Abstract: Floorboards for mechanical joining of floors in a herringbone pattern and in parallel rows with horizontal connectors which on the short sides have cooperating locking surfaces which are designed differently from the cooperating locking surfaces on the long sides.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanically joining a plurality of panels or components of an article of construction without the need for glue or other adhesive is provided. The panels are preferably solid hardwood flooring panels. Each panel includes first and second locking members spaced beneath its outer surface. The first locking member is at one side edge of the panel and has two spaced-apart flexible arm portions, at least one arm portion including a first latching member. Preferably, the first latching member is a rib extending outward from the arm portion. The second locking member is at another side edge and includes a channel recessed within the side edge. The channel is sized to receive the arm portions without them having to contact the channel unless deflected within the channel. The second locking member also includes a second latching member positioned and adapted to engage the first latching member. The second latching member is preferably a slot abutting the channel.

Abstract: A method of forming a reinforced composite structure comprises providing a plurality of fiberglass rovings to a resin applicator. The plastic applicator has an inlet, an outlet, and a plastic applicator cavity such that the rovings enter the plastic applicator through the inlet and exit through the outlet. The inlet and outlet are relatively positioned to spread out the rovings. Resin-containing rovings are directed between a first fiberglass matt and a second fiberglass matt and then cured. A joint that connects two frame members formed by the method of the invention is provided.

Abstract: Techniques for providing fastener-free primary structural joint for sandwich panels are disclosed. In one embodiment, a technique includes positioning a first panel having a first edge portion proximate a second panel having a second edge portion such that the first and second edge portions cooperatively form an interior recess on an interior side of the first and second panels, applying adhesive to at least one of the recessed interior side of the panel assembly and a plug configured to occupy the interior recess, inserting the plug into the interior recess, the plug including a cap that extends beyond the interior recess and overlaps adjacent portions of the first and second panels, applying adhesive to at least one of a splice and an exterior side opposite from the interior side, and attaching the splice on the exterior side.

Abstract: An insulated frame member 10 comprising first and second frame components 12, 14 interconnected by first and second thermally insulating connectors 24, 26 each connector 24, 26 defining, with the first and second frame components 12, 14 a channel 28, 30 containing a resin material 32, the connectors 24, 26 being off-set from one another.

Abstract: Floorboards with a mechanical locking system having a separately machined strip which is mechanically joined with the floorboard.

Abstract: Wall element 2, especially for constructing a partition wall, for example in an exhibition, has a first connecting device with a least one first connecting element 12 to establish a connection with at least one other wall element 2?. the first connecting device is configured such that one wall element 2 can be connected with another wall element 2? without tools. The wall element includes an essentially frame-like basic body 18 and a second connecting device for releasable connection of at least one flat face element 30, 32, 34 to the basic body. the second connecting device is configured so that the face element 30, 32, 34 can be connected-with the basic body 18 without tools. The wall element 2 allows the partition walls to be largely assembled without tools. This saves time and assembly costs.

Abstract: A modular prefabricated deck system which includes a plurality of rectangular flooring modules. Each module may include a plurality of laminations, such as a decorative upper element, and a lower support element for supporting the module upon the underlying joist structure of the deck. Additionally, the system includes spline and support portions for attaching the modules upon an underlying structure, such as a wood deck structure, upon installation.

Abstract: A device for locking two building boards comprises a tongue element inserted into a groove a first building board. The tongue element comprises a spring having a plurality of wave arches. A groove is provided in a core of a second building board and corresponds to the groove of the first building board, such that when the groove of the first and second building boards overlap during a connection of the first and second building boards, by a vertical lowering movement, the first and second building boards are locked in a direction parallel to the visible side by the tongue element.

Abstract: A portable floor system having a plurality of floor panels configured for connection along abutting edges to form an extended floor surface. Each panel has a planar portion including a top surface, a core, and a bottom surface. Extruded edge portions include tongues along two edges and complementary tongues along the other two edges. Each edge also includes a panel connecting assembly along each edge, having a lock device extending from an edge into the core. The lock device mounts directly against an anchor element. The anchor element extends through the bottom surface and having a connector receiving portion.

Abstract: A system for cladding roofs and facades of buildings includes elongated tracks. Each track has opposed lengthwise edges curved inwardly over opposed portions of the track. Each of a plurality of elongated panels has opposed lengthwise edges curved inwardly over opposed portions of the panel. Each panel is adapted to be interlocked between two spaced, parallel tracks. The system also includes fin components. Each fin component has two lengthwise edge portions defining a base of the fin component. A fin depends from the base of the fin component, which is adapted to be interlocked within a track with the fin extending away from the track with lengthwise edges of two proximate panels interlocked between the base of the fin component and the lengthwise edges of the track. Similar systems are provided for corners, overhangs, and jambs as may be encountered in a building.

Abstract: A decking system and clip apparatus used therein are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the clip apparatus typically includes a top portion and a pair of lateral projections extending from opposite sides of the top portion. Each lateral projection is configured to contact a respective decking member, thereby maintaining a predefined distance between the decking members. The clip apparatus further typically includes a pair of spaced-apart downward projections extending downward from the top portion, the downward projections being separated by a void sized to receive the joist.

Abstract: A butt-joint connection structure for joining two logs end-to-end in a log wall includes a first log having a first end face and a second log having a second end face for abutting the first end face and forming a seam therebetween, each log having a log height extending between top and bottom surfaces thereof, and a spline slot extending horizontally across the seam between a first closed edge in the first log and a second closed edge in the second log. The spline slot extends vertically through the log height of the first and second logs, and has generally planar, spaced apart inner and outer slot faces extending between the first and second closed edges. A spline is provided in the spline slot, the spline having a width spanning the seam and a first spline face in generally flush engagement with a respective one of the inner and outer slot faces.

Abstract: A joint guard (100) provided with means for protecting, and stabilizing portions in the edge region of a panel, said portions being selected from the group consisting of; a distal edge (21), a downwards protruding heel (22), a upper joint edge (25), a groove (23), a lower cheek (31), a distal end (32), an upwards protruding lower cheek heel (33), an upper joining edge (35), an undercut (34), a moveable locking element (40), a locking tongue (41), a locking tongue leg (42) and a maneuvering leg (43).

Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring biscuit device for joining three boards. It includes, (a) an at least partially flat horizontal top element having an imaginary center line, having opposite side walls, and having a top view footprint adapted to be inserted into grooves of adjacent boards; (b) at least one substantially vertical support member attached to the underside of the top element and extending downwardly therefrom for a predetermined length for joinder of two adjacent boards which contain said grooves for receiving portions of said top into said grooves; and, (c) at least one compressive element located on aid device, with at least a portion of said at least one compressive element, from a top view footprint, being located away from said imaginary center line and way from said vertical support member, wherein said compressive element is adapted to at least partially collapse under predetermined compressive force.

Abstract: A modular building panel assembly is provided having a first member and a second member. The first member has an inter-engageable marginal portion. The inter-engageable marginal portion of the first member includes inter-engagement means and a pair of spaced apart flanges. The flanges define a channel. The second member has an inter-engageable marginal portion. The inter-engageable marginal portion of the second member includes inter-engagement means. The inter-engageable marginal portion of the second member is receivable between the flanges of the first member. The inter-engagement means of one of said first member or said second member is a plurality of spaced-apart female engagement means. The inter-engagement means of another of said first member or said second member is a plurality of resilient, spaced-apart, male engagement means.

Abstract: An interlockable panel for forming a generally planar surface. Each panel includes a first surface positioned substantially in a plane and a second surface facing opposite the first surface and substantially parallel to and displaced from the first surface. Each surface has a perimeter defined by edges extending between the first and second surfaces. The edges may include male or female edges. Each male edge includes a tongue that extends outwardly from the male edge and a longitudinally extending void that extends inwardly of the tongue. Each female edge includes a groove having a protrusion position within the groove and extending outwardly from the groove generally parallel to the first surface. An adjacent panel may be linked to a fixed panel such that the tongue engages the groove and the protrusion engages the void. The invention also includes a method for assembling a generally planar surface using interlockable panels such as the above-mentioned.

Abstract: A stile for at least partially enclosing a toilet, the stile includes a first board with a first face and a first edge surface adjacent to the first face, at least a part of the first edge surface defining a first slot. A second board with a second face and a second edge surface is adjacent to the first face, and at least a part of the second edge surface defines a second slot. The second edge surface is proximate to the first edge surface and the first face is adjacent to the second face with a joining line therebetween. An insert sheet is disposed within both the first slot and the second slot and adheres within the slots with adhesive. A laminate is fixed to and covers the first face, the second face, and he joining line.

Abstract: A locking system for floor boards comprises a plurality of floor boards and a plurality of locking devices. Each floor board has two tongues on one lateral side and another tongue and a locking groove on the opposite lateral side. The floor board also has two grooves on its bottom side. The locking device has three protruding gripping extensions. Few locking devices are placed on each floor board before the floor boards are sent to a job site. At the job site, two adjacent floor boards are assembled together by inserting the tongue of one board into a space defined by the locking device and the tongues of the adjacent board. The tongues are further secured in place by compression of flexible buffers located at each protruding gripping extension.

Abstract: The covering comprises a large number of strips of timber fixed by means of clips or other components to a supporting framework fixed to the surface to be covered and is characterized in that the edges of the greater sides of the strips are partially asymmetrical, having an arrangement of mating projections and recesses and being capable of engaging in one another while leaving an intermediate gap and in such a way that the projecting upper edge of one of the profiles overlaps mating projections of the adjacent strip situated therebelow, preventing the base on which is fixed the covering or the accessories for the fixing thereof from being seen from the visible face of the covering.

Abstract: A deck plank is co-extruded from an extrusion die which receives molten plastics materials supplied from three separate plastic extruders to provide the plank with opposite sides having different colors. Preferably, the base plank is extruded from a lower cost material such as reground scrap polyvinylchloride (PVC), and thin PVC cap layers are co-extruded on opposite sides of the base plank in different colors. Opposite edges of each plank have longitudinally extending grooves for receiving hidden fasteners in the form of screws extending through short flat tie pieces or a continuous sealing tie strip projecting into the opposing grooves of adjacent planks.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel (2) is described, wherein the panel (2) comprises a core of a fibre material, preferably an MDF or HDF board. In order to improve the quality and precision as well as the water resistance of coverings made from the panel, it is suggested that at least one cut (6, 6a, 9) on the panel (1) is cut with a laser.

Abstract: A fastener system including two interengaging members for securing boards to supporting members.

Abstract: Flooring panel or wall panel and a use thereof in a wet room. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. The groove (6) and the tongue (7) are preferably made of water tight material and formed with a snap-together joint.

Abstract: An insert type building model, comprising layer members, wall members and accessories such as doors and windows. Said layer members are jointed to one another with joint pieces embedded at jointing portions thereof. Said wall members include plate pieces and switchover pieces connected to each other in an embedment fashion. Said layer members are combined with said plate pieces and said switchover pieces in an embedment fashion.

Abstract: A punching tool for forming an attachment in a side-lapped seam of steel decking includes four cutting jaws each having a cutting edge. Two jaws are positioned against one side of the seam, and two jaws are positioned on the opposite side of the seam. An actuator selectively pivots the cutting edges of opposing jaws generally toward each other to a closed position, driving the cutting edges of a first pair of jaws partially past each other for cutting a first slot through the seam, and driving the cutting edges of a second pair of jaws partially past each other for cutting a second slot through the seam. Also disclosed are a method for forming such an attachment, as well as the attachment structure which results therefrom.

Abstract: A pegboard assembly is secured in a spaced relation against a wall. The pegboard assembly has a plurality of pegboard members, in which a first pegboard member is coupled to a second pegboard member by a connector. The pegboard member has a front side and a rear side, and has a plurality of holes defined therethrough. The rear side has an integral spacer element and is adapted to contact the wall such that the holes are adapted to be spaced from the wall.

Abstract: Flooring material comprising sheet-shaped floor elements with a mainly square or rectangular shape. The floor elements are provided with edges, a lower side and an upper decorative layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined by means of joining members. The floor elements are provided with male joining members on a first edge while a second edge of the floor elements are provided with a female joining member. The male joining member is provided with a tongue and a lower side groove while the female joining member is provided with a groove and a cheek, the cheek being provided with a lip. The floor elements are provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge is provided with female vertical assembly joining member. The floor elements are alternatively provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge also is provided with male vertical assembly joining member.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system (1) for rectangular, tabular panels (2, 3, 10), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels (2, 3, 10). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels (2, 3, 10) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel (2, 3, 10) being in first line a new panel (2) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel (2) to the installed panel (3) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel (3) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel (3). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements (6, 7).

Abstract: Includes anchoring means between tiles arranged in a coplanar plane. It is characterized in that the anchoring means are determined from portions curved in the shape of a groove located in the underside of the tiles and matching the side edges of the tiles that guide said curved portions to converge on said edges. When the tiles are put together next to each other head to head and at the point where the comers converge, these curved grooved portions form a channel on the underside of the tiles inside which male elements fit tightly in at least a portion of it to couple and engage at least two adjacent tiles.

Abstract: A load transfer device (LTD) allowing for reliable connection and linkage of composite wood boards is provided. A LTD is configured for containment within openings within peripheral edges of wood boards which are cut into a complementary shape to that of the device. The device, when assembled in panel openings, permits separation of adjacent boards, as well as, sufficient load bearing strength for the overall construction within which such connected wood boards are utilized. The separation of wood boards permits proper sealing therebetween and proper distance for shrinking or swelling during the lifetime of the edifice. The ability to impart increased load bearing strength allows for an increase in construction materials to be carried and kept on such a structure during construction. The method of manufacture of a structure utilizing load transfer devices between boards is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: A hook for mounting a protective panel to a structure. The hook provides an angled extension that matches the top notch and the wider opening of a keyway in the top of the panel. The panel keyway engages the hook and slides down to a section where the top notch matches and seats onto a horizontal section of the hook. This horizontal section can be elongated to seat two or more panels with no vertical offset. The hook may be used to support any of the various types of protective panels, but the panels may be decorative or useful. The bottoms of the panels are secured to the structure by known methods.

Abstract: A deck system employing a plurality of substantially hidden fasteners to couple the floor boards of the deck to the joists. Each hidden fastener is rigidly coupled to a respective joist and positioned between a pair of adjacent floorboards. Each fastener forms a mating relationship with specially configured sides of the boards to thereby rigidly couple the boards to the joists.

Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.

Abstract: Floorboards with a format corresponding to a traditional parquet block for laying of mechanically joined floating flooring. Rectangular floorboards include a surface layer and a core with two long sides and two short sides, for making a floating flooring, which floorboards are mechanically lockable and which along their four sides have pairs of opposing connectors for locking similar, adjoining floorboards to each other both vertically and horizontally wherein the long sides have a length not exceeding 80 cm and the short sides have a width not exceeding 10 cm.

Abstract: A sub-floor assembly for a sports flooring system includes a plurality of sub-floor panel components each formed of a plastic material and each having a formed channel wherein the formed channels of the plurality of sub-floor panel components are linearly aligned. A first strip of anchoring material is disposed within the linearly aligned formed channels of the plurality of sub-floor panel components and is used to attach a plurality of flooring strips to the sub-floor panel components.

Abstract: A molded plastic panel and a molded plastic panel assembly including at least two molded panels are described. Each panel includes a center portion (14) that is positioned between and which is continuous with a first external portion (17) and a second external portion (20). The center portion (14) has a plurality of plastic center reinforcing structures (31) that define a plurality of center portion apertures (34). Each of the first and second external portions include reinforcing structures (49, 79) having sidewalls (52, 82) having interior surfaces (55, 85) that define a plurality of external portion apertures (61, 94). The exterior surfaces (58, 88) of sidewalls of neighboring reinforcing structures together define a plurality of external portion recesses (64, 98) that are dimensioned to receive extensions from a separate article, thereby forming interlocks there-between. With the panel assembly (3) of the present invention, at least two molded panels (e.g.

Abstract: A synthetic ice surface system includes a plurality of sections of synthetic ice and a plurality of dowels. At least a portion of an outer periphery of each section of synthetic ice has one or more passages. Each of the dowels has a pair of opposing ends and one end of one or more of the dowels mates in one of the passages in one of the sections of synthetic ice. Another end of the one or more of the dowels mates in another one of the passages in another one of the sections of synthetic ice to secure the adjacent sections of synthetic ice together and form a substantially smooth ice surface. The sections of synthetic ice and the dowels are made of substantially the same material.

Abstract: The invention describes a universal structural element (1) for the purpose of forming in particular, three-dimensional structures, which structural element can be manufactured in a convenient manner efficiently, cost-effectively from the most varied materials and can be recycled in an environmentally-friendly manner, can be used and applied universally, enables a monolithic type of construction using similar connectors (5) for connecting similar structural elements together and with other elements at low assembly cost and allows disassembly or reconstruction work to be conducted in a straightforward and non-destructive manner, meets high static requirements and can preferably be standardized in modular dimensions.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A support structure for a log wall includes a plurality of logs extending horizontally in an axial direction and stacked vertically to form a wall, vertically adjacent ones of the plurality of logs having generally aligned end faces defining an edge surface of the wall; and a plurality of connectors positioned within the wall adjacent the edge surface and extending between vertically adjacent pairs of the plurality of logs, each pair of logs including a respective lower log and upper log generally situated on top of the lower log, each connector having a connector body with a lower and an upper log engagement portion, each lower log engagement portion engaging the respective lower log, and each upper log engagement portion engaging the respective upper log.

Abstract: A panel attachment system for mounting panels to construct a wall structure generally utilizes interconnecting panel assemblies comprising panels with frames attached thereto. Each frame includes a generally outwardly facing channel disposed proximate the perimeter of the panel for receiving a spline member used to interconnect adjacent panel assemblies. Preferably, the spline members secure adjacent panel assemblies together and seal abutting edges of the adjacent pieces of the resulting wall structure. Connection members, such as molding pieces, including at least one generally outwardly facing channel for receiving a spline member can be used to connect adjacent panel assemblies or to finish an edge of a panel assembly.

Abstract: Floorboards for installation of floors in herringbone pattern are formed with two opposite sides inverted relative to each other. The invention further comprises methods for producing and making floorings comprising such floorboards, as well as fitting pieces and sets of parts for such floorings.

Abstract: A sealable ceiling assembly is provided for use in applications such as clean rooms. The sealable ceiling assembly may include main beams suspended from a support ceiling parallel to each other and cross beams that run perpendicular to the main beams to attach the main beams together. Each cross beam has a bore from which coupling members extend to either side. Each coupling member has a head with a cam surface designed to interlock with a retention slot of the main beam in response to ninety-degree rotation of the coupling member. The coupling members are attached within the bores of the cross beams via set screws that can be rotated after engagement to urge retraction of the coupling members into the bore to tighten engagement of the cross beams with the main beams. Stiffeners may be attached to top nut slots of any of the beams that need reinforcement.

Abstract: Retaining device for use with two elongated slats longitudinally located in a chain linked fence. Each slat has first and second slat surfaces and first and second slat edges, and has a notch located in a portion of a slat end. The notch extends transversally from the first to the second slat edge. The device includes a cap having a first panel connected to an intermediate panel. A guide rail connects to the first panel. The guide rail has first and second spaced apart longitudinal stop ends located inwardly away from respective first and second panel side edges for cooperation with notches of respective slats. The guide rail is slidably and longitudinally engageable by the notches in generally opposed directions along restricted paths of travel from one of the stop ends toward the other one of the stop ends to retain the notches thereon.

Abstract: A method of forming a connection, and a connector, that attaches supported members, such as deck boards, to supporting members, such as deck joists. In some forms, each connector attaches a single supported member. In others, the connector attaches two supported members. Many forms of the connector are possible, but all are narrow enough to fit between two supported members laid side-by-side, all are attached to the supported members by fasteners, and all are driven directly into the supporting members. The resulting structure is characterized by the apparent absence of nails or other fasteners.

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