Abstract: The present technology relates to apparatuses and methods for preserving biological material, for example cryopreserved biological material, such as cells, tissues, and organs for storage and/or transport. Apparatuses and methods of the present technology preserve biological material at a target temperature within a range of 8° C. to ?40° C. for extended periods of time, for example at least 4 hours. The target temperature and extended period of time may be achieved with the use of cold sources such as phase change materials (PCMs) in combination with insulation materials, such as vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) and/or aerogels.

Abstract: A set of essentially identical panels, such as building panels, provided with a mechanical locking system including a displaceable tongue arranged in a displacement groove having a first opening at a first edge of a first panel. The tongue is configured to be displaced in the displacement groove along a displacement axis to attain a locking state wherein a first portion of the tongue cooperates with a first tongue groove having a second opening at a second edge of an adjacent second panel, for vertical locking of the first and the second edge. A second portion of the tongue is configured to cooperate with the second edge of the adjacent second panel via an elongated element for vertical unlocking of the first and the second edge.

Abstract: A plurality of identical slab bolster uppers each include a body with a rebar contact surface separated a height distance from a ground contact surface along a vertical axis. The rebar contact surface extends from a first end to a second end along a horizontal axis. The first end terminates in a planar abutment surface that is one side of a thickness profile, and the second end has a different shape that includes a planar abutment surface, and a snap-fit connector shaped to receive the thickness profile of the first end. Two slab bolster uppers may be moved from a disconnected configuration to a connected configuration exclusively responsive to sliding the planar surfaces along one another while in contact along a vertical axis until the thickness profile of the one slab bolster upper is received in the snap-fit connector on the other slab bolster upper.

Abstract: A floor may include a substrate having a top side and a bottom side. A top layer may be provided on the substrate. The top layer may consist of a printed thermoplastic film and a thermoplastic transparent or translucent layer provided on the printed thermoplastic film. The top layer may be directly adhered to the substrate by heat welding the printed thermoplastic film and the top side of the substrate, in the absence of a glue layer. The substrate may be a synthetic material board including a filler. The substrate at least at two opposite edges may include coupling means provided in the synthetic material board. The thermoplastic transparent or translucent layer may be provided with a structure.

Abstract: A panel, including a first edge pair of complementary interlocking retaining profiles on opposing panel edges. One of the retaining profiles has a locking groove having a retaining strip, which protrudes at the free end of the lower groove wall toward the panel surface. The complementary retaining profile has a locking tongue, which, in the joined state, interacts with the retaining surface of the retaining strip, and a play with both vertical and horizontal components so that the retaining profiles are movable perpendicularly to the panel surface and movable perpendicularly to the panel edges and parallel to the panel surface. In a joining step, the bottom side of the locking tongue is laid horizontal onto the retaining strip of the locking groove and then the tongue top side is slid against the inside of the upper groove wall, the tongue top side touching the inside of the upper groove wall in the region of the panel core.

Abstract: A timber frame structure includes a plurality of support posts. A first mounting surface extends between a first pair of the plurality of support posts and a second mounting surface extends between a second pair of the plurality of support posts. A plurality of arches is mounted to the structure at the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. Each of the plurality of arches is self-supporting and comprises a first curved rafter and a second curved rafter connected at a key beam.

Abstract: A method for producing a mechanical locking system for a first panel and a second panel. The method includes providing a tongue, including a first locking surface, at a first edge of the first panel, forming a tongue groove, including a second locking surface, at a second edge of the second panel, the first locking surface and second locking surface are configured to cooperate for locking the first edge to the second edge in a first direction, providing a first guiding surface at the first edge and a second guiding surface at the second edge, wherein the first guiding surface cooperates with the second guiding surface during an assembling of the first edge and the second edge, and working of the first guiding surface and/or the second guiding surface to reduce the coefficient of friction between the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface and/or a surface roughness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel, in particular a laminated floor panel. The invention also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of mutually coupled floor panels according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for mutually coupling two floor panels, in particular laminated floor panels, according to the invention.

Abstract: An interlocking module including a panel and one or more trapezoidal elongations extending from any of the first end face, the second end face, the first side face, the second end face, the upper face or the lower face of the panel, wherein the one or more trapezoidal elongations each include a dovetail joint. The interlocking module further including one or more members, wherein each of the one or more members emanates from each of the one or more trapezoidal elongations, and wherein each of the one or more members emanates in a perpendicular direction relative to each of the upper and the lower faces of the panel. The upper face includes a plurality of apertures, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is configured for receiving a pin from a member of a second module for interlocking the second module and a first module. The panel and the one or more members of the interlocking module define a void space for receiving a standard sized building block within the void space.

Abstract: A surface element designed to be assembled together with similar surface elements to form a unit of a plurality of joined surface elements; said surface elements comprising a core, a decorative upper surface and edges for joining, including a first and a second edges allowing joining by rotational movement, and a third and a fourth edge allowing joining by vertical movement, wherein two adjacent edges of the surface element at the same time, and concurrently with said rotational movement, is joined with a surface element adjacent to the first edge and a surface element adjacent to the third or fourth edge.

Abstract: An interlocking module including a panel and one or more trapezoidal elongations extending from any of the first end face, the second end face, the first side face, the second end face, the upper face or the lower face of the panel, wherein the one or more trapezoidal elongations each include a dovetail joint. The interlocking module further including one or more members, wherein each of the one or more members emanates from each of the one or more trapezoidal elongations, and wherein each of the one or more members emanates in a perpendicular direction relative to each of the upper and the lower faces of the panel. The upper face includes a plurality of apertures, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is configured for receiving a pin from a member of a second module for interlocking the second module and a first module. The panel and the one or more members of the interlocking module define a void space for receiving a standard sized building block within the void space.

Abstract: A surface element designed to be assembled together with similar surface elements to form a unit of a plurality of joined surface elements; said surface elements comprising a core, a decorative upper surface and edges for joining, including a first and a second edges allowing joining by rotational movement, and a third and a fourth edge allowing joining by vertical movement, wherein two adjacent edges of the surface element at the same time, and concurrently with said rotational movement, is joined with a surface element adjacent to the first edge and a surface element adjacent to the third or fourth edge.

Abstract: A floating floor system and a floor panel and method for use with the same that includes a snap-fit locking assembly that provides vertical locking between adjacent floor panels to minimize and/or prevent ledging therebetween. In one embodiment, a protuberance and a recess are also provide on the floor panels to provide horizontal locking. The snap-fit locking assembly comprises: a locking member protruding from a first flange and comprising an undercut surface; and a locking slot formed in a second flange. The snap-fit locking assembly is configured so that when the locking member of a first one of the panels is disposed within the locking slot of a second one of the panels, the first and second panels are vertically locked together via mechanical interaction between the undercut surface of the locking member of the first panel and a locking surface of the second flange of the second panel.

Abstract: A bottle stacker is disclosed for vertically stacking two or more narrow neck bottles. The bottle stacker may include a body having at least one sidewall separating a top surface from a bottom surface. At least one bottom recess may be defined in the bottom surface that is adapted to engage a top surface of a lower bottle to be stacked. At least one opposing top recess may be defined in the top surface that is adapted to engage a bottom surface of an upper bottle to be stacked. At least one through hole may connect the at least one bottom recess and the at least one top recess together in which a neck of the lower bottle to be stacked is inserted. At least one pair of opposing mating members may be on the at least one sidewall.

Abstract: An improved cellular building block including a middle beam and two legs. The cellular building block having the first leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and a second leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and spaced apart from the first leg, the first leg and the second leg having an inside edge and an outside edge. Having at least one barb located on the inside edge of the first leg and on the inside edge of the second leg and further configured to lock into a recess. The cellular building blocks connect in a two dimensional or three dimensional pattern and a produce a structured material that holds itself together and exhibits beneficial characteristics.

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.

Abstract: A building product which includes a hollow extrudate, unitary reinforcing ribs resisting collapse of the hollow extrudate and, in an embodiment, an exterior surface comprises a low gloss, textured pattern having a gloss level of less than about 50 on a 60° glossmeter, in which the textured pattern extends for about 2-20 feet. Methods and an apparatus for manufacturing such products are also provided by this invention.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a durable solid-wood door or other rigid block assembly includes two generally-planar, mutually-parallel solid-wood boards each having a plurality of mutually-parallel dovetail-connection channels running generally along an internal surface of each of the boards, and a solid-wood central keying structure disposed between the two solid-wood boards. The central keying structure includes a plurality of two-sided sliding dovetails keys sized to slide within the dovetail-connection channels to secure the two-mutually-parallel solid-wood boards to each other via sliding dovetail connections to the central keying structure. Alternating wood grain orientations may be used to reduce warping. Each board may include multiple laterally-adjacent monolithic slabs interconnected via tongue-and-groove edge connections, with the dovetail connection channels extending across multiple slabs.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a durable solid-wood door or other rigid block assembly includes two generally-planar, mutually-parallel solid-wood boards each having a plurality of mutually-parallel dovetail-connection channels running generally along an internal surface of each of the boards, and a solid-wood central keying structure disposed between the two solid-wood boards. The central keying structure includes a plurality of two-sided sliding dovetails keys sized to slide within the dovetail-connection channels to secure the two-mutually-parallel solid-wood boards to each other via sliding dovetail connections to the central keying structure. Alternating wood grain orientations may be used to reduce warping. Each board may include multiple laterally-adjacent monolithic slabs interconnected via tongue-and-groove edge connections, with the dovetail connection channels extending across multiple slabs.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of rectangular floorboards having a body and long and short edges. Said locking system including a tongue and a groove for vertical locking of two joint short edges and for horizontal joining a locking groove formed in the underside of a first one of the short joint edges, and a portion projecting from the second short joint edge having a locking element cooperating with the locking groove. The tongue is arranged on the second short edge. The groove is arranged on the first short edge. The projecting portion is integrally formed with the board, by working of the body of the board.

Abstract: A floor tile has a rectangular, wear resistant, decorated upper portion. A rectangular lower portion is affixed to the upper portion. The lower portion has laterally projecting tongues extending outwardly from two adjacent sides. The other two adjacent sides have inwardly directed pockets adapted to receive the tongues of adjacent tiles to form a continuous floor covering. Only the edges of the tongues and pockets that resist movement of adjacent tiles away from one another are close fitting to facilitate installation.

Abstract: A method of assembling wall panels includes mounting a plurality of PVC fastening extrusions to a wall in a predetermined parallel, spaced apart relationship, each having a length much greater than a length of a wall panel and having two spaced apart resilient bent end securing walls extending from a base, each securing wall having a projection, each wall panel having a main wall panel and four bent end sections with recesses and corner openings, pressing a bent end section into the spacing between the securing walls to cause deformation and snapping back thereof a projection engages in a respective recess, sliding said wall panel along the parallel, spaced apart fastening extrusions to a desired position with the corner openings permitting said sliding action, and repeating the steps of pressing and sliding for additional wall panels.

Abstract: A method of assembling wall panels includes mounting a plurality of PVC fastening extrusions to a wall in a predetermined parallel, spaced apart relationship, each having a length much greater than a length of a wall panel and having two spaced apart resilient bent end securing walls extending from a base, each securing wall having a projection, each wall panel having a main wall panel and four bent end sections with recesses and corner openings, pressing a bent end section into the spacing between the securing walls to cause deformation and snapping back thereof a projection engages in a respective recess, sliding said wall panel along the parallel, spaced apart fastening extrusions to a desired position with the corner openings permitting said sliding action, and repeating the steps of pressing and sliding for additional wall panels.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel assembly having upper, lower, and first and second side vacuum insulation panels. The upper vacuum insulation panel has an aperture formed therethrough and an edge forming an overlap joint. The lower vacuum insulation panel also has an aperture formed therethrough and an edge forming an overlap joint. The first and second side vacuum insulation panels have an arcuate, half-cylindrical shape with a top edge forming an overlap joint configured to engage the overlap joint of the upper vacuum insulation panel, a bottom edge forming an overlap joint configured to engage the overlap joint of the lower vacuum insulation panel, and first and second side edges forming overlap joints configured to engage the overlap joints of the first and second side edges of the other side vacuum insulation panel.

Abstract: A method for assembling massive parts that are useful for building wooden chalets or houses including timbers that are built in two by two, three by three, or four by four, connected through dovetailing, and, optionally, by gluing them together, to obtain massive laminated timber blocks. These massive laminated timber blocks can be filled to form panels. This method improves a process for forming massive wood parts, where assembling the timbers in the form of dove-tails allows the production of several depths without any limitation of length, since the additions are achieved according to an arrangement in quincunx.

Abstract: A building structure comprises a post having a vertically extending longitudinal face. A plurality of horizontal logs extends from said longitudinal face and has an end face in abutment with said longitudinal face. The post having an undercut channel in said longitudinal face and extends along said post. At least one of said end faces has a recess aligned with said undercut channel, and a spline assembly extends between said post and said log to secure said log to said post. The spline assembly includes a key located in and extends between said channel and said recess and an insert in one of said undercut channel and said recess. The insert co operates with said key to facilitate relative sliding movement therebetween.

Abstract: A building structure comprises a post having a vertically extending longitudinal face. A plurality of horizontal logs extends from said longitudinal face and has an end face in abutment with said longitudinal face. The post having an undercut channel in said longitudinal face and extends along said post. At least one of said end faces has a recess aligned with said undercut channel, and a spline assembly extends between said post and said log to secure said log to said post. The spline assembly includes a key located in and extends between said channel and said recess and an insert in one of said undercut channel and said recess. The insert co operates with said key to facilitate relative sliding movement therebetween.

Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: A floor tile has a rectangular, wear resistant, decorated upper portion. A rectangular lower portion is affixed to the upper portion by pressure sensitive adhesive on the underside of the upper portion. The lower portion has laterally projecting tongues extending outwardly from two adjacent sides. The other two adjacent sides have inwardly directed pockets. The pockets are adapted to receive the tongues of adjacent tiles to form a continuous upper portion floor covering with minimal spacing between tiles. Certain edges of the tongues and pockets are close fitting to ensure correct positioning of adjacent upper portions. The pressure sensitive adhesive above each pocket is adapted to bond with a tongue when the tiles are connected after positioning by the tongues and pockets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

Abstract: A wood joint is disclosed which comprises a first heading having a first profile comprising an upper lobe, a lower lobe, and a valley section intermediate the lobes, a second heading having a second profile comprising an upper socket, a lower socket, and a ridge section intermediate the sockets, and the first profile for engaging the second profile for securing the headings together.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a filter media support system with multiple locking mechanisms. The support system comprises two or more interlocking rows of support blocks. One or more slides and one or more guides protrude from the side walls of the blocks. Each guide is conformed to receive one slide from a neighboring block, forming a first locking joint. The side walls also comprise one or more nubs and one or more recesses. Each nub is conformed to fit within one recess of a neighboring block, forming a second locking joint. In one embodiment, the method for assembling the support system comprises aligning a slide of a first support block with a guide of a second support block. The slide of the first support block is vertically moved into the guide of the second support block. Force is applied so that the nubs are flexed within the recesses.

Abstract: A wood joint is disclosed which comprises a first heading having a first profile comprising an upper socket, a lower socket, and a flat section intermediate the sockets, a second heading having a second profile comprising an upper socket, a lower socket, and a flat section intermediate the sockets, and a spline member having a pair of tongue portions with each of the tongue portions having an upper lobe and a lower lobe, the spline member for fitting within the first profile and the second profile.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a filter media support system with dual locking mechanisms. The support system comprises two or more interlocking rows of support blocks. One or more slides and one or more guides protrude from the side walls of the blocks. Each guide is conformed to receive one slide from a neighboring block, forming a first locking joint. The side walls also comprise one or more posts and one or more sockets. Each post is conformed to fit within one socket of a neighboring block, forming a second locking joint. In one embodiment, the method for assembling the support system comprises aligning a slide of a first support block with a guide of a second support block. The slide of the first support block is vertically moved into the guide of the second support block. Force is applied so that the posts snap-lock into the sockets.

Abstract: An interlocking roof tray adapted for placement on a roof surface and including a bottom surface and sidewalls defining an interior region of the tray. A dovetail projection extends outwardly away from the interior region in one sidewall, and a dovetail recess extends inwardly into the interior region in a sidewall opposite the dovetail projection. An interlocking roof tray assembly is formed from a plurality of the roof trays. Adjacent interlocking roof trays are secured together by dovetail joints formed form the dovetail projections and dovetail recesses.

Abstract: A removable covering for surfaces includes, in principle, tiles consisting of bases made of a plastic material and top plaques joined to the bases, the bases incorporating male and female anchoring elements along their edges which fit together for attaching one tile to another. The anchoring elements are located in the joints between tiles and the anchoring elements are arranged alternatingly along the entire outer edge of the bases, at least by pairs of anchoring elements, one male and the other female, on each side of the edge of the plastic base. The anchoring elements are separated by a distance which is twice the distance between each end anchoring element and the nearest adjacent vertex of the corresponding base. It will thus be possible to place and anchor one tile assembly in relation to another in as many positions as the number of sides of the tiles.

Abstract: This invention describes a snap-lock interlocking joint which locks a pair of mating construction pieces together by the insertion of a specially shaped tongue into a corresponding groove (having a complimentary shape to the tongue). The invention works well with engineered wood composites such as medium density fiberboard and certain other plastic products, namely free foam cellular plastic. The pieces may be joined together in the complete absence of glue or nails. No clamping is required to provide a strong joint.

Abstract: A fret-shaped sheath for laying floors and/or linings and their following quick pulling away in case of replacement, including a fixed sheath (1) and a removable sheath (2) able to fit each other by their frets, wherein removable sheath is provided with elements suitably disposed along the joint surfaces between the sheaths and able to form rooms close to the joint surfaces which are prevented from being filled with glue or mortar of cement in order to retain the capability of being deformed of the joint surfaces between the fixed sheath and the removable sheath.

Abstract: An insulated building panel includes a male connector configuration as well as a female connector configuration that are both formed of generally bent surfaces. The male connector as well as the female connector extends outwardly from the side faces of an insulating foam core so that the foam is protected from damage. The male connector is formed by bending the metal edge into a generally U shaped configuration with the outer edge of the U bent downwardly towards the interior of the panel. The female connector is bent back almost towards itself and terminates in a curvilinear gutter portion. The female portion includes a detent edge that defines a shallow receptacle into which a male detent edge is inserted so as to lock the male and female connectors in a nested position, thereby securing two panels together.

Abstract: A flooring member 10 comprises a metallic base layer 12, a metallic intermediary layer 14, a wooden upper layer 16 and a core 18 disposed between the base later 12 and the intermediary layer 14. The core 18 is made from spaced plywood members 34 extending longitudinally through the flooring member between the base layer 12 and the intermediary layer 14. Connection means 20, 22 are disposed on the edges of the flooring member 10 enabling a plurality of flooring members to assembled to make a floor.

Abstract: A combinative partition wall includes a column body, a first partition, a second partition and a plurality of separably connecting mechanisms. According to the invention, the column body is formed with grooves and the first partition arranged to one side of the column body includes a first plate body and a first block that is fixed to the first plate body and is inset into the groove correspondingly. In the meantime, the second partition arranged to one side of the column body and interspaced to the first partition in a row includes a second plate body and a second block that is fixed to the second plate and inset into the groove correspondingly. One of the separably connecting mechanisms is fixed between the column body and the first plate body, while another separably connection mechanism is fixed between the column body and the second plate body.

Abstract: A wood joint is disclosed which comprises a first heading having a first profile comprising an upper lobe, a lower lobe, and a valley section intermediate the lobes, a second heading having a second profile comprising an upper socket, a lower socket, and a ridge section intermediate the sockets, and the first profile for engaging the second profile for securing the headings together.

Abstract: A method and system for construction of building structures from a variety of standard size panels having integral dovetail tenons on all four edges and a variety of connectors with corresponding mortises for interlocking the panels. The panels may be horizontally disposed to form floors, ceilings or roofs or may be vertically disposed to form walls. The panels are produced from blow-molded plastic. Panels are interlocked in columns and rows of a planar array to form walls, floors, roofs, etc. Panels can also be interlocked edge to edge in a non-planar orthogonal manner, allowing the panels to be interconnected in virtually unlimited ways. Plastic frame members with trussing interconnect to the panels to provide rigidity and strength to the assembled building structure. The panels may be formed of opaque material for ordinary sheds or of transparent or translucent material for greenhouses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel element comprising a use side, a counter draw opposite the use side, a first side having a tongue, and a second side, which is opposite the first side and which has a slot that is complementary to the tongue. The tongue has a connecting element, which extends essentially perpendicular to the use side and whose cross-section has a first flank and a second flank that is located opposite the first flank. The cross-section of the connecting element has a center line running perpendicular to the use surface. In a first section (45) of the connecting element (4), when viewing in the direction of the use side (11), the slope of the first flank (41) and of the second flank (42) points outward from the center line (44) and the slope of the second flank (42) points toward the center line (44). The distance between the first flank (41) and the second flank (42) decreases perpendicular to the center line (44).

Abstract: The invention relates to flat and/or elongated building components (1, 2), preferably wooden, and a structure connecting these components (1, 2) in accordance with the groove and tongue principle. Two legs (3, 4) forming a groove (5) branch off from a front face of one of the components (1), and a tongue (6) branching off from a front face of the other component (2) can be inserted into the groove (5). Locking elements (7, 8) hold the components (1, 2) in an assembled position. In accordance with the invention, the locking elements are configured as triangular projections (7) and cavities (8) in facing or adjacent surfaces of the groove and/or tongue.

Abstract: Column-beam building frame structure, wherein columns and beams are interconnected to distribute and share all lateral loads through collars that encircle columns at the nodal points of attachments between columns and beams. Each collar includes inner and outer components which seat, and gravity-lock together, during frame construction, and which also to offer a certain amount of immediate moment resistance to lateral loads. Tension bolt and nut assemblies lock the inner and outer collar components together, and with these assemblies in place, the collars (which circumsurround the beams) function to deliver beam moment loads as plural-position, angularly distributed compression loads to different side regions of columns.

Abstract: A system of interlocking components that provides on-site assembly of frames for holding panels of any solid material or cloth. The frame components can be manufactured in a variety of shapes, and can be cut to accommodate desired panel dimensions and orientations, thus providing customized temporary or permanent partitioning in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel with complementary locking means provided in pairs on opposite panel edges. One of the locking means is hook profiles with a receiving hook and a locking hook. The free step end of the locking hook is designed narrower than the width of the receiving opening of the receiving hook. The locking contour of the locking hook protrudes at least partially past the plane of the joint surface of the receiving hook so that the free step end fits into the receiving opening far enough at first that a part of the horizontal locking surface of the locking hook makes contact with the horizontal locking surface of the receiving hook during a joining motion without elastic deformation of the hook profiles, and that the receiving hook bends so that the width of the receiving opening can be expanded so that the locking step can be inserted entirely into the receiving recess and the locking contour of the locking hook is further inserted into a form-fit contour of the receiving hook.