Abstract: A prefabricated roof truss which includes a bottom plate which attaches to the bottom chord of the roof truss in such a way that the bottom plate does not lift away from the top plate of an interior wall despite the vertical movement of the bottom chord of the roof truss.

Abstract: A method for forming a structural paver deck assembly includes fastening structural decking panels across a bare frame structure. One or more of the decking panels includes an upper panel surface having a non-planar contoured decking panel surface. A paver decking surface is seated over the plurality of structural decking panels to form a paver decking surface. Seating includes positioning a plurality of paver pieces on the structural decking panels including interfittingly engaging the paver pieces to the non-planar contoured decking panel surface. Seating further includes aligning the plurality of paver pieces in at least one specified direction, wherein the paver pieces includes paver contour surfaces along a lower surface having a corresponding shape to the non-planar contoured decking panel surface. Interfitting engagement of the paver contour surfaces with the non-planar contoured panel surface orients the one or more paver pieces in the at least one specified direction.

Abstract: The invention includes a work platform and support system that includes a hub and joist configuration, wherein the hubs and joists are capable of articulation, or pivoting. One method of installation allows for sections of new work platform system to be extended from an existing suspended work platform system. The system is also capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied to it.

Abstract: An abutment for use with a modular decking system that includes decking in the form of a plurality of treads, each tread being elongate and having a longitudinal axis, a topside, an underside and two ends having respective end surfaces, the underside of at least a first end of each tread including a tread coupling member. The abutment includes a tread receiving portion configured to receive the underside of the first end of each tread to thereby support the decking, the tread receiving portion including an abutment coupling member for engagement with the tread coupling member of each tread so as to prevent longitudinal movement of each received tread. The abutment also includes an upright margin configured such that the end surface of the first end of a received tread can lie closely adjacent thereto to provide a border for the decking.

Abstract: A deck plank fastener for securing the deck planks to the underlying joists of a decking structure. The fastener includes a flat body, a top surface, a first end including a first hole, a second end including a second hole, and two upward tabs. One such fastener is attached to an edge of the bottom surface of the plank by inserting an anchoring element through the first hole and to an upper surface of a joist by inserting an anchoring element through the second hole. A second such fastener is attached to the opposing edge of the bottom surface of the plank by inserting an anchoring element through the first hole and is projected under an adjacent plank in the area of the second end. The two upward tabs ensure uniform spacing and parallelism between adjacent planks.

Abstract: The table top portion of the patio deck extension is aligned in a row with spaces between the 4 major slats and is secured at the bottom with cross members to form a base. The sides are then mounted around the perimeter. The angled support stabilizers are mounted to the cross members on the bottom of the deck extensions platform then attached to the existing deck uprights (Ballasts). All parts are secured using screws of various lengths. The purpose of this invention is to create additional deck space; it allows the home owner to use the patio deck extension to aid in storing, servicing and entertaining without infringing on their existing deck space.

Abstract: A deck containing joists and decking planks can be assembled quickly and easily without requiring any fasteners and using a “snap lock” type arrangement by providing a connector on top of the joist which contains a number of clips that can be bent out of the plane of the top wall of the connector and which can engage with the decking planks.

Abstract: A floor panel and method of manufacturing wherein each panel comprises a sheet having at least two stiffening members extending from the lower surface and substantially the length of the sheet. A bead is defined along one of the stiffening members while a tab is defined along the other stiffening member. Clips are provided to fasten the bead and tab in a locking relationship to hold the sheet in position. A flange formed at one end of the panel is received within a recess formed at an opposite end of another panel to automatically space one panel from another.

Abstract: A floor beam assembly, system, and method for supporting floor beams within a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, a floor beam assembly for installing a floor beam within a structure is provided. The assembly includes at least one floor beam, wherein at least a portion of each floor beam comprises a composite material. The assembly also includes at least one support bracket attached to a structure, wherein each support bracket is configured to support at least a portion of a floor beam thereon. In addition, the assembly includes at least one conductive element extending from the at least one support bracket and configured for electrically communicating with the at least one support bracket.

Abstract: This patent pertains to a platform device upon which a person, equipment or both are supported above a ground surface in which the build-up of debris and moisture is impeded. The sanitary platform system is comprised of two or more main rails having square cross-sections that are on diamond and are side-by-side with a space between the main rails; one or more standard web brackets comprised of a plate, two or more tabs and a perimeter defining an opening for receiving a main rail on diamond which are mounted in spaced-apart relation along the length of each of the main rails; two or more vertical legs supporting each of the main rails above the ground surface, and one or more deck plates welded to the tabs of the standard web bracket.

Abstract: An Emergency Isolation and Treatment Shelter (EITS) deck system is constructed from a multiple of deck unit modules. Each deck unit module includes four adjustable leg assemblies attachable together by a lower truss between each leg assembly so as to support a deck surface panel. The size of the deck unit module defines the modularity of the EITS. Each leg assembly includes a primary leg, an intermediate leg, and a screw foot each in telescopic relationship. Each leg assembly may be telescoped independently to provide a level deck surface irrespective of the underlying terrain.

Abstract: According to various aspects of the present disclosure, there are provided various exemplary embodiments of covers, systems and methods for covering boards and deck components. In one exemplary embodiment, a cover generally includes an upper portion and generally downwardly extending side portions. The cover's upper and side portions are configured to generally cover at least the top and sides of the outdoor deck component. The cover's side portions may include through-holes to allow venting of moisture from an area between the cover and the outdoor deck component when the cover is positioned on the outdoor deck component.

Abstract: A method of constructing a composite structure comprises the steps of: (i) attaching light gauge sheeting to a plurality of joists that have been sufficiently closely spaced so that the sheeting is able to support a cementitious slab that has formed a composite structure with the sheeting and joists; (ii) forming the cementitious slab on the sheeting to form the composite structure; and (iii) supporting the joists until the cementitious slab has sufficiently cured.

Abstract: A frame device adapted to be mounted between a balcony slab and a roof slab (2) located above the former supports wall elements (16, 16?, 16?) for building-in a balcony. The frame device has an upper horizontal sectional element (17), which supports a second sectional element (31), which is parallel thereto and which is connected to the upper horizontal sectional element pivotally about a pivot axis parallel to the upper horizontal sectional element (17). The second sectional element (31), which is arranged to support a blind device (35) adapted for the balcony, is pivotable relative to the upper horizontal sectional element (17) between an inwardly pivoted position and an outwardly pivoted position for use of the blind device (35).

Abstract: A stainless steel beam includes first and second substantially parallel plates, first and second substantially parallel webs extending between the first and second plates, and a plurality of laser-fused welds connecting the first and second plates with the first and second webs. A platform assembly includes a first steel beam having first and second substantially parallel plates with a first web extending therebetween and a first sidewall extending from a first edge of the first plate away from the second plate, and concrete overlying the first plate and abutting the first sidewall.

Abstract: A tread and bearer member locating system for a modular decking system, the modular decking system including decking in the form of a plurality of treads, and the decking being carried by one or more bearer members. The treads are elongate and have a longitudinal axis, a topside, an underside and a lateral width. The tread and bearer member locating system includes treads and bearer members, wherein the underside of at least one tread includes, at or near each end thereof, a bearer member receiving area, at least one of the bearer member receiving areas being bound longitudinally between a pair of spaced apart, downwardly extending locating projections, and laterally between opposed coupling members capable of, in use, coupling with correspondingly shaped coupling members in adjacent treads.

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

Abstract: A support frame system for a deck is disclosed, and comprises a deck support structure that may include a plurality of elongate joist components, at least one cross member component for supporting the joist components, a plurality of post components for supporting the at least one cross member component, and an edge component for extending along ends of the plurality of joist components. The support frame system may comprise a stair support structure that may include an elongated carriage component for orienting in an inclined orientation, a tread support component for mounting on the carriage component and extending outwardly from an upward side of the carriage component for positioning in a substantially horizontal orientation, and a riser support component for mounting between the carriage component and the tread support component for positioning in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides metal stud perimeter wall and load-bearing wall systems that support without eccentricity, concrete-topped floors on open-web steel joists, deep-profiled composite metal decks, and channel-shaped joists, and allow upper floor framing to be completed before Boor concreting; a composite steel beam, for open-web steel joist support; a new shear-connection-ready open-web steel joist; and a perimeter metal stud wall system that incorporates an in-wall wheel stopper. The wall systems incorporate web-perforated studs, and/or web-perforated tracks doubling as concrete closures, and other concrete closure devices. The composite beam incorporates shear connectors protruding through a special web-perforated track fitted with a load-bearing, block and cut-outs in the legs for open-web steel joist support.

Abstract: A platform adapted for mounting on the roof of a garage or other building and being capable of supporting a hunter, thereby enabling such hunter to practice shooting from a level above ground level at a target at or near ground level.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a concrete floor and a composite floor system constructed therewith comprises form panels supported between a plurality of joists, the joists including a shear connector at least partially embedded in the concrete slab of the floor system. Each of the joists may be formed of a double channel structural member, including a top chord to which the shear connector is secured, a bottom chord and a reinforced web.

Abstract: A flooring of pre-stressed deck construction having an elongate decking extending along the flooring is provided. The decking has an upwardly facing asymmetrically profiled channel formation whereby the neutral axis is above a central horizontal plane. A tension rod extends between stressing brackets secured to each end of the decking and is located below the neutral axis of the decking along the length of the decking. Each stressing bracket is secured to upwardly extending sidewalls of the channel above the tension rod. The decking is attached to the girder framework of a building.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in forming a deck includes a platform having alternating elevated and depressed sections defining a plurality of troughs for receiving a hardenable fill material such as concrete, and at least one elongate cover segment positioned on a terminal edge of the platform. The cover segment includes a first side that covers the terminal edge of the platform, a second side angled in relation to the first side, and a plurality of outwardly extending flanges positioned on the first side such that the flanges contact the elevated sections. The flanges sit on top of the elevated sections, and the second side of the cover piece is positioned underneath the depressed sections. The cover segment is maintained on the platform by frictional engagement of the flanges and the elevated section and frictional engagement of the second side of the cover segment with the depressed sections.

Abstract: A prefabrication system having a floor component and a frame component. In particular, the floor component includes a deck member, which can be made of deck sections, profiles, or panels. For example, the deck member can be made of continuous panels that cover the desired width and length of the floor component. Alternatively, the deck member can be made of preassembled sections that are combined in juxtaposed relation to form the desired width and length. The frame component includes opposing horizontal support channels that are attached to opposing vertical columns, respectfully.

Abstract: A support structure is provided for supporting the one end of a floor joist using a flush joist seat. The flush joist seat generally includes a generally horizontal plate having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is welded to the top of the floor joist and the third portion rests on the top of the support structure. The second portion is located beyond the end of the floor joist, between the first portion and the second portion. A generally vertical plate extends downward from the second portion of the generally horizontal plate and is welded to a portion of the end of the floor joist.

Abstract: A prefabricated panelization system having a floor or roof component and a frame component. In particular, the floor or roof component includes a deck member, which can be made of deck sections, profiles, or panels. For example, the deck member can be made of continuous panels that cover the desired width and length of the floor or roof component without intermediate beams between supporting elements. Alternatively, the deck members can be made of individual or panelized sections that are combined in juxtaposed relation to form the desired width and length. The frame component includes opposing horizontal support channels that are attached to opposing columns, respectfully.

Abstract: The composite joist floor system includes joists supported by supporting members. Corrugated steel decking is positioned over the joists such that the corrugations are substantially perpendicular to the joists. Self-drilling, self-tapping, stand-off screws are spaced along the length of the joist, aligned with the deck corrugations. These stand-off screws provide the required shear transfer between the joist and concrete slab to form a composite floor system. The placed concrete encapsulates the upper non-threaded shank portions of the stand-off screws and the end of the joists. After the concrete has cured, the resultant system comprised of steel joists, steel decking, stand-off screws, and concrete, act together to form a composite system with greater load carrying capacity and less vertical deflection. The stand-off screws connect the joist upper chords to the concrete slab allowing the joist and concrete slab to act as a unit, by transferring shear between the two joined components.

Abstract: A deck assembly uses plurality of joists preferably formed from metal located side by side and each having a web portion and a deck portion integrally formed with the web portion. The deck portion extends laterally from the web portion and the joists are spaced from one another such that the deck portions from a continuous deck surface with the joists being connected to one another.

Abstract: A method for assembling a tower is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of tower segments, wherein at least one tower segment includes an inner surface that defines a first cross-sectional area of the tower segment and a second cross-sectional area of the tower segment that is different from the first cross-sectional area. The method also comprises providing a platform including a plurality of mounting assemblies configured to mount the platform within the at least one tower segment at one of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area, coupling the platform to the inner surface of the tower segment at one of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area, and coupling the plurality of tower segments.

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

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

Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid system has parallel main runners and perpendicular cross members which are formed of pultruded fiber-reinforced plastic. The main runners have vertical webs with regularly spaced vertical slots. The cross members are connected to each other and to the main runners by resilient extruded PVC cross connectors which pass through the main runner web slots and resiliently engage the ends of the cross members. The cross connectors have a horizontal element which is received within horizontal slots in the ends of the cross members, and two vertical elements which engage the cross member webs therebetween. The main runners are supported by overhead hanger wires. Ceiling tiles are received on horizontal flanges of the connected main runners and cross members. The connectors may be attached without tools for convenient assembly of the system.

Abstract: According to various aspects of the present disclosure, there are provided various exemplary embodiments of covers, systems and methods for covering boards and deck components. In one exemplary embodiment, a cover generally includes an upper portion and generally downwardly extending side portions. The cover's upper and side portions are configured to generally cover at least the top and sides of the outdoor deck component. The cover's side portions may include through-holes to allow venting of moisture from an area between the cover and the outdoor deck component when the cover is positioned on the outdoor deck component.

Abstract: A deck panel is adapted to be secured on a supporting frame structure to create a deck surface. The deck panel comprises a thermoplastic material impregnated with a fibrous stranded material. The panel includes a top surface and four lateral sides extending downward from the top surface. The top surface is formed as a grid having a plurality of openings. A plurality of supporting ribs extend parallel to each other from one of the four lateral sides to an opposite one of the four lateral sides. The upper surface of each supporting rib is adapted to form longitudinal portions of the grid pattern of the top surface. A plurality of tabs extend outward from the lateral sides that are adapted to interlock with a corresponding plurality of tabs extending from a like deck panel so that a plurality of deck panels may be juxtaposed in abutting relationship.

Abstract: A skidding system is provided for laterally moving a catwalk. The system can include a plurality of legs placed about the perimeter of the catwalk. Each leg can extend and contract in length. The lower end of each leg can include a trolley member slidably coupled to a foot assembly. The catwalk can be moved laterally by extending the legs to raise the catwalk off of the ground, moving the trolley members within the foot assemblies and then contracting the legs to lower the catwalk to its new position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceiling structure comprising a number of sheets that span between parallel beams mounted underneath a fixed ceiling, wherein the sheets can, by elastic deformation, be taken from an initial configuration to a desired curved configuration, in which the sheets form the visible ceiling face. The ceiling structure comprising force-transmitting means that provide, in combination with the abutment force of the sheets against the abutment areas, the flexular moment necessary for maintaining the desired curved configuration of the sheets.

Abstract: The floor according to the invention consists of boards (1), especially wood boards laid on joists (2) and secured to them by fasteners (3) or adhesive and is designed for the use on the unroofed area, external terraces, platforms and jetties or in rooms where water may run out on the floor, while the board (1) of the floor along its bottom edge has the water drip (4), and located between the board (1) of the floor and the joist (2) is the distance piece to mover away the bottom surface of the board (1) of the floor from the top surface of the joist fragment passing especially under the water drip (4). Moreover, the board (1) is secured to one joist (2) by three fasteners (3).

Abstract: A long-span decking panel that includes a first panel section, a second panel section, a first channel and a second channel which form a cell. The first panel section includes a first open channel and a first side flange integrally extending from a first edge of the first open channel and a second side flange integrally extending from a second edge of the first panel section. The second panel section includes a second open channel, a first side flange integrally extending from a first edge of the second open channel and a second side flange integrally extending from a second edge of the second open channel. The first channel and the second channel include a panel and two depending legs. Also disclosed is a system incorporating the long-span decking panels and methods for manufacturing the panels and the systems.

Abstract: Longitudinal beams span between torque boxes located at each end. The beams attach to the torque boxes to prevent vertical movement or rotation about their horizontal axis, or a fixed end condition. The longitudinal beams cover the width of a platform used to support pallets, and the ends may have wheels for transport of the pallets. The torque box attaches to a moment beam to prevent rotation between the two members about the lateral axis. The torque box has a high strength to transmit all of the moment generated by the end condition through it and into the moment beam. This fixed end condition has the advantages of light weight, low deflection, and low beam depth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module for building platforms, stages, or flooring, which is particularly suitable for use outside. The module comprises a ladder-type frame, supporting devices, connecting means and, preferably, covering elements.

Abstract: A pedestal is provided that is matingly engagable with a like companion pedestal in vertically stacked relation to support corner portions of pavers, tiles, or like decking elements in edgewise juxtaposition above an underlying surface. The pedestal has a base, plate, or body, having a plurality of corner support portions and a topside and bottom side that define a predetermined thickness, or height, of the base, plate, or body. An abutment, such as an upstanding wall, flange, post, or the like, projects upwardly from the topside a predetermined distance, or height, that is greater than or equal to the predetermined thickness of the base, plate, or body. An aperture, such as a slot or the like, extends transversely through the base, plate, or body and is offset from the abutment. Accordingly, a like abutment of a companion pedestal can extend through the aperture of an upper stacked pedestal thereby permitting the pedestals to be stacked together in a stable manner.

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

Abstract: A structural connector for connecting first and second structural members has a substantially planar first flange and an embossment in the first flange, and the embossment in the first flange is formed with first and second sections, the first section generally extending uniformly to a first level above the top surface of the substantially planar first flange, that is different from a level to which the second section generally uniformly extends, the first and second sections being joined to each other at a distinct transition portion where the embossment sharply descends from the level of the first section to the level of the second section. The structural connector can be made with a bend that forms a first member adjacent the first flange and the embossment can extend through the bend into the first member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for attaching a deck to a building. The apparatus and method disclose a deck bracket with an L shaped bracket, a solid bar, preferably threaded at both ends, and a sheath which would surround a support member of the building. The solid bar could be of various lengths, depending upon the structure to which it will be attached. The L shaped bracket has a support piece fixedly attached to the back side of its long, vertical side, and has a threaded bore through the support piece and L shaped bracket, with which to accept one of the threaded ends of the solid bar. The short, horizontal side of the L shaped bracket would hold one or more of the deck rim joists or deck supporting beams.

Abstract: A structural member includes side walls, a top wall connecting a top region of the side walls, a bottom wall connecting side wall bottoms and extending beyond the side walls to form wings each having one portion of a connector for connecting members to one another, a span connected to the side walls, and truss configurations each connected to the span and the bottom wall and respectively to one side wall. Side walls, top wall, and span define an upper interior chamber and span, truss configurations, and bottom wall define a lower interior chamber. Each truss configuration has a vertical wall and two intermediate walls. An assembly of members interlock with one another in series by connecting a first portion of the connector with a second portion of another member. These interlocked members form a structure for receiving concrete as a base for a ribbed concrete slab.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of joists. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a joist rim having a web and first and second rim legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the web. The apparatus may also include at least one opening through the web and a joist attachment tab integrally formed in the web adjacent each opening. Each of the joist attachment tabs may extend from the web at an angle relative to the web. The apparatus may include at least one reinforcing rib corresponding to each tab and provided in the web adjacent to the corresponding tab.

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

Abstract: A cargo carrier includes a plurality of laterally extending and longitudinally spaced-apart cross members, a plurality of longitudinally extending decking extrusions supported on the cross members and forming a cargo deck, and retainers securing the decking extrusions to the cross members. The retainers limit or substantially prevent vertical relative movement between the decking extrusions and the cross members. The retainers permit longitudinal relative movement between the decking extrusions and the cross members and at least one end of the decking extrusions is provided with a gap so that the decking extrusions can move in the longitudinal direction to reduce shear stress at the decking connections due to deflection of the decking extrusions, thermal expansion and contraction of the decking extrusions, and the like.

Abstract: The mold access and storage structure comprises an elevated work platform of generally rectangular configuration which is supported at the comers thereof by columns which straddle a machine. The top of the platform includes a walkway and a plurality of spaced apart parallel oil and water containment reservoirs or pans for receiving and storing molds when not in use by the machine and for collecting any oil or lubricant draining from the mold. A vertical ladder permits a person to access the work platform for maintenance purposes. A railing enclosure is mounted around the top of the platform and extends around the outer periphery of the walkway and reservoirs. The railing enclosure includes a pair of slideable gates which, when open, prevents the machine from operating and permits a ladder to be pivoted and moved from the walkway, into the space between the open slideable gates, thereby permitting a maintenance worker to access the top of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improvement of ductility and strength performance of connections in structural steel buildings made typically with rolled structural shapes, specifically in bolted and/or welded beam-to-column connections with welded flanges, by greatly reducing the very significant uneven stress distribution found in the conventionally designed connection at the column/beam weld, through use of slots in column and/or beam webs with or without continuity plates in the area of the column between the column flanges, as well as, optionally, extended shear plate connections with additional columns of bolts for the purpose of reducing the stress concentration factor in the center of the flange welds. Moreover, the slots in beam web adjacent to the beam flanges allow the beam web and flange to buckle independently thereby eliminating the degrading of the beam strength caused by lateral-torsional bucking.