Abstract: A panel comprising a perimeter frame, a pair of skins spaced apart by the perimeter frame, and load distributing connecting members at the corners of the frame. The perimeter frame is formed from members having two oppositely directed channels so that when a pair of panels are positioned in a side by side relationship one channel of the perimeter frame of one panel will enter the other channel of the perimeter frame of the adjacent panel. The load distributing connecting members have a tongue to engage the inwardly facing channel of the perimeter frame. The invention also comprises a building having a floor, walls, ceiling, and roof wherein at least the walls are formed of panels according to the invention.

Abstract: In a wall construction prefabricated from interconnectable complementary panels each of the panels includes a pair of generally rectangular, offset planar surfaces and a number of metal interconnectors attached thereto at least along the margins for interengagement with complementary interconnectors along like margins of other panels. Flat panels and other shapes may be joined together with different offset relationships in order to achieve desired wall and panel geometries while securing panels together.

Abstract: A window insulating system including horizontally and vertically arranged channel members positioned in a window wall opening and spaced inwardly of the window surface. Insulating panels are positioned in the channels and can either be opaque fiberglass panels or translucent or transparent panels of glass or plastic. Horizontal channels are secured adjacent the upper edge of the window wall opening and can be secured adjacent the lower edge of the window wall opening or can be above that surface. The vertical channels are frictionally attached to the panel member and the panels plus vertical channels are slipped into the horizontal channels and are thus easily removable for access to the window for maintenance or cleaning purposes. The outer edges of the outermost vertical channels adjacent the vertical window wall opening edges are formed from a resilient material and include an integral, outwardly extending sealing strip which is in sealing engagement with the adjacent window opening edge.

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: A method for assembling multi-unit, party wall residential buildings employs fire-resistant structural panels which are manufactured off-site and installed in the structure as completed party walls. The individual units are assembled side-by-side and thereafter the factory-assembled, fire-resistant party wall panels are introduced into the building covering the contiguous walls of the individual units. Satisfactory fire ratings for the resulting buildings can be achieved. The fire-resistant wall sections are fabricated from a frame which is covered with fire-resistant panels on both surfaces and filled with acoustical insulation.

Abstract: A frame for use as a portion of an external wall of a building includes an upper horizontal C-shaped section channel member and first and second vertical C-shaped section channel members. Each C-shaped section channel member includes a pair of spaced flanges joined by a web, with end portions of the flanges opposite the web being bent inwardly toward each other to define a mouth. The C-shaped section channel members are rigidly assembled with the first vertical member extending vertically downwardly from a first end of the horizontal member and with the mouth of the first vertical member facing inwardly of the frame, with the second vertical member extending vertically downwardly from the horizontal member at a position spaced longitudinally thereof from the first vertical member and with the mouth of the second vertical member facing outwardly of the frame, and with the mouth of the horizontal member facing upwardly.

Abstract: An assembly or panels of rectangular shape, as for example, a floor, in which the panels comprise upper and lower rigid sheets separated by a core, elongated fittings extending along adjacent edges of adjacent panels and having lateral extensions received between edge portions of the sheets of the panels. Each fitting has an upwardly open channel located beyond the edge of the associated panel. Adjacent fittings, and hence adjacent panels are secured together by elongated connector strips which have parallel elongated lugs received in the channels of the adjacent fittings.

Abstract: A dance floor construction is provided by a spaced, webbed, network of planks which are uniquely layered so that an air cushion space is provided at every cross-sectional area of the construction. The construction is unitized with tongue and groove interfitting for portable ready assembly of the flooring. The flooring is particularly suited for dancing, as well as for other uses.

Abstract: An interior partition system wherein with relatively few components, most of which can be roll formed from common sets of roller dies, a wide variety of interior screens or full height partitions can be constructed, thus avoiding the necessity of the manufacture and inventory of a large number of parts. For some parts, where volume may not justify the investment in the required roll sets, other manufacturing techniques may be employed, but such parts are readily compatible with the high volume components and usable interchangeably therewith.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical prefabricated modular construction element is formed by generally circular supports and a sheath. These hollow cylinders are connected, using simple carpentry tools, at a building site to create walls, having a simulated log appearance.

Abstract: A device for damming insulation around and away from a heat producing object such as a recessed light fixture is disclosed in its preferred form according to the teachings of the present invention. Specifically, the insulation damming device is formed by the interconnection of one or more insulation damming members to form an enclosure of a size and shape arranged to fit around the heat producing object. The damming members are generally planar and are formed in the preferred embodiment of sheet metal. Top, middle, and bottom extension members extend from the first end edge of the damming member and positively interconnect with top, middle, and bottom series of slots extending along the length of the damming member from the second end edge of the damming member. To increase stability and position retention, apertures are formed in the damming member adjacent the bottom edge for receiving a wire for attachment to a support member.

Abstract: A prefabricated structural panel for use in constructing the walls and/or roof of a building, which comprises two laterally spaced, longitudinal rails, preferably of pressure-treated wood, each of which has a lengthwise extending channel formed in the side facing the other rail, the channel preferably having sides that converge toward the bottom; and each rail also having narrow slots formed therein along the top edges of the channel sides. Each of the longitudinal rails has a stepped configuration on the side opposite the channel, which interlock with a companionate stepped configuration of the rail on the next-adjacent panel. A plurality of ribs extends perpendicularly between the rails, and their ends are shaped to fit snugly down into the channels. On opposite sides of the ribs are panels of sheet material such as plywood, plastic laminate, sheet metal, fiberglass reinforced plastic and the like, the edges of which fit snugly into the slots.

Abstract: A structure made of subassemblies and a method of assembling a structure wherein the floor and an end wall are first erected followed by positioning a set of U-shaped members on the floor and adjacent each other with the U-shaped members secured to each other and the floor to provide a rigid self-supporting structure.

Abstract: An insulated building for enclosing a refrigerated space is assembled from a plurality of standard-sized modules with each module connected to its adjacent module through a joint interface that includes confronting sealing surfaces that are formed parallel to, perpendicular to, and obliquely to the plane of the modules and connected together by a threaded fastener that extends at an oblique angle to the plane of the modules so that each pair of confronting surfaces are placed under a positive sealing force to provide both a moisture-proof and structurally rigid joint.

Abstract: An improved construction system disclosed herein comprises a plurality of pre-engineered panalized or sectionalized building elements and units designed and prefabricated to include all of the basic services such as wiring, plumbing, ductwork, and the like, and materials in the form of framing structures with finished walls, flooring and ceilings adopted for ease of transport, assembly, disassembly and reassembly in accordance with flexible erection and construction processes. Each prefabricated panel or unit includes as an integral part of its structure a mechanical interconnection and interlocking means for fixedly joining each with one or more other panels along one or more preselected edge regions thereof. The interconnecting and interlocking mechanisms include a combination of architecturally sound arrangements of one or more connector plates, supporting and positioning blocks, girders or bearing plates and the like.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an insulating panel wall construction comprising a plurality of hollow insulated construction panels. The construction panels are fabricated from opposed interior and exterior sheet metal sections secured together through yieldable insulating gaskets. Together the sections define a panel having interior and exterior walls and opposite inter-engaging panel edges. One of said edges is provided to receive fasteners for securing the panels to standards. The panel edges have inter-engaging configurations such that exterior metal sections abut only exterior metal sections and interior metal sections abut only interior metal sections. Exterior sheet metal sections alone may be used to form a panel wall as they have inter-engaging edges.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel is disclosed having an insulating core (10) and an outer facing sheet (11) on each side thereof. Along one lateral side edge the facing sheets are spaced from the core material (10) which core material extends as a lateral projection (13) along the one edge. Along the opposite lateral edge of the wall panel a connecting member (15) is provided having a pair of outer laterally extending tongues (14, 14) about each of which is wrapped the adjacent edge of the adjacent facing sheet (11). A pair of inner tongues (19, 19) also extend laterally from the panel and spaced from the outer tongues (14, 14) to which they are connected by narrow webs (18, 18). A broader web (16) extends between the inner tongues. When assembled the free edges (12, 12) of the facing sheets (11, 11) extend into the spaces (21, 21) between the outer (14, 14) and inner (19, 19) outwardly extending tongues and the projection (13) of the core (10) extends into the space between the inner tongues (19, 19).

Abstract: A building panel in which transverse beam segments bracing primary beams or studs are comprised of particle board. Also disclosed is an assembly of panels in which the panels are coupled by bridging a plurality of transverse beam segments in pairs by means such as respective gang nail plates. Finally, a method of construction entailing an site cutting and assembly of extended panels is described.

Abstract: An oven roof or wall is formed from modular panels, each of which comprises an inner fabric and an outer fabric. Each such fabric is formed with an angle iron framework and somewhat resilient tie-bars or welded at their ends to flanges of the angle irons to maintain the inner and outer frameworks in spaced disposition while minimizing heat transfer by conduction and permitting some degree of relative movement on expansion and contraction of the module components. Suitable thermal insulation is provided within the module. Panels or skins are secured to the fabric frameworks and each such skin is secured to a framework and projects laterally so as slidingly to overlie the adjacent frame member of an adjacent panel in turn to permit relative movement during expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A roof structure of the type having a plurality of wooden beams whose sides are provided with mortices for receiving end edges of roofing panels. The invention improves the strength of the structure by employing a generally zig-zag or corrugated cross-section by arranging the mortices such that at least a major portion of each mortice extends at an acute angle with respect to the elongation of the beam, which generally corresponds to the direction of wood grain. The invention thus provides the advance of an increased strength of the structure as compared with prior art which is typical by the mortices being generally straight and/or parallel with the elongation of the wood grain which normally corresponds to the elongation of the beam.

Abstract: The interconnectable border frames with protrusions and grooves are also provided in an improved wooden form for panels which can be combined to form the essential roof, wall, and floor components of a complete building. The floor and wall panels uniquely provide for selectivity in the location of the floor panels along the vertical height of the wall panels.

Abstract: A modular building panel is provided having interlocking bead and groove conformations formed in mating interfitting tongue and socket structures and provided with sealing strips for forming a fluid seal between adjacent assembled panels. The modular building panel is fabricated with longitudinally extending marginal edge portions of mating tongue and socket configurations for enabling interfitting assembly of adjacently disposed panels. The tongue and socket edge portions of each panel are provided with respective interlocking bead and groove conformations for cooperative interlocking engagement for securing adjacently disposed panels in assembled relationship. A sealing strip formed from an elastomeric material is attached to at least one of the socket or tongue marginal edge portions in longitudinally extending relationship thereto and at a location for contacting interengagement with surfaces of the adjacently assembled panel in forming a fluid impervious seal therewith.

Abstract: Closure panel having high heat insulative capacity. There has been designed for a building opening a closure having a higher heat insulative capacity than has previously been available. There are provided inner and outer panels of high structural strength, such as steel, with means providing for the physical connection with thermal separation thereof. The space between said panels is filled with a foam material, foamed in place, which further provides for the mechanical connection but thermal separation of said inner and outer panels.

Abstract: Spaced apart webs extend between upright sidewalls of a block having parallel upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of the blocks are placed in staggered linear courses to form a wall. Projections extending upwardly from the webs of the blocks are secured in the spaces between the webs of the blocks of the successive course. The projections interlock with the sidewalls for lateral alignment of the blocks, and are spaced from the webs for longitudinal adjustment of the blocks. Corner blocks and end blocks are also provided.

Abstract: Self-locking connector elements at opposite ends of elongated panels for interlocking superposed panels with others at angles thereto, to provide wall structure for enclosures of various types. The connector elements each have a pair of laterally spaced side wall portions connected at one end by a transverse wall portion and a partition connection the side wall portions in spaced parallel relation to the transverse wall portion. The side wall portions are secured to an end of a given panel, parallel to opposite sides of the panel, with the transverse wall portion and partition disposed in longitudinally outwardly spaced relation to the adjacent end of the panel, the partition and wall portions forming an open ended passageway.

Abstract: A composite structure, formed of construction elements capable of various uses. The elements are associated with one another for the construction of buildings and of fixed and movable fittings, also for use in maintenance, and for other purposes, for example in public works. The composite structure comprises; a primary subassembly which in turn comprises C-section sleeves each having angulate flanges; a supporting and connecting principal beam, having wall faces with longitudinal, mutually opposed retaining cavities, and, to insure the required rigidity of the sub-assembly, transversely bracing and connecting bridges, slid into and engaged with the sleeves and beams at variable spacing between the bridges. Each bridge acts on at least two beams; which have substantially the shape of C, U or omega profiles. The bridges are placed opposite to one another on at least a portion of the length of the internal corners of the retaining flanges of the C-section sleeves.

Abstract: Wall sections for prefabricated buildings are constructed so that they have one stud and one short bottom plate whose length is equal to the design stud spacing at 90.degree. forming an "L". The sections are covered inside and outside with inside and outside finish. Each section is insulated with fiberglass insulation in batt form. The above description is meant to indicate ordinary building construction. The new sections would be similar except that the stud and plate would be split in two in the plane of and between their covering coats with one part being fixed to the outside finish and the other part being fixed to the inside finish. The fiberglass insulation would not be cut and would be left adhered to the inside surface. For shipping purposes and to cut bulk, one section half would be spun around 180.degree.

Abstract: Spaced, opposed plywood sheets having kerfs in their peripheral edges are integrally joined by S-shaped aluminum bars that join the edges of the plywood sheets to form panels. Each bar is provided with spaced, elongated splines that interfit into the kerfs and are adhesively bonded therein. The bars are welded together to form an integral border frame. Each S-shaped bar includes an outwardly facing groove or protrusion and a duct joined by a common wall. The top bar and one side bar of the border frame are turned end for end relative to the bottom and opposite side bars so that the duct of a bar forming a border frame of an adjacent panel will interfit into the groove of the bar forming the border frame of the first panel. In this manner a continuous wall of interfitting panels may be constructed. Various forms of bars are provided to interconnect other building components such as beams, windows, doors and the like, with the panels.

Abstract: There is disclosed a module for erected wall elements for providing an exhibition space, the wall elements being formed from fibrous material such as corrugated board folded along score lines to provide spaced front, rear and end wall portions, the wall elements being confined along the upper and lower edges by devices having spaced flanges confining the wall portions but having discontinuous portions to accommodate irregularities in the dimensioning of the wall elements and to enable the wall elements to be secured together at such discontinuous portions.

Abstract: A wall panel including in combination first and second generally parallel and spaced end members each having a channel shaped cross section. In the normal orientation of the wall panel, the end members are positioned horizontally. First and second positioning tabs are located on opposed end portions of each of the first and second end members. First and second generally parallel and spaced side members are provided and in the normal orientation of the wall panel these side members are located in a vertical position. The first side member has a channel shaped cross section and has opposed ends thereof engaging the first positioning tabs on the first and second end members and they are fixedly secured thereto. The second side member has a box shaped cross section and has opposed ends thereof engaging the second positioning tabs on the first and second end members and they are fixedly secured thereto.

Abstract: Lightweight, compliant, structural members comprising an assemblage of metallic strips disposed in side-by-side relationship with the edges of the strips at opposite sides of the assemblage. The edges of the strips on one side of the assemblage may be folded over to provide a smoother, more continuous working surface. Point-to-point node bonding of adjacent strips and straight and nested foils at opposite sides of the assemblage can be utilized to facilitate handling and processing and to furnish lateral support.

Abstract: A shelf assembly comprising a side board and a shelf board, said side board having a flat inside surface, an outer surface and a flange extending outward from the edge of the outer surface, and said side board being designed to be mated with another side board on their outer surfaces so as to provide a space for wirings for illumination and fixing means for the shelf board.

Abstract: A structural building module having longitudinal edge beams of angular S and reverse S cross-section joined together by cross-members of V cross-section and preferably including additional longitudinal reinforcing beams of Z cross-section, which modules when joined together as components of floor, wall, ceiling and roof structures define a series of interconnected roomy closed channels adapted to receive electric wiring and the like.

Abstract: The building structure of the present invention comprises a rectangular box having ceiling and floor walls and four upstanding walls. The lateral edges of each of the aforementioned walls have L-shaped indentations therein which provide glue surfaces. These L-shaped indentations are mated together at the corner junctions of all walls in the box and are glued together and nailed so as to provide an integral rectangular box. Each wall comprises a plurality of panels joined together in side to side relationship. Each panel comprises spaced apart rigid sheet members, and the panels are joined together in side to side relation by means of elongated stretchers which extend between the spaced apart sheet members and interconnect the panels which are arranged in side to side relationship.

Abstract: A nailable hollow structural member comprising an elongated hollow member of sheet metal formed to define opposed clamping walls and end walls spaced apart between the clamping walls. The clamping walls extend in substantially parallel planes. An elongated boss is formed in each of the clamping walls and extends longitudinally of the tubular member in alignment with one another. One of the clamping walls and one of the end walls has a connectable portion opposed to one another. Spacer means is provided for maintaining one of the clamping walls in juxtaposition with a clamping wall of another hollow member and spaced apart by the spacer means to form an elongated opening between the hollow member constituting a nail receiving slot. Means are also provided for movably securing two or more of the hollow members with the clamping walls juxtaposed. The elongated boss in both of the clamping walls deforms a nail inserted in the slot to retain it therein.