Abstract: A deflection wall. Channel-shaped studs are physically attached to a channel-shaped sole plate, but floatingly attached to a channel-shaped top plate. The webs, of the sole and top plates have tabs stamped therefrom which are spaced longitudinally therealong at predetermined intervals so as to provide for desired spacing of the studs. A tab of the sole plate is physically attached to either the web or a flange of the stud and a tab of the top plate abuts against, but is not physically attached to, one side of the web of the stud so as to allow the stud to axially float. To prevent lateral floating of the stud, either an angle plate sandwiches the web of the stud between the tab of the top plate and itself, the flanges of the stud are cut and wrapped around, so as to abuttingly engage against, the tab of the top plate, or the tab of the top plate is split heightwise into a pair of tabs that straddlingly engage the web of the stud.

Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom edges of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: A partition for open building space and the like having a frame including at least one substantially horizontal surface. A cover member is configured to enclose at least a portion of the frame. The cover member includes attachment members configured to connect the cover member to the frame. A seal is attached to the cover member and includes a resilient flap which engages the substantially horizontal surface of the frame to inhibit the passage of acoustical and/or optical energy through the partition.

Abstract: Components and a system for limiting access and egress. A properly scaled barrier of the present invention meets varied requirements for applications that include: security, safety, order, privacy, and discipline. In one embodiment, pre-manufactured panels and connectors are delivered to a site that has been prepared for installation of the system. Local materials may be used for the panels in some cases. The panels and connectors can be assembled quickly by unskilled labor and, in some embodiments, the barrier just as quickly dismantled or repaired as necessary. One embodiment may be used as a temporary or emergency solution to access control while another may employ in-fill material to provide a permanent barrier. Another embodiment may be used in a residential setting, providing storage in some installations. In all embodiments, accessories for enhancing effectiveness may be installed on or within the barrier.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete panel for use as an outer layer of a dwelling wall, said panel made of concrete mix of cement, sand, BST lightweight concrete aggregate, superplasticiser and water, said concrete mix having a nominal density in the range of 500 to 1500 kg/m3. The panel preferably has a backing sheet of polystyrene affixed thereto.

Abstract: A grid system for torsion spring mounting of aluminum-framed panels is provided which includes a plurality of main grid beams and spacer bars. The main grid beams support a side load mounting clip formed with a slot in the side of the side load mounting clip to engage a torsion spring held by a spring retainer clip such that the panel is supported by the torsion spring. Disengagement of the torsion springs lowers the panels and permits access to the ceiling grid system above the panel members. In a preferred embodiment, the panel has a multifaceted profile including an edge surface that abuts a corresponding edge surface on an adjacent panel. The peripheral edges of the adjacent panel members diverge above the abutting edge surfaces to accommodate either the alignment fin or the tab of the tile stop and diverge below the abutting edge surfaces to form a reveal.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apertured frame secured to a substrate and having a slotted arrangement adapted to receive and secure properly shaped tiles.

Abstract: A wood rot preventer for use between two intersecting portions of lumber, and having a preventer for attachment over the upper edge of a lower portion of lumber, the preventer having a web overlying the upper edge of the lumber, and in some cases having side walls, an upper surface of the web having convex profile with a central apex and sloping side portions forming surfaces extending outwardly on each side of the apex. In one embodiment the preventer has continuously curved side edges extending outwardly from the edges of the lumber to a width greater than the width of the lumber to carry moisture away from the lumber and allow it to drip downwardly. In another embodiment the preventer may have side walls extending down partially over each side of the piece of lumber. Also disclosed is a coil of an extended length of the wood rot preventer.

Abstract: A modular wall panel and mounting members for attaching a panel covering thereto. The modular wall panel has one or more flanges that connect to a frame support. A panel covering is tensioned across a face of the frame support and is connected to the flanges by the mounting members.

Abstract: Appropriate fitting-out structures for moist rooms for which retaining sections (9) are used featuring a sloping flap (11) at the point where it is overlapping the flooring (1). The sections (9) are directly glued with structural bonding agent onto the structure below (7). The flooring (1) is then laid and consists of a floor foundation (4), a decorative finishing coat (5), a transparent resin topping (6) with anti-slip characteristics and an anti-scratch and anti-wear blanket. The retaining section (9) has a lower horizontal edge (10) which is glued onto the structure below (7) and continues with a 45° sloping flap (11) having the same height as the flooring (1) and after a horizontal length (12) where it meets the corner (13), the section is rounded off and follows a vertical path (14) terminating at the top with a sloping edge (15) while it has a horizontal rim (16) at the rear.

Abstract: A stud bridging/spacing member (30) generally having at least three longitudinally spaced apart notches (26) for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. The notches (26) extend at an incline to the longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

Abstract: The floor according to the invention consists of boards (1), especially wood boards laid on joists (2) and secured to them by fasteners (3) or adhesive and is designed for the use on the unroofed area, external terraces, platforms and jetties or in rooms where water may run out on the floor, while the board (1) of the floor along its bottom edge has the water drip (4), and located between the board (1) of the floor and the joist (2) is the distance piece to mover away the bottom surface of the board (1) of the floor from the top surface of the joist fragment passing especially under the water drip (4). Moreover, the board (1) is secured to one joist (2) by three fasteners (3).

Abstract: A deck panel includes a generally planar body portion having an upper surface and first and second side surfaces on opposed sides of the upper surface. An elongated tongue extends outwardly from and along the first side surface. An elongated groove is defined in and extends along the second side surface, the groove being adapted to receive a second tongue. The deck panel is formed of a polymeric material.

Abstract: A modular and versatile food and beverage service bar requiring minimum storing space and enabling service of large number of people in social and theme events and readily changeable to meet variety of décor needs, includes a plurality of full sections, each section includes three spaced U-shaped box support members having an upper horizontal member, an upright vertical member and a lower horizontal member, a rigid top plate secured to the upper members, a pair of trim bands secured to the upright vertical members and sandwiching a front panel against and generally covering the upright vertical members, and fasteners in the form of bolts and nuts to couple these components together. Another embodiment of the present invention is a half section including a pair of spaced support members as well as a rigid top plate, a pair of bands and a front bendable panel.

Abstract: The composite floor system of the present invention comprises a system of joists, where each of the joists has a top chord, a bottom chord and a web, including tension and compression members in the space between the top chord and the bottom chord and secured to the top and bottom chords, and a top chord that is formed substantially in the shape of a cross.

Abstract: A wall cladding assembly is disclosed having elongate jointing elements 12 for mounting to a frame 11 and having flanges 17 extending therefrom, a plurality of walling members 10 having elongate recesses along opposed sides thereof for receiving the flanges 17 whereby the plurality of walling members 10 is supported by the plurality of jointing elements 12 to form a wall, and elongate cover means 15 for fastening to the jointing elements 12 to cover the jointing elements 12 between adjoining walling members 10.

Abstract: A wall plate support frame has a plurality of square flanges, a plurality of channels formed between the square flanges, a large number of oblong holes, a plurality of adjustment seats, and a plurality of adjustment blocks. Each of the adjustment seats has two sockets to receive the corresponding adjustment block. Each of the adjustment blocks has two bevel prongs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to horizontal, vertical or angularly disposed diaphragms which resist structural forces. Specifically, the present invention relates to an improved mechanical connection between a structural panel and the framing members that support the structural panel forming a diaphragm. The connection includes: a structural panel having a distal side, a proximal side, and a plurality of edge faces; a frame consisting of a plurality of framing members disposed in registration with the proximal side of the structural panel near the edge faces; a plurality of perimeter fasteners connecting the structural panel to the framing members; and clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners attached to a substantial number of the perimeter fasteners. The clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners act when lateral forces are imposed on the building structure of which the diaphragm is a part.

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has a raised platform located in the center of the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a perimeter trough is formed between the platform and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a structure which is particularly advantageous for the manufacture of prefabricated buildings. The structure uses a uniquely formulated exterior wall panel that is bonded to a frame of support members. A connecting member may be used to accommodate support members having a wide variety of cross-sectional shapes. The structure may have a unique cementitious composition that allows it to be fire and insect resistant and generally impervious to moisture.

Abstract: A water draining exterior wall structure for a building having a building framework is disclosed. The wall structure includes a plurality of prefabricated panel sections secured to a building framework to form a wall surface. Each panel section includes a support structure for attachment to the building framework which has a water barrier deck substantially co-extensive with the support structure. In addition, a plurality of fascia panels overly the water barrier deck and are attached thereto by beads of silicone adhesive so that a gap is provided between the deck and each fascia panel. A gutter is also provided in each panel which extends along the bottom of each panel section for collecting water entering the gap and carrying the collected water to a drainage end of said gutter so that water can drain out of said panel section. Water drainage dams are also provided, each of which is located in a joint between adjacent panel sections below the drainage end of a gutter of each panel section.

Abstract: A deck planking assembly system, comprised of two independent extrusions, to construct outdoor decks, docks and like structures. The top member includes a horizontal walking surface with multiple downwardly projecting vertical legs for locking devices and two additional projections for outer side walls. The second member of the device includes an elongated support formed from a rigid extrusion of metal, plastic or composite material, having a horizontal mounting surface which is affixed to a joist system. This contains multiple upwardly extending vertical legs at different lengths to create a crowned walking surface. Each vertical leg supports a horizontal extension terminating into an engaging locking method and an intermediate support means for the top member.

Abstract: Structure of bathroom for installation in a room intended for use as a bathroom including a multiplicity of covering panels (1, 2, 3) produced to measure for the continuous lining of at least a part of the walls and the floor of the room to be installed and a multiplicity of sanitary components or modules (4, 5, 6, 7) each predisposed with its own support structure and with its own tubes (41, 51, 61, 71) ready to be interconnected reciprocally and to be connected to hydraulic conducts of the room to be installed (100, 101) in such a way as to complete the hydraulic circuit of the bathroom; floor, ceiling and wall structures for a pre-assembled bathroom; method for installing a floor structure for pre-assembled bathroom and a method for the production and installation in a room of a complete pre-assembled bathroom including the phases of: produce panels of covering, factory produced to measure for the walls of the room; produce the self-bearing sanitary components provided with tubes and joints predisposed to

Abstract: A deck plank (12) readily attaches to an engagement clip (46) when force is applied over the plank. When a plurality of clips are attached to underlying joists in parallel with the joists, and a plurality of deck planks are oriented to the clip perpendicular to the joist and pushed down over clips, a secure deck structure is provided. Each clip has a pair of horizontal flanges (52 and 54), which snap over a plurality of ledges (42 and 44) in a channel under each plank. The deck planks (12) are embossed (14) so as to form a slip resistant surface to be walked upon. The plastic extruded deck plank (12) resists rot, deterioration and insect infection found in current wood products. The deck plank assembly is simple enough so that a homeowner or do-it-yourselfer can install or alter it with minimal effort and direction.

Abstract: A modular prefabricated deck system which includes a plurality of rectangular flooring modules. Each module may include a plurality of laminations, such as a decorative upper element, and a lower support element for supporting the module upon the underlying joist structure of the deck. Additionally, each module may include interlocking structure for engaging adjacent modules upon installation.

Abstract: A leak-proof lead barrier system to be installed on the interior of metal studs, to be used in conjunction with lead laminated gypsum board. The leak-proof lead barrier system provides an easier and less time-consuming method of sealing a radiation protective room in one step.

Abstract: A blanket of fibrous building insulation is provided, for in situ cutting to correspond to spacings between studs or like building members between which the insulation is to be applied. The blanket includes a layer of fibrous insulation material and a facing material adhered thereto. An adhesive provides the adhesion between the two layers. Perforations in the facing material provide openings allowing some of the adhesive to bleed into the perforations to be visible from the opposite side whereby a plurality of perforations provide guidelines for cutting the blanket to desired sizes for installation between structural building members.

Abstract: An assembly of panels and jointing elements, in particular for the technical field of building, wherein each panel (11, 12), taken in section, comprises an alveolar structure, determined by a plurality of ribs (14) and arranged between two main outside surfaces (10, 28, 29), extensions (15, 16) obtained at opposed ends of each panel (11, 12), and a jointing element (13, 113) adapted to receive an extension (15, 16) of each of two adjacent panels (11, 12) firmly engaging them, wherein both each extension (15, 16) and the jointing element (13, 113) are provided with reciprocally engaged inclined surfaces (20, 21, 24, 25) facing inwards and facing each other, and wherein the jointing element (13) is U-shaped and is provided with a pressing element (19) that centrally extends inside it and arranges in wedged engagement between outside facing walls (17, 18) of the two extensions (15, 16).

Abstract: A modular and versatile food and beverage service bar requiring minimum storing space and enabling service of large number of people in social and theme events and readily changeable to meet variety of decor needs, includes a plurality of full sections, each section includes three spaced U-shaped box support members having an upper horizontal member, an upright vertical member and a lower horizontal member, a rigid top plate secured to the upper members, a pair of trim bands secured to the upright vertical members and sandwiching a front panel against and generally covering the upright vertical members, and fasteners in the form of bolts and nuts to couple these components together. Another embodiment of the present invention is a half section including a pair of spaced support members as well as a rigid top plate, a pair of bands and a front bendable panel.

Abstract: An external wall construction includes a building framework of a building and a bearing wall constituted with a plurality of ceramic type external wall panels to be fixed to the building framework. The external wall panels are formed by backing resin sheets on rearward surfaces thereof. Waterproof tapes are interposed between the external wall panels and the building framework.

Abstract: A method of including the selection of cementitious fiber wallboard panels coated on the exterior surface by a coating of water based acrylic to control the fluid absorption rate therethrough. Such wallboards are installed on a building frame with the adjacent edges of the panels forming narrow gaps for receipt of suitable caulk to such gaps and applying a high build flexible resinous latex emulsion over the coating and joints and allowing it to cure at a rate dictated by atmospheric conditions and the fluid absorption rate of such coating and tape.

Abstract: A structural element for use with a structural member has a longitudinally extending body. The body has a lower surface and opposed side flanges hanging down below the lower surface. The element may have one more extending hollow channels above the lower surface to assist in preventing moisture from passing beneath the structural element. The structural element is adapted to be positioned on top of an area of a structural member, such as a joist or beam. The structural element can be made from a composite wood material.

Abstract: An entire decking system of PVC extrusions and molded plastic fasteners centered around utilizing structural “T” profiles which incorporate diagonal web elements in a truss configuration and eliminate the need for joist support. The system being entirely of plastic eliminates differential movement in thermal expansion and contraction caused by dissimilar material use between components. The system is capable and intended to be installed rapidly, above grade, and without the use of foundations. Also incorporated in the system design are railings which mount directly into the fascia members of the deck, eliminating the need for railing posts and the attendant fastening difficulties presented by these.

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

Abstract: Decking boards 2 are secured to timber joists 1. The opposing side faces of the boards are provided with longitudinally-extending recesses 7 which include slots 8 into which T-shaped spacers 11 are inserted at intervals to ensure uniform spacing between the boards. During laying the exposed front edge of each board is fastened by nails 10 inserted through the inclined face 9, the rear edge of the boards being held by the spacers 11.

Abstract: A hardwood floor structure includes a piece of sponge, a plurality of plastic E-shaped racks with apertures and ribs extending upward, and a plurality of rectangular floor boards composed of an upper portion, an intermediate portion having a protruding flange extending from two adjacent lateral sides and a recess on another two adjacent lateral sides such that the protruding flange is configured and sized to engage with said recess, and a lower portion having an inclined upper edge along a longitudinal side, an inclined lower edge along another longitudinal side, and a shoulder above the inclined lower edge. The ribs on the E-shaped racks have an enlarged head with an inclined surface forming a lower projection to be positioned on the shoulder of a respective one of said floor board. The rib has an upper projection at the other side to be positioned on the inclined upper edge of a respective floor board.

Abstract: A frame for supporting steel cladding panels of steel clad doors and doors formed therewith, the frames comprising a pair of jambs connected by headers and sills, each jamb comprising a molded channel of composite plastic material having within the channel integral bracing extending between the channel side walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for securing porcelain and ceramic tiles to curtain wall mullions comprising the use of structural panels made of light-weight but rigid materials, such as aluminum. The tiles are preferably secured to the panels using structural silicone, and secured to the frame using components such as tile retainers, stops, gaskets and sealants. The frame is preferably made of snap-together members and supported by building structures to withstand lateral loads, such as caused by heavy wind pressure and flying debris.

Abstract: An improvement in the structure of a hardwood floor includes a piece of sponge, a plurality of floor boards each being a generally rectangular member composed of an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion, said upper portion having a top surface for walking, said intermediate portion having a protruded flange extending outwardly from two adjacent lateral sides thereof and a recess on another two adjacent lateral sides thereof, said protruded flange being configured and sized to engage with said recess, said lower portion having an inclined upper edge along a longitudinal side thereof, an inclined lower edge along another longitudinal side thereof, and a shoulder above said inclined lower edge, a plurality of plastic racks with an E-shaped cross section having a plurality of ribs extending upwardly from a top thereof, each of said ribs having an enlarged head with an inclined surface thereby forming a lower projection at one side adapted to be positioned on said shoulder of a respective one

Abstract: A highly moisture resistant basement wall system which facilitates quick construction includes a plurality of spaced apart metal studs extending vertically upwardly from a sill, and metal decking secured to the plurality of studs. The resulting basement is drier and more comfortable, and warmer in the winter than conventional basements defined by concrete walls.

Abstract: Appropriate fitting-out structures for moist rooms for which retaining sections (9) are used featuring a sloping flap (11) at the point where it is overlapping the flooring (1). The sections (9) are directly glued with structural bonding agent onto the structure below (7). The flooring (1) is then laid and consists of a floor foundation (4), a decorative finishing coat (5), a transparent resin topping (6) with anti-slip characteristics and an anti-scratch and anti-wear blanket.

Abstract: A fastened structure wherein flat siding boards such as ceramic siding boards are fastened to the side of a building by making use of a fastening member. A first engaging members each having an engaging groove and an engaging hook are attached to the side of a building at predetermined intervals “d”. On the other hand, the siding board is provided on the rear surface thereof with a number of a second engaging members each having an engaging projection which is adapted to be engaged with the engaging hook of the first engaging member. The siding boards can be fastened in multistage vertically to the side of the building by pressing the siding board onto the side of a building so as to cause the first engaging member to engage with the second engaging member.

Abstract: A method for constructing prefabricated modular building panels includes providing a plurality of full wall height panels in several widths and full wall height corner elements which can be assembled to provide walls for a building of almost any size. The method also includes providing less than full height header and sill panels in several widths which can be used to install windows and doors. A window is installed between a header and sill panel having a width which is greater than the width of the window by placing studs between the header and sill panels at each side of the window and at each side of the header and sill panels. A door is installed under a header panel having a width which is greater than the width of the door by building a frame on each side of the door below the header panel. The panels are made with a frame of interconnected steel studs and steel top and bottom tracks.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling assembly and method for mounting such an assembly to provide an inner ceiling suspended under the framework of a roof. The assembly includes a plurality of suspension beams suspended in parallel to each other under the framework by cables. A plurality of mounting rails are mounted transversally underneath the suspension beams with the help of connecting members. The connecting members each have a sleeve-shaped body for enclosing a cross-section of a corresponding suspension beam therein, fasteners for fastening the sleeve-shaped body to this corresponding suspension beam, and a hook-shaped bottom portion engageable with the top flange of a corresponding mounting rail for supporting this mounting rail. The ceiling tiles are mounted between the bottom mounting portions of adjacent mounting rails. Advantageously, the assembly according to this invention is versatile and allows to easily mount an inner ceiling of a desired shape to any framework.

Abstract: The present invention relates to horizontal, vertical or angularly disposed diaphragms which resist structural forces. Specifically, the present invention relates to an improved mechanical connection between a structural panel and the framing members that support the structural panel forming a diaphragm. The connection includes: a structural panel having a distal side, a proximal side, and a plurality of edge faces; a frame consisting of a plurality of framing members disposed in registration with the proximal side of the structural panel near the edge faces; a plurality of perimeter fasteners connecting the structural panel to the framing members; and clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners attached to a substantial number of the perimeter fasteners. The clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners act when lateral forces are imposed on the building structure of which the diaphragm is a part.

Abstract: An anchoring biscuit device for joining three boards. It includes, (a) a first substantially flat horizontal top element having a generally biscuit-shaped configuration, (b) at least one substantially vertical support member attached to the underside of the top element and extending downwardly therefrom for a predetermined length for joinder of two adjacent boards which have been pre-cut with biscuit receiving slots, and, (c) an attachment orifice located at least on the top element for attachment of the anchoring biscuit device to a support board for anchoring and support of the two adjacent boards. In one preferred embodiment, a top bevel is included at the orifice to permit angled screwing at positions other than vertical positions. In other embodiments, the screw orifice will have an oval or elongated shape to likewise enable screwing at angles other than vertical. In yet another preferred embodiment, the orifice will both be beveled and elongated.

Abstract: Batten elements are made of plastic or metal, such as galvanized steel, galvalume, or aluminum. Several alternate embodiments of battens are shown, along with a schematic illustration of a punch process for making the metal battens of the present invention. The batten elements all include holes or tunnels for the drainage of water through the batten elements. The alternate embodiments are shown in cross section or end view.

Abstract: A freestanding wall is constructed by erecting at least two upright supports. The upright supports are either posts or columns. Upper and lower horizontal structure members are fastened to the upright supports. Vertical intermediate framing members are secured between the upper horizontal structure member and the lower horizontal structure member. Cladding is attached to at least the front and optionally the back of each vertical intermediate framing member to conceal each vertical intermediate framing member. The upper horizontal structure member is then covered with a cap.

Abstract: A water draining exterior wall structure for a building having a building framework is disclosed. The wall structure includes a plurality of prefabricated panel sections secured to a building framework to form a wall surface. Each panel section includes a support structure for attachment to the building framework which has a water barrier deck substantially co-extensive with the support structure. In addition, a plurality of fascia panels overly the water barrier deck and are attached thereto by beads of silicone adhesive so that a gap is provided between the deck and each fascia panel. A gutter is also provided in each panel which extends along the bottom of each panel section for collecting water entering the gap and carrying the collected water to a drainage end of said gutter so that water can drain out of said panel section. Water drainage dams are also provided, each of which is located in a joint between adjacent panel sections below the drainage end of a gutter of each panel section.

Abstract: Two generally co-planar panels (4) are supported almost edge-to-edge by an intermediate beam (1). A coupling member (2) is captive to the beam (1) by interengaging longitudinal formations (6,11) and provides an interlocking engagement (12,18) for the edges of the panels (4). Opposite the coupling member (2) the beam (1) is proud of the panels (4) and receives and retains a cap (3) which seals against the panels (4). An assembly for attaching such beams and panels to a wall (30) to project therefrom is described.