Abstract: This invention offers a kind of magnetic material, which especially refers to wall tiles and floor tiles. This invention contains a building material (1) and at least a magnetic body (3). A magnetic body (3) is connected to the back side or inner part of a building material (1) to make a building material (1) magnetic; and above mentioned a magnetic body (3) can stick to metal sheet (2) and connect to the back of building material (1) to make the front side of building material (1) has large size magnetic effects. By the ways above mentioned, this invention can reach the effects easy to stick and take without ruining its surface.

Abstract: A roof product has a thermal heat storage layer, a vent layer with channels for transferring excess heat through a length of the roof product, and a flame retardant to suppress fire through the vent layer. These three materials form a unitary structure. The roof product may have a radiant layer, the thermal heat storage layer and the vent layer to form the unitary structure. The roof products are assembled in an abutting configuration on the roof of a building. The vent layer vents excess heat from an eave of the roof up to a ridge of the roof and out to atmosphere. The roof products manage thermal energy in the roof by storing thermal heat with the unitary roof product during a heating cycle; venting excess heat through the unitary product; and releasing the stored thermal heat from the unitary product into or out of the building during a cooling cycle.

Abstract: A modular floor includes a plurality of interconnected, uniform and elongated floor sections. Each floor section includes a wear layer, an upper subfloor panel, a lower subfloor panel and a plurality of parallel spacers sandwiched between the upper and lower subfloor panels. The spacers extend horizontally outwardly from three sides of the sections, including both longitudinal sides and one transverse side, but are recessed on the remaining transverse side. The parallel spacers extend into the recesses of adjacently located floor sections, alongside the corresponding spacers of those floor sections, along the longitudinal sides. At the transverse sides, each section has a spacer that extends into an adjacently located section in the same row and also receives a spacer from an adjacently located section in the same row. The sections have hardware connections that are concealed from view, and connecting each subsequent section requires two fasteners.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

Abstract: A board with preformed seals. In an exemplary embodiment, a sealing material is applied to at least one edge of a board to form a preformed seal on that edge. The board is configured such that when the board is attached to a frame adjacent to a another board, at least a portion of the sealing material applied to the edge of the board seals against at least a portion of an edge another board. In one exemplary embodiment, the boards are configured to seal against edges of substantially identical boards. A plurality of the sheathing boards may be installed on a building frame to form a sheathing system that provides a moisture and/or gas barrier between and interior and exterior of a building.

Abstract: The reflective drywall panel to reduce radiant heat transfer is a drywall panel constructed with a reflective surface on one side thereof. The reflective surface functions to reflect radiant heat waves into a space during heating season or away from the space during cooling season. The reflective surface is fabricated from a plastic-metal sheet having a shiny surface. The sheet is attached to the back side (stud side) of a drywall or ceiling panel.

Abstract: A covering unit for use in combination with similar units for covering a surface with a natural random look, the unit having an hexagonal body comprising first, second and third pairs of opposed and parallel sides. Each side has a central point of angular symmetry. The second and third pairs are similar to each other while the first pair is different from the others. The sides of the second and third pairs are provided with at least one split deviation along their length arranged so that each side of the second pair is a rotational image of the sides of the third pair, whereby in use in combination with other covering units: each side is matingly engageable with the sides of an equivalent pair of a neighbouring unit; and the unit has a central point of angular symmetry and is matingly engageable with a plurality of neighbouring unit.

Abstract: Described herein is a drywall apparatus for constructing planar partitions and corners. The drywall apparatus includes a first drywall panel having a first edge and a second drywall panel having a second edge. An elongating hinge connects the first edge to the second edge, and allows the first drywall panel and the second drywall panel to assume a range of angles therebetween to enable the apparatus to be used for constructing planar partitions and corners. The elongating hinge is designed to elongate from a contracted position to an elongated position as the first edge and the second edge are displaced apart.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wall block system has at least one block, multiples of the at least one block being suitable for use in constructing a wall from multiple courses of the blocks stacked one upon the other. For example, the wall block system can comprise at least one block having opposed first and second faces, the area of the first face being greater than the area of the second face, wherein the first face or second face can serve as an exposed face on one side of the wall, and each block having an upper surface and lower formed with a single central slot to receive a three-way block-connecting element thereby allowing vertically adjacent blocks in a wall to be interconnected in three different positions to establish a neutral batter, negative batter or a positive batter between blocks in adjacent courses.

Abstract: Gusset Block Construction deals with a block that is cored from all sides. The blocks are cubes and elongated cubes with a pyramid or elongated pyramid shaped cavity on each side resulting in a block in which each of the twelve edges is central on a gusset shape extending from said edge to the central axis of the block. With the use of a second octahedron block that fits within the pyramid shaped cavities a wall that requires no fastening can be built by placing octahedrons in the top cavities of a layer of blocks and placing another layer of blocks on it. These blocks will be able to come apart at the joints during an earthquake without completely disassembling and can return to original position when the earthquake stops. They can be molded in a two piece split mold and are scaleable; tapered piers could be made.

Abstract: An indoor environmental protection and temperature controlling decoration board comprises a front panel, a back panel, valves, a pipe of a temperature controlling device and seal components. Fixing pins with pawls are assembled on the back panel to fix the decoration board conveniently on the inner wall of building. The decoration board also comprises a sealed cavity with water/air inlet groove and outlet groove to supplying heat or cold air into the room, and the sealed cavity is formed by a heat dissipation layer, an insulating layer and separating beams.

Abstract: A partition panel allowing simple change of a decoration or design with no need for preparing a plurality of panels is discussed. One of the hook-and-loop fasteners manufactured is fixed to the panel attachment surface of the vertical bars and the horizontal bars of the rectangular frame, in which horizontal bars are connected at least between upper and lower ends of right and left vertical bars, with a continuous or discontinuous shape corresponding to the outer shape of the side panel. The other of hook-and-loop fasteners is fixed to the rear surface of the side panel with a continuous or discontinuous shape corresponding to the outer shape of the side panel. The hook-and-loop fasteners are coupled, thereby the side panel is detachably attached to panel attachment surfaces of the vertical bars and the horizontal bars of the rectangular frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fireproof panel equipped with coupling holes and a method of manufacturing the same, and a mold for the fireproof panel and, more particularly, to a fireproof panel equipped with coupling holes and method of manufacturing the same, and a mold for the fireproof panel, in which the coupling holes are formed in advance in a process of molding the fireproof panel and sleeves are provided in the coupling holes, thereby enabling the fireproof panel to be easily installed in a wall or a frame and also being capable of preventing the fireproof panel from being damaged in its installation process.

Abstract: Provided is a construction structure of wall surface having no sealing material and in which a joining portion between building boards is inconspicuous. A construction structure of wall surface includes: a hat joiner; and a building board. The hat joiner has a fixing plate portion and a design portion, and the building board has a design portion extending linearly on a surface. A joint at which the design portion of the hat joiner constitutes a design surface, and a design pattern at which the design portion of the building board constitutes a design surface, are formed in a same direction, by arranging the building board in plurality to left and right, or above and below, of the design portion of the hat joiner. A width of the joint at the design portion of the hat joiner is the same as a width of each of the design portions on the surface of each of the building boards.

Abstract: Synclastic hollow core building panels are employed to form dome-like structures. The synclastic curve allows the panels to be lightweight, yet capable of carrying the weight of the structural loads. When combined, the panels create a sphere or a section of a sphere for enclosing space, with optional egress, skylight, and foundation portals incorporated into the structure without disturbing the spherical curvature of the interior or exterior surfaces. The spheres or sphere sections require no additional framing; the panels themselves are the frame. Workers with only the basic assembly skills can construct a sphere or sphere sections using these panels.

Abstract: A system suitable for making buildings, comprising: modular, easily to assemble components which are in the form of polylateral frames and which consist of at least three sub-components, each formed by standard elements having means for reciprocal coupling. Said standard elements having a core made of co-polymeric material and being coated by a common skin-like layer made basically of carbon, glass-fiber compositions.

Abstract: An example of a pre-assembled, moisture, water, and gas impermeable fire-barrier system for use in expansion-joint spaces includes a fire-barrier having a layer of outermost protective cloth layer overlain by an insulation blanket overlain by stainless steel foil, overlain by a second insulation blanket, overlain by a limited layer of intumescent material, overlain by impermeable silicon coated cloth to completely or partially surround all of the other layers of the barrier. If desired, a first attachment apparatus for attaching a first long edge of the fire-barrier to a building unit and a second attachment apparatus for attaching the opposing second long edge to an opposing spaced building unit may be fixedly attached to the barrier. The barrier system may be fitted with a drain aperture and a drainage hose emanating from the aperture, the hose protected from the heat of a fire.

Abstract: An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of spaced apart, upwardly oriented projections that define channels suitable for water flow along the top side of the core when the underlayment layer is positioned beneath an overlying artificial turf assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a “2 by” (or “2×”) wood construction member, e.g. a 2×4 or a 2×6, having conventional width and thickness but which has a longitudinal cross sectional area which is less than the longitudinal cross sectional area of a regular corresponding 2 by. The reduction in cross section area is achieved by removing material from a longitudinal major surface, e.g. a side or edge surface. When such a member is used in the wall of stick house, a wiring channel is thereby provided. Also disclosed are methods of making such a member.

Abstract: The present invention provides exterior building products, such as roofing and siding, shake, shingles, siding, sheathing, panels, planks, vertical siding, soffit panels, fencing, decking, fascia, corner posts, column corners and trim boards in which a plurality of cementitious layers are provided with an improved interlaminar bond by employing a resinous bond promoter, a rheological agent, mechanical means to distribute fibers in a direction which is perpendicular to the machine direction so as to bridge between layers in the product, or a combination thereof. These techniques help to increase interlaminar bond strength to improve the mechanical properties of the product. When certain resinous bond promoters are used, the additional benefits of water absorption resistance and pigmentation throughout the product can be provided with minimal expense. Improvements in interlaminar bond strength of about 10 46% were observed with a percent elongation improvement of about 7%.

Abstract: A light steel roof truss with a structure of a double continuous beam includes structural beams (1) and structural columns (2). The structural beam (1) consists of a pair of continuous beams, and the structural column (2) is located between the two continuous beams through locating holes (4). Thereby the stability of a support structure of the roof truss is increased, and the supporting members of the roof truss can be connected conveniently.

Abstract: Apparatuses for installing a wood floor at a job site. The apparatuses are configured as start courses, finish courses, or border courses for the wood floor. In one embodiment, the courses comprise hardwood tongue and groove strips or hardwood tongue and groove planks fastened together prior to installation in the floor. A preferred embodiment uses adhesive lamination of the tongue and groove of adjacent boards such as strips and planks. A method of installing a hardwood floor includes the step of using at least one start course, at least one finish course, or at least one border course as disclosed in this application. A hardwood floor according to one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one start course, at least one finish course, or at least one border course as disclosed in this application.

Abstract: A method and mould for forming upwardly extending protrusions on a wall masonry block during moulding of the block. The method including pouring a flowable concrete mixture into a lower mould to form a body of said wall masonry block, applying a head shoe to form an upper section of said wall masonry block, the head shoe including a first mould portion for forming an upper bedding face of said block and a second mould portion for forming at least one protrusion extending upwardly from the upper bedding face, the head shoe being shaped to improve the flow of said concrete mixture into the second mould portion during compression of the block, and removing the masonry block from the mould.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for attachment of an object to a thin-walled profile with a number of walls by means of one or more threaded fastening members. Each fastening member is driven into an open-ended space between two walls of the profile, where the opening faces an outer surface of the profile, and the space has a width corresponding substantially to the minor diameter of the thread. Fastening members can be screws or bolts, a retaining member can be applied to prevent the two walls from moving away from each other and a filler or glue may be provided in the space before the introduction of the fastening member. The profile can be made from a plastic matrix reinforced with fibre glass and made by pultrusion.

Abstract: A panel for use in an assembly of panels is attached to each other to form a covering. The panel comprises an upper surface and a lower surface each extending within a different main plane, and at least an edge between these surfaces comprising a coupling to couple the panel to a coupling of another panel. The upper surface includes a lowered part at said edge and the cross-section of the lowered part, perpendicular to the edge of the panel, varies along the edge. Such a panel provides a good imitation of a panel made of natural materials. The invention also provides an appropriate method to make such a panel.

Abstract: Trim panel including a decoration layer having a decoration side provided with a decoration, a contact layer having a contact side structured and arranged for contact with a substrate, and an intermediate layer having a cell structure and being at least one of: connected one of indirectly or directly to the decoration layer and connected one of indirectly or directly to the contact layer. A connecting layer is produced from a wood material and formed in one piece with at least one connecting element formed on at least two opposing sides of the connector layer in the form of complementary tongue and groove connectors. Intermediate layer is one of: arranged on a side of connecting layer facing towards decoration layer or on a side of connecting layer facing towards contact layer, and is exposed on edges of trim panel running orthogonally to panel plane.

Abstract: This invention is based on sizes and shapes of wooden building panels that creates a standard of measurement for wooden stick built panels to increase efficiency in design, manufacturing, cost control and assembly. The corner panels have a 20 gauge galvanized metal plate that is sandwiched between the studs, top and bottom plates to complete structural soundness and maintain shape during storage, transport and assembly. Panels are joined with 20 gauge galvanized metal plates at first top plate to complete structural soundness and wooden cleats at vertical edge studs that allows for easier assembly and an even surface for interior wall covering installation.

Abstract: A modular tower structure is described herein. The modular tower uses a cost-effective, efficient design that reduces the amount of steel necessary for tower structures for wind turbines. The modular tower is constructed from sections. The sections are constructed from panels. The panels comprise a curved or arcuate shape. The panels include vertical edges and horizontal edges. A vertical connection connects or secures the panels at the vertical edges of the panels and forms the sections. The sections have a generally circular shape. A horizontal connection connects or secures the sections at the horizontal edges of the panels.

Abstract: A composite beam chord is between first and second reinforcement plates. The beam chord includes a first ply of reinforcing fibers with a fiber orientation of +? degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the beam chord and a second ply of reinforcing fibers with a fiber orientation of ?? degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. The angle ? is between 2 and 12 degrees for suppression or delay of ply splitting.

Abstract: Provided is an awning-member molded article which can be easily fabricated and have an excellent strength, and an awning formed from a plurality of such awning-member molded articles. When an awning-member molded article 1 is viewed from its bottom surface, a small-triangular plate portion 12b bent toward a bottom surface of a second dihedron 12 and a small-triangular plate portion 13a bent toward a bottom surface of a third dihedron 13 have a predetermined thickness, at their portions abutted against each other (the portions indicated by an arrow P), so that the second dihedron 12 and the third dihedron 13 in each of basic elements 2, 3, 4, and 5 are coupled to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

Abstract: A hardwood floor with a flexible locking mechanism is disclosed. The floor board has a male locking apparatus on one end and a female locking apparatus on the opposite end. Two adjacent floor boards are engaged by sliding the male locking apparatus of one floor board into the female locking apparatus of an adjacent floor board. The female locking apparatus includes a flexible lower lip that moves downward when the male locking apparatus engages the female locking apparatus.

Abstract: A method of making a wall block and a mold box therefore. The wall block design maximizes the use of the mold box. The method produces wall blocks having a large surface area front face compared to the front face size of prior art blocks. The blocks have about one third more front surface area. This results in faster construction of walls and a faster construction sequence. The method of making the blocks makes efficient use of mold space and material, resulting in higher production yields and/or higher total daily production square footage.

Abstract: A building panel formed from sheet material extends in a longitudinal direction along its length and includes a curved center portion in cross section, a pair of side portions extending from the curved center portion, and a pair of connecting portions extending from the side portions. The curved center portion includes a plurality segments extending in the longitudinal direction. The panel is curved in the longitudinal direction without having transverse corrugations. A particular segment may have a depth greater than that of another segment to accommodate the longitudinal curve. A system for longitudinally curving the panel includes first and second curving assemblies, each of which includes multiple rollers arranged to contact the panel as it passes along, a positioning mechanism for changing a relative rotational orientation between the first and second curving assemblies, a drive system for moving the panel longitudinally, and a control system for controlling the positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A decorative floor tile including at least one decorative layer and a backing layer having an array of resilient annular projections. Each annular projection includes a concave top surface, an outside wall surface, and an inside wall surface. The inside wall surface defines a central, blind passageway area. When the decorative floor tile is installed over an underlying surface, and pressure is applied to the decorative floor tile, a vacuum is created within the blind passageway and the underlying surface. The vacuum increases the amount of frictional drag between the surface covering and the underlying surface, and thus allows the surface covering to remain in place without the need for an adhesive.

Abstract: A substrate covering system includes a plurality of elongated board members, which are, for example composed of an extruded thermoplastic material. Preferably, each of the elongated board members has a convex inner surface and a concave outer surface, both of which are flattened as the edges of the board member are attached to the substrate. Preferably, the inner surface has notches facilitating adhesive attachment to the substrate, while the outer surface has grooves curved to simulate a wood grain and to prevent slipping. The system may also include an elongated edge trim strip that can be configured to cover several different types of substrate edges.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a modular textile system includes dividing a textile web into a plurality of frames that define carpet tiles to be formed from the textile web, providing each frame with an indicium, and forming the textile web into a plurality of carpet tiles. The indicium may include at least one of a variously oriented indicium and a variously positioned indicium for indicating the orientation of each carpet tile in an installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall block for a strawbale house. More specifically, it relates to a wall block for a strawbale house comprising a predetermined frame in which at least two facing sides are not blocked, and a bundle of straw which is positioned within the frame and both ends of which are finished with loess. In the present invention, straw bales which will be comprised in the walls of a strawbale house are preformed into blocks in order to allow the strawbale house to be constructed easily and reduce the construction time and effort. This has the advantage of allowing houses to be built both easily and directly with little cost or time, and has many environmental advantages in terms of environmentally friendly use of materials, reduced construction waste, energy savings and the like.

Abstract: A kit for a modular dwelling structure is provided, including a plurality of panels having predetermined dimensions. Each panel is made of a recycled tire material. A plurality of engagement members are also provided for maintaining the panels in a predetermined configuration to form the shape of the dwelling structure. A kit for providing the modular dwelling structure is also provided, as well as a method for assembling the modular dwelling structure.

Abstract: A combination fascia cover system is provided including a base plate having a shorter portion for lying atop the roof edge and a longer portion at right angles to the first portion for overlying the upper sidewall and being attached thereto by threaded fasteners through a series of holes perforating the longer portion. The shorter portion of the base plate having, at its distal end, an upwardly extending flange for creating an upward spacing away from the roofing system and at end of the flange a partially reinforced pocket is formed by overlying folds to form the pocket. The cover plate is mounted over the base plate with a spring clip having uniquely spaced bends configured to match the dimensions of the base and cover plates, which spring clip engages the pocket, the base plate and the cover plate to retain the base and cover plates in tensioned spaced relationship while engaged together with one another.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a panel to a structure. The mounting apparatus includes a panel extrusion that attaches to a back side of the panel such that the panel extrusion is obscured behind the panel in order to show a clean surface look. A connector extrusion secures the panel extrusion to the structure for simple construction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular floor tile, comprising a tile body and a splicing bar. The tile body consists of a base and a surface layer where the surface layer is used as an appearance for the modular floor tile. The base has a first slot and a second slot disposed on two opposing parallel sides of the bottom of the base. The splicing bar is partially embedded in the first slot in a manner to form an protruding portion matched to the second slot where the remainder of the top surface on the protruding portion is used to adhere to the second slot of an adjacent tile body. Therefore, the amount of adhesive used can be reduced while maintaining effective adhesion and adhesive overflow is avoided.

Abstract: A configurable wall is disclosed. In an example, the configurable wall includes a first hollow-formed module having an outer layer selected to portray a material of manufacture which is substantially different than a material with which the first hollow-formed module is manufactured. The wall also includes a second hollow-formed module having an outer layer selected to compliment the outer layer of the first hollow-formed module. The wall also includes an interconnect to secure the first module and the second module together.

Abstract: A piece for flooring which includes a wear layer, a pattern layer, a base layer, and a backing layer. The base layer may be made of a mixture including ilmenite powder. About one third of the mixture may be ilmenite powder. The mixture may also include calcium carbonate, wherein about one quarter of the mixture is calcium carbonate. The mixture may further include polyvinylchloride, wherein about one quarter of the mixture is polyvinylchloride. The backing layer may include a plurality of devices which are hexagonally shaped, wherein the plurality of devices form a honeycomb structure which contacts a top floor surface when the piece is placed on the top floor surface. The backing layer may have a bottom surface including anti-slip backing film, which may be comprised of polyurethane.

Abstract: Prefabricated wall segments for construction of buildings. The prefabricated wall segments are lightweight and easy to install and enable an improved ability to install electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems as well as insulation in both the vertical and horizontal direction. The prefabricated wall segments can be utilized in new construction as well as in preexisting structures without the need for specialty equipment or tools.

Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lighweight the with a tapered support angle reverse, to the angle of the roof, a tile having uniform contact with the roof surface that does not require battens and can be walked on without the fear of breaking. This the can be fabricated in several materials including concrete, ceramic, porcelain or clay. By increasing the surface area of the underside of this tile with numerous cavities and ribs, the capability for dissipating heat is greatly increased. The lightweight tile has the option of incorporating a breathable, underlying cushioning/insulating With this system of interlocking and overlapping tiles, when the top tile overlaps the tile below the top tile cantilevers and lays flat on the tile below it, greatly reducing the vulnerability to stress fracture because of the reverse angle and supporting ribs structure of the tile.

Abstract: Floor panel, whereby this floor panel (1) includes a decor (8), as well as a top layer or laminate layer (9) on the basis of synthetic material (10), and whereby the decorative side (16) of the floor panel (1) imitates a wood pattern, wherein the floor panel (1), at its upper surface, has zones (22-23) of different gloss degrees, which extend over the upper surface as a function of the imitated global wood pattern.

Abstract: A modular block apparatus including a block having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a generally cylindrical core passage extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and a locking assembly received in the core passage including a core having a through-bore extending therethrough defining alternating core grooves and lands, a locking rod having an array of alternating rod grooves and lands complementary to the core grooves and lands, and a rod key positioned between the locking rod and the core for retaining the locking rod in engagement with the core.

Abstract: A utility material can include microparticles, an organic binder and an inorganic binder. The microparticles can be present in an amount from about 25 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on wet formulation. The inorganic binder can optionally include sodium silicate. The organic binder can optionally include a vinyl acetate. The utility material can be formed into a variety of different products or building materials, such as wallboard, shear panels. In addition, the building material may be particularly used to attenuate sound.