Abstract: A bracket for use with metal construction framing which is a generally planar construct having a first outer flange and a second outer flange, configured to form a recess between such flanges suitable to engage at least one face of a metal construction stud and to interlock with the stud via at least two non-longitudinal tabs.

Abstract: A platform panel or module is provided to construct a surface for a deck, floor, wall, ceiling, or roof. The panel or module comprises a decorative top layer integral with or joined to a structural, composite molded platform. Each platform panel or module has two complementary module-coupling sides that take advantage of the full width of each joist that supports the platform. Also, male and female connecting members are disposed along the module-coupling sides that enable one platform panel or module to be efficiently and positively interlocked with an adjacent panel or module. Each panel or module can be fastened on one side to a single joist while being secured on its opposite side to an adjoining panel or module. The panels or modules are also designed to cover over an entire joist substructure, including the beginning-of-sequence and end-of-sequence joists.

Abstract: A wall mounted panel system wherein panels are permitted three directions of expansion and contraction since each of panel is affixed to the wall at a single point. For example, the system includes a first and second panel adjacent to one another. An upper bracket and a lower bracket are affixed to the back of each panel, wherein the upper brackets are affixed to the wall and wherein the lower bracket of the first panel is movably engaged with the upper bracket of the second panel. The panels do not communicate with any sealing members, thereby allowing for air to flow freely behind the panels for providing a means of removing moisture from behind the panels. A brace member in communication with the interior surface of each panel has an upper end affixed to the upper bracket and a lower end affixed to the lower bracket.

Abstract: A novel wall system for residential and light commercial construction that incorporates autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). This wall system comprises AAC blocks married to a building frame with a system of clips. The AAC blocks are joined one to the next with thin-bed mortar. The cavity between the frame and the AAC blocks is injected with structural insulating foam. The exterior of the autoclaved aerated concrete walls is finished with waterproof decorative stucco.

Abstract: A roofing clip and connector for retaining metal roofing panels to the purlins of roofs comprising a rigid clip piece in the form of a folded piece of material with a loop in the vicinity of the fold and a constricted area between the loop and the folded ends of the materials, with holes to facilitate attachment of the clip to the purlins, and with the upper fold of the clip having an upturned segment more than 69 degrees at the end thereof, and a connector to be inserted into the clip, with a tab extension extending laterally from the connector.

Abstract: An adjustable wall system comprising horizontal and vertical members for forming a frame. Panels including mounting elements for being removably mounted to two adjacent vertical members of the frame thus forming a wall run. The vertical members include protrusions to be mounted by the mounting elements. The vertical and horizontal members may be provided with mutually mating locators. Surface mounting elements are provided to be mounted to a surface, the vertical members are mounted to these elements. A region of the vertical members is exposed between adjacent panels. This region can be used to mount display members and the like thereto or be used as a spacer. Levelers are used to bolt the freestanding wall runs to the floor. Perpendicular tabs on the horizontal members are used to connect them to other horizontal members creating dividing wall runs on straight wall runs. Angular or curved brackets are used to shape the wall run accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an outdoor flooring such as a lightweight deck surface, employs a fiber reinforced polymer structural panel with plural grid openings therein. Connectors adapted to interlock adjacent panels to one another and to a base, also are adapted for receiving support column members therein for providing ground or base oriented surface or an elevated surface. A surfacing material, such as a quarried stone or tile, is attached to the top of the panel, providing a deck surface without requiring substantial structural support.

Abstract: A wall mountable frame structure for supporting appliances, entertainment equipment or other devices including peripheral horizontal and vertical structural beams with at least one intermediate vertical beam extending between and secured to the horizontal beams. A plurality of cladding panels removably attached to the vertical beams by way of a stud having a trapping member at its terminus which fits within a complimentary receiving portion of the vertical beams to secure the cladding panel to the vertical beams. A support bracket to be affixed to a wall and having mounting forks pivotally secured thereto is provided. A plurality of transverse mounting members are affixed to the vertical beams and are received by the mounting forks to secure the frame to a wall. The mounting forks are rotatable between first and second positions with the frame positioned away from the wall in the first position and against the wall in the second position.

Abstract: A connector device is provided for a curtain wall system of the type having structural members secured to the building framing to define frames to support glazing panels. The glazing panels each have a sash by which they are secured to the frames of structural members to form an outer wall portion of a building. The curtain wall system has connector devices securing one of the glazing panels to the frames of structural members. The connector device comprises a keeper secured to a frame, and a latch mechanism secured opposite the keeper on the sash. The latch mechanism has a latch bolt automatically displaceable to a locking position upon contact with the keeper. The keeper and the latch mechanism cooperate in the locking position to lock the glazing panel to the frame in a secured position. A method for installing the connector device is also provided.

Abstract: A snap-on attachment structure for attaching a side skin to an upright frame of a wall system. The attachment structure includes resilient attachment strips secured to the rear of the skin and extending along upright edges thereof. Each strip cooperates with a projection formed on an upright frame member and extending vertically therealong. The snap-on strip has a pair of cantilevered spring legs which protrude outwardly in angled relationship. The spring legs adjacent outer ends are provided with coil-shaped head parts which protrude inwardly toward one another. The head parts have hollow arcuate configurations and move into gripping engagement with shallow arcuate recesses formed on opposite sides of the projection.

Abstract: A fastening clip configured to secure a first panel to a second panel may include a base supporting a plurality of resilient beams, and a plurality of tangs outwardly extending from an outer surface of each of the resilient beams. The plurality of tangs are configured to securely engage the first and/or second panels. The fastening clip may also include stabilizing flaps on either side.

Abstract: A high impact, moisture resistant, wall panel system and methods for mounting a high impact, moisture resistant wall panel to an existing structure are disclosed herein. A high impact, moisture resistant wall panel includes an inert substrate composed of a high density inorganic material, wherein the substrate is dimensionally stable, a laminate composed of a substantially rigid polymeric material, and an adhesive for engaging the laminate to the substrate.

Abstract: A bracket for use with metal construction framing which is a generally planar construct having a first outer flange and a second outer flange, configured to form a recess between such flanges suitable to engage at least one face of a metal construction stud and to interlock with the stud via at least two non-longitudinal tabs.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling construction includes fill-in panels, diffusers and/or light fixtures which are retained in their openings by spring clips that have been pre-attached to the ceiling grid frame members. The clips bear against edges of the panels to keep them in place normally, but they can be deflected out of the way by pushing up on the panels when necessary. As the tips of the clips contact the frame members during deflection, they provide increasing resistance to further deflection.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fastener for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least one other board running adjacent and parallel to the first board. The fastener includes a body portion, first and second prongs, and a flange. The first prong extends outwardly from the body portion for driving into a first board. The second prong extends outwardly from the body portion for penetrating a second board. The body portion of the fastener includes an opening for receiving a connector. When installed, the connector passes through the opening in the body portion and into the supporting member, which supports and underlies the first and second boards. The flange extends outwardly from the body portion in order to maintain a desired gap between the first and second boards. The prongs may have concave insertion ends as defined by two spaced-apart insertion points.

Abstract: A fastening clip configured to secure a first panel to a second panel may include a base supporting a plurality of resilient beams, and a plurality of tangs outwardly extending from an outer surface of each of the resilient beams. The plurality of tangs are configured to securely engage the first and/or second panels. The fastening clip may also include stabilizing flaps on either side.

Abstract: The slating of a new roof or the re-slating of an existing roof is carried out by attaching batten rails to the roof, and providing a clip for attachment to the underside of a slate that is to be mounted thereon. The batten rail and the clip mechanically interlock so as to secure the slate to the building.

Abstract: The mounting system comprises a grid of vertically upright C-profiles which are pushed with their lower and upper ends into horizontally extending U-profiles. Bracket clips are fitted to outer sides of the mutually opposite legs of the C-profiles. The bracket clips on the profiles are in engagement with rails. Panels are fastened to these rails. An insulating material can be accommodated in the gap enclosed by the panels.

Abstract: A wall panel tile connector is disclosed. The connector includes an elongated bracket with groups of openings and a number of clips which are attached to the bracket by use of the openings. The bracket has a first portion with an U-shaped cross section, a middle portion with an offset and a second portion. The offset has a slot-like opening and the second portion includes two smaller openings, the three openings being grouped to allow attachment of a clip. Each clip is generally U-shaped with a base and two legs, and a bent tab and offset fingers. The slot-like opening receives one of the legs of the clip. The offset fingers engage in the smaller openings and create an interference fit with the bracket. The tab is resilient and enables the tile to be engaged with a wall panel frame.

Abstract: A tile bracket support system that has a tile side support bracket or clip and a tile bottom support bracket or clip attached to the tile without the use of screws or adhesives. The tile side support bracket or clip has tile side edge embedding members and vertical frame member engaging members. The tile bottom support bracket has tile bottom edge embedding members and horizontal frame member engaging members thereby holding the tile affixed to the horizontal and vertical frame members without the use of screws or adhesives.

Abstract: A fastening device for securing adjacent, parallel boards to a transverse structure, including a top plate having flanges to fit into slots cut into the sides of boards, a center hole in the top plate to accommodate a screw or nail, and top and bottom tabs to provide uniform spacing and to support the fastener during attachment to the support structure.

Abstract: Lap beam connectors for allowing two beams to be joined together without having to use external fasteners such as screws. Each beam has at least one internal pair of receptacles for slidably receiving each end of a plate therein. The plate can be secured to inner walls of the beams by a crimping tool, and the like. The plate allows the weight of the beams and any structure being built to be distributed over the length of the beam instead of just being directly on the ends of the beams. The receptacles can be substantially U-shaped with triangular shaped sidewalls. Another part of the invention allows for attaching two U-shaped beam half sections together by having a nesting ledges/receptacles on at least one of the legs of one beam half sections. While the legs of each beam half overlapped against each other, the nesting ledges/receptacles hold the beam half legs to be held to fixed locations.

Abstract: A siding attachment strip and method are provided for retaining a plurality of siding panels to a building structure. The siding attachment strip includes an elongate body, one or more mounting holes, and a plurality of siding top edge clips spaced along the elongate body according to a predetermined siding panel size. A siding top edge clip of the plurality of siding top edge clips is capable of engaging a nailing slot in a siding panel. The siding top edge clip includes a plurality of prongs extending therefrom. A prong of the plurality of prongs includes a substantially right-angled bend in a middle region of the prong. The siding attachment strip further includes a plurality of prong slots formed in the elongate body and spaced from and corresponding to the plurality of siding top edge clips.

Abstract: A bracket for aiding in the mounting of a course of wallboards onto a frame of vertical studs including a channel having a short leg joined to a long panel and a punched out nailer extending from the long panel. First, the pointed free end of the nailer is driven into a stud permitting the user to check alignment of a row of the brackets before permanently securing each bracket to its respective stud by driving nails through apertures in the bracket into the stud. The board is then supported in the bracket against the stud and nailed to the stud. The bracket has a line of perforations that permits snapping the exposed part of the bracket from the stud.

Abstract: Hold-down clips for insulation. The clips have U-shaped bases for wrapping about the exposed edges of framing members such as 2×4s, 2×6s, 2×8s, and 2×10s, and the like, that are used under roofs, ceilings, floors and walls. The clips have side extending arms that abut against the insulation materials and can include protruding portions which further press the insulation material in place. The U-shaped bases can further include inwardly protruding bent tabs, dimples, and spike portions for further locking the clips to the framing members. The clips can be easily installed without the need for tools such as hammers, nail guns, and staple type guns, as well as not need any additional fasteners such as nails, screws, and staples, in order to be installed. An optional through-hole in the base portion can allow for an extra fastener to be used where the through-hole provides direct guidance for placing the optional fastener.

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 sign assembly having a frameless-appearing sign face may be removed from and replaced into the assembly. The sign assembly includes a sign face having an outer surface, an inner surface and a peripheral side. The assembly also includes a sign frame having a sign face channel that is adapted to receive a portion of the sign face adjacent to the peripheral side. The sign face channel is defined by an inner frame portion and an outer frame portion. The assembly also includes a mounting component having a face support that is attached to the inner surface of the sign face adjacent to the peripheral side of the sign face, an inner support that is adapted to bear against the inner frame portion of the sign frame, and an outer support that is adapted to bear against the outer frame portion of the sign frame. The invention also includes a method for mounting a sign face on a mounting component and a method for converting a framed assembly into a frameless-appearing assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses directed to a system for releasably securing a frame/panel (wall system) to a substrate or wall. The system includes a first rod affixed to the wall in a substantially horizontal direction for securing a top portion of a frame, where the frame comprises a perimeter of polygonal or irregular shape. The system also includes a second rod spaced apart from the first rod and affixed to the wall in a substantially horizontal direction for securing a bottom portion of the frame. Each rod includes a substantially cylindrical shape having a substantially fixed curved surface throughout corresponding substantially to a predetermined diameter and including a length which is equal to or less than a width of the frame. The system also includes a plurality of clips affixed to an affixing side of the frame creating an affixable frame.

Abstract: Lap beam connectors for allowing two beams to be joined together without having to use external fasteners such as screws. Each beam has at least one internal pair of receptacles for slidably receiving each end of a plate therein. The plate can be secured to inner walls of the beams by a crimping tool, and the like. The plate allows the weight of the beams and any structure being built to be distributed over the length of the beam instead of just being directly on the ends of the beams. The receptacles can be substantially U-shaped with triangular shaped sidewalls. Another part of the invention allows for attaching two U-shaped beam half sections together by having a nesting ledges/receptacles on at least one of the legs of one beam half sections. While the legs of each beam half overlapped against each other, the nesting ledges/receptacles hold the beam half legs to be held to fixed locations.

Abstract: A flooring assembly and fastener therefor comprises flooring planks, preferably made of recycled lumber, and a clip fastener arranged between opposing longitudinal edges of the planks. The planks, in one embodiment, use tongue and groove construction. The clip is Z-shaped in cross section, one end portion of the clip catching the groove of a plank with the other end portion acting as a base for fastening to the joist. The clip fasteners are spaced along each joint and adjacent joints to retain the planks on the joists while permitting the planks to expand and contract at rates different than the joists themselves.

Abstract: A fastening member for the vertical board siding, which comprises; a main metal fitting comprising a flat substrate, first and second upright portions formed at the upper and lower end portions of the flat substrate, respectively and extending in the horizontal direction, a third upright portion formed along the longitudinal direction of the flat substrate, and an engaging portion formed at a distal end of the third upright portion; and an auxiliary metal fitting adapted to be detachably engaged with the main metal fitting and comprises a first horizontal portion adapted to be placed on the second upright portion of the main metal fitting, and a second horizontal portion adapted to support a lower end portion of the siding board to be fastened.

Abstract: A sound attenuating wall or ceiling assembly includes: a plurality of wall or ceiling boards; a series of parallel spaced apart, elongated framing members; and a series of elongated sound attenuating members extending along the length of the framing members, secured to the framing members and securing the boards to the framing members. Each of the sound attenuating members has a resilient cantilevered portion to which the boards are secured. The cantilevered portion of each sound attenuating member extends from the framing member to which the sound attenuating member is secured both outward away from the framing member and toward an adjacent framing member whereby the boards are resiliently secured to the framing members and spaced outwardly from the framing members to attenuate sound.

Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel system having a plurality of upright wall panels serially connected one with the other by an intermediate upright support post. The height of each wall panel is adjusted by modular panel extension assemblies which are mounted on base panels supported by lower support posts and include extension posts connected to the lower support posts so as to be arranged coaxial therewith. Spaced apart pairs of the extension posts are connectable to a cross rail at upper ends thereof which defines a downwardly extending generally U-shaped extension frame. A serially adjacent pair of extension frames shares a common extension post which is connected to both of the cross rails thereof, where the base panel and the extension panel assembly disposed thereon respectively define base and beltline raceways for workstation cabling. Additional extension posts can be inserted into the upper ends of extension posts already positioned so as to vertically extend the height of the wall panel.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system in which the grid runners are largely concealed by the panels to produce a distinctive high quality appearance. In various illustrated embodiments, the visual effect is produced as a result of the panels being separated by a relatively narrow gap in two perpendicular directions or by a narrow gap in one direction and essentially no gap in the perpendicular direction, and the grid being recessed above the main face of the panels. The panels are accurately positioned on the grid by metal clips, normally permanently attached to the panels, which engage upstanding flange portions of the grid runners. The accurate positioning afforded by the clips assures that visually distracting variations in the size of the narrow gaps are avoided. The clips can also serve to avoid accidental dislodging of the panels.

Abstract: A floor joist system including at least one girder having an upper surface, a plurality of joists interconnected with the girder, each joist having an upper surface, the upper surfaces of the girder and the joist being substantially coplanar, a plurality of individual flooring attachment elements attached to the upper surfaces of the girder and joists, the flooring attachment elements having a hardness which is less than the hardness of both the girder and joists, and flooring supported by the upper surfaces of the girder and joists through their respective flooring attachment elements, the flooring attached to the flooring attachment elements.

Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel system includes an improved acoustic and tackable cover pad. The cover pad includes an interior molded panel which is compressed about its peripheral edges wherein the compressed edge sections provide the required rigidity for the cover pad. While edge rails are provided in these edge sections, the edge rails are not rigidly connected to each other but instead are adhered to the molded panel. The edge rails are provided for mounting the cover pad to a wall panel frame and provide rigid edge areas to which a cover fabric is adhered. The molded panel is formed of a fiberglass having layers of a scrim material embedded therein for tackability. The molded panel further includes a compressed mounting region which has an increased rigidity to facilitate mounting of receptacle bezels thereto.

Abstract: A flooring assembly and fastener therefor is comprised of a plurality of elongated flooring planks, with each flooring plank having on opposing ends a tongue-containing first longitudinal edge and a groove-containing second longitudinal edge. The flooring planks are arranged on a plurality of a supporting members, so that the tongue-containing end of a first flooring plank will engage the groove-containing end of a second flooring plank. The assembled flooring planks are securely held in place by a clip unit which is comprised of a base, at least one fastening means, a leg portion extending vertically from said base and a free, distal end portion sized to be positioned between the lower face of the tongue end of a first flooring plank and the upper face of the grooved end of a second flooring plank.

Abstract: A method of transforming a non-beveled edge of a wallboard panel into a beveled edge to form a recessed flush butt joint when installed. This method will not mar or damage the bonded paper coating on the panel and will not interfere with the manufacturers structural strength of the panel.

Abstract: A structural panel, suitable for use as slatwalling in retail outlets, comprised of a metal sheet bent to define on each side of the panel a series of channels of re-entrant cross-section extending continuously across the width of the panel. The panel is manufactured by a bending process wherein a portion of sheet material is deformed into a U-shaped cross-section, and the sides of the channel are deformed by bending into a substantially S-shape to define the re-entrant channel shape, this process being repeated at regular intervals along the sheet material. The bending process is performed by tooling including first and second tool assemblies, the first assembly including a shaping part for deforming a portion of sheet material into a recess defined between a pair of opposed tool elements of the second tool assembly, the opposed tool elements being driven towards each other to deform the channel side walls into an S-shape.