Abstract: A system for interconnecting construction panels suitable for modular construction has a hybrid connector, a receptor connector and locking connector. The hybrid connector is inserted into the aperture of the receptor connector which limit the displacement relative to each other. The locking connector is inserted into the aperture of the hybrid connector to interlock the three connectors. A panel connector can have an extension tab to provide additional locking action. Panel connectors can have stiffening portions that fill spaces between the connectors to reduce the need to insulate the interconnection and assist in repelling foreign matter entry. A method for interconnecting construction panels includes mating the hybrid connector and the receptor connector and then mating the locking connector from either side of the receptor connector.

Abstract: A storage enclosure including a plurality of panels defines an interior space. At least one of the plurality of panels includes a mounting interface configured to couple an accessory to one of the plurality of panels, and a panel interface configured to couple adjacent panels.

Abstract: A building block or panel having a shape of a parallelpiped including four edge faces (11, 13, 15 and 17) and two opposed major faces (19 and 21), the edge faces being formed to be interlockingly engageable with the edge faces on similar building blocks, each edge face including lateral zones which are located to one or the other side of the central longitudinal axis of the edge face, one zone of each edge face being formed with a recess (23) and the other zone of each edge face being of a complementary configuration to the one zone, the recesses on opposed edge faces being of corresponding configuration.

Abstract: A retaining wall comprising a series of differently sized, pre-formed horizontal and vertical blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to operatively connect adjacent courses together. The horizontal, blocks are formed in incremental thicknesses and may be stacked in various combinations equivalent to the height of the vertical, blocks. The location of the abutment member relative to the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces has an inset extending from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The block also has a protrusion which has an angled side wall, the angle being at least about 20° from vertical. The protrusion is positioned on the block so that it will mate with any opening of an adjacently positioned course. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit or mate within the insets of another block.

Abstract: A clamping device for combined floors includes a base member having a snapper, a first rib and a second rib extending upwardly form the base member and adapted to be received in the combined floors for connecting the combined floors. The base member has a &pgr;-shaped bracket extending from a first end of the base member and a T-shaped space defined in a second end of the base member. The &pgr;-shaped bracket is reciprocally and movably received in the T-shaped space of an adjacent base member so that the clamping device is connected to one another.

Abstract: A foam-type acoustic panel is designed to be mountable on a stand having a shaft. The acoustic panel includes a main body portion. The main body portion has a first end, a second end, a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members define a multi-segment cut that extends between the top and bottom surface. The multi-segment cut includes a first end disposed at one of the front and rear surfaces, and a second end disposed interiorly of the other of the front and rear surfaces. The second end of the multi-segment cut defines an elongated aperture extending between the top and bottom surface for receiving a shaft of a stand.

Abstract: A revetment block for use as end blocks with an articulating revetment mat. The revetment mat end blocks having a size of about one and a half times larger than the standard blocks of the revetment mat and are formed of precast concrete. The block preferably has four sidewalls each with a vertical portion and a tapered portion. The sidewalls have a plurality of projections and recesses for interlocking with adjacent revetment blocks, wherein some of the recesses form openings with adjacent blocks. The revetment block also has at least one dome with a pair of openings extending from an upper dome plateau to a lower surface of the block. The revetment block further comprises a pair of openings extending from the lower surface of the block to an upper surface. Extending through parallel sides of the revetment block are a plurality of ducts for cable which interlocks the revetment mat rows.

Abstract: The present invention an elongated metal construction panel for use in forming a portion of the vertical walls of a building structure by being fastened to an identical adjacent panel, the metal construction panel comprising a front portion co-extensive with the length of the panel; end plates co-extensive with the length of the panel disposed substantially normal to said front portion and extending from distal ends of said front portion, said end plates defining the depth of said panel; flanges co-extensive with the length of the panel and extending inwardly from distal ends of said end plate, wherein said flanges are spaced from and parallel to said front portion; and wherein said end plates include end troughs co-extensive with the length of the panel such that when metal construction panels are placed adjacent each other by bringing into contact said end plates, said end troughs form a bonding channel adapted and sized for pouring bonding agents therein thereby securely fastening adjacent panels together

Abstract: A modular construction system for reducing costs and improving the long term structural integrity of buildings. The modular construction system includes a plurality of lateral members which are stackable and couplable end-to-end with other lateral members, a plurality of anchor members which are couplable to a foundation of a building and include an eye portion, a plurality of anchor segments which include a hook portion for engaging the eye portion of the anchor member and are positionable through a bore of the lateral members for securing the lateral members to the foundation, and a plurality of fastener members which are each couplable to an associated one of the anchor segments to prevent the lateral members from being lifted away from the foundation.

Abstract: Blocks with internal capsules having superior thermal resistance, solar control qualities, projectile-resistant properties and/or sound-dampening properties are described. The blocks are comprised of a structural exterior that encompasses a capsule. The capsule may be segmented into chambers with dividers. The capsules may be designed to provide various benefits including, but not limited to, improved insulating characteristics, increased projectile resistance, and/or a range of visual, thermal and strength characteristics. Various types of blocks with internal capsules and assembled panels of block with internal capsules are disclosed, along with methods of manufacturing and use of the blocks and panels.

Abstract: A constructional component for a wall structure capable of resisting high gravity and lateral loads, both uniform and cyclical, is defined by a partially hollow building block having a generally solid rectangular exterior configuration in which one entire end surface of the building block exhibits a positive deep key geometry and the opposing end surface exhibits a negative deep key geometry, complemental to the positive geometry of the opposite end. Deep key interlocks also exist between opposing horizontal block surface. As partition between vertical cavities of the block may define a Z-shape in horizontal cross-section. There is resultingly created a substantially rigid and load-resilient interlock between vertical and horizontal complemental surfaces when joined as components of a wall structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of laying and mechanically joining panels, especially floor panels. In a first step a first panel is already located in a first row. A second panel is positioned in a second row in a first position in relation to the first panel. A third panel is now brought into the second row and into the first position in relation to the first panel. In this position, there is a mutual distance between the adjacent edges of the second and third panel. In a second step the second and third panel are angled into the third mutual position in relation to the first panel. Thereby, the second and third panel each achieve the possibility of easy displacement in the third direction in relation to the first panel. In a third step one or both of the second and third panel are moved in relation to the first panel. By this displacement the second and third panel get in a second position in relation to each other.

Abstract: Vertically joined flooring material comprising floor elements (1) with a mainly triangular, square, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape, as seen from above. The floor elements (1) are provided with edges (2) which are provided with joining members (20), a lower side (5) and a decorative top surface (3). The flooring material comprises a combination of at least two types of floor elements (1), which types comprises female floor elements (1′) and male floor elements (1″). The female floor element (1′) is provided with a female joining member (21) on at least half of the number of its edges (2) and a male joining member (22) on less than half of the number of its edges (2). The male floor element (1″) is provided with a male joining member (22) on at least two thirds of the number of its edges (2) and a female joining member (21) on less than one third of the number of its edges (2.

Abstract: A wall block arranged to be stacked vertically for creation of a retaining wall, the block being of generally trapezoidal configuration having parallelly arranged front and rear surfaces along with opposed top and bottom surfaces. The top surface has front and rear lips formed thereon with each of the lips having a trapezoidal root portion with mutually opposed triangular portions converging inwardly therefrom to define opposed and aligned front and rear apices. In one embodiment, the apices are disposed midway along the length of the block, while in a second embodiment, the apices are formed at the juncture point of mated pairs of blocks. The bottom surface of the block includes a central base with opposed notches formed along the front and rear edges of the bottom surface, with the base having a trapezoidal configuration with a width dimension which is no greater than the spacing between the opposed aligned front and rear apices.

Abstract: A novel wall forming system for retaining and non-retaining concrete walls (19) comprising of at least one flat wall foam panel (22), at least one radius wall foam panel (23), at least one corner wall foam panel (24) having the following features; a rod—male type connection (20) on one end and a groove—female type connection (21) on opposite end of all panels, allowing interlinking of panels in a straight line or swiveled one way or the other to form various angles or forming a radius line or forming a 90° degree angle.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels (1) which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides (2-3, 26-27), are provided with coupling parts (4-5, 28-29), cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue (9-31) and a groove (10-32), wherein the coupling parts (4-5, 28-29) are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements (6) which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges (2-3, 26-27) and parallel to the underside (7) of the coupled floor panels (1).

Abstract: A building block is provided for stacking with other like building blocks to fabricate a wall. The building block has top, bottom, front, rear and end surfaces. The front and rear surfaces are substantially planar. The top surface is ridged and the bottom surface is channeled to intermit with the ridge on the said bottom surface. The ends are notched so as to overlap, and present the appearance of a brick wall.

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: 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: A wall system, comprising a plurality of pile members. The pile members are driven next to each other using a conventional pile driving system. An interlock system locks adjacent pile members together. A flowable hardenable material may be introduced into the pile members to reinforce the wall system. A reinforcing assembly may be inserted into the pile members to provide additional strength to the wall system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of laying and mechanically joining panels, especially floor panels. In a first step a first panel is already located in a first row. A second panel is positioned in a second row in a first position in relation to the first panel. A third panel is now brought into the second row and into the first position in relation to the first panel. In this position, there is a mutual distance between the adjacent edges of the second and third panel. In a second step the second and third panel are angled into the third mutual position in relation to the first panel. Thereby, the second and third panel each achieve the possibility of easy displacement in the third direction in relation to the first panel. In a third step one or both of the second and third panel are moved in relation to the first panel. By this displacement the second and third panel get in a second position in relation to each other.

Abstract: A floor tile, in particular a laminate panel, parquet element or such like, with an edge profile on at least two opposite edges in the form of a modified groove and tongue joint, is designed in such a way that there is a tongue 20, 30 and a groove 22, 26 on each of the said two edges. The edge profiles are contrived so that the adjacent tiles can be locked in place in relation to each other in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Tongue 20 on the first tile 10 and groove 22 in the second tile 12 rise upwards from the bottom of the tiles at an angle. Accordingly, the bottom wall of groove 26 in the first tile and the bottom outer surface of tongue 30 on the second tile 12 are also inclined at an angle, while the top surfaces of the groove and tongue are oriented horizontally or parallel to the plane of the tile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1) constructed from a body (30), a rear balancing layer (34), and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6), which is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard and which projects from a joint plane (F) and under an adjoining board (1), has a locking element (8) which engages a locking groove (14) in the rear side of the adjoining board. The joint edge provided with the strip (6) is modified with respect to the balancing layer (34), for example by means of machining of the balancing layer under the strip (6), in order to prevent deflection of the strip (6) caused by changes in relative humidity. The invention also relates to a floorboard provided with such a locking system, as well as a method for making floorboards with such a locking system.

Abstract: A constructional component for a wall structure capable of resisting high gravity and lateral loads, both uniform and cyclical, is defined by a partially hollow building block having a generally solid rectangular exterior configuration in which one entire end surface of the building block exhibits a positive deep key geometry and the opposing end surface exhibits a negative deep key geometry, complemental to the positive geometry of the opposite end. Deep key interlocks also exist between opposing horizontal block surface. As partition between vertical cavities of the block may define a Z-shape in horizontal cross-section. There is resultingly created a substantially rigid and load-resilient interlock between vertical and horizontal complemental surfaces when joined as components of a wall structure.

Abstract: A masonry wall system is disclosed incorporating a plurality of courses of masonry blocks, each block has vertical and horizontal interlocking structures with mating surfaces (11, 15, 16, 17). The main block, has a stabilizing slot. Metal reinforcement tendons are inserted into these stabilizing holes (14) at predetermined intervals and connected to the wall at the top and bottom. Corner blocks (26) are employed to connect the walls at right angles and are used in alternating configurations to staggered the vertical joints from course to course. This is also done with the main blocks. The predetermined tolerances between the masonry components and the reenforcing tendons permit the wall to have a fluid property. Forces such as settling, hydrostatic pressure and seismic disturbances are then automatically absorbed and systematically distributed across the entire wall. When all of the masonry components reach the end of their tolerance, the wall locks up as a solid interconnected mass.

Abstract: A modular construction system utilizes building components or panels formed of high strength plasticized concrete. Panels are formed with two or more linear peripheral edges fitted with mortises. FRP pultruded tenons are used to connect aligned mortises for adjacent panels. Walls, crown beams and roof panels can be so formed and assembled. Hollow corrugated panels are suitable for forming beams and interior partitions. Beams can be rested on regularly spaced piles and then floor panels on the beams, walls on the floor panels, crown beams on the walls and roof panels on the crown beams, buildings can be erected with a minimum of tools or specialized knowledge. The resulting structure is substantially impervious to environmental hazards, particularly relevant in more primitive locations.

Abstract: A support frame is intended to support the decorative sheet product and is formed of a plurality of longitudinal elements and horizontal elements, which are in turn formed of a plurality of base portions and main bodies. The base portions are provided with a protrusion and a recess opposite in location to the protrusion, and two slots opposite in location to each other. The base portions are joined together by the mortise-tenon joints to form the longitudinal elements. The main bodies are provided with two protruded blocks opposite in location to each other and are arranged in alignment such that the protruded blocks are received in the slots of the base portions of the longitudinal elements, and that the main bodies form the horizontal elements perpendicular to the longitudinal elements.

Abstract: The tapered dovetail joint is a method of joining two boards, or other rigid materials such as particleboard, wafer board, etc., by a unique type of modified dovetail joint. The modification to the classic dovetail joint includes tapering the dovetail pins as well as the dovetail tails with the same angle of taper in the same direction. The mating of this tapered dovetail joint will be greatly facilitated due to these corresponding tapers. The tapered nature of this joint minimizes difficulties in assembly due to the wedging action that takes place as the two boards are brought into union to create the joint. This wedging action allows the joint to be assembled even when there is moderate damage to the tails or pins including swelling—due to moisture, from the time of manufacture to time of assembly, impact damage, as well as minor manufacturing tolerance deficiencies in cutting of the pins and tails.

Abstract: A method for constructing a reinforced concrete vessel at a construct site by assembling prefabricated panel type reinforced concrete members and fastening or connecting the members with an assembling and fixing means at a construction site in a short time and the reinforced concrete vessel obtained therefrom.

Abstract: The invention concerns a floor covering formed of hard panels (2) which are provided, at least on two opposite edges (3-4, 5-6), with coupling devices (7) made in one piece with the panels (2), whereby these coupling devices (7) provide for an interlocking in a direction (R1) perpendicular to the plane of the floor covering (1), as well as in a direction (R2) perpendicular to the edges (3-4, 5-6) concerned and parallel to the plane of the floor covering (1). These coupling devices (7) comprise a tongue (8) and a groove (9). The lip (11) which is situated on the bottom side of the groove (9) is longer than the lip (10) on the top side. The edge (5) which is provided with the tongue (8) is made elastically flexible.

Abstract: An extrusion moulded, preferably ceramic, facade panel (11) for a curtained, back-ventilated facade construction consists of a front and a rear panel formwork (12, 13) which are connected to one another by webs (14) and are provided with elongate apertures (15) which are arranged parallel to the webs (14) between the same and which is provided with a top rabbet (16) at the upper end of the facade panel (11). To allow the facade panel to be manufactured at a more favorable cost and with more precise dimensions, the height (17) of the top rabbet (16) formed by the rear panel formwork (13) is smaller than or equal to the height of the joint (19) visible from the front side (18) of the facade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1′) which have a body (30), a lower balancing layer (34) and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6) is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard (1) and extends under an adjoining floorboard (1′). The strip (6) has a locking element (8), which engages a looking groove (14) in the underside of the adjoining floorboard (1′) and forms a horizontal joint. A tongue (38) and a tongue groove (36) form a vertical joint between upper and lower plane-parallel contact surfaces (43, 45) and are designed in such manner that the lower contact surfaces (45) are on a level between the upper side of the locking element (8) and a plane containing the underside (3) of the floorboard. The invention also relates to a floorboard having such a locking system, a floor made of such floorboards, as well as a method for making such a locking system.

Abstract: A method of joining, siding to studs, flooring to floor joists and, roof planking to rafters without the use of visible fasteners, such as nails and screws. The framing members, studs, etc., have rounded corners at their joining edge and rounded grooves close to this edge forming a rounded oval shaped knob for the length of the framing member. The cladding members (siding, etc), have oval shaped cross grooves, being the same shape and size of the knobs of the framing members, cut across them at the same spacing as the framing members. These grooves are undercut on each side so that when they are attached to the framing the undercut parts of the cross groove fit into the grooves along each edge of the framing member. Attachment is made by bending back the cladding at the cross grooves to open up the opening of the cross groove enough that it can be snapped over the knob of the framing member or the cladding can be forced over the knob edges by tapping it with a hard rubber mallet.

Abstract: A building block is provided for stacking with other like building blocks to fabricate a wall. The building block has top, bottom, front, rear and end surfaces. The front and rear surfaces are substantially planar. The top surface is ridged and the bottom surface is channeled to intermit with the ridge on the said bottom surface. The ends are notched so as to overlap, and present the appearance of a brick wall.

Abstract: The present invention presents a block which by layer-building therewith, can be used to form walls so that a log house can be constructed with ease. With the present invention, rainwater which has penetrated through the areas where the blocks are linked is prevented from coming through to the inside wall side. The present invention also increases the surface area supporting the weight of the block thereby reinforcing the strength of the building. A block 1 is comprised of a hook-shaped joint 2, a linking protrusion 3, a linking groove 4, and an insertion through hole 5. A first slanting surface 31 which is slanted away from one side and toward the other side is formed in the top of the linking protrusion 3 together with a second slanting surface 32 which faces toward the one side and away from the other side. Flat surfaces 33 and 34 are formed on both ends of these slanting surfaces which are higher than each of these slanting surfaces.

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

Abstract: A structure for use in structural, load bearing construction is made from cold rolled shapes and/or shaped from structural grade sheet metals or structural shapes. The structure includes interlocking box trusses containing core members held by four web members in perpendicular alignment and pairs of parallel spaced chord members as well as facing units. Each web member and each chord member has a plurality of alternating, tapering, and projecting teeth and transverse strikes on transverse edge faces and at least one of the opposing primary faces. Each projecting tooth has a shape of a truncated pyramid with a taper on three sides of an inverted trapezoid base and with orthographic projection of a greater side, and has facets joined with at least one primary face at obtuse angles, a distance between the facets at the juncture with the primary face being less than at other respective facets. Chord members are aligned and interconnected with respective chord members of adjacent box trusses.

Abstract: A building block is provided for stacking with other like building blocks to fabricate a wall. The building block has top, bottom, front, rear and end surfaces. The front and rear surfaces are substantially planar. The top surface is ridged and the bottom surface is channeled to intermit with the ridge on the said bottom surface. The ends are notched so as to overlap, and present the appearance of a brick wall.

Abstract: A masonry wall system is disclosed incorporating a plurality of courses of masonry blocks, each block consisting of interlocking dovetails 12 along with vertical an horizontal mating surfaces (11,15,16,17). The main block, has two stabilizing holes running at a vertical axis through the center. Steel reinforcement rods or square tubes are loosely inserted into these stabilizing holes (14) at predetermined intervals. Comer blocks (26) are employed to connect the walls at right angles and are so used in conjunction with short blocks (28) to staggered the vertical joints from course to course. The predetermined tolerances between the masonry components and the loosely placed rods or tubes permit the wall to have a fluid property. Forces such as settling, hydrostatic pressure and seismic disturbances are then automatically absorbed and systematically distributed across the entire wall. When all of the masonry components reach the end of their tolerance, the wall locks up as a solid interconnected mass.

Abstract: A wall member with a first side having a tongue extending therefrom, a second side having a headed tongue extending therefrom, a third side having a groove defined therein for receiving a tongue of an adjacent panel, and a fourth side having a groove and cavity defined therein for slide-lock receiving of a headed tongue of an adjacent panel. The wall member may have a surface with a recess defined therein, and ribs extending from the recess. Also, the wall member may have a generally square, trapezoidal, hexagonal, or octagonal planar shape. Apertures may be defined in the tongue and grooves for aligning and receiving a dowel to lock panels together. A first corner section is defined by longitudinally extending the profile of the tongue through the profile of the headed tongue. A second corner section is defined by longitudinally extending the profile of the third side groove through the profile of the headed tongue.

Abstract: A modular construction system and method of use for creating a concrete wall system which has a wall system which complies with a modular construction system. The system uses wall form panels having connectors and structural tie plates. The wall form panels have interlocking protrusions around the edges such that the panel is reversibly symmetric. The panels are specific lengths to minimize the number of panels required to achieve a set length. The structural tie plates have connectors to tie in with the wall form panels and in addition carry and position reinforcement bars with the wall. The modular wall system ensures ease and integrity of alignment of the wall form panels by the self-aligning structural tie elements. In a preferred embodiment, a footing is continuously integral with the wall. A heat retention cap form allows for a more uniform cure temperature in adverse temperatures.