Abstract: The present invention discloses a glass curtain supporting device for clamping and supporting a glass 40 to constitute a glass curtain. The glass curtain supporting device includes a base 10, a pressing ring 20 and a propping rod 30. The base 10 has a conical end portion 11 circularly extended from an end of the base 10 and latched into a conical through hole of the glass 40 for clamping the glass 40 by the conical end portion 11 and the pressing ring 20. The glass 40 is mounted onto a scaffold by the connection of propping rods 30. The invention installs at least one elastic flange 12 disposed around the conical end portion 11 such that when the glass 40 is clamped by the conical end portion 11 and the pressing ring 20, the conical end portion 11 forms a well-sealed structure by the elasticity and deformation of the flange 12 to constitute an airtight and waterproof glass curtain.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a glass curtain fixing device, for clamping and supporting a glass to constitute a glass curtain. The glass curtain fixing device includes a base, a pressing ring and a propping rod. The base has a pressing portion transversally and circularly extended from an end of the base and passed through a through hole of the glass for clamping the glass by the pressing portion and the pressing ring. The glass is mounted onto a scaffold by the connection of propping rods. The invention installs at least one elastic flange disposed around the pressing portion such that when the glass is clamped by the pressing portion and the pressing ring, the pressing portion forms a well-sealed structure by the elasticity and deformation of the flange to constitute an airtight and waterproof glass curtain.

Abstract: A method of forming a connection, and a connector, that attaches supported members, such as deck boards, to supporting members, such as deck joists. In some forms, each connector attaches a single supported member. In others, the connector attaches two supported members. Many forms of the connector are possible, but all are narrow enough to fit between two supported members laid side-by-side, all are attached to the supported members by fasteners, and all are driven directly into the supporting members. The resulting structure is characterized by the apparent absence of nails or other fasteners.

Abstract: Modular structures constructed from interlocking wall modules made of plate steel and assembled with C-channel connectors, including tongue and groove elements used to position adjoining modules adjacent to one another, for example during the construction of a cell block. The tongue and groove elements ensure all adjacent prison cell modules are properly aligned such that the front fascia of each cell module lies within substantially the same plane. Further, the interlocking of the tongue and groove allows for the quick, cost-effective construction of a schoolroom having double skinned walls in an effort to increase the stability of the structure. Lastly, the interlocking panels may be formed in relatively small sections and then joined together in order to form a larger wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting anchor sheets to each other and/or to a floor. The approach includes using attachment pieces which fit into an area of reduced thickness of the anchor sheet which surround a cut away of the anchor sheet. In one embodiment, the attachment pieces are corner pieces which overlap areas of reduced thickness on a number of anchor sheets.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a system of interconnecting notched composite articles so as to create a surface therefrom. A joint segment having an edge configured to be received into a plurality of notches within juxtaposed composite articles and a fastener engaging the joint segment so as to anchor the joint segment to a support system underlying the joint segment interconnects the composite articles. Further disclosed is a method of installing composite articles involving fastening a first joint segment having opposing edges to a structural support system, aligning a composite article having a first notch on at least a portion of a first surface of the composite article and a second notch on a second surface of the composite article such that the first joint segment edge is received into the first notch, and fastening a second joint segment having edges to the structural support system such that the second joint segment edges engages the second notch on the second surface of the composite article.

Abstract: A roofing system for a roof deck able to retain mechanical fasteners includes a layer of roof insulation boards overlaying the roof deck and a plurality of spaced apart hold-down straps overlaying the roof insulation boards. The hold-down straps have pre-formed mechanical fastener openings therethrough on preselected center to center spacings and mechanical fasteners pass down through the mechanical fastener openings in the hold-down straps, through the roof insulation boards, and into the roof deck to secure the roof insulation boards to the roof deck. Preferably, the roof insulation boards each have guidelines thereon for placement of the hold-down straps relative to the roof insulation board.

Abstract: Elements of laminar bodies (1) made of metal or other material are disclosed, so shaped as to be inserted into straight undercut notches (3) made on plates and/or tiles (2). The laminar bodies (1) have such a sufficient length to protrude from straight undercut notches (3) and so shaped as to allow to be joined to each other or with another interposed body (9) through bolts (8) or the like or by means of joints, welding and the like, so as to form a single body (21) adapted to be anchored strongly to the plate and/or tile (2) allowing said plate to be safely and simply fixed to the structures supporting the facing (10).

Abstract: A impact protection system for building openings, such as windows and doors, includes a shutter assembly having angled blades extending between frame members in such as manner that access areas are provided when the shutters are closed to permit insertion of a storm bar clip to secure a reinforcing storm bar. The storm bar can be secured to the surrounding wall by removable wall mounts.

Abstract: A fabric wall panel system includes fabric wall panels mounted on a wall of a room by means of a ceiling track with a downwardly open channel mounted adjacent the ceiling and extending the length of the wall and a base track with an upwardly depending support surface mounted adjacent the floor and extending the length of the wall. Each fabric wall panel comprises a fabric cover overlaying a panel insert. Each fabric wall panel is mounted by inserting the top of the fabric wall panel into the downwardly open channel of the ceiling track and supporting the bottom of the fabric wall panel on the upwardly depending support surface of the base track. In one embodiment, the fabric wall panel is fabricated on-site and sized to have a length approximately equal to the length of the wall so that no vertical seams are created. In another embodiment, standard size panels are used with abutting vertical mid-wall seams between adjacent panels.

Abstract: A tile anchoring system for use in reactors and other furnace like equipment which involves the use of a tile that contains various internal parts. According to the various embodiments of the present invention, the tile is formed as more than one part. In the present invention, various techniques and parts are used to anchor tiles to surfaces wherein the various parts and the tiles themselves “snap” into place with one another and/or with an existing hexmetal mesh structure.

Abstract: A lining (10) for a furnace the lining (10) having insulating material (12) attached to an inside wall (11) of the furnace, the insulating material (12) in use having a hot face (20) which faces inwardly of the furnace, and a cold face at or adjacent the furnace wall (11) characterized in that a protective element (26) is provided at least partially to cover the hot face (20), and/or the cold (C) face, the protective element (26) being secured relative to the face by a securing means (27, 27b), which co-operates with a member (25, 25a; 25b; 25c) which is embedded in the insulating material (12).

Abstract: A combination roofing panel and solar module includes a flexible membrane sheet, such as a single-ply membrane sheet, and a plurality of elongated solar or photovoltaic modules arranged side-by-side, end-to-end, or adjacent each other. The modules are adhered to the flexible membrane, and the edges of the modules having electrical connectors or electrodes are arranged to face each other or be aligned with each other. The electrical connectors are connected by a solder connection to module electrodes through apertures in a bottom surface of the flexible membrane and are connected in series. The series electrical connectors are connected directly to direct current (DC) electric devices, to a combiner box, to another panel or to an inverter which provides coverts direct current (DC) to alternating current electricity for use in residential, commercial or industrial building structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nail suitable for sheathing which provides an enhanced resistance to failure. The nail includes an enlarged head as well as a shank having surface deformations. Sheathing panels are secured to a framing structure through the use of the nail. The enlarged head provides a first clamping surface that is seated against an exterior surface of the sheathing panel. The framing structure within which the shank is secured is a second clamping surface. Through the provision of an enlarged head and a shank having surface deformations, the ability of the nail to maintain the securement of the sheathing panel to the framing structure element is enhanced.

Abstract: A curtain wall (ACM) system has vertical mullions and horizontal supports which provide a dry as well as a structural system for non-sequential construction of curtain wall exteriors. Internal gutters offer a failsafe moisture proof system. The horizontal and vertical framework members may be mounted in the reverse orientation for special exterior wall configurations. Individual panels can be replaced without sealants or tear down of neighboring panels. A face support for the thin ACM panels is provided. Thermal expansion is addressed with a floating panel on a track design. Alternate embodiment includes transition frame members having glass and metal panel integral supports, freestanding X-Y sub-frame assemblies, fiber optic outboard channels and novel methods of assembly.

Abstract: A curtain wall (ACM) system has vertical mullions and horizontal supports which provide a dry as well as a structural system for non-sequential construction of curtain wall exteriors. Internal gutters offer a failsafe moisture proof system. The horizontal and vertical framework members may be mounted in the reverse orientation for special exterior wall configurations. Individual panels can be replaced without sealants or tear down of neighboring panels. A face support for the thin ACM panels is provided. Thermal expansion is addressed with a floating panel on a track design.

Abstract: A supporting device for prefabricated units, particularly for buildings having a metallic structure, comprising a main body which can be fixed to an outer face of a first unit and a supporting element which forms, with one of its portions, a resting region for a second unit to be connected to the first unit. The supporting element is detachably associated with the main body and can be moved along the main body in order to vary the position of the resting region with respect to the first unit.

Abstract: A clip for siding panels installed on a wall of a structure includes a substantially planar nailing face and a seat extending from a bottom edge of the nailing face disposed to receive the bottom edge of an overlapping siding panel. A hook member extends from a top edge of the nailing face and is disposed to hang the clip from a top edge of a siding panel overlapped by the overlapping siding panel. The nailing face is sized to provide a partial overlap of the overlapped siding panel by the overlapping siding panel when the clip is attached to the overlapped siding panel by the hook member and the overlapping siding panel is seated in the seat.

Abstract: A corner support element for paving slabs has stackable plate elements to facilitate transport and for height adjustment. The guide and support elements for corner parts of paving slabs, namely plate elements, have cruciform upright support and distance providing projections. The projections are shaped as upwardly tapering elements with open cavities downwards for accommodating corresponding underlying projections. The elements are modular and can be separated along radial rows of projections to form semicircular segments for supporting two adjoining slab corners or quarter segments for supporting only a single corner. The elements are stacked in columns without turning each of the modular parts mutually between them.

Abstract: There is now provided a building glass facade of a building comprising a plurality of glass plates each of which is secured by clamp fittings for a glass plate, with each clamp fitting comprising two clamp elements that clamp the glass plate between them and also comprising an articulated support of the clamp fitting on a fastening device, whereby a first articulated arrangement comprises a substantially permanently elastic element that is disposed on one clamp element. There is also provided a second articulated arrangement that has two plano-concave lenses that face each other with their spherical surfaces, between which the bolt head of a pendulum bolt with corresponding concave complementary surfaces is guided.

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: A siding panel is supported by a hanging guide while that siding panel is being maneuvered into a desired position with respect to a support surface. The hanger is attached to the support surface and includes a pocket which accommodates an edge of the siding panel. Once the siding panel is supported by the hanging guide, the siding panel is fixed to the support surface. Once the siding panel is fixed to the support surface, the hanging guide is removed.

Abstract: An external wall construction capable of inhibiting water penetration thereinto includes a securing metal fitting installed at an upper side portion and a lower side portion of an external wall panel. The external wall panel is mounted on an underlayment. The external wall panel has a notched recess formed on left and right side portions along the vertical direction. A sealing fixture is arranged between the adjacent left and right external wall panels. The sealing fixture has a base plate portion fixed to the underlayment, a rising plate portion erected at the base plate portion, and a front plate portion arranged at the rising plate portion, wherein a front resilient material is provided at the front face of the front plate portion. The front resilient material and the front plate portion are engaged in the notched recess of the external wall panel.

Abstract: A siding boards attachment structure includes siding boards, at least one underlayment, securing metal fittings and at least one sealing member. The sealing member is disposed between left and right adjacent siding boards and has a base plate portion, a rising plate portion, a front plate portion, and a front resilient material. The base plate portion is secured to the underlayment. The rising plate portion is bent forward from the base plate portion. The front plate portion is bent from a front end of the rising plate portion in the opposite direction from the base plate portion. The front resilient material is provided on a front surface of the front plate portion. The front plate portion engages with a front surface of the lateral underlying tongue portion of the siding board. The front resilient material is in tight contact with a front inner surface of the notched recess and a back surface of the lateral overlying tongue portion of the siding boards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling panels to a structure. A coupling assembly includes a first coupling member depending from a face of one of the panels and adapted to deflect a relatively large amount in a plane of rotation of the first coupling member and a second coupling member depending from the corresponding face of the second panel. A coupling mechanism is provided between the coupling members provides for transmitting a force between the coupling members over a range of deflection of the first coupling member, permitting large relative movement between the panels.

Abstract: A barrier, such as a PV module, is secured to a base by a support to create a shingle assembly with a venting region defined between the barrier and base for temperature regulation. Water resistant junctions may be formed between the bases of adjacent shingle assemblies of an array of shingle assemblies. The base may include an insulation layer underlying a water barrier. The base may also include a waterproofing element; the width and height of the barrier may be shorter than the width and height of the waterproofing element.

Abstract: A modular raised floor system includes rectangular floor panels, each of which has four hollow projections that define a cross-shaped groove. Each adjacent pair of the panels are locked together by a positioning member, which is disposed in two of the grooves and which is formed with two fixed posts that are inserted into two holes in the pair of the panels. A plurality of long and short cover strips are bolted on L-shaped strip-supporting surfaces of the projections, and are located on a horizontal plane. Each of the long cover strips extends on a row of the floor panels, and has cable holes for passage of cables. Each of the short cover strips extends on one or two floor panels. The long and short cover strips are arranged in a net shape to cover the grooves.

Abstract: A device for releasably fastening a cover slab to the opening of a crypt or niche extending back from a vertical support wall. Each device is positioned at a common point of adjacency of a plurality of slabs. Each device has a rotatively mounted locking plate for engaging slots in the sides of each of the slabs. The plate has a cutaway sized and dimensioned to allow for the passage of one of the slabs through the cutaway when the cutaway is rotated into proper alignment. A keyed tool may be used for turning the plate indicating the positioning of the cutaway. The plate is mounted to allow minor axial, pitch and yaw movement and is biased toward an axially perpendicular orientation.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

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 method and apparatus for connecting anchor sheets to each other and/or to a floor is described The approach involves using attachment pieces which fit into an area of reduced thickness of the anchor sheet which Surround a cut away of the anchor sheet In one embodiment the attachment pieces are corner pieces which overlap areas of reduced thickness on a number of anchor sheets

Abstract: A panel structure for a building panel system to cover an exterior wall of a building. The panel structure comprises identical frame members fixed to the back surface of the panel, one along at least two of its edges. The frame members have mounting portions projecting away from the panel, each two opposed hook. The mounting portions of frame members extending along opposed edges of the panel are in longitudinal mirror symmetry to each other, so the panel structure does not have a specific orientation.

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 quick and easy technology for attaching, and facilitating reconfiguration (detachment and reattachment) of, panels to walls that uses a clamp assembly including a base, a receptacle attached to the base and a clasp that fits into and attaches to the receptacle. The clasp has resilient arms and a head. Insertion of the resilient arms of the clasp into the receptacle draws the head towards the base, which produces a clamping action. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a channel having sidewalls attached to a base and at least one fastener having a blade-like shank and a head. The sidewalls converge so as to be more closely spaced together at the opening of the channel than at its base. The at least one fastener appears T-shaped in cross section, and is sized so that insertion of the blade-like shank into the channel widens the opening. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece configured to cooperatively engage each other.

Abstract: A frontage element including a support and a panel, the panel including at least two fixing parts fixed to the support and a generally plane wall extending between the two fixing parts. At least one of the fixing parts is set back from the plane of the wall and is deformable so that the wall is free to move parallel to itself relative to the support if the temperature of the panel is modified.

Abstract: A supporting device for prefabricated building components, particularly for prefabricated units made of concrete or the like, with high resistance to earthquakes, comprising a bush-like seat which is formed in one face of a first unit and a supporting element which is detachably inserted in the seat. One end of the supporting element protrudes from the seat and from the face of the first unit and forms a resting region for a second unit. The device comprises shock-absorbing means which are interposed between the supporting element and the first unit and/or between the supporting element and the second unit.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: A wall bracket (10) for aiding in attaching a ceiling panel (90) to ceiling structure (80) next to a wall (70); ceiling panel (90) having a thickness and peripheral edges (98). Bracket (10) generally comprises a vertical, wall-abutting member (20) for attachment to wall (70) and a shelf (50) for receiving and supporting edge (98) of ceiling panel (90). Vertical member (20) includes a lower portion (30) and an upper portion (40). Lower portion (30) is temporarily attached to the wall and includes an aperture (32) for aiding in removal. Upper portion (40) spaces shelf (50) from ceiling structure (80). Shelf (50) has an outer end (56) having an outwardly downwardly slanted portion (57) for facilitating entry of edge (98) of panel (90) onto shelf (50).

Abstract: A plurality of engaging pieces each formed of washer (35) for instance are fixed to the rear surface of a building board (30). A plurality of elongated fixtures (10), each provided at the lower end thereof with an engaging tongue (20a) and at the upper end thereof with an engaging region (12a) designed to be engaged with the engaging tongue (20a), are engaged with the engaging pieces. The fixtures (10) thus engaged are directly fixed to the posts (1) or studs (2) of a building. Since each fixture (10) is provided with a rising portion (12), a ventilation space (Sc) is secured between the framework of the building and the rear surface of a building board (30). The coupling between upper and lower building boards (30) can be effected through the linkage between a couple of fixtures (10). Since the engaging tongue (20a) is made separable from the building board (30), the building boards (30) can be transported for instance without becoming bulky.

Abstract: A storm-panel attachment system has at least one storm-panel bracket (1) with an attachment tongue (2) that fits slidably in at least one attachment housing (3) mounted proximate an edge (4) of a building aperture (5) to be storm-paneled. Oppositely disposed proximate a second edge of the building aperture, at least one additional storm-panel bracket has an attachment tongue that fits slidably in at least one other attachment housing. The storm-panel brackets each have at least one brace-attachment appendage (7) to which at least one panel-supportive brace (8) or other panel bracing is fastened. The brace-attachment appendages are sized and shaped for attachment of braces such as two-by-four boards or other structural members to which storm paneling (6) such as plywood sheets, fibrous sheets or aluminum sheets can be nailed, screwed or otherwise affixed.

Abstract: A quick and easy technology for attaching, and facilitating reconfiguration (detachment and reattachment) of, panels to walls that uses a clamp assembly including a base, a receptacle attached to the base and a clasp that fits into and attaches to the receptacle. The clasp has resilient arms and a head. Insertion of the resilient arms of the clasp into the receptacle draws the head towards the base, which produces a clamping action. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a channel having sidewalls attached to a base and at least one fastener having a blade-like shank and a head. The sidewalls converge so as to be more closely spaced together at the opening of the channel than at its base. The at least one fastener appears T-shaped in cross section, and is sized so that insertion of the blade-like shank into the channel widens the opening. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece configured to cooperatively engage each other.

Abstract: A wall panel mounting system for releasably securing a preformed wall panel to a wall. The system includes a bracket including a base portion adapted to be attached to the wall and at least one leg extending outwardly from the base portion. The wall panel includes a frame having a front surface supporting a fabric thereon, with the frame including a rear wall having a recessed slot therein adapted to receive the at least one leg therein. The at least one leg and opposing walls defining the recessed slot have an interfering engagement to releasably hold the wall panel in place on the wall.

Abstract: A slabstone positioning device has a metal positioning plate, an upward bent portion connected to the metal positioning plate, and a triangular downward protrusion disposed on the upward bent portion. At least a nail fastens the metal positioning plate on a cement wall. A slabstone has four slant recesses. An adhesive is applied on each slant recess. Each slant recess receives the upward bent portion of the slabstone positioning device.

Abstract: Hurricane shutter hardware for patio doors, picture windows, and other large openings on a house. The hardware consists of mounts that are permanently attached to a house, and brackets that are mounted to a shutter cover. The mounts are composed of unique metal bends that are configured to fit on a wide variety of homes and lock onto the brackets which are attached to shutters. The brackets have distinctive shapes which allow almost any type of material to be used as a shutter cover. The mount and bracket are quickly and easily locked together after a hurricane warning, covering a window with a shutter.

Abstract: A sub-floor system for installing a monolithic slab using precast cementitious sub-floor panel sections. The panel sections are placed over the spaced-apart, parallel joists of the floor frame. Each panel has beveled edges which abut the beveled edges of its adjacent panels. The beveled edges between adjacent panel sections thus define a V-shaped seam area. Importantly, the panels are dimensioned such that the beveled panel edges running parallel to the joists are substantially on center over the joists. This allows for the insertion of anchors through the seam areas and into the joists. The anchors are only partially implanted into the joists so that the anchor heads project upwardly between the panel sections. The seam areas are then filled with an adhesive filler material, resulting in a high strength monolithic slab.

Abstract: A prefabricated outer wall structure with stress rupture resistance comprising a plurality of outer wall elements, each outer wall element comprising a wall component formed of an inner unit and a plurality of fixing components, in which the inner unit has a ladder slot and its outer surface is adhered to an outer decorative wall unit by means of adhesive in a manner that at least a retention slot is defined between the ladder slot and the outer decorative wall unit with an U-plate is placed within the retention slot; and each fixing component is connected to at least a hook plate corresponding to the U-plate in the wall component, while an end of the fixing component is secured to a construction structure so that the wall component is tightly secured to the construction structure.

Abstract: A wall panel and joint structure for erecting structurally sound, thermally efficient and inexpensive structures for human habitat. Each wall panel includes a foam core faced on each side with reinforced cementitious facing panels, the foam edges of the composite panel being grooved peripherally inside the cementitious facing panels. At least one metal tongue member is inserted in opposing side edge grooves of abutting wall panels, and fasteners are mounted through the cementitious facing panels, any intervening foam, and into the tongue members to hold adjacent wall panels together. U-shaped channels are provided to finish an upper edge of the wall panel and to secure a bottom edge thereof to a floor structure. Wall mount clips are provided to secure the wall panels to existing subwall structures. Flanges are provided at an upper end of the tongue members to secure roofing members to the wall panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for attaching a panel to a building wall using an elongated channel. The panel has a main panel portion, a panel edge portion and a groove therebetween. The elongated channel has a body and a pair of rails. The body is attachable to the wall by a fastener. The pair of rails are integrally formed with the body, extending substantially perpendicularly from the body in the same direction. One, or both, of the rails ends in a flange that is contoured to engage the cavity formed by the groove when the panel edge portion is bent around the groove and toward the rail.

Abstract: A wall panel and joint structure for erecting structurally sound, thermally efficient and inexpensive structures for human habitat. Each wall panel includes a foam core faced on each side with reinforced cementitious facing panels, the foam edges of the composite panel being grooved peripherally inside the cementitious facing panels. At least one metal tongue member is inserted in opposing side edge grooves of abutting wall panels, and fasteners are mounted through the cementitious facing panels, any intervening foam, and into the tongue members to hold adjacent wall panels together. U-shaped channels are provided to finish an upper edge of the wall panel and to secure a bottom edge thereof to a floor structure. Wall mount clips are provided to secure the wall panels to existing subwall structures. Flanges are provided at an upper end of the tongue members to secure roofing members to the wall panels.

Abstract: A plurality of vertically adjacent panels each has an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion, a support being provided for mounting the upper edge portion of each panel and the lower edge portion of the upwardly adjacent panel. The upper edge portion of the panel has an upstanding flange disposed within a first downwardly open channel of the support with screw members extending through the upstanding flange and into the support to retain the upstanding flange in the first channel, and the lower edge portion of the upwardly adjacent panel has a further upstanding flange disposed within a second downwardly open channel of the support, thereby to mount the upper edge portion of the panel and the lower edge portion of the upwardly adjacent panel on the support.