Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a concrete floor deck having a side portion and an edge member secured to the side portion. The edge member is configured to be positioned in proximity to an adjacent edge member. The adjacent edge member is coupled to an adjacent concrete floor deck. The edge member is further configured to have a junction formed between the edge member and the adjacent edge member to define a channel. The edge member is further configured to have a binder material placed in the channel to form a joint between the concrete floor deck and the adjacent concrete floor deck.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the underlying floor surface.

Abstract: A building frame resistant to earthquakes, gale-force wind loads, fire, insects and rot includes a peripheral frame wall constructed of square or rectangular steel tubing. Side wall frame modules bolted together along adjacent edges, and end wall modules bolted together along adjacent edges and to the ends of the connected side wall modules form the peripheral frame wall. Diagonal bracing is built into selected side and end wall modules as required for the desired degree of wind resistance. Trusses made of various size tube such as 2×3 inch rectangular steel tubing for supporting a roof on the peripheral wall, are assembled and welded in a welding shop and the prefabricated trusses and wall modules are trucked to the building site. Multiple stones may be erected and fastened together, and the building frame is secured to a foundation or slab by attaching to anchor bolts or plates.

Abstract: A method of making a structural component (and such a structural component) comprising mixing together wood pulp, water, bentonite clay, and calcium chloride and forming the mixture into the structural component.

Abstract: This present invention relates generally to deck fasteners for securing deck boards together and to a supporting member, and more particularly with a deck fastener which does not protrude from the deck surface.

Abstract: A spacer and fixing apparatus for deck boards on supporting timber joists or metal tracks has a track member with a fixing portion secured to the top face of the joist or metal track and a web portion pivotally supporting a plurality of spaced fixing members. Each fixing member has a fixing head with a pair of opposed fixing teeth or spikes. One of the fixing teeth or spikes is driven into the side face of a deck board placed on the joist or metal track; and the side face of a second deck board is driven into fixing engagement with the other fixing tooth or spike on the fixing head, the fixing head spacing the deck boards apart. To omit the track member, the body of each fixing member has a fixing tongue driven into a side face of a respective joist.

Abstract: A constructional building material, such as a brick, with at least one base section and a vane extending from the base section. The vane defines, at least in part, a volume of space within an envelope boundary that facilitates fluid flow, such as airflow, through a wall system formed at least in part from one or more constructional building materials. Adjacent vanes, either of the same constructional building material or of different constructional building materials, may operate to provide or define one or more common volumes of space and corresponding fluid flow channels and associated fluid flow paths. A wall system, formed in accordance with the present invention, allows fluid to pass from one side to the other through the wall system while also providing up to complete visual obstruction through the wall depending upon how the wall system is constructed.

Abstract: A runner, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of installing a suspended ceiling, the runner having a base with two laterally opposite flanges for supporting ceiling tiles, a hinged web connected to the base between the flanges so as to be foldable between a flat configuration with the web folded against one of the flanges and an inverted-T configuration with the web normal to the base for suspension and use, the hinged web allowing for economies is shipping when compared to conventional rigid inversed-T shaped runners.

Abstract: A method of installing distribution systems such as needed piping, ductwork, electrical wiring, and other systems in a new construction having a structural ceiling and floor, comprises the steps of: providing a frame module of main and cross frame members; assembling the modules on site directly below the final placement position; installing ductwork, piping, electrical wiring, and other distribution systems in the modules; fabricating and attaching upper wall portions to the modules; lifting modules with attached upper wall portions towards the structural ceiling; attaching support columns to the structural ceiling and floor; and mounting the modules onto the support columns, such that the support columns support the modules.

Abstract: A cafe may include a food purchasing area, a primary dining area, and a primary child play area. The primary child play area may be defined by at least one wall and be surrounded by the primary dining area. The wall(s) may be substantially transparent. Seats may be positioned around the primary child play area to enable parents to view children within the primary child play area. In one embodiment, the wall(s) extend from floor to ceiling. The café may include a classroom in which classes for the children are conducted. Sound absorbent material may be positioned above the primary play area to reduce sound from the primary play area entering the primary dining area.

Abstract: A boardwalk system including a first component having a pre-formed recess and a second component having a pre-formed recess. The system further includes a connector configured to be positioned in the recesses of the first and second components to connect the first and second components such that the connector limits the movement of first component away from the second component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing pre-insulated structural panels is disclosed that has a tongue and groove assembly arrangement. Each panel may include one or more c-channels or profiles embedded in expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam to provide structural integrity to the panels, and resulting wall. The panels may be covered with siding, stucco, or similar materials. A chase may be formed horizontally in the panels to provide a wiring conduit through the panel. The panel may also provide when assembled, a vertical chase formed between the mated panels along the length of the panel for wiring. Acoustical properties may be formed in the surface of the EPS portions to provided added acoustical damping measures.

Abstract: A light steel framing construction technique for light gauge load bearing wall type buildings uses specialized brackets to suspend poured slab floors. Multiple stories of the building can be erected without waiting for individual concrete slab floors to be poured and set at each story. During construction, a building is protected from torsional warping, such as may be occur under wind loads, by a series of lateral and diagonal bracing structures at each level affixed in a plane perpendicular to the load bearing elements. Multiple concrete floor slabs can be poured sequentially or simultaneously, as desired, during the construction process.

Abstract: A decking system comprised of decking panels and clips is provided. Each decking panels comprises a platform and downwardly-extending legs that rest on joists. Clips that clip onto the joists are inserted between adjacent decking panels and define a uniform gap between the panels. The clips further connect to the legs of the decking panels and hold the decking panels in place. Fasteners driven through the clips and into the joists rigidly affix the decking panels to the joists.

Abstract: A system for constructing a structure, such as a wall, by assembling a plurality of interlocking panels together, is provided. Each of the panels includes a core made of an insulating material, preferably, an expanded polystyrene (EPS). Importantly, the panels include stiffeners (studs) on the outer surfaces; each spaced, preferably, about 24 inches on center (OC), to form a rigid exoskeleton. Unlike in conventional wood framing, the studs do not extend from the exterior surface to the interior surface. Instead, the studs are each structured as C-shaped supports wherein each stud is inserted into a grove pair cut into the core. Accordingly, conduction across the studs from the exterior to the interior, and vice versa, does not occur because the studs do not extend through the panels.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure is described for use in supporting a floor at a junction thereof with a structural column. The structure has several generally elongate, preassembled frame structures, each frame structure are disposed in rows parallel to one another. The frame structures incorporate the main top and bottom reinforcement bars for the reinforced floor with integral shear connectors forming part of the frame structures and the shear connectors tying the top and bottom reinforcement together. Transverse internal reinforcing bars are disposed parallel to one another and connected across the top or bottom reinforcing bars of each frame structure to connect the preassembled frame structures into a cagework of spaced-apart, rigidly connected frame structures.

Abstract: Flooring material including sheet-shaped floor elements with a mainly square or rectangular shape. The floor elements are provided with edges, a lower side and an upper decorative layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined by means of joining members. The floor elements are provided with male joining members on a first edge while a second edge of the floor elements are provided with a female joining member. The male joining member is provided with a tongue and a lower side groove while the female joining member is provided with a groove and a cheek, the cheek being provided with a lip. The floor elements are provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge is provided with female vertical assembly joining member.

Abstract: An interior partition system for a structural frame building is disclosed. The structural frame building has a ceiling line that defines a ceiling height of occupiable space within the structural frame building. The interior partition system includes a first, or upper, modular partition assembly and a second, or lower, modular partition assembly. A receptor structure is configured to connect the first modular partition assembly to the second modular partition assembly. The first modular partition assembly has a vertical dimension that exceeds the ceiling height.

Abstract: A building system comprising: a building panel comprising first and second outer sheet members, an inner sheet member disposed between the first and second outer sheet members, and solid insulating material disposed between the first and second outer sheet members and the inner sheet member; a first track member, the first track member and the building panel being arranged such that the panel is engagable along a first side with the first track member and the first track member is connectable to the first and second outer sheet members; a second track member, the second track member and the building panel being arranged such that the panel is engagable along a second side with the second track member and the second track member is connectable to the first and second outer sheet members and the inner sheet member.

Abstract: A manufactured assembly and method used to form poured concrete foundations and walls. The foundation and wall form's lattice grid exterior face holds adequate flow though concrete, with the assistance of the exterior grid fingers, for smoothing and decorative treatments and troweling is aided by lattice grid exterior screed guide points. The lattice grid panels, the lattice grid forming panel flow through concrete and the form cavity poured concrete become a substantially monolithic structure when the concrete is set and hardens dry. Rigid foam insulation is added to the center of a lattice grid paneled poured concrete wall form.

Abstract: Precise parameters are maintained in a support structure for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding structure which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Easy installation with unskilled labor is facilitated by attaching one support joist to a substrate and then unfolding the entire support structure.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods systems and apparatuses for modular platforms. In one embodiment at least two congruous modules are provided wherein each of the modules have at least one plank. Further, there is a plurality of routed grooves having routed holes for receiving one or more fasteners to adjoin the modular platforms. Notably, the individual modules may be prefabricated templates available for in-stock selection or custom-ordered. The length and shape of the interconnected modules amount to innumerable permutations. To facilitate horizontal stability, fasteners adjoining adjacent modules are used, but added vertical stability may be achieved through routed pockets and complimentary grooves. For further stability, something desirable possibly for unleveled ground or assured smooth pathways, supporting substrate(s) beneath the modular platforms and additional attachment means may be utilized at every possible junction.

Abstract: A structural insulated roof panel with a rigid foam core is disclosed. A particular embodiment includes a rigid foam core having first and second faces, a plurality of support channels being formed on the first and second faces of the rigid foam core, each of the support channels being formed in the rigid foam core with at least one bend; and a plurality of supports being insertable into the plurality of support channels such that at least one face of each of the plurality of supports is external to the first and second faces of the rigid foam core and substantially flush with a face of the rigid foam core, each of the plurality of supports being fabricated using at least four bends to produce a support that fits within one of the plurality of support channels.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flooring product with integrated circuitry, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of pieces (6), stacking said pieces on top of each other, displaced in relation to each other to form an offset stack (10), and compressing said offset stack to form said flooring product. The method further comprises arranging flexible circuitry (7) on an upper surface of at least one piece, so that, when said pieces are stacked, a first portion (7a) of flexible circuitry on the at least one piece is exposed, said first portion (7a) including circuitry for interacting with the environment. By arranging the circuitry in the flooring during such a manufacturing process, a flooring product is achieved where only a portion of the circuitry is exposed, and another portion is embedded in the flooring.

Abstract: A system and method to attach and retain panel tiles and a top cap to a support frame of a modular wall panel system. The top cap attached to the support frame includes an elongated body having a one or more attachment clips removably attached to the elongated body at desired locations along the length of the elongated body. The attachment clips and elongated body are formed separately and assembled prior to attachment to the modular panel. The elongated body includes a pair of receiving cavities that receive spring arms formed on each of the attachment clips. The attachment clips are rotated into position such that the spring arms engage the elongated body and hold the attachment clips in position. Each panel includes a stiffener bracket having engagement tabs. The engagement tabs are received within notches formed in the vertical posts to secure the tiles to the support frame.

Abstract: A substantially flat roof has elongated log-shaped members arranged horizontally in adjacent, side-by-side relation. Each log-shaped member has a contoured upper surface, and the contoured upper surfaces of adjacent members define a space between them that tapers from a maximum width at the highest elevation of the contoured surfaces to a minimum width where the contoured surfaces of adjacent log-shaped members are closest together. Elongated inserts are arranged between the contoured upper surfaces. Each insert has a wide portion that abuts an adjacent pair of the contoured upper surfaces at a relatively high elevation, and tapers to a narrow portion that abuts the contoured surfaces at a relatively low elevation substantially at the ends of the adjacent pair of log-shaped members. Rain falling on the roof drains by gravity from the contoured upper surfaces to the inserts and along the inserts towards their narrow portions and falls from the roof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure.

Abstract: A concrete deck insert has an upper portion and a lower portion that are connected by a threaded coupling. The upper and lower portion are drawn together to clamp onto a portion of a perimeter of a hole.

Abstract: Building accessible for persons, in particular a garage, comprising a load bearing structure, wherein at least a part of a facade of said building is formed by a textile, wherein at least 30% of the total surface area of the facade is open to air. Preferably the textile has a coarseness such that at least 30% of the total surface of said textile is open to air.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a building floor structure comprising two or more spaced-apart beams, each beam comprising an upwardly facing support surface on at least one side of the beam; and one or more frameworks positioned between and adjacent two of the two or more spaced-apart beams, each of the one or more frameworks having two side regions, each side region comprising a downwardly facing bearing surface adapted to be received on the upwardly facing support surface of the respective beam. This disclosure also relates to a process for constructing the building floor structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suspended ceiling system, a securing member, and process of installing a patterned suspended ceiling system. The suspended ceiling system includes a grid system having first members and second members, and at least one substrate which extends below the grid system. The at least one substrate has an exposed surface and a concealed surface, and the at least one substrate has first sides and second sides which extend between the exposed surface and the concealed surface. Securing members attach to the concealed surface proximate the first sides, and the securing members have grid engagement members which secure the at least one substrate to the grid system. The securing members cooperate with the first members and the second members of the grid system to properly position the substrate and the spacing between adjacent at least one substrates is controlled.

Abstract: Removable stand and method for constructing a removable stand. The method comprises constructing a support structure of posts and trusses that are positionable between the posts, and positioning a floor element on the support structure. Herein the floor element comprises a plurality of floor levels positioned behind each other and positioned at a distance in height and/or is the floor element, before it is positioned on the support structure, provided with at least one seat and/or bench and/or is floor element provided with connection means for connecting at least one seat and/or bench thereto.

Abstract: A net layer (32) defines the shell (40) of a building, carried by any necessary supports. A hardening layer (34) is applied to fix the shape of the net layer (32) and to establish wall, roof, and floor. Optionally the shell is of sufficient strength to receive application of further layers in order to define an exoskeleton. Structures of roof sections include parallel-sided segments and converging-sided segments, with troughed or domed section shapes. Structures of walls include opposed shell sides (35), (78) and central filler layers (70), together defining an exoskeleton. Posts (72) can add additional structural capacities for supporting walls, roof and floor and can be formed integrally of net (32) and hardener (34).

Abstract: A method of making an endwall overhang for a structure is provided. The method may include providing a roof piece, a first trim piece, and a lengthwise member. The method may also include forming an overhang assembly by coupling the roof piece with a first surface of the lengthwise member and coupling the first trim piece with a second surface of the lengthwise member. The method may further include providing a structure and coupling a support member with the outside surface of an endwall of the structure, with the support member protruding from the endwall. The method may thereafter include coupling the overhang assembly to the structure by coupling the roof piece of the overhang assembly with a top support surface of the support member.

Abstract: A wall structure and a method for constructing the wall of a building provide protection for inhabitants of the building against ballistic projectiles impacting the wall. The wall structure includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel is a composite structure that includes a metal sheet having a first face attached to a wallboard panel. Preferably, a sheet of self-healing material is attached to a second face of the metal sheet. A cavity formed between the outer and inner panels is filled with sand or another granular material. A flexible sheet suspended in the cavity provides additional protection. Preferably, a sheet of woven para-aramid fiber such as Kevlar® brand fiber is loosely attached to the flexible sheet to provide further protection.

Abstract: A system and a method for a reinforced concrete slab are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of column strips of a predefined thickness positioned on a plurality of columns, a plurality of transitional strips positioned adjacent to the plurality of column strips, whereby a thickness of the plurality of transitional strips comparatively less than the predefined thickness of the plurality of column strips, a central panel bound by the plurality of transitional strips, whereby the thickness of the central panel comparatively less than the thickness of the plurality of transitional strips and a plurality of column steps positioned in between the plurality of columns and the plurality of column strips.

Abstract: A floor tile is disclosed which comprises visually contrasting background and inlay portions that are not permanently or semi-permanently adhered to the flooring material during installation. The floor tile comprises a background piece comprising a shaped cavity and an identically shaped inlay which fits inside the shaped cavity. The two pieces are selectively removable from a flooring surface. Alternatively, either the background piece or the inlay piece may be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the flooring surface, or to a support surface. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a decorative floor tile where two identically shaped inlay pieces are cut from two different pieces of tile material. The inlays are removed from the materials, forming cavities. The inlay from the first material is placed within the inlay cavity of the second material, and vice versa. The two pieces are selectively removable from a flooring surface.

Abstract: We form a weather-resistive barrier on a building by applying a flexible and compressible latex foam comprising one or more polymer having a glass transition temperature of less than 25° C. on the gaps between adjacent sheets of construction sheathing and coating the sheets and the foam with an aqueous coating composition. The aqueous coating composition is flexible and can comprise the same one or more polymer as the polymer in the foam.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed are apparatus and methods for forming firestopped through-penetrations in poured concrete partitions. The apparatus and methods use an intumescent firestop ring that can be used in combination with a removable sleeve. The firestop ring is detachably mounted on the outer surface of the sleeve form, near one end of the sleeve. The sleeve is positioned and concrete poured around it. After solidification of the concrete the sleeve can be removed to provide a through-penetration containing the firestop ring, secured to the solidified concrete. The firestop ring may optionally comprise one or more retainers and/or one or more insulating spacers.

Abstract: A modular concrete building is made of a plurality of precast concrete panels which may be assembled to provide a building. The panel sections include lower frame panels or support members, wall panels, floor panels, and roof panels. The building may be assembled by securing the floor panels to the support members, securing the wall panels to the floor panels, and securing the roof panels to the wall panels and to adjacent roof panels. The roof panels are made of precast concrete and include stiffening ribs.

Abstract: We form a weather-resistive barrier on a building by applying a compressible latex foam on the joints between adjacent sheets of construction sheathing, with the sheets having been coated with an aqueous coating composition.

Abstract: A retractable enclosure includes moveable bays that telescopically retract inside each other. Each bay is made from two or more vertical framing sections and a plurality of first framing members. Each vertical framing section can be made from a plurality of second framing members. Assembly rods are provided to couple the vertical framing sections and are tensioned to load the first framing members in longitudinal compression. The framing members are fastenable to each other. The second framing members can be held together using splice plates. The retractable enclosure may also include a drive system. A related method of constructing a retractable enclosure is also provided.

Abstract: A process for forming a reinforced sandwich structure which includes, stacked in height direction thereof, at least one top layer and at least one bottom layer including a fibrous reinforcing material, which top and bottom layer sandwich between them at least one core of a foamed material, the sandwich structure being impregnated with a resin material. The top and bottom layers of fibrous reinforcing material are forwarded along opposite top and bottom faces of the core material to form a multi-layer laminate. A plurality of inserts are inserted in longitudinal and/or transversal direction of the core material interconnecting the top and bottom layer and the core by applying reinforcing fibres at least part of which extend in height direction of the laminate, and the structure is impregnated with a plastic material.

Abstract: A net layer (32) defines the shell (40) of a building, carried by any necessary supports. A hardening layer (34) is applied to fix the shape of the net layer (32) and to establish wall, roof, and floor. Optionally the shell is of sufficient strength to receive application of further layers in order to define an exoskeleton. Structures of roof sections include parallel-sided segments and converging-sided segments, with troughed or domed section shapes. Structures of walls include opposed shell sides (35), (78) and central filler layers (70), together defining an exoskeleton. Posts (72) can add additional structural capacities for supporting walls, roof and floor and can be formed integrally of net (32) and hardener (34).

Abstract: A plug finishing system involves forming a counterbore in a cover board above the head of a fastener as it is driven by a specially constructed driver. A plug, which is dimensioned for the counterbore and has a reduced portion, is inserted into the counterbore and positioned so that its exterior surface is co-planar with the exterior surface of the cover board.

Abstract: A modular building system uses a perimeter bond beam and prefabricated wall panels to form an exterior curtain wall. The wall panels are captured within, and may move vertically inside a channel formed in the bond beam. The wall panels are quickly erected by inserting an upper edge of each panel into the channel and swinging the panel onto the foundation where it is claimed in place on the foundation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the art of installing hardwood flooring while maintaining the wood grain in the direction of any bends required to conform to a curved structure. More particularly, the invention pertains to a machine and method for installing curved hardwood flooring using three steps. First step is to establish the desired floor boundary and anchor a plurality of pressure units in place at appropriate intervals to accurately represent the desired shape of the curved hardwood floor to be installed. Second step is to make appropriate adjustments to the pressure units and position the hardwood flooring in the machine; Third step is to activate the pressure units to bend the flooring into the desired contour; hold securely; make adjustments, if necessary and nail the hardwood flooring to the sub-floor. Then repeat steps 2 and 3 until the hardwood floor is completed.

Abstract: A concealed fastener is formed in situ during attachment of a first grooved sheathing member to an underlying support member. The concealed fastener rigidly attaches the first sheathing member, and permits subsequent installation of an adjoining sheathing member while providing for proper spacing between adjacent sheathing members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for lining an in particular flat surface with a flexible covering material, particularly textile material, in which the surface is lined with one or more flexible covering material pieces and in which the material piece or pieces are stretched. The method is inventively characterized in that for stretching a material piece at least one stretching rail with a holding side and an assembly side is used, that the stretching rail is brought into pivotable engagement on the holding side with a holding rail provided on the flat side, that a first side of the material piece is brought into tensile loadable engagement with the assembly side of the stretching rail, that second side of the material piece is directly or indirectly connected to the flat surface and that the stretching rail is pivoted for stretching the flexible covering material and fixed in a stretching position. The invention also relates to a lining for an in particular flat surface.

Abstract: A floor-leveling system is provided and includes such features as a corner pedestal, a cross-joint pedestal, a side-joint pedestal, an interior pedestal, an exterior frame support, an interior frame support, and drop-in pins that may be used and assembled together to construct a sufficient foundation to collectively support a temporary structure that is placed thereon. These various components may be quickly coupled together in assorted configurations to form the foundation that is sufficiently strong and rigid to suitably support the weight of the structure. Many of the components of the foundation can be adjusted to conform to uneven elevations of the ground surface upon which the foundation is to be placed. The ability of the foundation to be quickly assembled and adapted to uneven elevation significantly reduces the man-power and time required to assemble the foundation and erect the structure thereon.