Abstract: A method for connecting a standard sheet pile equipped with a standard locking element to the flange of a standard girder (31). First the initially flat edge (39) of the flange of the girder (31) is given an undulating profile having of a longitudinal series of bosses (40,42) cantilevered with respect to the flange of the girder (31). Next a connecting profile (30) including an inwardly flaring groove (36) is slotted onto the undulated edge so that the cantilevered bosses (40,42) can fit into said groove (36) and laterally lock the connecting section (30) on the undulated edge. The connecting section (30) being used is a hybrid profile which includes on the opposite side to the groove (36) a standard locking element (34) complementary to the standard locking element of the sheet pile. Into this locking element (34) is interlocked the standard locking element of the sheet pile to form a standard sheet pile joint therebetween.

Abstract: A load bearing pre-fabricated building construction panel comprises a main body portion of length "L", a thickness "T", and a width "W". A sheet metal outer skin is disposed substantially at the exterior of the main body portion and has opposed front and back portions adjoined by first and second side portions to form a substantially hollow core, with an insulative material disposed within the substantially hollow core. The building construction panels are connected one to a next substantially similarly oriented one in first side to second side relation. In a first embodiment, a first substantially rigid overlapping securing flange extends outwardly from the front portion of the construction panel past the first side portion, for fastening in overlapping relation to a first adjacent construction panel of similar orientation.

Abstract: A building side panel assembly, roof panel assembly, and roof beam are provided for modular construction wherein the panel assemblies may be inter-connected by an interlocking means which are located on each of the edges of the panel assemblies. The side panel assemblies are assembled in an edgewise relationship to form a structural barrier such as a wall. The panel assemblies are formed with a hemmed and a non-hemmed leg, wherein the non-hemmed leg of one panel assembly is configured to interlock with a hemmed leg of another panel assembly.

Abstract: A load bearing-metal panel and stucco substrate cooperates with adjacent panels to form load bearing studs that are interconnected by a metal lath stucco substrate to which stucco can be applied, each panel being generally in the form of a channel in which insulation can be placed, whereby a wall structure can be formed by adjacent placement and interconnection of panels.

Abstract: A storm window or a roof or wall section of a building is formed form a plurality of double interlocking panels, each panel having left and right side strip sections of specific cross-sectional shapes that a locking force is developed between two panels when engaged at the strip sections. The locking force developed is proportional to a load applied against the panels. This increase in locking force between panels allows for the panels to be made from lighter stock material, yet still maintain the structural integrity that would normally be found in a heavier stock material.

Abstract: A decking extrusion for use in forming the deck members used to construct outdoor decks, docks, and similar structures is disclosed. The extrusion has an elongate planar base panel (7) with a first elongate side edge (8), and a spaced parallel elongate second side edge (9). At least one first elongate leg member (12) extends the length of the first side edge of the base panel, and at least one elongate second leg member (15) spaced from and parallel to the first leg member extends the length of the second side edge of the base panel. A first locking element (17) is formed at the distal end of the first leg member, and a corresponding locking element (30), sized and shaped to receive a second one of the first locking elements therein, is formed at the distal end of the second leg member. The extrusion may also be provided with an intermediate stiffening leg (126) having a transverse flange (127) formed at its distal end parallel to the base panel to add structural rigidity to the extrusion.

Abstract: A wall element includes a wall panel with its first side edge bent into an L-section and the second side edge bent into a Z-section. The bent sections are provided with holes at specific intervals from each other along the height of the wall panel. When two panels are placed side by side so that the L-section of one panel is fitted against the Z-section of another panel, the holes are positioned opposite one another. A U-shaped tongue strip is fitted against the L-section of the panel, the tongue strip being provided with tongues shaped and dimensioned so that the tongues pass through the holes of the side edges of both panels. A U-shaped wedge strip is fitted against the Z-section of the panel, the wedge strip being provided with holes shaped and dimensioned so that the tongues pass through the holes. The panels attach to each other when the wedge strip is knocked downwards.

Abstract: A fastening device (10) for securing panels (252) to each other, foundations (258) and other surfaces is disclosed including cam elements (50) which are rotated to fasten with locking plates (29). Specifically, elongated hollow channels (11) are provided of an identical construction including slots (24) formed in the free edges of lips (21, 23) defining a slit opening (19). Grooves (22) are formed in the abutting, outside surfaces of the lips (21, 23) for receipt of seals (214). The heads (216) of the seals (214) in an uncompressed condition are of a height substantially greater than and of a width substantially less than the depth and width of a trough (208) of the groove (22) and are compressible to fit completely within the trough (208). The cam elements (50) are rotatably mounted between the support walls (202) of a U-shaped carrier (200). The upper ends of the support walls (202) integrally terminate in shelves (206) having edges which are slideably mounted in the slots (24) of the channels (11).

Abstract: A decompression panel is releasably secured in a decompression opening of a partition structure by means of mounting elements that can release the panel in either a blow-in or a blow-out direction. A perimeter frame bridges the area at the perimeter of the panel and overlaps the edges of the panel and of the partition structure around the decompression opening. Respective pairs of mounting elements are arranged near the edge of the panel and the edge of the partition structure to releasably secure the perimeter frame to the partition structure and to the decompression panel. Each mounting element includes a bolt and a retaining device including two conical sleeves arranged one within the other. The bolt is screwed into the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve is releasably connected to the outer sleeve by frangible safety tabs, which break at a rated force to release the bolt and thereby free the decompression panel and allow it to be displaced out of the decompression opening.

Abstract: Structural members (80) having an intermediate web (81) and hollow tubular side flanges (83, 85) extending longitudinally of the web (81) are formed in a cold rolling operation such that one of the tubular side flanges (83) has an outside diameter of the opposite tubular side flange (85). The larger diameter side flange (85) has a longitudinally slotted aperture (87) to permit a composite structure (120) to be formed by nesting the smaller diameter flange (83) in the larger diameter flange (85) of an adjacent structural member (80). The composite structure (120) having a plurality of interconnected structural members (80) may be assembled as a closed or open structure.

Abstract: A modular construction panel comprising a rectangular frame of channel construction wherein three first channel elements and have the hollow facing exterior to the side of said panel and the remaining first channel element having the hollow facing the interior of the panel. The flush surface of is provided with a smaller dimensioned channel attached flush surface to flush surface so as to provide a male tongue adapted for engagement with the hollow of any of the remaining channels. The frame may have insulation provided internally and one or more skin claddings, attached to the outside.

Abstract: A prefabricated observatory dome structure comprising a base portion constructed from connectable arcuate panels, a rotatable dome constructed from connectable panels and a vertically slidable shutter. The flange design of the base portion provides a water-tight non-caulked wall. A semi-door permits easy access to the observatory structure. The shutter has three sections that slide together using a latching system to slide back to expose more that half of the opening to permit observation at the zenith of the unit.

Abstract: An improved storm shutter that is selectively constructed of a combination of individual modular elements, each of a different configuration and width that can be selectively joined side by side to form a rigid storm shutter of a desired width, eliminating the need to cut rigid panels to a precise width. This device is suitable for hurricane wind protection and can be fastened to the exterior of a building using conventional fasteners.

Abstract: A weather strip fixed in place by pressure against an adhesive tape attachment where the adhesive ability of the tape is increased, especially at points of high stress. The fixing portion of the weather strip includes hardened portions. The hardened portions are harder than the remaining body of the fixing portion material and are positioned so as to extend along the edge of the adhesive tape or where needed to properly assist in the transfer of sealing pressure from the fixing portion onto the adhesive tape. When the fixing portion is pressed in place, the pressure is more effectively transmitted to the desired area of the adhesive tape so that the fixing portion is more firmly adhered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mat comprising a plurality of elongated rails arranged parallel to one another and each having a receiving portion adapted to receive a tread member. The rails are coupled by way of first and second connecting elements, preferably consisting of T-shaped members and U-shaped members, by insertion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails.

Abstract: A flat web-shaped blank is formed with a pair of parallel recesses, each of which defines an angle of less than 90.degree. to permit the faces of the recess to press against each other when the side sections of the blank are pivoted into a U-shape. The pressing of the lateral faces of the recess against each other serves to bias the side sections away from each other. The flat blank can be wound in a coil for storage and transportation purposes. The blank can be readily shaped into a U-shaped guide rail and inserted into the groove of an associated window frame portion. Shoulders on the outside of the side sections of the blank can snap fit into grooves in the walls of the groove of the window frame portion.

Abstract: An extendible stud, consisting of two substantially identical Z-studs each of which has opposed flanges of substantially different widths and inwardly turned lips at the flange outer edges, and each Z-stud having a central raised ridge in its web, raised in a direction toward the wider flange, which two Z-studs are interconnected by the narrow flange of each being held within the channel formed by the wider flange of the other Z-stud along with its associated lip and web. Also the method of interconnecting two Z-studs and the method of erecting hollow partitions with the extendible stud.

Abstract: For roofing construction, a heat-insulation and water-proofing brick bond of the type comprising a plurality of rectangular heat-insulation bricks longitudinally and latitudinally aligned and firmly connected together by at least a binding member. The binding member is shaped like a channel bar, having two opposite leg portions extending from a flat top portion for fastening in corresponding grooves formed on the top edge at the four sides of the rectangular heat-insulation bricks, permitting the flat top portion to fit flush with the topmost edge of the rectangular heat-insulation bricks, so that the gap between each two rectangular heat-insulation bricks is covered against permeation of water.

Abstract: A construction panel having first and second edge portions arranged for interconnection with respective second and first edge portions of similar panels, the first and second edge portions being configured for mating engagement at at least two locations, the first edge portion including a generally flat portion arranged to permit attachment of the edge portion to an external support by a fastener extending through the flat portion, the mating engagement of the first and second edge portions being such that the generally flat portions and the fastener are covered by the second edge portion.

Abstract: A unit building wall construction includes at least two wall units and a joint structure for the two wall unit comprising a set of pairs of sealingly and slidably interengaging interior and exterior flanges of two adjacent frame members of the unit walls, and a hinge disposed between the interior and exterior flanges and pivotally interconnecting the frame members.

Abstract: A building panel module incorporating spaced inner and outer wall surfaces of metallic sheet construction to provide both longitudinal and transverse load carrying capabilities. The module includes interior baffles that are positioned between the inner and outer wall surfaces and that overlap each other to prevent direct pathways between the inner and outer wall surfaces so that ballistic projectiles that penetrate one wall surface must also pass through the baffles before impacting the other wall surfaces, thereby reducing their energy level to such an extent that they do not penetrate the innermost wall surface. Additionally, the module incorporates one or more integral I-beam elements that provide substantial longitudinal load carrying capacity, as well as providing resistance to transversely applied loads, such as wind loads, blast loads, and the like.

Abstract: A bolt connection for connecting a hollow profiled member to a profiled member disposed transverse thereto where connection by welding is inadequate. A plate-like member that is resistant to bending is displaceably supported at one end against the inner surface of the hollow profiled member, and is supported at the other end against an abutment that is disposed remote from the aforementioned inner surface. The length of the plate-like member is slightly greater than the inside height of the hollow profiled member. The bottom of the hollow profiled member is preferably supported on a projection of the other profiled member. The abutment is preferably disposed at the top with the displaceable end of the plate-like member being at the bottom. By tightening the bolt that acts upon the plate-like member, a tight, releasable connection is provided.

Abstract: A stud for use in building structures is provided with a thermal break. The thermal break is formed by rows of slits with adjacent portions of the sheet material displaced relative to one another. This enables the stud to be formed by a simple rolling operation, without requiring a separate stamping operation to remove parts of the material. The stud can be formed integrally with an exterior panel, or can extend between interior and exterior panel portions of a combination panel.

Abstract: A deck structure is disclosed in which overlapping and interlocking corrugated members, each formed from a single sheet of metal, are covered with a layer of concrete. Each corrugated member has at least one longitudinally extending valley along one side and a substantially flat flange provided on an opposite side. The flange may include spaced-apart longitudinally extending shallow depressions spaced at a distance and configured to receive and interlock with an adjacent member. When the decking is used as a deck form, the end portions of the sheet members may be partially or completely closed. Perforations which may be provided in flange portions of the members, allow water and other liquids to drain through deck form and to be caught in a vented valley portions of an adjacent member.

Abstract: A building panel is formed from a single sheet of material, and comprises an inner panel portion, a web portion, and an outer panel portion. The web portion extends between the inner and outer panel portions. In use, the panels are arranged with adjacent inner and outer panel portions overlying one another. Consequently, an outer wall surface can be formed from the outer panel portions, while an inner wall surface is formed from the inner panel portions. To insulate the wall, insulation can be provided between the inner and outer panel portions.

Abstract: A hollow structural member constituted of a plurality of wall sections cooperatively laterally enclosing an interior space, wherein adjacent wall sections have straight longitudinal edges aligned and facing each other to define a joint between the sections, with longitudinal recesses respectively formed on the inner surfaces of the wall sections adjacent the joint and opening toward each other across the joint, and wherein the sections are interlocked at the joint by means of an elongated spline inserted in the recesses for bridging the joint and having an outwardly projecting central longitudinal rib for engaging the joint-defining edges of the wall sections to limit the extent of lateral insertion of the spline into either of the recesses.

Abstract: A wall system for the construction of buildings comprises an inner sheet steel facing panel having a base and two side walls extending along opposite substantially parallel side edges of the base and defining a recess with the base. A sheet of thermal and acoustic insulation material is located in the recess of the inner panel. An outer sheet steel facing panel having corrugations running in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side edges of the base is secured to the inner panel by fixing to flanges at the ends of the side walls of the inner panel.

Abstract: A building structure is constructed from a plurality of sheathed, foam cored structural panels which are adapted to receive solar energy conversion or heat storage devices and are adapted to be connected in an air flow loop to provide integral heating and/or cooling systems for the building structure.

Abstract: Laminated building panels are constructed within metal framing members having external edges to protect the panel skins from crushing. These frame members are essentially Z-shaped in cross-section in order to provide a degree of flexure during panel manufacture and use. The flexure accommodates variations in the dimensions of core and skin materials and enables the manufacture of fully laminated panels without excessive lamination pressure or the use of mechanical fasteners. Delamination stresses during use are also accommodated by the "Z" framing members. Panel to panel connections are facilitated in all configurations by the use of connectors of an essentially open triangular cross-section dimensioned to mate with, promote alignment, and wedge into, the "Z" shaped frame member.

Abstract: A wall of a building is constructed by joining a plurality of partition units of substantially U-like cross-sectional shape. During storage or transportation, the partition units are grouped into a telescoped assembly by forcing each partition unit into the internal space of another. During construction of the wall, the partition units are successively drawn to be joined together while being engaged at the upper or lower end thereof by a guide member thereby providing continuous flat partition wall surfaces. Then, a filler material is usually filled in the internal space of the joined partition units to complete the wall, but such filling work can be dispensed with where ready installing and disassembling is desired or where insulation against heat and or sound is not required.

Abstract: A knock-down pallet is constructed of a plurality of releasably interlocking aluminum members of one of two types. A unique fastening device is used to achieve, in simple manner without special tools or skill, the interlocking of a plurality of spaced-parallel deck-forming members to two, three or more spaced and parallel stringer members of rectangular cross-section to provide a one- or two-deck two-way or four-way pallet construction. A stop means prevents longitudinal movement of the deck members transverse of the stringer members. A fence structure formed of similar releasably interlocking members also is described.

Abstract: In a fabricated rigid floor deck structure assembled from a plurality of similar floor sections, a floor section is formed for engagement with an adjacent similar section to form an interlocked floor structure. Each floor section is constructed from an elongate plate having a male and a female flange each having a U-shaped cross section. The female flange has one leg depending from one edge of the plate with its other leg positioned outwardly of the one edge to define an upwardly opening channel laterally outward from the plate. The male flange has one leg depending from the opposite edge of the plate with its other leg positioned inwardly of the other edge adjacent the bottom surface of the plate. The flanges are dimensioned so that adjacent floor sections are locked together in suitable alignment by placing the male flange into the channel defined by the female flange of an adjacent aligned floor section.

Abstract: Storage apparatus for small vehicles and the like such as bicycles and motorcycles and the like including at least one storage unit having a roof, end members and rigid channel means for joining and supporting said roof and end members over a supporting surface, and for joining one of the units to another storage unit, side closure, wall, or the like. The rigid channel includes a recessed portion to drain rain water from the unit or units and secures interior divider panels which separate the interior of one unit from the interior of another and also segregate the interior of each unit into discrete storage areas.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a solution to the problem of distortion and deformation of the floor of a lightweight shipping container. Heretofore, relatively heavy loading of lightweight shipping containers has caused the floor thereof to deflect sufficiently to distort the side walls and end walls of the container and often permanently deform the floor. In practicing the present invention, the floor boards adjacent the side walls of the container are modified so as to increase the resistance thereof to shear loads and thus minimize deflection.

Abstract: A wood frame building wall of the type having panel members inserted in grooves provided in sills, upright posts and in top plates of the wall frame. According to the invention, the sills and the top plates are broader than the sides of the square cross-section of the upright posts, mutually adjacent posts being located alternately at edges of the sills and top plates, whereby the mutual orientation of wood grain of timber pieces forming the frame results in an extremely strong and yet light-weight wall structure. The wood frame is made of heavy timber pieces which require minimum machining and are arranged so as to enable re-use of the timber pieces after eventual disassembly of the building wall.

Abstract: A knock-down pallet is constructed of a plurality of releasably interlocking aluminum members of one of two types. A unique fastening device is used to achieve, in simple manner without special tools or skill, the interlocking of a plurality of spaced-parallel deck-forming members to two, three or more spaced and parallel stringer members of rectangular cross-section to provide a one-or two-deck two-way or four-way pallet construction. A stop means prevents longitudinal movement of the deck members transverse of the stringer members.