Abstract: Sinusoidal shaped member units and support member units are parts that form pre-stressed assemblies having flexural properties. Sinusoidal shaped members are relaxed material members that have been elastically deformed. Support members maintain the elastically deformed state of the sinusoidal shaped members. The sinusoidal shaped members and support members are organized into pre-stressed curvilinear assemblies containing stored elastic potential energy that is equal to the work done by the forces that deformed their pre-stressed structure. The assemblies' sinusoidal shaped members and support members are adapted to use materials having exceptional mechanical properties and flexural strength. This includes nano-composites and/or shape memory alloys. The assemblies' pre-stressed state enhances its mechanical, electrical and structural performance. The size, number, density and possible geometric configurations of the sinusoidal shaped member units and support member units within an assembly/structure is vast.

Abstract: A removable fastener for securing a first stud to a second stud each stud having an aperture with lateral and bottom edges, includes a joining member with a first end and second end having first and second notches sized to admit lateral edges made adjacent by placing the studs back-to-back. Fastener includes a locking member that has a stud end configured to rest on the bottom edges of the apertures and a fastener end configured to attach to the joining member, holding the joining member in position within the apertures when the joining member is engaged within the apertures; the fastener end may include a clip.

Abstract: A transportable vehicle enclosure for painting vehicles includes side, front, rear, ceiling and floor portions, one of the portions being configured to allow vehicular access. In use, a vehicle may be placed within the enclosure. The enclosure further includes an air handling unit for respectively producing a first temperature level within the enclosure suitable for a spray mode of operation and a second temperature level within the enclosure suitable for a baking mode of operation.

Abstract: A welded wire mesh for reinforcing generally planar concrete and stucco structures. The mesh is formed of a matrix of longitudinal and transverse wires disposed about a first common plane and welded together at their intersections. A selected plurality of the longitudinal wires define a plurality of generally V-shaped spacing furrs therein extending generally perpendicular to the first plane with the bottoms of the furrs being disposed in a second plane spaced from the first plane a distance substantially equal to one-half of the predetermined thickness of the panel. The spacing furrs are positioned so as to be longitudinally and transversely staggered along the mesh and are formed by pushing portions of the selected longitudinal wires perpendicular to the axes of the wires while holding upstream portions thereof in a fixed disposition so as to form the furrs without thinning and weakening the wires along the spacing furrs.

Abstract: A formwork system comprising a supporting girder for the support girders that receives the support of floor slab formwork boards. The upper face of the supporting girder is provided with a plurality of successive housings for receiving the girders, arranged one after another forming a series of housings along the entire length of the upper face without interruption, such that the girders can be transversely arranged and, where appropriate, overlapped with one another for their extension, in any position along the supporting girder. The housings can have identical transverse dimensions, therefore the supporting girders can also be overlapped with one another to extend their length.

Abstract: A grid panel includes a generally elongated, rectangular main panel section having a plurality of main panel section corners: a pair of generally elongated, rectangular end panel sections extending from the main panel section beyond the main panel section corners, each of the end panel sections having a plurality of end panel section corners; a plurality of grid notches between the main panel section corners and the end panel section corners, respectively; and a plurality of grid openings in the main panel section and each of the end panel sections.

Abstract: A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are typically seated on the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A stud spacer for a metal wall having a series of spaced apart studs with each stud having a pair of flanges and an interconnected web with the web having an opening therein. Connected between each pair of consecutive studs is a stud spacer. Each stud spacer includes a pair of end flanges that are secured to the web of an adjacent stud. In addition, each stud spacer includes a projection that projects through an opening in the adjacent stud and extends into an opening or slot in an adjacent stud spacer such that the respective stud spacers are effectively linked or connected by the projections of the various stud spacers found in the metal wall.

Abstract: A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are typically seated on the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are typically seated on the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are seated on the deep bars with the crossbars typically within upwardly opening notches formed in the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are seated on the deep bars with the crossbars typically within upwardly opening notches formed in the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity and has vastly improved resistance to uplift forces. Foundation assemblies or anchor structures are first precisely located before concrete is poured to form the foundation, encasing the anchor structures within the foundation. Columns may then be attached to the anchor structures without the need for readjusting the location of the columns. The rest of the building framework is subsequently attached to the columns. The resulting structure is highly resistant to uplift forces and seismic effects while being much faster and simpler to assemble than previous structures. Cracking of the concrete foundation prior to the complete curing of the concrete is also reduced.

Abstract: A stud spacer for use in a wall structure. The stud spacer includes a pair of opposed projections. The respective projections of the stud spacer interconnect with similar projections from adjacent stud spacers to form an interconnected series of stud spacers that extend through the studs that comprise the wall structure. When connected, each projection extends through an opening in an adjacent projection and a locking surface or locking tab associated with one projection seats in or against a stop or seat formed in the other projection.

Abstract: The device for connecting profiles comprises a body exhibiting first and second connecting means on each of its opposed walls adapted for respectively engaging on a first and second portion of each profile, the first and the second portion being at different distances from the axis of said profile.

Abstract: A floor structure comprises a plurality of steel beams 4 arranged in parallel, each steel beam 4 including a web, an upper flange disposed at an upper end of the web, and a lower flange disposed at a lower end of the web, a floor surface being formed on the upper flange 2. The floor structure further includes displacement preventing spacers interposed between the upper flanges and/or lower flanges of the adjacent steel beams. Each displacement preventing spacer includes a load receiving part which is brought into engagement with the adjacent upper flanges and/or lower flanges to receive an active load incurred by the individual steel beams 4 so as to inhibit the steel beams 4 from displacing downward.

Abstract: A floor structure comprises a plurality of steel beams 4 arranged in parallel, each steel beam 4 including a web, an upper flange disposed at an upper end of the web, and a lower flange disposed at a lower end of the web, a floor surface being formed on the upper flange 2. The floor structure further includes a displacement preventing spacer interposed between the upper flanges and/or lower flanges of the adjacent steel beams. The displacement preventing spacer includes a load receiving part which is brought into engagement with the adjacent upper flanges and/or lower flanges to receive an active load incurred by the individual steel beams 4 so as to inhibit the steel beams 4 from displacing downward.

Abstract: An intersecting structural member, and a method for assembling the same, allowing continuous structural members to intersect while also allowing one edge of each of the structural members to be bonded to a skin panel. A first structural member is provided with at least one bendable tab that allows an ingress area in the first member to be opened to permit the passage of a second structural member. The at least one bendable tab may optionally be designed in various shapes, with or without material reducing regions, may then be closed, interlocking the members and producing the intersecting structural member. This structure and method may be used to eliminate the need for welding collars around the member intersections, reducing labor, materials, weight, complexity of joining, and improving resistance to metal fatigue at the intersections.

Abstract: A metal stud wall and method of assembling the same are characterized by a stud bridging/spacing member generally having at least three longitudinally spaced apart notches for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. The notches extend at an incline to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. In the assembly of a metal stud wall having a row of metal studs each having at least two flanges interconnected by a web, the stud bridging/spacing member is inserted through aligned openings in the webs of three or more studs and the webs are engaged in the notches to position and hold the metal studs at a prescribed spacing. Successive bridging/spacing members may be inserted through further studs and overlapped with the preceding bridging/spacing member, and engaging a common stud, to position and hold the studs at the prescribed spacing.

Abstract: A protective cover for a reinforcing bar including a collar structure defining a perimeter portion and having an open end for receiving the end of a rebar. A cap portion is connected to the collar structure oriented substantially perpendicularly to the collar structure and including a support portion formed integrally with the collar structure. The cap portion further includes a barrier plate supported on the support portion and defining an exposed upper surface of the cover. In one embodiment, a reinforcing plate is disposed beneath the barrier cover and defines an lower surface lower surface within an area defined by the perimeter portion of the collar structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect for a bracket for use in a metal stud wall having internal bridging members for tying the metal studs and bridging members together. The bracket has an L shaped central region having a leg for overlying the bridging member and an upright for overlying the metal stud. A web gripping means is provided connected to the upright for gripping the web of the stud and transferring the support of the upright to the web. The bracket also has a bridging member gripping means connected to the leg for gripping the bridging member and transferring the support of the gripping member to the L shaped central region.

Abstract: A modular deck tile comprises a plurality of slats which are joined together by at least two flexible tubes extending through the thickness of each of the slats. So as to preserve the spacing of the slats, and to keep them in place, the tubes may be laterally deformed in the region between each pair of slats so as to cause a greater cross wise dimension than the diameter of the passage through which the tubes extend. Alternatively, the slats may be joined one to another by poppet connectors.

Abstract: A vertical intersecting lightweight steel frame composes of several main frames and side frames, which are connected with each other vertically. A first oblique fold is formed on two sides of the main frame and a protrusion is on the bottom of the side frame. The angle of the first oblique fold on both side of the indention of the main frame is less than 45 degree, a second oblique fold above the first oblique fold with angle of 45 degree. The angle of the protrusion of the side frame is also 45 degree. The whole structure is stronger and easier to assemble, the darken area of the vertically connected between the main frame and side frame is kept undisclosed.

Abstract: A weight strip constructed from a plurality of stacked sheets of elastomeric material slackly assembled for resting upon an uneven surface.

Abstract: A molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. A first set of elongated members lies in one plane, with each of the members having a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting the upper and lower surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces each have central regions that are intermediate the edges. The central regions of the upper and lower surfaces are separated by a distance less than the thickness of the edges such that each of the members have a bowtie shaped cross-section. A second set of elongated members lies in a second plane, with the second set of members intersecting and interconnecting the first set at junction regions. Each of the members in the second set also has a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating rigid section bars able to be articulated manually, comprising a first phase wherein, on a band of suitable material, a succession of areas of weakening transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of said band is obtained by shearing, said areas including polygonal slots whose axis of symmetry is transverse with respect to said longitudinal axis, alternatively upset with respect thereto, and further including lighteners obtained on transverse straight lines passing through vertices, chamfered with relatively wide fillets, of said polygonal slots; and a second phase wherein said band is formed according to an open profile terminating, at its ends, with free edges. The invention further relates to the section bars obtained thereby.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat. Alternatively, a plurality of primary slats are arranged to present a decorative surface having side flanges projecting rearwardly and at least one end piece is attached to the primary slats the ends of the primary slats are received in the end piece for adjoining and aligning said primary slats, said end piece including a cross member traversing said the primary and having slats and slat ends integrated into the end piece, each of said slats and slat ends aligning with one of the primary slats.

Abstract: A grid system for a suspended ceiling comprising mutually spaced main runners of T-profile suspended by means of hangers at the web of the T-profile, the flanges of the T-profile forming support surfaces for tiles. Apertures are punched at regular spacing in the web of the T-profile registering transversely of the main runners. Channeled girders opening upwards and extending over several main runners along registering apertures therein engage the main runners to define the spacing therebetween, the web of the T-profile being received in slots in the bottom and side walls (18) of the channeled girder. Each girder is fixedly connected with the runners by fastening elements engaging the apertures therein.

Abstract: A one piece molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. The lattice includes a set of continuous elongated members that lie in a plane. A second set of discontinuous elongated members intersects and interconnects the first set of members at junction regions. The second set of discontinuous elongated members may lie in another plane. The upper surfaces of the first set of members is transversely concave, or the upper surfaces of the second set of members is longitudinally convex, so that a discontinuity is created at each of the junction regions. In this way, the plastic lattice creates the illusion of being a multi-piece lattice.

Abstract: A clip for attachment to the end of a main beam for a grid in a suspended ceiling. The beam has an inverted T cross section. The clip engages an identical clip on the end of another main beam to form an end to end connection. The clip has a tongue and channel that engages with a tongue and channel in the other clip of the connection.

Abstract: A one piece molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. The lattice includes a set of continuous elongated members that lie in a plane. A second set of discontinuous elongated members intersects and interconnects the first set of members at junction regions. The second set of discontinuous elongated members may lie in another plane. The upper surfaces of the first set of members is transversely concave, or the upper surfaces of the second set of members is longitudinally convex, so that a discontinuity is created at each of the junction regions. In this way, the plastic lattice creates the illusion of being a multi-piece lattice.

Abstract: A cross-bracing kit for laterally spacing and bracing open web structural supports comprises at least two clips wherein each clip includes an attachment portion for attaching to the truss member and has a first finger and a second finger extending from the attachment portion in a cantilevered fashion. The fingers define a channel therebetween and each finger includes a nib at a free end of the finger. The nibs face each other and define an opening between the ends of the nib that is narrower than the channel defined by the fingers. The kit further includes at least one cross-brace which has a channel-like cross section that includes a first leg and a second leg connected at their respective bottoms. The cross-brace further includes at least two notches in a bottom of the brace wherein a distance corresponding to a desired spacing of adjacent supports separates the notches.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a planar array of photovoltaic panels to a roof is formed from a set of parallel spaced juxtaposed rails which are intersected by a set of parallel spaced juxtaposed runners that extend perpendicular to the rails. Both the runners and the rails are formed of sheet metal and are shaped in cross section so as to partially surround a space. Both the rails and the runners have upwardly opening apertures bordered by flanges. The flanges of the rails are coplanar with the flanges of the runners. The photovoltaic modules rest on the flanges, thereby covering the apertures and enclosing the space within the rails and the runners. This space serves as a protective raceway for the electrical interconnections and wiring. Because the entire structure is a single electrical conductor, grounding of the modules is simplified. Compared to other mounting systems, the structure is lighter in weight, simpler to install, extremely strong, and protective of the electrical interconnections.

Abstract: As stamped from sheet metal, a hanger useful for hanging an electrical fixture from a suspended ceiling has a main panel, a lower flange, and an upper flange. Near each of its opposite ends, the hanger is provided with a slot defining a tab. The slot opens at and the tab extends to a projecting edge of the lower flange. Corners defined where the projecting edge of each of the upper and lower flanges meets each of the opposite ends of the hanger and where the slot opens at the projecting edge of the lower flange are rounded approximately to a radius not less than approximately 1/16 inch. Because of the rounded corners, an installer can handle the hanger and can manipulate the tabs with bare hands, without exposure to sharp corners at the corners so defined and so rounded. The slots are spaced equally from the opposite ends of the hanger.

Abstract: A metal stud wall and method of assembling the same are characterized by stud spacer member comprising an elongate bar-like member and at least three equal spaced notches disposed along the elongate member for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. In the assembly of a metal stud wall comprising a row of metal studs each having at least two flanges interconnected by a web, the stud spacer member is inserted through aligned openings in the webs of three or more studs and the webs are engaged in the notches to position and hold the metal studs at a prescribed spacing. Successive spacer members may be inserted through further studs and overlapped with the preceding spacer member to position and hold the studs at the prescribed spacing.

Abstract: An entry grid includes a plurality of spaced, side-by-side, grid sections each having a tread rail and a depending support leg with sections interlocked by a locking bar extending transversely through respective locking holes in the support legs. The support legs include locking teeth engaged by complementally configured element teeth of corresponding locking elements extending radially from the locking bar shaft.

Abstract: A metal stud wall and method of assembling the same are characterized by stud spacer member comprising an elongate bar-like member and at least three equal spaced notches disposed along the elongate member for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. In the assembly of a metal stud wall comprising a row of metal studs each having at least two flanges interconnected by a web, the stud spacer member is inserted through aligned openings in the webs of three or more studs and the webs are engaged in the notches to position and hold the metal studs at a prescribed spacing. Successive spacer members may be inserted through further studs and overlapped with the preceding spacer member to position and hold the studs at the prescribed spacing.

Abstract: An existing glazing system using small rectangular plastic or glass glazing panels or using thin films, plastic glazing panels may be converted in an inexpensive manner to an elongated rigid, plastic glazing panel system having a condensate removal system. Very long glazing panels of plastic, preferably corrugated, are laid across several purlins in the vertical direction. The glass glazing panels or the thin film glazing panels are removed to expose the roof members. Purlins are laid across the roof members with ends of the purlins positioned intermediately adjacent roof rafters. Condensate collector channels on the purlins convey moisture to the ends of the purlins and discharge collected moisture to an underlying drain, which is fastened to and carried by the purlins. The drain is spaced from the rafter roof members. Very long glazing panels of plastic, preferably corrugated, are laid across several purlins in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A combination is disclosed wherein an inverted T-shaped ceiling runner is connected to a decorative element by a connector. The decorative element has parallel grooves into which an upper portion of the connector can be positioned in the grooves to hold the connector relative the decorative element. A lower portion of the connector extends down to the inverted T-shaped ceiling runner and is fastened to the vertical web thereof to position and hold the decorative element in a fixed relationship to the inverted T-shaped ceiling runner.

Abstract: A vinyl ceiling grid structure for supporting ceiling panels comprising a two-way connecting member, a one-way connecting member, an angled slat, an inner angled plate, an outer angled plate and a receiving base. Each of these components is formed integrally with plastics and can be selectively assembled together to form a grid system. The one-way and the two way connecting members are provided for the connection of the partitioning board to form the grid structure suspended in the ceiling. The angled plates can either be selected from the inner type or the outer type depending on the application. The receiving base is inserted at the end of the partitioning board so as to be able to connect to the angled slat, forming the vinyl ceiling grid structure for supporting the ceiling panels.

Abstract: A method to assemble a two sided colonial grid assembly for a closure and an assembly, such as but not limited to a glass pane door or window wherein the grid structure incorporates both real and false muntin bars as well as integral and false glazing beads. The assembly is structured to allow a snap-fit type of attachment of the glazing beads into the grid assembly and in engagement with the glass panes such that the entire assembly is structured to facilitate and reduce cost of assembling and manufacturing while providing an authenticate and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A two sided colonial grid assembly for a closure and an assembly, such as a glass pane door or window, wherein the grid structure incorporates both real and false muntin bars as well as integral and false glazing beads. The assembly is structured to allow a snap-fit type of attachment of the glazing beads into the grid assembly and in engagement with the glass panes such that the entire assembly is structured to facilitate and reduce cost of assembling and manufacturing while providing an authenticate and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A security grating of the type comprising an openwork grid is described. It comprises horizontal bars and vertical rods. The rods pass through openings in the bars. At the each intersection between a bar and rod, a set of tabs locks the bars against movement relative to the rod. A method is described for making these rods from common, rolled round rod stock. A four element punch is employed to displace, or swage, the rod material outwardly to form the tabs in an economical manner.

Abstract: A load-bearing plate for false floors includes a plurality of mutually parallel and spaced apart approximately C-shaped metal profiles. The profiles have open bottoms and having tops with parallel, transversely extending recesses formed therein. Bolts are transversely inserted through the profiles for bracing the profiles to one another.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a metal trench grating and the method of manufacture by which it is constructed. The trench grating consists of plural cross bars having equi-spaced slots and a plurality of elongated rails inserted within the respective cross bar slots, and wherein a single weldment across the bottom of each cross bar provides complete fastening of the assembled trench guard. The method of manufacture stresses simplicity and quick assembly as the plural longitudinal rails are inserted in the plural-slotted cross bars and supported for final welding across the bottom central slot of each cross bar to produce the final form trench grating.

Abstract: The door mat comprises a plurality of section lengths each of which is provided with a male coupling element and a female coupling element, each female element being suitable for coupling to the male element of an adjoining section length, the section lengths being moreover provided, at their central portions, with respective seats, open at the tops, therein a bristle element can be engaged.

Abstract: An improved means for securing planking to a horizontal support in a platform having a plurality of vertical support frames laterally joined with cross braces for use in constructing bleachers, risers and stages. The vertical support frames have horizontal supports for planking and means are concealed within the underside of the planking to prevent the planking from uplifting or shifting from end to end or back and forth on the horizontal support. The means are in the form of male and female mating endcaps for the planking in cooperation with a hook provided on the horizontal support.

Abstract: An improved rollable floor mat comprising a plurality of substantially U-shaped extruded plastic profiles having straps attached to the underside thereof. The profile has a center portion with a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the bottom portion of the U-shaped profiles. The bottom surface of the bottom portion of the U-shaped profiles are attached to the plastic straps to form the mat into the desired configuration. The plastic profiles, with bristle-like filaments extending from the top thereof, are flexible in two directions about the smaller cross-sectional aread center portion to provide a scraping action in two directions of the bristle-like filaments to the soles of shoes and boots of persons walking on the mat.

Abstract: A supporting rail for objects, particularly, lower ceilings, attachments and the like, comprises an elongated central rail part, and at least one elongated side rail edge extending along the central rail part and located at its one end for suspending shaped panels, boards and the like, the central rail part being provided for supporting curved objects with a plurality of formations spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction and allowing bending said central rail part, the central rail part being also provided with a plurality of through-going openings located between the formations for inserting additional elements.

Abstract: An interlock grate structure is provided which includes longitudinal load bearing span bars having lateral locating slots spaced therealong for receiving transverse tie bars and transverse tie bars having axial locking means which engage the longitudinal span bar at the point of juncture and prevent axial displacement of the tie bar relative to the span bar. A longitudinal interlock member serves to interlock the position of the transverse tie bar locking means with respect to the longitudinal span bar and in some instances provides added structural support.