaces lying respectively in first and second parallel planes and has on its respective confronting edge a tongue and a groove, the tongue and groove extending along the panel edge and between the first and second planes, and respectively projecting and opening outwardly angularly towards the first plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a generally rectangular prefabricated concrete panel having a pair of edge defining members along each lateral edge with a maximum distance at the upper and lower extents of the panel, but with a concrete body portion having substantially parallel lateral edges with a width less than the minimum distance between the edge defining members.

Abstract: A panel joining system of the kind that comprises two rigid and preferably metal plates between which a suitable insulating fill material is inserted, and where the panels are arranged in flush formation to one another, and each one possesses a grooved inset with respect to the plane thereof at the end on one of its faces at least, for the purpose of inserting a join cover to conceal the connection between panels from the outside, and where each panel possesses also a second innermost slot or groove close by to the first such groove as described, for the purpose of housing a bolt head or nut whose function is to secure the join between panels and, if applicable, to attach them to a stationary anchorage.

Abstract: Joining planks to form a wall construction. Each plank has a wooden facing member on each side and there is insulation between the facing member and in each facing member there are jointing surfaces facing away from a surface of the facing member and to this surface another plank is joined and metal connecting members are inserted with connecting arms which are in contact with the jointing surfaces of the contacting facing members of contiguous planks. There is no metallic contact across the joined planks between the connecting members which have arms in contact with the jointing surfaces of the parallel facing members of the planks which are to be joined.

Abstract: Walls and partitions are constructed by securing of wallboard panels to a substructure, such as common wood or metal framing members, by a series of concealed clips of described construction, affixed to the framing members by nail or screw type fasteners. When the wall or partition is erected the fasteners are hidden from view so that joint treatment of the wallboard panels may be reduced or eliminated, depending on the type of wall structure constructed. The side or edge gripping clips are impaled along each side of abutting panels. When erected, a first series of clip fasteners are impaled on a side of a first wallboard and fastened to a framing member and a second series of such fasteners are impaled on an abutting or nearly abutting side of a second, wallboard panel, offset from the first series of clips so as to fit behind and be held by the first panel in a "tongue and groove" type cooperation.

Abstract: A joint system for structural panels in which the panels have an edge construction providing a U-shaped profile having a side leg spanning between the opposite surfaces of the panel, a base coplanar with one of the surfaces and a clamp leg having an inwardly projecting portion. The panels are interconnected by cover strips of U-shaped cross section having a body adapted to overlie the clamp legs of the adjoining panels. At the opposite side edges of the body, arms extend inwardly and mount locking strips which extend toward the center of the body and are adapted to engage with the inwardly projecting portions of the profile to permit the panels to be connected in endwise alignment, at right angles, or in back-to-back relation. The patent specification discloses several different configurations of the U-shaped construction and several different configurations for the cover strips.

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: An interior partition system wherein with relatively few components, most of which can be roll formed from common sets of roller dies, a wide variety of interior screens or full height partitions can be constructed, thus avoiding the necessity of the manufacture and inventory of a large number of parts. For some parts, where volume may not justify the investment in the required roll sets, other manufacturing techniques may be employed, but such parts are readily compatible with the high volume components and usable interchangeably therewith.

Abstract: A vertical siding system for an exterior building wall, including vertically oriented panels mounted in flush side-by-side array on supporting structure of the wall and vertically oriented cover members covering the joints between adjacent panels and interlocked with the panels. The cover members have locking flanges along their side edges for insertion in locking grooves formed in side portions of the panels, and are resiliently deformable so that they can be snap-fitted onto the panels after the panels are mounted on the wall. The panels and cover members may be designed to cooperatively simulate the appearance of conventional board-and-batten wooden siding.

Abstract: Panel for soundproof and fireproof inner walls, of a type comprising two parallel reinforcing metal plates mechanically interconnected to form an interspace therebetween and a filler of insulating material, constituted essentially of rock-wool like material arranged in the interspace. At least one continuous diaphragm extends parallel to the reinforcing metal plates and divides the filler into parallel layers. The diaphragm comprises a plate of solid refractory material having projecting edges projecting beyond the filler. The reinforcing metal plates have folded edges constituting section member like portions thereof. The projecting edges are in engagement with the folded edges of the metal plates. The folded edges are seam folded to hold the metal plates together.

Abstract: A roof panel that is lightweight and structurally strong, and that can be assembled with other panels to form large area surfaces, comprises a rectangular panel made with an extruded U-shaped channel frame member, that is mitered at the corners. The frame is enclosed by two sheet members that are attached by adhesive bond supplemented by screws or other type fasteners to the outer surface arms of the frame. The base portion of the U-shaped channel member has a flange extension on one side whereby the two edges of two adjacent panels can be bolted together. A resilient sealing gasket is placed between the two flange extensions, of the U member so that as the bolts tighten the two members together, the joint between is sealed by the gasket. After the two panels are joined in this manner, a specially shaped inverted U shaped ridge cover channel is placed over the sealed joint, and is latched into notches, which hold the cover in place.

Abstract: This modular furniture is formed from components of varying size and configuration which can be connected together to form different furniture combinations. Each component includes two pairs of opposed panels, which are provided with chamfered side edges and adjacent grooves. The panels are interconnected by corner-forming rails having angularly related legs terminating in elongate lips which are received within associated panel grooves to hold the chamfered edges of the panels together in a box-like formation. The legs of the rails provide cooperating outstanding bearing faces spaced from the panels, and adjacent panels of corresponding components are connected by fasteners tending to draw the panels toward each other. The components can be modified to be fitted with individual covers.

Abstract: A sectional edge strip for casting integrally with a concrete shape having a groove adapted to hold the edge of elastic jointing strip and grooves extending along the entire length of the sectional edge strip whereby fixing screws can be fitted at freely selected points fastening the strip to the mold for the concrete.

Abstract: Wall paneling includes a pair of corner panels, a center panel, and a pair of end panels, each of a molded unit construction. The corner panels have a pair of right-angular walls and the other panels are flat. Each of the end and center panels have upright marginal enlargements terminating in edge flanges. The inner enlargement of the end panels and both enlargements of the center panel adjustably overlap and receive therein a corresponding portion of a wall of a corner panel and are coplaner therewith respectively. The end panels extend at right angles to the center panels. Adhesive is interposed between the overlapped portions of the end and center panels and corresponding corner panel. Said paneling may be used for covering the end and back walls of tub enclosures.

Abstract: A heat insulation structure for a liquefied gas storage tank is disclosed which comprises a plurality of heat insulation sandwich structure units attached to the outer tank shell. Each sandwich structure unit comprises a plurality of core members or ribs arrayed in spaced apart relation and sandwiched by a top and bottom plate members, and insulating materials filled into the spaces defined by the core members and the top and bottom plate members, and each core member or rib comprises a pair of plywood sheet members spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance by spacers, and insulating materials filled into the space or spaces defined by the sheet members and spacers. The above construction not only gives much strength to the heat insulation structure in addition to the improved ability to interrupt heat conduction, but also reduces the fabrication cost.

Abstract: A fluid tight enclosure suitable for use as a swimming pool positioned either above or below ground level, or for relining an existing pool. The enclosure comprises a plurality of waterproof panels forming the side walls and floor, the panels being sealably interconnected by a structure which includes a resilient elastomeric sealing member bridging the adjacent panels and sealably contacting the front faces thereof. A relatively rigid plastic cover member overlies the sealing member, and in one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a relatively rigid plastic base member is positioned to underlie the sealing member, the base member including an upwardly directed flange adapted to operatively engage a conforming portion of the cover member to secure the cover member in it position overlying the sealing member.

Abstract: Novel external waterstops for use in sealing concrete joints which comprise a deformable section which forms a grout-tight seal when stop-end shuttering is positioned against the waterstop.