Abstract: A modular plastic building block for constructing a continuous wall of a structure is provided. The modular block has body that is rectangular or L-shaped depending on the position of the block within the desired structure. Each end of the modular block has a connecting member, either a male or female connecting member configured to connect to a respective female or male connecting member of an adjacent modular block. The modular block includes a pair of locking channels having at least one locking groove enabling a user to lock adjacent modular blocks vertically using a locking member. The modular plastic building block is designed for inexpensive building construction, while still providing efficient insulation and a sturdy base due to the density of plastic as the structure is mostly solid. A conduit may be provided to allow for electrical and plumbing connections within the blocks. In some instances, recycled plastic is used.

Abstract: A wall or ceiling panel, which, on one side edge, comprises a male coupling part and, on an opposite side edge, comprises a female coupling part. The male coupling part comprises a tongue and the female coupling part comprises a groove. The groove is bordered by a front lip and a rear lip, with the characteristic that the panel forms a ceiling-high wall panel and/or has a length of at least 2400 mm.

Abstract: A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. First and second spaced apart formations are located at a rear of the block body and define therebetween a vertical fastener channel. The vertical fastener channel is adapted for receiving a complementary shaped formation of a rearwardly placed embedment block.

Abstract: A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. First and second spaced apart T-shaped formations are located at a rear of the block body, and define therebetween a T-shaped vertical fastener channel and opposing vertical side grooves. The vertical fastener channel is adapted for receiving a complementary T-shaped formation of a rearwardly placed embedment block. The vertical side grooves are adapted for cooperating with vertical side grooves of adjacent like wall blocks to selectively receive a removable wall insert.

Abstract: A bistable collapsible compliant mechanism including a first sub-mechanism comprising opposed first and second quaternary links and multiple binary links, each link being connected to at least two other links in the sub-mechanism, and a second sub-mechanism connected to the first sub-mechanism, the second sub-mechanism also comprising opposed first and second quaternary links and multiple binary links, each link being connected to at least two other links in the sub-mechanism, wherein the bistable collapsible compliant mechanism can be alternatively be placed in a stable extended orientation in which the bistable collapsible compliant mechanism has a trapezoidal shape and in a stable contracted orientation in which the bistable collapsible compliant mechanism has a polygonal spiral shape.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite article, method for forming the article, and perforated ply which may be incorporated therein are disclosed. The article includes at least one shell ply forming an exterior wall having first and second portions and defining a plenum. An annular brace formed of at least one structural support ply is disposed within the plenum, including a first integral portion integral with and part of the first portion of the exterior wall, a first curved portion extending from the first integral portion and curving across the article plenum to the second portion of the exterior wall, a second integral portion integral with and part of the second portion of the exterior wall, a second curved portion extending from the second integral portion and curving across the article plenum to the first curved portion, and an overlap in which the first and second curved portions are integral.

Abstract: An energy absorbing liner system and method of making it, preferably by thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules that non-destructively rebound after one or more impacts. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with upper and lower sections when viewed in relation to the wearer's head. The upper section has one or more energy absorbing units. At least some of the units are provided with a wall with a domed cap that faces the outer shell. The units at least partially cushion the blow by absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell. The lower comfort section has a tiered arrangement of layers. The layers are relatively compliant and thus provide a comfortable yet firm fit of the helmet upon the wearer.

Abstract: A modular floor tile comprising a substrate having a first land with a support surface and first and second perimeter portions each defining a second land with a surface recessed relative to the support surface, the first and second perimeter portions each defining spaced-apart T-lugs and alternating T-recesses, whereby two tiles join together by the T-recesses of a first tile receiving respective T-lugs of a second tile, and the support surface supporting footwear remote from the second land to avoid scuffing against the joined T-lugs and T-recesses which resist separation of adjacent tiles during use.

Abstract: An interlocking construction block has opposed ends each having a plurality of substantially planar bearing surfaces. The planar surfaces include perpendicular surfaces joined by surfaces at obtuse angles. The block is arranged to be complementary to other blocks in several different configurations.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, corrugated board is folded into a building system. The building system comprises a plurality of blocks and connectors. The blocks are rectangular cuboid in shape. The bottom and top sides of the blocks have rectangular arrays of holes. The blocks may be releasably connected by aligning the top holes of one block with the bottom holes of another block, and then inserting connectors into the aligned pairs of holes, one connector per aligned paid of holes. The ends of the connectors that are inserted are circular or equiangular polygonal in shape. In some embodiments, compression is used to releasably hold the connectors in place.

Abstract: A stackable surface module is provided for a wall surface that can be both erected and dismantled. The stackable surface module is especially useful in certain applications, such as for earthquake-resistant walls, a cupola, a bridge, a site fence, a noise protection wall, an upwind power station, a heat exchanger or a coastal protection wall.

Abstract: Interlocking construction blocks are provided, having a tongue and groove configuration, attachable together by pressing the tongue of one block into a groove of another block. Multiple blocks may be adapted to be interlocked together forming a structure, such as a wall. Blocks comprise first and second opposing sidewalls integrally connected together by first and second pairs of opposing connecting walls. The first and second sidewalls comprise a lower portion integrally connected to an upper portion. The lower portion comprises a pair of opposing lower portion sidewalls integrally connected to a pair of opposing lower end walls. The upper portion comprises a planar top surface, a pair of opposing upper portion sidewalls and a pair of opposing upper portion end walls integrally connected via upper portion angular walls. The upper portion sidewalls, upper portion end walls and upper angular walls may have a beveled or tapered surface.

Abstract: A door, method of making a door, and stack of doors includes providing a door having front and back skins that have differing, but complementary profiles, one for the front side of the door and one for the back side of the door where each allows and fits onto the other, while still providing direct contact in the stile and rail zones of the door permitting conventional door layup practices.

Abstract: Modular building blocks and block systems including a connecting lug extending outwardly beyond the exterior surface of a block for engaging another block or block accessory, the connecting lug having a recessed slot for engaging a lug rail of a mating component, each building block further having lug rails projecting inwardly from interior surfaces of the building block accessible for engaging a recessed slot of a connecting lug of another block or block accessory, wherein a width of the first recessed slot of the building block corresponds to a width of the lug rails of the building block.

Abstract: Blocks for wall constructions described herein are in the form of casted one-piece concrete hollow bodies. The blocks include front and back walls which are generally parallel to a first axis and have top and bottom ends and two inner walls integral to both front and back walls therebetween that are generally parallel to a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. One of the end side faces of the two inner walls includes male connector portions that are offset from a first distance from the front wall. The other end side face includes female connector portions that are registered along the first axis with the male connector portions and are offset from the first distance from the back wall. The male connector portion is for insertion in the female connector portion of another block when the other block is mounted thereon so as to yield a straight or a shifted retaining wall portion.

Abstract: A building block system for building concrete block walls. The system features a main block, a first corner block, a second corner block, a first end block, and a second end block. The blocks interlock with each other via first mating components, second mating components, third mating components, and upper protrusions disposed on various ends of the various blocks. Many of the blocks feature a center aperture, which can engage the mating components and upper protrusions. Generally, the first mating components and upper protrusions can engage the second mating components.

Abstract: A masonry block and hardware set for constructing dry stack walls and columns, including a wall unit, a corner unit, and an end unit, wherein each of the wall, corner, and end units have a top surface with a depression that is brought into substantial alignment when an adjoining block at the same level or in the same course is abutted with the respective unit, and further wherein when any two of the units are adjoined, the units create a vertically oriented space for accommodated clamping hardware, and further wherein each of the end and corner units include an alignment slot to align the end units and the corner units in relation to adjoining wall units. Clamping hardware is employed to bolt the wall while construction proceeds, the hardware being disposed in the masonry unit depressions and in the vertically oriented space created by stacked units. The clamping provides a downwardly directed compressive force and lateral rigidity.

Abstract: A door, method of making a door, and stack of doors includes providing a door having front and back skins that have differing, but complementary profiles, one for the front side of the door and one for the back side of the door where each allows and fits onto the other, while still providing direct contact in the stile and rail zones of the door permitting conventional door layup practices.

Abstract: A masonry unit for constructing a wall is disclosed. The masonry unit includes at least three substantially vertical parallel partitions. Each of the partitions connects to an adjacent partition by a web thereby defining a pair of oppositely-facing open-ended recesses on either side of the web. Each of the webs connecting the partitions is offset from any adjacent webs in the masonry unit. A plurality of separated continuous vertical cavities extending through multiple layers of stacked masonry units are formed within the wall when positioning the multiple layers of stacked masonry units on top of each other in a horizontally offset and vertically inverted manner.

Abstract: A stackable masonry unit having male and female elements that cooperate with complementary female and male elements on identical, opposing, adjoining units to create an interlocking two- or three-unit module from single design element. Each interlocking module comprises a portion of a course in a block wall made of cementitious material, e.g., a concrete masonry unit or insulating concrete foam.

Abstract: A system of making self-aligning concrete block structures. Structure is made of interlinking blocks that have insulative foam that is affixed during the molding process. The interior surface of the blocks is specifically designed to avoid the use of interior framing by providing wooden strips such that drywall can be directly affixed. The concrete block system include top blocks, inside and outside corner blocks, and the necessary forms for their construction.

Abstract: A system of interlocking building blocks includes one or more building blocks having a generally right triangular planform, a generally rectangular elevation form, and a periphery generally defined by respective generally rectangular side panels. Each building block has alternating male and female fastener elements arrayed generally around the periphery. The male fastener elements on opposed edges of the same generally rectangular side panel are offset generally diagonally from one another. Each male fastener element is aligned generally normally with a female fastener element on an opposed edge of the same generally rectangular side panel. The building blocks may be formed by folding single flat sheets, and may be made from cardboard, plastic, metal or other conventional materials. Each building block may be coated or filled with structurally reinforcing or insulative material.

Abstract: A concrete load-bearing wall with compound heat-insulating layer includes wall body (1) and connecting beam (2). Two layers of prefabricated heat-insulating concrete wall bodies (11a, 11b) are set in the wall body (1) of external wall, said prefabricated heat-insulating concrete wall body (11a, 11b) is a concrete plate (5) whose external surface is covered with a heat-insulating material layer (4), every layer of the prefabricated heat-insulating concrete wall body is composed of several trough-type or L-shaped prefabricated heat-insulating concrete wall body units (13). A concrete wall body vertical rib (12) is cast in situ between two adjacent prefabricated heat-insulating concrete wall body units (13) in same layer and connects them into integrity. The upper and lower ends of the rib (12) connect together with the beam of the floor, and the external side of the connecting beam (2) is covered with the heat-insulating material layer (4).

Abstract: A barrier comprising a body member. The body member has a first side, a second side, a front side, a rear side, and one or more cavities within the body member. The body member further has a first overlap portion and a second overlap portion. The first overlap portion extends from the first side adjacent to the front side and spaced apart from the rear side. The second overlap portion extends from the second side adjacent to the rear side and spaced apart from the second side. The second overlap portion is shaped to mate in an overlapping manner with the first overlap portion of an adjacent body member. A barrier wall comprising two or more barriers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A door, method of making a door, and stack of doors includes providing a door having front and back skins that have differing, but complementary profiles, one for the front side of the door and one for the back side of the door where each allows and fits onto the other, while still providing direct contact in the stile and rail zones of the door permitting conventional door layup practices.

Abstract: A surfacing system including both methods and apparatus may in some embodiments comprise a single width relationally sized surfacing system and associated design patterns that involve discrete stone surface units in several embodiments. In at least one embodiment, surfacing units are stone. A multi-width surfacing unit system is also included as part of the invention, as are associated design patterns. Other embodiments include surface unit packaging apparatus and methods that reduce surface unit transport costs and breakage.

Abstract: An interlocking tile system comprises tiles that has a body, interlocking cap structure with a first surface and a second surface; a first curved portion connecting the first surface with a radius of R1 to the second engaging surface with a radius of R2, wherein R1>R2; and a stem supporting the cap structure. The cap is a mushroom-like shape. Such configuration of the connector aids in installation by lessening instances of binding and align and guide the caps into their corresponding receiving areas. The tiles are preferably square, and are connected along all four sides.

Abstract: A building block for a ventilated wall includes an elongated center portion flanked by a pair of substantially parallel side walls oriented substantially perpendicularly to the center portion. The center portion has a first vertical wall and a second sloped wall, the second sloped wall extending between a relatively thicker bottom wall of the center portion and a relatively thinner top wall of the center portion. The first wall is co-planar with first edges of the side walls. A stacked arrangement of such blocks, where adjacent blocks are inverted and reversed, establishes front-to-back air passages that do not provide a sight line, and which prevent rain from passing through. A mold assembly for manufacturing the blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flooring system comprising a plurality of elongate members (1) secured together along adjacent longitudinal side edges by means of co-operating male and female formations (2, 3). The female formation (3) is a channel with relatively convergent sidewalls and the male formation comprises a hollow rail of complementary shape. An outer sidewall of the channel is resilient to allow the rail to be snapped into the channel in a direction transverse to the length of the members (1) and to return to its original shape to resist removal of the rail. The formations (2, 3) are arranged so that upper surfaces of adjacent members (1) form a panel having a planar support surface (21) and relative rotation of the members (1) about an axis parallel to the longitudinal side edges is resisted. Two panels may be joined together to provide upper and lower planar support surfaces (21, 22).

Abstract: A system of blocks for building a free standing wall. The system includes at least one size of wall block and a generally rectangular column block. The height and depth of the column block are the same as those of the wall block and the length of the column block is twice its depth. The exposed surfaces of the blocks in the free standing wall are textured to a greater extent than the other surfaces. The blocks are used to form a wall with a rectangular column, where the wall is tied into the column to enhance the stability of the wall.

Abstract: A novel building block is described which is formed of two similar interlocking elements with chamfered surfaces to allow the elements to rest against each other. In one embodiment, the block is used to made structural walls, In another embodiment, a single block with a transparent or translucent pane is provided to form a window. In yet another embodiment, a building is made with at least one floor, one roof and support structures supporting the roof and being formed of the interlocking elements. Each element is made of L-shaped components.

Abstract: A grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.

Abstract: A modular block apparatus includes first and second blocks, each block having a generally upwardly protruding locking member and an internal recess sized to receive the locking member of the other block, such that the blocks can be assembled with one block above the other. The blocks are secured together in a vertical direction by relative lateral movement of the locking member and the internal recess. A locking device is provided to prevent relative lateral movement of the locking member and the internal recess so as to retain the blocks in a connected condition. The locking member may be an integral hook, a separate hook, or a cylindrical locking rod. If a hook is used, its orientation relative to the block may be varied. A variety of structures may be built up from the modular blocks.

Abstract: A system of columnar blocks and stacking blocks interlock with each other in the construction of a pilaster or column and a fence panel, respectively, for use in a fence. The columnar blocks are generally square and the stacking blocks are generally rectangular. The columnar block faces may contain one or more slots to give a column an appearance of a masonry joint. Blocks have at least one interlocking element that permits a positive connection between courses of the blocks when the interlocking element is received in an overlying block.

Abstract: A block according to the present invention is a block comprising a base body part, a first protruding part, and a second protruding part, which are integrally formed with each other. The base body part has a left lower side face, a right lower side face, a left upper side face, and a right upper side face formed as respective sloping faces. The first protruding part has a lower surface thereof formed by first to third left-hand sloping faces, an upper surface thereof formed by fourth to sixth left-hand sloping faces, and a left side surface thereof formed by seventh and eighth left-hand sloping faces. The second protruding part has a lower surface thereof formed by first to third right-hand sloping faces, an upper surface thereof formed by fourth to sixth right-hand sloping faces, and a right side surface thereof formed by seventh and eighth right-hand sloping faces.

Abstract: A wall structure (10, 110) and method of construction. The wall structure (10, 110) comprises a plurality of preformed, lightweight blocks (12, 112) supported and interconnected by a plurality of elongated, vertically oriented, collateral support beams (16, 116). Preferably, the support beams (16, 116) are operatively connected to an appropriate substructure (62, 100) and the lightweight blocks (12, 112) are operatively connected to the support beams (16, 116). The blocks (12, 112) and support beams (16, 116) are configured so that when they are connected to each other, a space is formed between the wall structure (10, 110) and the substructure (62, 100). Thus, an assembled wall structure (10) may be setoff from a substructure and the substructure (62, 100) may be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A constructional panel has a generally rectangular central section and two opposed end sections, each having an isosceles trapezoid part, its short edge conjoined to an edge of the central section and its long edge conjoined to a rectangular part, there being oblique edges extending between the long and short edges. The panel is thus bound by one pair of opposed edges of the central section, the oblique edges of the two end sections, one pair of opposed edges of the rectangular part and a further edge of the rectangular part opposed to that edge conjoined to the trapezoid part. The panel edges are configured for connection to the corresponding edges of like panels to build up an area of panelling. Projecting tabs from some edges are received in corresponding receptors on opposed edges and having lock arrangements, whereby the interengaged panels may be locked together.

Abstract: A block suitable for forming a block wall that is either a retaining wall or an above ground wall. The block includes a front wall extending between upper and lower block surfaces and presenting a first block face. A rear wall is spaced from said front wall and extends between the upper and lower block surfaces and presents a second block face facing away from the first block face. A pair of side walls extend between the front and rear walls and the upper and lower block surfaces, wherein a reference plane spaced from the front and rear walls extend between the pair of side walls. At least one pair of pin slots is formed in the upper block surface, wherein each pin slot of the at least one pair of pin slots is formed in the upper block surface on opposing sides of the reference plane and spaced from the reference plane.

Abstract: A decking system for placement on a subassembly having at least two spaced apart joists. A plurality of tubular elements for placement in lateral interlocking engagement with each other transversely of and spanning the distance between the joists. Each of the elements has a top portion, a bottom portion, and first and second side walls connecting said top and bottom portions. The top portion extends laterally beyond the first side wall and has formed thereon a downwardly extending longitudinal flange. The bottom portion extends laterally beyond the second side wall and has formed thereon an upwardly extending longitudinal wall defining an upwardly opening channel adjacent the second side wall adapted to receive therein in watertight relation the downwardly extending longitudinal flange. The bottom wall extends past the longitudinal flange, with the bottom portion having formed therein a plurality of apertures proximate the second side wall to receive fasteners engaging the joists.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. A side connection system is particularly useful for stabilizing free-standing walls. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.

Abstract: A mortarless concrete block retaining wall is formed from special blocks arranged in set-back tiers and interlocked by a special post groove arrangement. Each block is trapezoidal in plan view with a pair of laterally spaced posts projecting from the top surface of the block. A groove on the bottom surface of the block fits over adjacent posts in the underlying tiers. The vertically adjacent tiers are laterally offset to interlock the tiers via the post/groove arrangement. The post/groove arrangement allows for blocks that are adjustable to interlock the tiers in a straight configuration or in varying degrees of convex and concave curved configurations.

Abstract: A modular wall or fence construction system includes at least first and second I-profile blocks, each having an I-shape in planform. The I-shape defines a parallel pair of flanges across opposite ends of a web extending between the flanges. The I-profile blocks have generally planar and parallel upper and lower surfaces and a uniform vertical height. Each of the flanges of the first and second I-profile blocks have radiused rib keys formed in opposite parallel edges of the flanges. The edges are distal on the flanges relative to the web. A first pair of the radiused rib keys are a pair of convex rails along the parallel edges on a first side of the web. A second pair of the radiused rib keys are a pair of concave channels along the parallel edges on a second side of the web opposite the first side of the web. Each flange has oppositely disposed, on opposite edges, one convex rail and one concave channel.

Abstract: Ground covering element (2) having the basic shape of a square. On all four basic sides (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4), there is provided one engaging means (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4) each. Each of the engaging means is symmetric with respect to a central axis of symmetry (12). Opposite engaging means are mirror images of each other. Each engaging means is complementary with the engaging means on the two basic sides adjoining around the corner. On each of the four corner regions of the ground covering element, there is provided a protrusion (24) having substantially the shape of a rectangular, isosceles triangle or of an area element similar to this triangle with curved legs. By omission of the four protrusions (24), a ground covering element of the second type (42) is obtained which may be laid together with additional ground covering elements of the second type (42) or in combination with ground covering elements of the first type (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying down floors or linings and for their quick removal and replacement by glueing or fixing them onto a support, removable with respect to a support sheeting (9). The method includes providing fixed support (8) and movable support (7), which have a substantially similar shape. The fixed support (8) being immovably fixed into the support sheeting (9) and the second movable support (7) being movably fitted with the first fixed support (8) and being intended for laying down floors or linings (5).

Abstract: Brick material building element and method of building with the element, wherein the brick material building element includes a base having a length, a first side, a second side, an inner surface, and an outer surface, whereby a width is defined by a distance between the first side and the second side. A longitudinal protrusion is formed on the first side of the base. A longitudinal recess is formed on the second side of the base. A main protrusion extends from the base. The main protrusion has a surface which is shorter than the length of the base. At least one longitudinal through opening is disposed in at least one of the base and the main protrusion. The longitudinal protrusion includes an external shape which is complementary to and adapted to fit within the longitudinal recess of another brick material building element.

Abstract: A wall for making tanks includes two superimposed plates connected to each other at respective spaced apart connected points distributed on a surface of the plates, at least one of the two plates, between respective connecting zones, bulging outward, so that separation between the two plates increases in every radial direction with distance from each connected point to a maximum separation midway between neighboring connected points. The wall has a quilted appearance.

Abstract: A nuclear steam supply containment system employing prefabricated component supports that are surrounded by steel concrete forms and anchored to the floor liner of a nuclear containment. The prefabricated component supports extend through the concrete forms and a reinforce concrete slab cap to a support elevation for the component. A second inner steel concrete form can be employed to form an annular concrete channel through which the supports extend. The center of the inner form can be filled with a sand-like substance, radiation absorber material or concrete grout.

Abstract: A novel wall forming system for retaining and non-retaining concrete walls (19) comprising of at least one flat wall foam panel (22), at least one radius wall foam panel (23), at least one corner wall foam panel (24) having the following features; a rod—male type connection (20) on one end and a groove—female type connection (21) on opposite end of all panels, allowing interlinking of panels in a straight line or swiveled one way or the other to form various angles or forming a radius line or forming a 90° degree angle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a middle armor block for a coastal structure and a method of placement of its block with a hydraulic stability of a slope surface and an economical construction cost. The middle armor block of the half-loc comprises a body forming an octagon column with a rectangle side and a perforated hole at the center, a leg integrally formed and attached to alternatively each side of the body and a protruding foot at a lower portion of the leg and each corner of the leg and the foot is chamfered. For a placement type of the blocks, the middle armor block of the half-loc are tilted with a certain angle and each side portion of the leg of the block is contacted to the other side portion of the leg of neighbor block all around directions in series.