Abstract: An improved groundwork frame comprises a protruded bar each disposed in the middle of the top of an upper board and a lower board; an embedding groove being disposed in the middle of the bottom of the groundwork frame and corresponsive to the protruded bar; an upper groove and a lower groove respectively disposed on both sides of each floor board to define an embedded assembly; an opening being disposed on each corresponding edge of adjacent boards; an elastic clamp for clipping and securing the groundwork frame, and each floor board having a chamber; a screw hole and an adjusting screw hole being disposed on both sides of the chamber, such that the lower board on the floor being sheathed in the latch and an adjusting screw rod for adjusting the floor to an appropriate height.

Abstract: A lumber substitute product formed by two elongated plastic members which are secured together and configured to have the external cross sectional shape of the product for which it is a substitute while providing an internal longitudinal channel adjacent each in which reinforcing member is mounted.

Abstract: A weather strip (10) for supporting tiles on battens on a roof, the weather strip including side flanges (14) and a retention means comprising a wire clip, the wire clip being substantially U-shaped with extending legs, ears (38) on legs to engage in slots (40) in the side flanges (14) and each leg terminating in a hook (30) to engage the lower end of a tile.

Abstract: End portions of face plates 111 and 112 of a frame member 110 are connected by a rib 116A. To protrusion chips 117b1 and 117b2 end portions of face plates 101 and 102 of another frame member 100 are overlapped. The corners between the rib 116A and the rear faces of the face plates 111 and 112 are in the form of a convex circular arc 131 which protrudes into a hollow portion 119 of the frame member 110. Both end portions of the circular arc 131b1 are connected to the rib 116A and the face plates 111 and 112 by two smooth recessed circular arcs 132b1 and 133b1. Accordingly, since a flow-out of metal does not occur from this portion, the cross-section can be small and a light weight structure an be obtained. A structural body formed of hollow frame members which are joined by friction stir welding provides a light weight structure.

Abstract: A wall system uses panels constituted by a sandwich of two polyolefin sheets and an interior layer of glass fiberboard. Such structural panels are used with a system of steel studs and channels to form walls of high strength and light weight. These walls are particularly suitable for foundations and basements, and exhibits strength, water resistance, and insulating values far in excess of those of conventional foundation walls.

Abstract: A structural building module is provided as a generally rectangular, hollow, extruded, interlocking tubular element formed of a plastic material. The module has two opposed first sides and two opposed second sides extending along a longitudinal axis. Two flanges project from one of the second sides of the element parallel to the first sides and extend along the longitudinal axis for the length of the element. Two recessed areas extend along the longitudinal axis for the length of the element from another of the second sides of the element and aligned with the two flanges. The flanges of one module interlock with the recessed areas of an adjacent module. Structures made with the modules may be assembled easily and quickly. Individual modules have a high stiffness to weight ratio, rendering the modules particularly appropriate for low cost residential housing, auxiliary buildings such as garden sheds or garages, or emergency huts or shelters.

Abstract: A cushion block for using in a build-up surface formed by strips is disclosed to have two male coupling devices at one end, two female coupling devices at an opposite end corresponding to the male coupling devices, a retaining device protruded from one side thereof and adapted to secure the strip to the corresponding side of the cushion block, and a deformable body connected between the male coupling devices and the female coupling device. The male and female coupling devices are so made such that multiple cushion blocks are connectable in a line in a linking direction by engaging the male coupling devices of one cushion block into the female coupling devices of another. The deformable body is deformable in the linking direction to compensate expansion of the strips due to absorption of moisture.

Abstract: The abutted face plates of frame members are joined using friction stir welding. Next, a connection member is mounted on seats formed in the frame members, while a projection of one end of the connection member is inserted into a groove of an end portion of a face plate of the frame member. Next, the other end of the connection member is temporarily welded to the face plate of the hollow frame member. With this condition, an abutted portion of the face plate and the connection member are joined using friction stir welding. Then, the overlapped portion between the other end of the connection member and the frame member is joined by friction stir welding. When the hollow frame members are welded from one side, a temporary welding of the connection member can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled sheet comprising a web formation having first and second opposite ends; a first panel segment extending generally transversely from the web formation at or towards the first end thereof and a second panel segment, extending generally transversely from the web formation at or towards the second end thereof. The first and second panel segments extend in opposite directions from the web formation and the sheet further comprises a lip formation extending generally transversely from the first panel segment at an end defined by the said panel segment distal to the web formation and extending in a direction towards the plane wherein the second panel segment is located.

Abstract: A construction block has improved thermal insulation qualities and reduces or outright eliminates the effects of a seam failure. The construction block is comprised of a pair of generally parallel faces joined by a plurality of sides. A desiccant or insulation gas, or both are disposed within the interior chamber of the block. At least one baffle is disposed within the interior chamber.

Abstract: A partition wall system provides for lay-in of cables. The system includes a plurality of interconnected panel sections and a plurality of covering skins. Each panel section has a base surface and a protrusion extending from the base surface. At least one of the covering skins is attached to each of the panel sections, forming a passage between the covering skin and the base surface of the panel section allowing the cables to travel between interconnected panel sections and through each panel section, in both horizontal and vertical directions. Interconnected panel sections may include first and second sheets of material, each sheet of material providing a base surface with a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom, wherein the first sheet of material is attached to the second sheet of material so that the base surface of the first sheet of material is substantially parallel to the base surface of the second sheet of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building comprising prefabricated components formed as wall and ceiling panels which are produced with a frame; the frame is an assembly of beam and angle parts which are held together and filled with a building material, such as mortar, concrete or Torcret, so as to form a flat panel.

Abstract: A stackable case to tower conversion for stacking shipping cases that are typically used for storing and transporting "pop-up" display structures for use at trade shows. The case to tower conversion provides a linking module for stacking cases one on top of the other. The linking module includes a plurality of walls, a plurality of projecting members, and a support member and is capable of engaging with the shipping cases to securely attach one case to another. The resulting tower can be used to form a part of the display and to support display panels or graphics.

Abstract: In a construction featuring sections of light metal and light-weight composite panels joined to the sections the composite panels feature a plastic core with light weight metal outer sheets bonded to both sides. The outer sheets partially overlap a light metal connecting section which is integrally incorporated in the composite panel and interlock by virtue of fit with that section. The connecting section features connecting strips that lie as pairs on corresponding connecting strips on the section. At least one of the connecting strips is riveted to this neighboring strip. The connecting strip of the connecting section is inclined at an angle with respect to a contact plane in order to create pressure on the neighboring connecting strip, and is joined at its free edge by laser welding to the neighboring connecting strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing for expansion and contraction in modular building panels provides a quickly insertable shim structure that can be placed between modular building panels adjacent bolt that secures the panels together. The shim is inserted into a gap formed between two adjacent members that are to be joined from a location external to the panels. The shim is U-shaped so that it passes over a bolt for securing the members together. When the bolt is tightened, the shim forms a permanent gap-forming structure. The adjacent members can be vertical members or horizontal members. This shim is inserted at a location on the adjacent members between interconnected transverse members so that the transverse members can expand into the gap with corresponding flexure about the shim of the adjacent members.

Abstract: A hollow building element of plastics material comprises one or more longitudinal ducts and having, at opposite sides thereof, coupling members, whereby elements may be connected to each other, a coupling member at one side comprising a duct for receiving a reinforcing beam and having a ducted bottom wall.

Abstract: A thermoplastic building block consisting of a hollow block molded out of a thermoplastic resin such as an aromatic polycarbonate resin. The block has molded flanges extending outwardly from the outer surfaces of the block. The flanges have interlocking means such as ribs on the under side of the extended flanges so as to join the corresponding outer flange of an adjacent block. The joining means do not require the need for cementing or adhesive bonding the flanges together. The block may be used to form a straight or curved wall.

Abstract: A hollow building element (10) of plastics material comprises one or more longitudinal ducts (30) and has at opposite sides thereof, coupling members (32, 34), whereby elements are connectable to each other directly or indirectly, wherein lower coupling members (34A, 34B) comprise ducted flanges (42, 50 respectively). Building structures comprise such hollow building elements (10) coupled side by side.

Abstract: An interlocking building block includes a block fastening system having a male coupling element and a female receptacle which cooperate together to secure a first block to a second block. The male coupling element includes a male interlocking element and a pedestal element for supporting the interlocking element at a fixed distance from the block sidewall. The female receptacle includes first and second female interlocking elements and spaced apart first and second female pedestal elements which support each female interlocking element.

Abstract: A tongue and groove deck plank made from a wood replacement material. The deck plank is substantially hollow, and generally rectangular. It has a horizontal top and bottom, a tongue on one edge, and a groove on the other. When the tongue of one deck plank and the groove of another are placed next to one another, a space is maintained between a portion of the tongue and a portion of the groove. A deck may be made from the deck planks. The deck has a support, and at least one wood replacement deck plank attached to the support. The deck preferably includes a starter strip attached to the support.

Abstract: A full contact floating roof for a storage vessel includes a plurality of panels wherein each panel includes a core disposed between upper and lower skins. A plurality of closures are provided wherein each closure is secured to perimeter edges of a panel by welding the closure to at least one of the upper and lower skins. A plurality of fasteners connect adjacent closures thereby forming the floating roof.

Abstract: A prefabricated building system having a variety of structural bearing panels/frames shaped and designed for direct interconnection with one another. Each panel has an upper stud and a lower stud joined by at least one vertical stud. Only one vertical stud is used if the panel is to be joined, along the vertical edge that lacks a vertical stud, to another panel. The vertical edge having a vertical stud may or may not be interconnected to another panel. If the vertical stud is to be joined to the vertical stud of another panel, that stud must be designed for direct connection with that other panel. One such vertical stud is "" or "" shaped, carrying male connection elements for interconnection along the edge of a panel that does not have a vertical stud. The connection elements may also be carried by the upper stud, the lower stud, or by both the upper and the lower stud.

Abstract: A generally box-shaped wall panel construction includes a first pair of spaced and generally parallel side frame members each of which is of a generally channel or open shaped cross section with the open end facing in the first direction. Another pair of spaced and generally parallel side frame members form part of the construction and each is preferably of a box shaped cross section. The four side frame members constitute what might be referred to as generally a box shape when they are connected by first and second plates at the end of each side frame member. Specifically, the plates have four corners with the material of each corner being formed in the first and second tabs which facilitate spot welding of the ends of the side frame members to the plate with which it is associated. Another feature of the invention is the modification of tile plates so as to enable the wall panel construction to form a 90.degree.

Abstract: A building panel (10, 85) having a core (13, 85) between facing sheets (11, 12, 88, 89) with parallel channels through the core (13, 85) which are used for structural framework (23, 26) of the building. Either of framing such as timber and steel, or concrete (87) can be interacted with the channels in construction of a building. The panels can be used as formwork for floors (131), ceilings, roofs and walls (102, 103, 109, 118) using concrete as the structural element.

Abstract: A prefabricated building system having a variety of structural bearing panels/frames shaped and designed for direct interconnection with one another. Each panel has an upper stud and a lower stud joined by at least one vertical stud. Only one vertical stud is used if the panel is to be joined, along the vertical edge that lacks a vertical stud, to another panel. The vertical edge having a vertical stud may or may not be interconnected to another panel. If the vertical stud is to be joined to the vertical stud of another panel, that stud must be designed for direct connection with that other panel. One such vertical stud is "" shaped, carrying male connection elements for interconnection along the edge of a panel that does not have a vertical stud. Another such vertical stud is "" shaped, and typically is used for perpendicular connection with a similarly shaped stud along the converging sides, i.e., the faces of the "V" portion.

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: An extrusion interlock assembly provides for the joining of two or more extruded pieces at an interlocking joint that may be slideably mated to produce an easily assembled and disassembled assembly. On one side, the interlocking joint has a first channel mechanically connected to the first side, and a first flange adjacent to the first channel also mechanically connected to the first side. On the other side, the interlocking joint similarly has a second channel and a second flange, both mechanically connected to the second side. The second channel slidably receives the first flange, and the second flange slidably receives the first channel. A fastener laterally displaces the first flange away from the second flange, and the first channel away from the second channel, causing the first flange to frictionally engage the second channel, and the second flange to frictionally engage the first channel.

Abstract: A construction panel comprises two plates spaced from one another by a predetermined distance, and a plurality of strips extending transversely to one another and between the plates and connected with the plates so as to form a plurality of cells between the strips and the plates inside the panel.

Abstract: A plurality of plastic panels or planks (12) are connected to each other in side by side relation by interfitting male and female connectors (28, 30) to form a planar structure such as a cover (10). The male connector (28) has opposed outer planar surfaces (32, 34) in contact relation to opposed inner planar surfaces (46, 48) on a female connector (30) to minimize any relative pivoting or articulating movement between adjacent panels (12). Adjacent panel sections (15A, 17B) are hinged to each other about hinges (35E) to permit the panel sections (15A, 17B) to be folded against each other for stacking. Alternatively panels 14C, 14D may be linked together for stacking. A side support (16) is secured to the sides of the cover (10) to cover and to support a side of a panel where such side is not connected to another panel.

Abstract: A glass construction block comprising a plurality of glass members, each of which has a front wall, a rear wall and a plurality of side walls. A frame surrounds the glass members and is secured to the glass members spacing the glass members apart from each other while holding the glass members in a static position. The frame defines a channel member with side walls which extend inward from the outer side edge of the glass members terminating in a bottom wall and has flange portions which extend outward and are secured to the side walls. The blocks are assembled as a wall system by fitting a positive rib placed into the channel member into the channel member of an adjacent block. The two are adjoined with a void between the edges of the blocks which is then filled with a sealant.

Abstract: Horizontal panels, each consisting of top and bottom horizontal studs, with gypsum boards affixed therebetween, are stacked vertically, with suitable means for maintaining the wall vertical.

Abstract: A modular building structure includes a plurality of prefabricated structural panels disposed in side to side relation, the panels being joined in dovetail fashion with a tongue extending the edge of one panel being received in a groove extending along an edge of an adjacent panel, the mating inner surfaces of the tongue and the groove each having a semicircular indentation therein, the indentations being aligned with one another to form a generally cylindrical channel extending the length of the two adjacent panels in which is received a cylindrical connecting rod which connects the adjacent panels together side to side. The connecting rods are connected to the foundation and/or to the roof of the structure to thereby tie the roof and panels of the structure to the foundation.

Abstract: A housing structure is assembled from panels having interlocking connectors, each connector having a tongue and a groove, a central recess, and end flanges, the connectors being attached to posts of adjacent panels with the tongue of one connector interlocking within the groove of another connector, the tongues and grooves snapping together when fully inserted to lock the panels against separation. A connector of the above description for use in a panel for a housing structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to the wall joint design using composite wall panels each consisting of two metal facing skins sandwiched with a structural foam core. The sealing, stuructural performance, and fire performance of the panel sidejoint are significantly improved without compromising other functional performances. The vertical wall joint in horizontal panel application is improved with respect to sealing integrity, thermal insulating value, and easiness in construction.

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: The present invention relates to a structural element for realizing continuous surfaces, for example a screen, a partition wall, a hoarding or the like, essentially for screening-off from noise, view, etc., each corner (5, 6, 7, 8) of a substantially quadrilateral, hollow profile (1-8) being reversed and directed in towards the center of the profile (1-8), and at least one side (1) of the profile (1-8) indented because of corner reversal, being provided, at each edge, with an outwardly directed flange (9, 10), the flanges (9, 10) being parallel with one another and fitting over the sides, indented because of corner reversal, of another substantially identical profile (1-8).

Abstract: Convex log simulation longitudinal members are arranged in an adjacent contiguous interlocking relationship relative to one another for securement coextensive with an exterior surface of a structural vertical wall surface to simulate log construction. The appparatus includes interlocking flanges arranged coextensively relative to adjacent edges of the longitudinal members utilizing securement flanges as required to enhance mounting and securement of each longitudinal member relative to the vertical wall surface.

Abstract: A flooring product (10) comprises a wood panel having an L-shaped surround (18) the base of which is located below the wood panel. A plurality of parallel aluminium battens (20) are connected to the base of the panel. These battens comprise a groove (30). In use two flooring products (10,50) having similar joint arrangements are secured together by locating the base of the surround (18) of each product in the groove (30) in the elongate members of the other product. The connection can not be disengaged unless one of the flooring products (10,50) is tilted relative to the other.

Abstract: A snap-fit device is provided for joining two parts of any shape together by fitting, perpendicularly to their junction surfaces, at least one element projecting from the junction surface of one of the parts, after slight deformation thereof, into a recess in the junction surface of the other part, and engagement of the projection element, by resilient return thereof, on a surface portion of the recess. Inside the device, a separation actuator is operable for separating the engagement projection from the portion on which it is engaged, against the resilient return force of the projection. The separation means is externally activated by a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure or a vacuum source.

Abstract: A sandwich-type structural panel is formed by a core of insulating material having opposing skins or face surfaces bonded to opposing planar sides of the core and defining rectangular recesses at each end of the panel.The panel is further characterized by elongated rigid stiffeners extending coextensive with the thickness of the core material and its length between the encapsulating skins.The spacing of the stiffeners is such that a point load of a fixed amount centrally applied to either planar surface or longitudinal edge of the panel generates a load deflection ratio of 1:1 between the central portion of the panel and its respective edge, thus providing a balanced efficient panel.

Abstract: Building panels having foam cores covered by protective thin sheets of metal are interlocked at abutting edges by mating parts of the metal sheets. In a first embodiment, a first panel has an outwardly projecting tongue formed in an edge wall. The tongue abuts a flat edge wall of a second panel when the respective metal parts of the panels are interlocked. Sufficient play is provided to allow lateral movement of the interlocked panels to facilitate the construction of a structure that employs the panels. One of the interlocking metal plates is in the form of a trough so that if water enters a seam between the panels, such water is directed by the trough to a gutter. In a second embodiment, the tongue is formed in the second panel and channels are provided in the second panel to receive inwardly projecting, curled metal parts that engage complementally formed metal parts of the first panel.

Abstract: An insulation panel having back and front faces spaced apart parallel to each other. A female edge has a recessed region along part of its length and a male edge has a complementary shape to the recessed region of the female edge so as to closely fit within the female edge of an adjacent similar insulation panel. A web extends across the distance separating the back and the front faces, the web being formed integrally with one of the faces. The female edge is generally channel shaped and has a base wall being defined by the web, the front wall comprising an edge portion of the front face which is turned inwardly towards the back face and then turned back upon itself to define a double thickness front wall of the channel shape, the edge portion of the front face turning to extend towards the back face so as to define the web. The male edge is also channel shaped but is stepped in so as to define a narrower width channel shape to fit within the female edge channel shape.

Abstract: A sandwich wall system panel comprising an insulating core (18), a first metal skin (14) adhered to one face of the core, a second metal skin (16) adhered to the opposite face of the core, a rim portion (36,38) associated with and extending along one longitudinal edge of each of said first and second metal skins, said rim portions facing one another, the free ends of said rims portions extending in parallel spaced relation to one another, to define a central joining tongue flanked by a pair of channels (100,102) and extending from the longitudinal edge of the panel, a pair of spaced parallel legs (76,78) formed by marginal portions of said first and second skins (14,16) and projecting beyond the core (18) at the opposite longitudinal edge of the panel, said legs (76,78) being spaced to form a groove to receive the tongue of an adjacent, similar panel, the legs then being accommodated within the channels of the adjacent panel, and at least one rigid connector (62), inserted between said rim portions (36,38) co

Abstract: A demountable panel system has panel members formed with peripheral edge surround sections of extruded rigid material. The surround sections included channels to receive panel material and leg portions with opposed grooves to releasably engage with a clip rail section. The clip rail section enables various panel structures, such as corner posts, to be interconnected with the panel members. The clip rail section has a tongue extending generally in the direction perpendicular to the panel member and so shaped as to be resiliently engageable with a tongue of an adjacent clip rail section whereby panel members or other panel structures can be clipped together along their length by relative transverse movement. The clip rail section includes opposed, outwardly extending flanges and perpendicular leg parts which cooperate with the channels of the surround section to form a recess having a narrow mouth.

Abstract: A wall construction comprising a plurality of interconnected rectangular metal frame assemblies, each frame assembly including metal studs of channel section secured together to form the rectangular frame. A rectangular panel of G.R.C. or the like is secured to the outer face of the frame, and a thermal insulation layer is provided on the outer face of said panel. The wall construction further comprises an inner wall lining of plasterboard or the like on the inner face of the frame assemblies and an external skin at the outer face of the thermal insulation layers of the frame assemblies. The invention further resides in a frame assembly for use in such a wall construction.

Abstract: Thermally insulating panels are formed at opposite sides with finishing edge strips about which sheet metal facings of the panels engage, the strips having ribs and grooves to allow mortise and tenon interconnection of the panels. A fold between a groove and a rib of the respective panel receives a metal insert which provides structural support and interengaging flanges of the insert, which preferably is composed of high density PVC, can interlock for effective sealing.

Abstract: A roof panel (1), which includes a support course (12) for supporting a water-impervious layer (11) or for supporting a windproof layer. The roof panel additionally includes a lower diffusionproof layer (15) and normally one insulating course (14) located in the region between the lower diffusionproof layer and the support course. The roof panel is disposed with a frame (16) which forms the outer edges (20-23) of the roof panel, in addition to which the frame along opposite edges is disposed with devices in order to affix adjacent roof panels in relation to one another and in order to affix the roof panels to a substrate (4) such as a roof truss, a support wall etc.

Abstract: A greenhouse construction is provided which includes adjacent panels, each including a front wall section, a sloped roof section and a curved section which is located between and connects the front wall and sloped roof sections to form a continuous module. Each panel includes and is laterally bordered by glazing bar sections and glazing is provided which extends between these sections. The glazing is, at least in part, supported by the glazing bar sections and includes a curved glazing section corresponding to and constituting at least a part of the curved section of the associated panel. One of the galzing bar sections of each panel abuts the corresponding glazing bar section of the next adjacent panel and is in mirror image and matched relationship therewith. Together the glazing bar sections cooperatively form a glazing bar. The abutting glazing bar sections include matched curved sections which can be matched by being bent simultaneously by a common bending force.

Abstract: The construction element comprises a profile frame, a filler material and two cover panels which cover the filler material and the profile frame. The profile frame comprises a profile section having an axially symmetrical cross-section which forms a groove-like recess in which a connector element is frictionally engagingly insertable and arrestable. In a building construction system with construction elements erected, the construction elements are fastened on one side to a framework, connected with another construction element on the opposite side by the connector element and supported on the edge of the third side. These construction elements can be assembled in the manner of a construction set, for instance like a child's toy (Lego) and the requirements for tools and plant are very modest.

Abstract: End strips for longitudinal edges of a sandwich panel to be used in facade cladding or in garage or entrance doors, the strips being provided with lugs which extend along the length of webs and each of which is arranged to engage with a lug of complementary shape on the other strip. Each lug is disposed on one side edge of the web with an adjoining flange which is disposed at least in part at an acute angle relative to the web, to co-operate with the adjoining cover plate of the sandwich panel.