Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel in the form of a multilayer, rectangular laminate with a soft core (10) of plastic, a décor film (12) on the upper side of the core (10), a transparent finishing layer (14) and a transparent lacquer layer (16) applied on the finishing layer (16), as well as a back-pull layer (18) on the back of the core (10), with a lockable tongue and groove connection at least at two mutually opposite edges of the panel (20, 22).

Abstract: The present invention provides an installation structure of exterior wall decorative sheet (1) possible for easily installing a wall surface (W) of the exterior wall decorative sheet (1), preventing the exterior wall decorative sheet (1) from moving upwards. It includes a plurality of solar panels (3), which is an exterior wall decorative sheet (1), a lower runner (2) holding the plurality of solar panels (3) at a lower side thereof, and an upper runner (2) holding the plurality of solar panels (3) at an upper side. The upper runner (2) includes a fixed portion (21) fixed to the wall surface (W), a rotating portion (22) attaching a base side thereof vertically and rotatably to the fixed portion (21), and an upper engaging portion (23) provided in a tip side of the rotating portion (22), engaged with the solar panel (3) by rotating the rotating portion (22) downwards, and disengaged with the solar panel (3) by rotating the rotating portion (22) upwards.

Abstract: An energy barrier is made of adjustable width insulating rails, reflective insulation panels and a gasketing element to create a single layer or multi-layer stack of reflective dead air spaces within cavity spaces of framing members of a building envelope where an efficient energy barrier is desired.

Abstract: An exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) is provided for use with associated insulation and substrate layers of a building. The system includes primary and secondary water resistant barriers on first and second surfaces of the associated insulation layer. The secondary water resistant barrier includes a single adhesive and sealing layer defining at least one channel and adhesively securing the second surface of the associated insulation layer to the associated substrate layer. The system is usable with a plurality of associated insulation layers disposed in abutment, the single adhesive and sealing layer defining at least one channel extending from the first insulation panel to the second insulation panel and being adapted to conduct fluid therethrough. Further, a hand tool for working the adhesive and sealing layer is provided.

Abstract: In a construction with walls, ceilings, and/or floors as parts of the building, especially for buildings protected against radiation, the parts of the building are made of reinforced concrete. One part of the building may be a sandwich design wherein one layer is made of a material that protects against radiation, and at least one layer is made of concrete.

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: An underlayment for supplementing one or more physical properties of wall, ceiling, and floor construction components is used to in a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly that may be fabricated on site. The assembly includes: first and second wall, ceiling, or floor construction components which each have physical properties and an underlayment component which has at least one supplemental physical property for supplementing the physical properties of the first and second construction components. The construction components may or may not be secured together with the underlayment sandwiched between the second and first construction components to form a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly with the supplemental physical property or properties of the underlayment. The supplemental physical property or properties of the underlayment may include, but are not limited to, latent storage of thermal energy, sound transmission reduction, and/or burn through resistance.

Abstract: A grid system is provided that is particularly suited for the suspended ceiling system that varies in the vertical plane. An elongated carrier tube is provided the spans substantially the width of the grid system that has a slot therein adapted to receive the strengthening bulb of a main runner. A clip is provided that seats on the carrier tube that has opposed faces for capturing the bulb of the runner, so as to secure the runner to the tube carrier.

Abstract: A prefabricated insulating panel for making outer surfaces of buildings, integrating an auxiliary panel unit, particularly a photovoltaic unit, is equipped with one or more quick-fit retention members of the auxiliary panel unit, each quick-fit retention members including an engaging portion to retain said auxiliary panel unit in a position thereof resting over the insulating panel, which members can be anchored quickly to said insulating panel without the need to make holes in the insulating panel and/or in the structure of said auxiliary panel unit for the engagement of fixing elements such as screws or the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a magnetic modular coating for floors and walls, even in wet sites and under water, that is composed of a sole fixing element laid between a magnetic adherence decorative plate and a metallic framework structure (3). Such coating also includes a bi-directional magnetic adherence layer (4) of minimum thickness; a decorative surface layer (5), and an upper rigidifying sheet (6) made up of a laminar unit. Adhesives used can be of any kind suitable to join components together. The modules allow for a fast installation, are easily removable and can be re-used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wall and surface veneering products and systems that provide a replica image of a natural surface, such as stone, brick or wood, and is easily installable due to its lightweight characteristics and securement design. The present invention further includes systems for attachment of the veneering product to walls or other surfaces and also includes systems for assembling such products to provide pleasing arrangements and complete wall coverage. The present invention also includes methods of manufacture, which ensures the natural appearance of stone or wood by imaging a natural surface, such as stone or wood, and preparing a mold from that image to mass produce a replica of that particular surface.

Abstract: The lining structure of the present invention comprises lining plates each having supporting portions formed at two opposite sides of a square lining plate body via bent step portions, and covering portions formed at the remaining sides of the lining plate body; the lining plates being arranged in longitudinal and transverse directions on a surface to be lined; in the first and second lining plates that are adjacent to each other in longitudinal and transverse directions, a covering portion of one of the lining plates being superposed on a supporting portion of, and being butted against the lining plate body of, another of the lining plates, with the butted portion being joined by welding, with an adhesive, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A panel for mounting on an exterior wall includes a shaped, molded backing member and a siding member attached to the backing member wherein the shape-molded backing member includes a rear face and an opposing front face. The shape-molded backing member is composed of closed cell expanded polystyrene foam, the front and rear faces having an outer surface composed of a tough smooth skin.

Abstract: A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a system of panels which could for instance be used for a suspended ceiling comprising one or more rows (R1, R2, . . . ) of panels (2), where one or more of the panels (2) of a given row can be moved from a first, upper level (a), where the panels are fixed relative to the system to a second, lower level (b), where the panels can be displaced along and underneath panels situated at the first level, thereby providing access through the system of panels to the space above or behind the panels. According to the invention there is furthermore provided panels for such systems, the panels comprising a substantially rigid frame (6, 12), the frame being furthermore provided with means for cooperation with mating means on a suspension and guide system, thereby allowing said movement from one level to the other and vice versa and said displacement.

Abstract: Manufacture of roll formed one piece sheet metal grid tees that affords different load ratings with the same gauge and quality of sheet stock and the same overall cross-section dimensions by varying the width of the strip used to make the tees and disposing material added for increased load rating at the area of the hollow reinforcing bulb of the tees.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved floor covering product. The floor covering product comprises a floor covering material having a face surface and a back surface. On the back surface of the floor covering material is a layer of polyurethane having a cure index of between approximately 70 and 90. A method of using the floor covering product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant lath is provided for use in exterior finishing systems, such as stucco systems and exterior insulation and finish systems (“EIFS”). The lath includes in a first embodiment an open, woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns containing non-metallic fibers, such as glass fibers. A portion of the weft yarns are undulated, resulting in an increased thickness for the fabric. The fabric is coated with a polymeric resin for substantially binding the weft yarns in the undulated condition. This invention also includes methods for making an exterior finish system and building wall including an exterior finish system using such a lath.

Abstract: A building element (10) comprises a substantially metallic, substantially planar core member (20) and a thermally insulating and water resistant sheathing member (30) either side of the core member. The core member is continuous along a substantial length of the building element and a void (40) is created between the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. At least one bridging member (50) is provided in the void and couples the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. A building system and method of construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a lightweight board with two thin-walled top layers and at least one core layer located between the top layers and connected to these, and a process to manufacture this. The process to manufacture the invented lightweight board is characterised by a first process stage in which a groove is made in at least one longitudinal side of the lightweight board, a profile strip is inserted in a second process stage into the groove in the lightweight board and a further profile strip is attached in a third stage on the previously attached profile strip.

Abstract: A modular floor including a pair of main beams, at least one cross beam and a floor panel. The pair of main beams each has an attachment structure. The attachment structure includes a first support section, a second support section and a channel that extends between the first and second support sections. The first and second support sections have a convex upper surface. The at least one cross beam engages the main beams to retain the main beams in a stationary position with respect to each other. The floor panel has ends that each have a recess that is shaped complementary to the upper surfaces of the first and second sections.

Abstract: Floor covering hard panels having at least on two opposite edges, coupling elements made in one piece with the panels, so that several ones of such panels can be mutually coupled, whereby these coupling elements provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges and parallel to the plane of the panels, and whereby these coupling elements are made such that the panels can be rotated into and/or out of one another at least along the above-mentioned edges. The panels are provided, at least on the above-mentioned edges, near the top side, with a part from which has been removed an amount of material such as by a bevel.

Abstract: A system and method for protection of buildings are disclosed here. The system may include a plurality of durable recyclable sheets that are capable of displaying media, portions of each sheet may be attached to the other via external fasteners that may be located at interfaces between the sheets. The system may also include top fasteners to fasten portions of the sheets to parts of the building, supporting members, and internal fasteners to fasten the supporting members to portions of the sheets. The method may include the steps of providing durable recyclable sheets capable of displaying media, attaching portion of the sheets to each other, fastening portions of the sheets to the building, disposing supporting members to support portions of the sheets, and attaching the supporting members to portions of the inside surfaces of the sheets.

Abstract: A building envelope assembly includes a first structural frame supporting a first interior layer, a second structural frame parallel with the first structural frame supporting a second interior layer and an exterior sheathing layer opposite the second interior layer, and a flexible sheet disposed within the assembly and configured to transport moisture from between the first structural frame and the second structural frame to a location outside of the assembly. A drain assembly is configured to transport moisture from the flexible sheet. A seal is attached to the flexible sheet and configured to prevent ingress of water toward the first and second structural frames.

Abstract: A prefabricated rain screen wall panel is provided comprising inner and outer concrete panels secured together by shear connectors. Intermediate members provide insulation, a drainage channel and a vapour barrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides several methods and materials for use in building construction that may require air and water barrier, and water vapor permeability along with thermal or acoustic insulation. Several embodiments provide materials for a variety of building construction needs that can help build next generation green buildings.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for installing a penetration in a sheathing assembly and building structures. An opening can be formed at least partially through a sheathing assembly that includes a body; a barrier layer; and an adhesive disposed between at least a portion of the body and the barrier layer. At least a portion of the barrier layer adjacent the opening can be peeled back to expose at least a portion of the body. A penetration can be disposed at least partially within the opening. The penetration can include a contact member that at least partially contacts the exposed body, the barrier layer, or both. The penetration can be secured to at least a portion of the sheathing assembly, and the peeled back portion of the barrier layer can be repositioned such that the barrier layer covers at least a portion of the contact member.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing system includes a reinforcing member that is adapted to be adhered to a structure through the use of an adhesive. The reinforcing member includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is adapted to penetratingly engage the structure or a surface of the structure. The second leg is adapted to adhere to another surface of the structure. The second leg angularly extends from the first leg.

Abstract: Interlocking tongue and groove floor and wall panels use multiple bonded sheet construction, preferably three sheets, of material, such as plywood, bonded together Other rigid durable sheet materials may be used. The shape is preferably either square or rectangular. By offsetting the middle sheet layer so that two adjacent sides extend beyond the top and bottom layers which are in registration, a tongue is developed on two adjacent sides while the opposite sides will have grooves. Thus such panels can be used to cover a large floor or wall area using normal tongue-in-groove techniques by fitting the protruding tongues into the grooves of adjacent panels In an alternate embodiment, the middle sheet is smaller in size than the top and bottom sheets which are in registration. The middle sheet is centered within the top and bottom sheets thus forming grooves on all four edges.

Abstract: Fan-folded panels are provided with longitudinal cuts or fold lines along an extended length of the panels to enable folding of edge sections of the panels into channel walls on either side of an intermediate panel section together forming a channel having a heat reflective surface inside the channel, the channel for insertion between two facing joists or studs so that tops of the channel walls are pushed up against a facing surface supported by the joists to form an air cavity between the facing surface and the channel acting as the radiant thermal barrier. A hydronic under floor heating pipe may be pre-installed attached to the facing surface supported by the joists or studs with the result that a proper air cavity is maintained with the radiant thermal barrier.

Abstract: The Insulating Board System is a procedure where an insulation is added to any panel made from wood, cement, siding, or sheetrock, as a way to improve the R-value, to help reduce the noise and vibration, and in the same time to improve, in some instances, the structure resistance of the construction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for providing a utility line protection plate. In one embodiment of the invention, a system for providing a utility line protection plate can include at least two plate portions configured to resist impact of a penetrating object. The system can also include at least one hinge mounted to the at least two plate portions, wherein the at least one hinge permits the plate portions to be manipulated to a substantially parallel orientation with respect to each other. Furthermore, the system can include at least one mounting device adjacent to an edge of either of the at least two plate portions, wherein the mounting device is configured to permit mounting of the at least two plate portions between two adjacent wall studs.

Abstract: A method for securing two pieces of sheet material is provided using a stitch preferably made by sequentially passing the grid member through two die sets. The first die set lances a strap out of the two sheets of metal such that, at the approximate center or midsection of the strap, the first layer of material is displaced completely out of the plane defined by the web, while the second layer is only partially displaced out of the plane of the web so that a portion of the second layer remains in the space vacated by the first layer of the strap. The lanced strap is then passed through a second die set, in which the first and second layers of the strap are deformed or “swaged” such that the first layer is flattened and expanded in width beyond the edges of the hole in the web created when the strap was lanced. This provides interference such that the first layer of the strap cannot pass back through the hole.

Abstract: A removable floor includes a support piece (1) having a floor tile (15) affixed to the upper surface thereof, with the support piece being equipped to be secured to other support pieces, in order to facilitate the installation and removal of the floor by the user and to enable the supports to be installed in an aligned and/or out of phase manner such as to produce different decorative patterns.

Abstract: A grid system is provided that is particularly suited for the suspended ceiling system that varies in the vertical plane. An elongated carrier tube is provided the spans substantially the width of the grid system that has a slot therein adapted to receive the strengthening bulb of a main runner. A clip is provided that seats on the carrier tube that has opposed faces for capturing the bulb of the runner, so as to secure the runner to the tube carrier.

Abstract: Comprising, in principle, tiles consisting of bases made of a plastic material and top plaques joined to the bases, the bases incorporating male and female anchoring elements along their edges which fit together for attaching one tile to another. Characterized in that the anchoring elements are located in the joints between tiles and said anchoring elements are arranged alternatingly along the entire outer edge of the bases, at least by pairs of anchoring elements, one male and the other female, on each side of the edge of the plastic base. The anchoring elements are separated by a distance which is twice the distance between each end anchoring element and the nearest adjacent vertex of the corresponding base. It will thus be possible to place and anchor one tile assembly in relation to another in as many positions as the number of sides of the tiles.

Abstract: A wall structure for either a building or a stand alone wall is formed with stacked horizontal elongated panels. The upper and lower faces of each panel interlocks with its neighboring panel with a tongue and groove joint to form a continuous wall surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to building elements (A) for building of framings of joists or walls. Each building element consists of trapezoid thin sheet here called profile plate (1) completed by wooden bars (2), see FIG. Ia. Alternatively the wooden bars (2) may be replaced by any other corresponding material. In this application the wooden bars (2) or when these have been replaced for the purpose by any other material are called connectors (D). In FIGS. Ib, Ic, 2b, 2c and 4b, 4c the connectors (D) consist of metal bars (2?) respectively metal plates (2?) in stead of wooden bars (2). The object of the building elements (A) is to form support for fastening of layer materials (3) according to FIG. 5b, alternatively bars (4) according to FIG. 5c, alternatively boards (5) according to FIG. 5a or in combination of these (3, 4, 5) e g according to FIG. 5d in order to form a frame for load support perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the profile plates (1), see FIGS.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a floor system for efficiently absorbing an impact applied to a floor. The floor system includes a first impact-absorbing material, and a second impact-absorbing material installed at an upper side of the first impact-absorbing material and having a higher density than that of the first impact-absorbing material.

Abstract: A set of construction material elements including gypsum board, plywood, studs, tracks and cement boards each contain markings on a front and rear face. The markings comprise a plurality of series of symbols including a first and second series of symbols that appear on the face at regular repeating intervals, such as every 12 or 16 inches aligned along a horizontal line, the first and second series being substantially parallel spaced a few inches away from one another. The symbols may be combinations of dots and bars wherein each dot represents an interval of one unit, and each bar represents an interval of five units. Each construction material element may also have a first series of numerals in ascending order at regular repeating intervals around a perimeter of the face and a second series of numerals in descending order at regular repeating intervals around the perimeter.

Abstract: A connecting and plugging element for modular floor construction comprising a modular element having a substantially U-shaped cross section defined by two lateral walls connected by an arched surface, and further having two head walls each connecting the two lateral walls on opposing sides of the modular element. The connecting and plugging element is preferably made of a thermoplastic material, and the two lateral walls and one of the head walls may have free edges that extend to form an enlarged bearing base with holes for connecting to the floor base and also with couplers or relieves for connecting to reinforcing bars or to adjacent connecting and plugging elements.

Abstract: A ceiling tile of gypsum and cellulose fibers formed into a board by initially mixing the fibers and gypsum in a water-based slurry that is felted and thereafter pressed and dried with a desired board thickness, the dried board being processed to form a plurality of holes in a face thereof through at least the majority of the thickness of the board, the collective volume of the holes being sufficient to reduce the weight of the board by at least 10% and increase the NRC exhibited by the board over that which would otherwise be found in a board of the same composition without such holes.

Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.

Abstract: An insulating panel including a panel structure of closed cell foam with a first portion and a second portion. At least one compressible joint connects the first portion to the second portion. The compressible joint includes at least one segment with a cross-sectional thickness less than a cross-sectional thickness of the panel structure.

Abstract: Provided are materials and methods related to a roofing material comprising at least two layers of polymeric materials, a top layer exposed to the environment and a bottom layer contacting the roof structure, the top layer including an amount of metallic appearing special effect pigment material to impart a metallic appearance. The polymeric material may be a thermoplastic olefin resin, a polyvinyl chloride resin, or other material. Additionally, the polymeric materials contain UV stabilizers and/or flame retardants, smoke suppressants or other fillers.

Abstract: A foundation wall comprises a plurality of abutting, generally upright structural insulated panels, each of the panels comprising a slab of insulation sandwiched between first and second sheets and a top plate adjacent the top of the panel and overlaying the insulation. The lower end of the panel is devoid of a bottom plate.

Abstract: A composite structural element and a method for making same are provided. The element includes a polymer foam core and at least one fibrous layer adhered to the polymer foam core by epoxy. Nano-particles are suspended in the epoxy prior to curing; preferably they are mixed with the hardener before it is mixed with the resin. The polymer foam core is preferably an exothermic foam such as polyurethane, and heat generated by the exothermic foam cures the epoxy, thereby causing the fibrous layer to adhere to the foam core. The nano-particles may be made from at least one of carbon, a ceramic, tungsten, a carbide, titanium, zircon, aluminum, silver, or boron. When carbon nano-particles are used, the strength of the composite is greatly increased, and the curing time of the heat-curable epoxy is significantly reduced. Ceramic nano-particles can be used to increase penetration resistance and provide increased ballistic protection.

Abstract: An underlayment sheet (10, 10?) is applied in overlapping courses to a roof deck (36) for establishing a weather-resistant membrane for use as a final exposed surface or below a roof covering (50). The underlayment sheet (10, 10?) has a bottom surface (16, 16?) to which a pressure sensitive adhesive section (22, 22?) is applied generally continuously along its length. A non-adhesive section (24, 24?) also extends the length of the bottom surface (16, 16?) adjacent its upper long edge (18, 18?) for providing a contact surface with the roof deck (36) which is devoid of any adhesive material. The non-adhesive section (24, 24?) is attached to the roof deck (36) using tin tags (44, 44?) or other mechanical fastening components. When subsequent underlayment sheets (10, 10?) are applied in overlapping courses, the adhesive sections (22, 22?) bond over the preceding underlayment sheet (10, 10?) to establish a water tight seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wallboards particularly for damp rooms, which boards have a steam-resistant layer which prevents penetration of steam. The boards are particularly suitable for covering with tiles and are prefabricated in such a manner that they are easy to set up and to adapt to existing damp room structures according to general existing standards.

Abstract: A method of producing a foamed plaster comprises the following steps: (a) mixing plaster of Paris and calcium carbonate; (b) supplying water, and (c) adding phosphoric acid. The phosphoric acid reacts with the calcium carbonate to release gaseous carbon dioxide. It also reacts with any steel present to form an insoluble iron phosphate coating.