Interfitted Integral Flange Patents (Class 52/588.1)
  • Patent number: 8499521
    Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges (5a, 5b, 4a, 4b) allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge (4a, 4b) locking system comprises a tongue (10) made in one piece with the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Markus Nilsson Ståhl
  • Publication number: 20130192158
    Abstract: A floor panel having two opposite edges including coupling parts with a configuration that allows the coupling parts to be brought into each other by a downward movement. The coupling parts allow locking in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the edges by way of locking parts in the form of hook-shaped parts. In a coupled condition, the locking parts have contact surfaces which engage one behind the other. The contact surfaces, when viewed in a top view of the panel, globally extend in one or more directions different from the direction of the upper edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Cappelle, Pieter Devos
  • Publication number: 20130192155
    Abstract: A load bearing wall system which is made from a plurality of interlocking panels. Each panel includes a hollow panel body having a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity. A male coupling is positioned at the first end and a female coupling is positioned at the second end. The female coupling is capable of interlocking with the male coupling of another of the plurality of interlocking panels. The male coupling houses a structural stud that extends for the entire vertical height of the hollow panel body. The interior cavity of the hollow panel body is filled with insulation. Interlocking panels intended for straight sections have the female coupling opposed to the male coupling in a linear alignment. Interlocking panels intended for a corner or change in direction have the hollow panel body bent so that the female coupling is angularly offset from the male coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Yvan Bergeron
  • Patent number: 8495850
    Abstract: A two-piece building block assembly includes a hollow block and an inner piece. The hollow block has a plurality of studs extending from a top thereof, an opening defined in an underside thereof and a plurality of ribs extends from side walls thereof. The inner piece is corresponding to and received in the opening of the hollow block. A plurality of recesses is defined in the periphery of the inner piece and located corresponding to the studs. The inner piece includes support boards. Each support board is defined between the adjacent recesses and disposed between the two adjacent ribs that are located on the same side wall of the hollow block. The inner piece reinforces the opening of the hollow block to prevent the opening from being deformed. Thus, the building block assembly does not have to be made of high-stiffness or high-density materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Chia-Yen Lin
  • Patent number: 8495847
    Abstract: An improved roof panel system used on a building that exhibits, upon seaming, a substantially even distribution on both sides of such a seam is provided. Such a system thus permits not only increased resistance to wind uplift forces but also a more reliable roof in terms of load-bearing and load-carrying than typical single seamed roof panel systems. Particularly, the novel roof panel includes a female flange end portion with an extended “T” shape within its periphery and a male flange end portion with its own complementary “T” configuration to fit within the female flange. Such an extended “T” shape within the female flange end portion includes an extra extension that permits, upon engagement with the male flange end portion, two seams on either side of the engagement line of the two end portions of the roof panels. In such a manner, the two seams can also be compressed to become parallel with engagement line, or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the roof line itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Developmental Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Rider
  • Publication number: 20130186029
    Abstract: A wall panel system is provided that includes a series of interlocking wall panels with a pressure-adherent backing. The wall panels are configured to be placed on a wall in interlocking fashion, with the interlocking attributes contributing to the overall appearance of the panel. In one aspect, surface features are provided on the wood panels that add surface texture to the panel by laser burning into the surface of the wood panel. The width of the surface features can be changed by adjusting the properties of the laser, such as beam focus. The wood panels are conveniently sized so that they can be easily manipulated for interlocking placement on the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Michael T. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 8490337
    Abstract: A structural flange connection system and method that utilizes structural flanges having a standard bolted connection and a mechanical bond to effectively manage and assist the retention of bolt preloads and substantially eliminate movement between the flange faces due to a reduction in the need for friction load being generated by the bolt clamping force in the flange connection. The structural flanges of the structural flange connection system and method each include an outer rim and a flange lip having a face and a shoulder. The structural flange connection system and method may be utilized in the manufacture and installation of a wind turbine tower, which may be made up of one or more tower sections, and each tower section may terminate in structural flanges of the structural flange connection system and method. When properly aligned, the structural flanges may be bolted together. When each tower section is properly aligned and bolted, the mechanical bond of the structural flanges is also joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Nott Word, III, Cecil Leon Hartman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130180193
    Abstract: A rectangular floor panel is described with mutually parallel, substantially planar upper and lower sides and with two pairs of respective mutually opposite side edges connecting the upper and lower sides, wherein the opposite side edges of a pair are provided with complementary profiles for interconnecting adjacent floor panels. Of at least one pair of opposite side edges the profile of a first side edge is provided with a frontal face and a counter face, whereas the profile of the corresponding second side edge of the respective pair of opposite side edges is provided with a frontal face and counter face, respectively, cooperating therewith. The frontal faces and the counter faces are provided with locking tabs cooperating in the interconnected position of adjacent floor panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: IVC N.V.
    Inventor: IVC N.V.
  • Patent number: 8484924
    Abstract: A panel, in particular a floor panel, with a core consists of a wood material or a wood material-plastic mixture. A top side and a bottom side are provided. The panel has on a first lateral edge a lower locking element, which includes a first arm that is arranged on the bottom side of the panel and that projects over the first lateral edge. A first hook element with an undercut is arranged on an outer end of the first arm. The panel has on a second lateral edge that is opposite to the first lateral edge an upper locking element with a second arm that is arranged on the top side of the panel and that projects over the second lateral edge. A second hook element, which has at least one locking nose, is arranged on an outer end of the second arm, such that two identically designed panels can be connected and locked to one another in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction after the locking nose of one panel is snapped into the undercut of a second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Flooring Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger Braun
  • Publication number: 20130178130
    Abstract: Interlocking building block, paving unit, tile or toy element, one part of which is a piece offering at least one planar locking mechanism, and the other part of which is an element offering at least one spatial locking mechanism. The element is characterized by the piece providing the planar locking mechanism being a three-clawed piece (21) built around an equilateral triangle (1) with protruding arms (22) and grooves (23) corresponding to their circumference arranged in a circular segment (23). The protruding claws (22) are rotated on a plane around a center of rotation (30). These align with the grooves (23) of another three-clawed piece (21) to offer a bayonet type locking mechanism, where the center point of the circular segment (12) is identical to the center of planar rotation (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Adám Bálint
  • Publication number: 20130174507
    Abstract: A connector includes a vertical arm. The connector further includes a spacer element having an end coupled to an end of the vertical arm. The connector further includes a riser element having an end coupled to an end of the spacer element. The riser element is longer than the vertical element. The vertical arm, the spacer element, and the riser element form a slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Advent Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130174506
    Abstract: A spacer for use in spacing a cladding component from a building component has a support member, a base spaced apart from the support member, the base having a contact surface facing away from the support member, a web connected between the support member and the base, and a guide configured to locate the cladding component on the support member. A plurality of the spacers can be used by resiliently deforming them to accommodate and retain by restorative bias force a corresponding plurality of portions of the cladding component. Thereafter, the spacers are secured to the building component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: CASCADIA WINDOWS LTD.
    Inventors: Roberto Bombino, Kevin Joseph Michael Ganzert, Warren Samuel Knowles, Edward Peter Thiessen, Michael James Wilson
  • Publication number: 20130167458
    Abstract: A modular flooring system includes a plurality of floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the floor tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Ronald N. Cerny, Dana Hedquist, Gary L. Day
  • Publication number: 20130167467
    Abstract: A panel coupling assembly includes a panel having a side edge with an activating portion. An intermediate coupling member is displaceable with respect to the panel and a base coupling and is provided with a sleeve portion facing the activating portion of the panel. A guide guides the intermediate coupling member from a non-assembled condition to an assembled condition. The guide is configured such that upon displacing the panel with respect to the base coupling member in the panel fixing direction, the activating portion of the panel presses onto the sleeve portion and the intermediate coupling member is displaced in at least a direction extending transversely to the panel fixing direction. A fixing element is engageable to the intermediate coupling member to form a locking member that couples the panel and the base coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SPANOLUX N.V.- DIV. BALTERIO
    Inventors: Bruno Paul Louis Vermeulen, Jan Eddy De Rick
  • Publication number: 20130160391
    Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge locking system has a tongue made in one piece with the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Välinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko PERVAN, Marcus Nilsson Ståhl
  • Publication number: 20130160390
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system comprising at least two panels, particularly floor panels for forming a covering. The panels have first and second lateral edges, which can be connected by a movement substantially perpendicular to the covering. The first lateral edge has a locking member coupled to a spring so that an inner position exerts a restoring force on the locking member in the direction of the outer position. The second lateral edge has a locking element that cooperates with the locking member. The locking member and locking element each have a locking face. To withstand higher vertical extraction forces, the first and second lateral edges are designed to connect by a movement directed from top to bottom of the second lateral edge, and the locking faces, when connected, lock the second lateral edge against upward lifting, while the locking member is supported with respect to the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: FRITZ EGGER GMBH & CO. OG
    Inventor: Paul Stockl
  • Publication number: 20130160639
    Abstract: Plural tiles are positioned in a plate-like array. The tiles have edge portions that overlap in such a way that no straight-through joints are present between abutting tiles and such that the thickness of the entire array does not substantially exceed the thickness of a single tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Robert G. Lee
  • Publication number: 20130152489
    Abstract: A leveling block for a wall construction system includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a wall extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces and defining a leveling block void. A leveling plate engages the lower surface wherein the leveling plate includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface and the threaded bolt extends into the leveling block void. The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: MARK R. WEBER
  • Publication number: 20130152499
    Abstract: A water retention and detention assembly formed of a plurality of panels that may be interconnected edge to edge in a range of 90 through 270 degrees using a unique connector tab arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Kriekemeier
  • Publication number: 20130152497
    Abstract: A modular frame is described for the assembly of at least one conduit at a construction part. The modular frame comprises a base plate that may be fastened at the construction part, several flange elements arranged side-by-side which may be fastened at the base plate, each comprising a sealing element, and a flat, plate-shaped intermediate element arranged between the base plate and the flange elements, which is characterized in the base plate, the intermediate element, and the flange element showing several passages to accept conduits adjusted to the diameters of said conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Monden
  • Publication number: 20130152492
    Abstract: Surface coverings comprising individual covering elements, such as for decking are known. However, known constructions have problems including separation of the joints between planks as the material of the covering elements contracts over time. Existing products make use of harmful solvent based adhesives for securing the elements together, the application of which is also labour intensive. A surface covering comprising two or more covering elements, each covering element having a first part comprising a female member; a second part comprising a male member for engagement with a female member, the first part having a top surface and a basal surface, the basal surface extending beyond the top surface to provide an open recess for reception of the male member, the second part having a top surface and a basal surface and a male member protruding therebetween, the female member and the male member providing an interference fit upon engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Derek Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20130152500
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a set of panels, in particular floor panels, including a first panel and at least one second panel, wherein the panels have a first edge and a second edge; the first edge and the second edge are configured to establish a connection between the first and the second panels; the first edge includes a lower lip with a step; the second edge includes a downwardly open locking groove, which in a connected state of the panels, or of the edges, cooperates with the step and ensures a lock in a horizontal direction; the connection can be established by a vertical relative movement of the panels with respect to each other; a separate clip is provided which is disposed on the first edge and includes a movable clip head and a clip base
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Nils-Erik ENGSTRÖM
  • Patent number: 8464490
    Abstract: This application relates to a light-weight, multi-purpose construction panel. The panel may be formed, for example, from molded plastic. Each panel includes a substantially planar deck on a first side thereof and a second side comprising alternating male and female sleeves arranged in honeycomb-like compartments defined by a plurality of wall elements. A pair of panels may be releasably coupled together with their respective second sides facing inwardly to form a construction assembly. When a pair of panels is coupled together, the male sleeves of one panel matingly fit within the females sleeves of the other panel, and vice versa. Each panel may also include guide tubes which are aligned when the panels are coupled together. A plurality of channels may be formed in the deck on the first side of the panel and spaced-apart apertures may be arranged in the channels in alignment with the guide tubes for insertion of fasteners therein or to allow water drainage through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Antonio Rapaz
  • Publication number: 20130149033
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems related to modular earth retaining wall systems. In one embodiment, among others, a precast retaining wall block configured for assembly into a retaining wall includes a front face portion, a web portion extending outwardly from a rear surface of the front face portion, and aligning elements. The web portion includes a vertical center portion and left and right protrusions extending outwardly from the lower sides of the vertical center portion. The left and right protrusions may be substantially triangular. The aligning elements extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the left and right protrusions for locking the precast retaining wall block to the vertical center portion associated with an underlying precast retaining wall block associated with an underlying row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Earth Reinforcement Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Earth Reinforcement Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130145708
    Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
  • Publication number: 20130139463
    Abstract: A flexible interlocking floor tile having a dual construction with an interlocking mechanism allows for easy installation of multiple tiles. The dual construction can include recycled material and new material. The tile also includes an adequate support at the corner of the tile when assembling multiple tiles. The tile has a single interlocking structure or groove to keep the entire tile joint tight with other tile joints, instead of interrupted interlocking structure which can lead to functional and aesthetic flaws in the entire floor. The single continuous interlocking structure allows for a one-step easy removal of any excess material or flashing from the tile after the molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Johnsonite Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick DeLong
  • Publication number: 20130139464
    Abstract: A flexible interlocking floor tile having a dual construction with an interlocking mechanism allows for easy installation of multiple tiles. The dual construction can include recycled material and virgin or new material. The tile also includes an adequate support at the corner of the tile when assembling multiple tiles. The tile has a single interlocking structure or groove to keep the entire tile joint tight with other tile joints, instead of interrupted interlocking structure which can lead to functional and aesthetic flaws in the entire floor. The single continuous interlocking structure allows for a one-step easy removal of any excess material or flashing from the tile after the molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Johnsonite Inc.
    Inventor: Johnsonite Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130133281
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing floor panels, wherein boards of laminate material are formed by means of a press treatment and wherein these boards are divided into several panels, from which the actual floor panels are formed. In a press treatment of the method, at least one impression is provided in the board, which at least is employed as a guiding groove for guiding the aforementioned board or the subsequently obtained panels in further treatments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARL
    Inventor: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARL
  • Publication number: 20130133277
    Abstract: An insulating panel to be used in a panelized insulation system for insulating and finishing walls, including basement walls has a foam core made of inorganic materials. The system incorporates a capillary break, an integrated water drainage system and an electrical wire chase system within an insulating wall panel. Vertical slots are provided for insertion of metal studs for use in attaching the interior finish panel, such as inorganic fiber cement board with a vinyl laminate finish, onto the insulating panels. Embedding metal studs in the panel core reduces the sound transmission though the panel and eliminates thermal bridging between warm and cold surfaces. Steps on the edges and the top/bottom surfaces of the insulating panel allow more panels to join together with shiplap joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: David L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8448402
    Abstract: Building panels (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system having tongue (30) of magnetic material that could be locked vertically by a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Välinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Jan Peterson
  • Publication number: 20130125495
    Abstract: Wall mounting assemblies and methods are disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket that has two frame members coupled at a hinge. Each frame member has a hook for engaging a recess or slot on a panel. The assembly further includes a panel that has edges that are configured to engage the edges of adjacent panels, without the need for tilting the panel to engage. Each panel has two slots for receiving the bracket. Bending the two frame members on the bracket causes the bracket's hooks to lock into the slots on the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: PARALLAX GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: PARALLAX GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LLC
  • Patent number: 8443576
    Abstract: A casing member for assembly with an opposed identical casing member to encase a post includes an elongate body portion having spaced apart first and second side edges extending lengthwise of the body portion. First and second connectors are adjacent the first and second side edges respectively, and extend lengthwise therealong. The first connector includes a first tongue protruding from the body portion along a tongue axis. The second connector includes a groove bounded at least partially by spaced apart first and groove second sidewalls joined to the body portion. The first groove has a groove axis parallel to both the groove sidewalls and the tongue axis. The first tongue is inter-engageable with the first groove of the opposed identical casing member and the first groove is inter-engageable with the first tongue of the opposed casing member so as to secure the two casing members together about the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Alpa Lumber Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel Petta
  • Publication number: 20130117925
    Abstract: Attachable and reattachable panels, particularly for water enclosing units, protect, enclose and/or cover an area such as a bathroom, steam room, shower, shower stall, bathtub, whirlpool bath, spa or the like. The panels include a clip assembly associated therewith for removably securing the panels in position and/or to other structural members. The clip assembly includes a male member and a female member, where the female member is configured for receiving the male member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: JACUZZI INC.
    Inventor: Jacuzzi Inc.
  • Patent number: 8438813
    Abstract: Floor covering (01) material, consisting of Natural Stones, i.e. Marble, Granite, Limestone, Onyx, Travertine and Sandstone, in format of tile slabs, in which the thickness is between 4 mm and 35 mm, in which at the two opposite edges or sides are jointed together and interlocked by mechanical locking means, by connecting or inserting (A6 to A5) and connecting or pressing downward (A8 to A9) using Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) couplings, connecting in the form of a tongue and a groove which will prevent shifting of two interlocked tiles and or slabs into the opposed direction of each section tile or slab, with an integrated backing layer consisting of cork and/or syntactic foam material, The invention relates to a natural stone core tile slab, allowing for an installation without the use of cement, adhesives or grout, provided with such a mechanical locking system jointed to the core (A4) according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Eurico Januario Cordeiro
  • Patent number: 8438814
    Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, SARL
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Publication number: 20130111843
    Abstract: Surface covering tiles made using synthetic materials employ junction strips which enable the tiles to be connected to one another. The connections can be made with or without adhesive. When the tiles are connected, a space is left between adjacent decorative surfaces to permit the application of grout or simulated grout therein. When the tiles are used as floorcovering they can be used to make floating floors. As wall coverings, the tiles are adhered to the walls using conventional means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TARKETT INC.
    Inventor: Tim Litral
  • Publication number: 20130111839
    Abstract: A composite membrane of wood floor diaphragm for construction of new buildings and strengthening of existing buildings to provide improved load transfer capacity and enhanced resistance to gravity and lateral loads, such as earthquake and/or wind for buildings with wood floor framing. The aforementioned composite membrane is a system, comprised of four-way interlocking mosaic end grain parquet floor attached to a plywood subfloor beneath. A floor to floor sound blocking barrier that can operate in high eighty decibel and above range may preferably be installed under the subfloor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Anatoli Efros
  • Publication number: 20130111837
    Abstract: A floor covering formed by a plurality of panels each having two opposite edges arranged to couple adjacent panels to each other. The coupling parts include a tongue and a groove, as well as locking parts preventing the drifting apart of two such adjacent panels. A separately manufactured insert is provided between at least two of the coupled panels, and the tongue and groove. The insert comprises at least two portions functioning as fixed spacing elements with a first portion between the upper side of the tongue and the lower side of the upper lip, and a second portion between the locking parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARL
    Inventors: Pieter Devos, Mark Cappelle
  • Publication number: 20130111844
    Abstract: An irregularly-shaped building unit includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite of the front surface, and an outer contour surface that extends generally perpendicularly from the front surface to the rear surface. The outer contour surface is irregularly shaped. A plurality of mating sides are disposed on the outer contour surface, where at least two mating sides intersect with a major axis, and at least two mating sides intersect with a minor axis. The major axis and the minor axis are generally perpendicular to each other. Each mating side is a centered rotation about the respective axis that the mating side intersects with.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130111845
    Abstract: Floor panels which are provided with a mechanical locking system including a displaceable tongue in a displacement groove. The tongue is moulded and provided with bendable protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Valinge Innovation AB
  • Publication number: 20130104488
    Abstract: This is a concept for constructing a building entirely out of wood, the building being any house from A to Z, the ultimate objective being self-build. Once the blocks have been placed one on top of the other, and once the structure is finished, the house is complete! There is no longer any need to provide an inner or outer skin. Indeed, the inside of the blocks, the inside of the walls, can accommodate all possible and conceivable utility shafts, electric wiring, water supply pipes, heating pipes, waste pipes, ventilation and insulation . . . The design is not simply a block, that would be too easy, but a block of a certain size which, when applied in certain ways, enables an entire house or an entire building to be constructed quickly and simply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Vincent Lepot
  • Publication number: 20130104487
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: UNILIN BEHEER B.V., besloten vennootschap
    Inventor: UNILIN BEHEER B.V., besloten vennootschap
  • Publication number: 20130104486
    Abstract: Floor covering (10) including panels (12,14; 112) having a core (24) of a plastic material and at least one cover layer (28,30) covering the upper side of the core, the panels being provided with complementary and mutually engaging locking profiles (20,22; 120) at their connected lateral edges (16,18). For forming a groove between two connected panels (12,14; 112) at least one of these panels is provided with a milled-out portion (60,160) at the upper side of its lateral edge, with the cover layer (28,30) excavated completely over the width of the milled-out portion (60,160) so that the bottom (62,162) of the milled-out portion (60,160) is formed by the material of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ULRICH WINDMÖLLER CONSULTING GMBH
    Inventor: Ulrich Windmöller Consulting GmbH
  • Patent number: 8429873
    Abstract: Modular construction panels, systems, and methods of installation are set forth for use in creating buildings. A modular construction panel includes a panel having a height, opposed faces, and opposed generally vertical ends. In one embodiment, a keyway receiver is integral with the panel adjacent one of the ends, and a keyway spline is integral with the panel adjacent the other end. In another embodiment, a keyway receiver is integral with the panel adjacent one of the ends. In still another embodiment, a keyway receiver is integral with the panel adjacent one of the ends. One modular construction system includes first and second panels, each having: a height, opposed faces, opposed generally vertical first and second ends, a keyway receiver at the first end or one of the faces adjacent the first end, and a keyway spline at the second end or one of the faces adjacent the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy P. Devine, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130097952
    Abstract: A translucent wall panel (1) comprises a single body of translucent polycarbonate material comprising skin wall means and a multiwall support (4) extending between the skin wall means. The skin wall means comprises an outer weather wall (2), an inner liner wall (3), a longitudinally extending first side (5) and a longitudinally extending second side (6) opposite to the first side. The first side (5) has outer projecting and recess parts and the second side (6) has outer projecting and recess parts. The projecting and recess parts of the first side (5) are of mating form with corresponding recess and projecting parts respectively of the second side 6 for engagement between the first side (5) of one panel A and the second side of another like panel B. The sides (5, 6) have additional spacer recesses (51, 52) which are aligned so that when two similar panels (50) are aligned adjacent to one another as illustrated in FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory Flynn, James Carolan
  • Publication number: 20130102403
    Abstract: The present document describes a padding layer for a multi-layered sports playing field. Various improvements are proposed for enhancing athlete's safety, surface hardness, water drainage, heat management, ease of assembly/installation, durability/longevity, uniformity, resistance to change in weather according to seasons, and stability. The improvements include: matching (multiple-wise) of spacing between rows of backstitches of the top layer and the drainage channels on top surface of the padding layer; a slit in the external tab portion of the padding layer panel, a slit near the lateral part of the tab or blank portion providing a hinging effect thereto, and/or protrusions at various positions on the tab or blank portions to account for change in size of the padding layer panel; drainage holes within the drainage channels; and various configurations of drainage channels on the bottom surface of the padding layer to improve evacuation of water toward the sides of the playing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Frédéric Vachon
  • Publication number: 20130097959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new floor or wall panel with improved coupling means and is aimed at offering a solution for the drawbacks of the “fall down” joining system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: KREAFIN GROUP SA
    Inventor: Yves Michel
  • Publication number: 20130086863
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing coffered ceilings with a plurality of preassembled coffered modules, each of which includes a ceiling panel precut in accordance with an order; cutting beam wall boards in accordance with the order, wherein the beam wall boards are attached to the ceiling panel and extend away from the ceiling panel; and a beam wall molding custom-fitted inside the beam wall boards. Automated systems to receive and fabricate custom coffered module orders upon payment are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Tilton
  • Publication number: 20130081349
    Abstract: Floor panels which are provided with a mechanical locking system including an extruded flexible tongue in a sidewardly open groove which during a vertical folding motion is bent horizontally. A tongue adapted for being received in a sidewardly open groove of a floor panel, wherein the tongue, which is an elongated extruded section, when received in the groove is bendable in a plane substantially parallel with a front face of the floor panel, such that the tongue is at least partially resiliently displaceable inside said sidewardly open groove in said plane during locking of the floor panel with another floor panel and wherein a vertical protrusion, serving as a friction connection between the tongue and the groove, is arranged at an upper or lower part of the tongue, wherein the tongue has a length in the longitudinal direction of the tongue and a total width perpendicular to the length, and the total width varies in the longitudinal direction of the tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Valinge Innovation AB
  • Publication number: 20130081347
    Abstract: A composite structural panel is provided. The panel comprises a top reinforced fibre layer, a top infusion medium layer, a core, a bottom infusion medium layer, and a bottom reinforced fibre layer. The composite structural panel is infused with a potting material, preferably an epoxy resin, that extends throughout the composite structural panel to provide composite action. The wood core comprises wood beam elements aligned in the longitudinal direction relative to the steel beams or girders of a supporting frame. Mechanical and chemical means are utilized to connect the composite structural panel to the supporting frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Crawford Dewar, Josh Dewar, Ben Dewar