Abstract: A modification to the box packaging typically used to store and transport flex trim material rolls or tape that allows the installer to hold and control the package while dispensing the flex trim material or tape directly from the box and placing it directly onto the corner being finished. This is achieved by a combination of perforations and creases which, when pushed in, form a handle on at least one side of the box for grasping the package and a separate hole on the edge of the box through which the flex trim is pulled out of the box and hence dispensed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments utilize carpet tiles of varying sizes and/or shapes that are connected together using connectors to form a carpet tile installation. In some instances, the carpet tiles used in the carpet tile installation have different colors, patterns, shapes, and/or styles. In some embodiments, carpet tiles of a standard size and shape, such as one-half square meter carpet tiles, are partitioned into carpet tile fractions. In certain embodiments, these carpet tile fractions are used in conjunction with larger carpet tiles in a carpet tile installation. In other embodiments, these carpet tile fractions may be connected to other carpet tile fractions to form a combination carpet tile that is then used in a carpet tile installation. Among other things, the use of different sized and/or shaped carpet tiles increases the randomness or diversity and/or improves other aspects of the appearance of the floor coverings formed by the carpet tile installations.

Abstract: A method of welding a deck plate and a closed section rib both constituting a steel plate deck, comprising: working a root portion of the closed section rib to have a flat surface in parallel with a surface of the deck plate; and welding the deck plate and the closed section rib while making the flat surface of the closed section rib to be in contact with the surface of the deck plate.

Abstract: Laminated structures for use in building construction are fabricated by a manufacturing process such that the laminating steps to not require elevated drying temperatures or an extended dwell time at any point. The process employs stock materials that simultaneously reduce cost and improve performance. This is accomplished using a specially formulated viscoelastic glue and ambient temperature drying apparatus. As a result, the production capacity of the manufacturing facility, cost of goods, and delivered performance are greatly improved over existing methods.

Abstract: The invention forms a composite building by using beams made from plastic foam coated with fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: Glue based hardwood floor boards are provided by this invention. The floor board includes a protruding tongue on one end and a receding groove on the other end. A string of glue capsules is placed inside the receding groove. When the protruding tongue of an adjacent floor board is forced inside the receding groove of the first floor board, the glue capsules are broken and the glue leaks into the receding groove, thus bonding two floor boards.

Abstract: A multi-layer covering includes a flexible fabric layer. The fabric layer may be a fluffy blanket or a mesh. The multi-layer covering further includes a metallic reflective foil (or paper) support layer, and a layer of adhesive protected by a peel-off backing layer for ease of applying the covering to a surface. When covering a wall, the covering is stuck to the wall and one or more protective coatings of paint render such as acrylic are applied to the blanket with a brush or roller or spray. The blanket provides an even surface when coated with render paint and avoids the need for extensive preparation of the wall. The covering may also be applied to floors, ceilings and roofs and covered with differing coatings, including acrylic render, plaster, paint, glue, and other surface treatments. The covering may be used to cover cracks and undulations in buildings and other structures.

Abstract: A weatherproofing backer for installing windows and doors is described as having a foam layer and an adhesive layer. The adhesive is pressure-activated and is self-sealing about attaching hardware. The foam is self-setting and, in use, molds to the flange of the window unit. When installed, the foam layer is compressed between the inner window frame and rough opening and between the window flange and the wall surface adjacent the rough opening. The weatherproofing backer is designed to extend beyond the flange of the window unit and thereby receive the weatherproofing membrane thereover. The weatherproofing backer, then acts as a sealed bridge between the membrane and the window unit precluding entry of air and water. Both the foam and the adhesive have fire retardants in the formulation thereof. A tape form with a self-skinned foam layer and a sheet form, with polymeric covering web are provided.

Abstract: An assembly for reinforcing a structure is provided. The assembly generally includes a rigid sheet and a bracket. The rigid sheet is adapted to be adhered to the structure. The bracket includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is adapted to penetratingly engage the structure. The second leg adheres to the rigid sheet. The first and second legs extend substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Structural members, building structures, and methods for making them, are provided that are less prone to develop squeaks. The methods include, in one aspect, placing at least one panel on the flange surfaces of joists with an activatable adhesive provided between the panel and the flange surfaces to bond the flange surfaces to the panels in an effective long lasting manner. In another aspect, adhesive is introduced into a groove array in a joist flange surface to attach a panel pre-positioned on the grooved flange surface. Building frame structures, such as subflooring assemblies, made by the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A construction module having a multi-layered top panel, a multi-layered intermediate panel and a multi-layered bottom panel which are bonded together and desired cavities are provided through one or more of the top panel, intermediate panel and bottom panel.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method that enables a single installer to attach panels, such as drywall sheets, to overhead surfaces without the help of a second person to support the sheet against a ceiling while the installer performs the fastening. Two components are included, a fixed shelf and a movable shelf. Each component is elongated to support approximately half of the edge of the panels, so that the installer need not manipulate multiple brackets before securing the panels to the ceiling.

Abstract: A cool roof covering for forming the outermost layer of a bituminous roof coating is provided, this cool roof covering comprising multiple heat-reflecting cap-sheets arranged in an adjacent, overlapping edge fashion and a heat-reflecting cap-sheet adhesive applied to overlapping portions of the cap-sheets for securing these cap-sheets to one another. The heat-reflecting cap-sheets exhibit a solar reflectance of at least 60% and a thermal emittance of at least 65. The heat-reflecting cap-sheet adhesive comprises a storage-stable, VOC-compliant mixture containing at least 10 wt. % of one or more weather-resistant organic resins dissolved in an organic solvent, the adhesive having a viscosity of 15,000 cps or less at 77° F. (25° C.) and exhibiting a lap shear strength of at least about 17 lbf/in when applied to a substrate and dried.

Abstract: A solid type pressure-sensitive adhesive composition capable of being applied without the necessity of using an organic solvent or water and a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, which are excellent in both adhesive force and holding power and, in particular, undergo no decrease in low-temperature adhesive force even when the adhesive layer thickness is small. The crosslinked solid type pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising (a) a rubbery polymer, (b) a tackifier, and (c) a crosslinking agent comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of thiuram vulcanizing agents, quinoid vulcanizing agents, quinone dioxime vulcanizing agents, and maleimide vulcanizing agents.

Abstract: In a method for fitting a floor covering (6) to a floor (1), slits (4) are made in the old floor covering (2), adhesive (5) is introduced into the slits (4), the new floor covering (6) is applied and the new floor covering (6) is bonded to the floor (1).

Abstract: A breakable veneer for simulating the appearance of stone, tile, concrete, etc., is disclosed. The veneer may be made by producing a mold of a desired texture, filling the mold with a mixture including portland-type cement, resin, and colorant. The veneer may be made to have an average thickness between about 1/16 and ¼ inches in a sheet form, and may have a peel coat applied to the finished surface. When produced, the veneer is flexible, being able to conform to various surfaces and applied to various surfaces using any of various adhesives, and able to be transported is a finished form to an installation site. The veneer may be scored and then broken or fractured along the scoring lines to create simulated broken stone, ceramic tiles, cut stone, etc.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation product having at least one facing material adhered thereto is provided. The facing includes a pre-applied waterless, thin-film adhesive that is thermoplastic and heat activated. Accordingly, the facing may be repaired or repositioned in the field with the use of a hot applicator. In at least one embodiment, the fibrous insulation product is a duct board formed of an insulation layer with a vapor barrier adhered to a first major surface and a fibrous web adhered to a second major surface. The vapor barrier is preferably wider than the insulation layer to form a sealing flange. The waterless, thin-film adhesive may be placed on a sealing flange and heat sealed without the use of hand applied foil tape. The waterless, thin-film adhesive reduces odor potential and improves fiberglass recovery. In addition, the waterless, thin-film adhesive requires less energy to cure than a water-based adhesive, thereby reducing cost.

Abstract: A tool for applying an elongate adhesive attachment article to a window assembly including a window film and window frame includes a body having a contact surface for guiding the tool along the substrate, a positioner arranged to align the adhesive article on the window assembly, and a force applier configured to apply a force to the attachment article in the direction of the window assembly. A method of securing a window film to a window frame using such a tool is also provided.

Abstract: A method to safely mount a building board on a bedding, so that the front surface of the boarding does not get penetrated during the time glue applied between the board and the bedding is curing or getting stiff. The method is characterized in that friction increasing elements are applied at the bedding in connection to its lower part, that glue is applied to the bedding, preferably in the shape of a string, that the board is fit up against the bedding and adjusted, and then a force is applied on the lower part of the boarding at the position of rearward arranged friction increasing elements such that these element are activated and penetrate the rear surface of the board and assist in holding the whole weight of the board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for post-installation in-situ barrier creation by application of a multi-layered device. A multi-layered device provides a medium for of remedial substances such as waterproofing resins or cements, insecticides, mold preventatives, rust retardants and the like. The multi-layer device preferably consists of three conjoined layers: first layer, intermediate layer, and second layer, and at least one piping. The first layer is preferably semi-permeable; the second layer is a non-permeable layer; the intermediate layer is a void-inducing layer. The second layer, intermediate layer, and first layer are fixedly attached, with the intermediate layer interposed between the second layer and the first layer. The multi-layered device is fixedly attached to shoring system exterior surface. At least one piping is engagedly attached to a panel of the multi-layered device. A structural construction material is constructed exterior the multi-layer device.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for covering and protecting substantially tall poles. The apparatus includes a covering layer positionable over at least a portion of the exterior of a pole. The covering layer is non-corrosive and preferably impact and tear resistant. In one aspect of the invention, the covering layer is a sheet of material dimensioned to wrap around a corresponding part of the pole. A bracket can be used to secure the opposite adjacent edges of the wrap. Hardware can be used to secure the wrap from longitudinal movement along the pole. The wrap can be colored, textured, or patterned.

Abstract: An expansion joint and seal is provided that is adapted for adherence to a wall and floor interface. The joint is operative to seal the interface such that self-leveling materials cannot flow between the wall and the floor. When adhered to the interface, a compressive member may be disposed coincidental to the wall. This compressive member allows for expansion of solidified self-leveling materials relative to the wall. In one arrangement, the joint and seal utilizes a flexible sheet member having a bottom surface that is adapted for adherence to the interface of a wall and floor. A compressible member is attached to the top surface of the flexible sheet member. The bottom surface of the flexible sheet member may also include a peel-away release member that covers an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a roofing tape for assisting in the installation of a plurality of selected roofing material to a roof section, the selected roofing material having a width, an offset requirement, and a gap requirement; the roofing tape including a front surface; a back surface; a first edge; a second edge; a first indicia disposed on the front surface of the roofing tape, located at a pre-determined distance from the first edge designating the starting position; a second indicia indicating placement of the first course, which is disposed at a location apart from the first indicia, the location being equal to the width of the roofing material plus any required gap space; and a third indicia indicating placement of the second course, which is disposed at a location apart from the first indicia, the location being equal to the width of the roofing material plus any required gap space minus half the width of the roofing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layer fluid delivery device for post-installation in-situ barrier creation. The device provides a medium for post-installation injection of remedial substances such as waterproofing polymeric resins or cementitious materials, insecticides, mold preventatives, rust retardants and the like. The device comprises a first layer and a second layer, with optionally an intermediate layer therebetween, and a plurality of tubes extending outwardly from the first layer. The first layer is preferably semi-permeable; the second layer is non-permeable; the optional intermediate layer is a void-inducing layer. The multi-layered device is attached to a structural substrate and a construction material such as concrete or shotcrete is applied against its surface (and around the plurality of tubes). Thereafter, a free flowing active substance can be injected through the tubes to fill the air space in the multi-layered device.

Abstract: An insulated panel (1) comprises a first panel portion (2) and a second panel portion (3) which are identical. Each panel portion (2, 3) comprises an outer profiled sheet (5) and an inner backing tray with a foam core (7) therebetween. The panel portions (2, 3) each have external sheet overlap parts (10, 11) and backing sheet overlap parts (23, 24). The corresponding overlap parts (10, 11, 23, 24) of adjacent panel portions (2, 3) are bonded together at the overlap. The bonding may be by an adhesive (15).

Abstract: An exemplary moisture barrier membrane 10 comprises a waterproof adhesive layer, (14) a carrier support, (12) and a release liner (16) composite having a paper sheet, (20) cutting strings, (22) a polyolefin (24) coating or film for holding the strings against the paper and apart from the waterproof adhesive layer, and a release agent (26) such as silicone or wax over the polyolefin coating or film. This construction allows for relatively thin paper and strings to be used, such that tear resistance is conferred upon the release liner composite as a whole.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and methods for preparing a surface to receive a covering. A non-woven fabric is adhered to the surface using an adhesive, and a cementitious bondant is applied to the fabric, either before or after adhering it to the surface. The covering can thereafter be bound to the bondant. In this way, the covering is adhered to the surface by way of an underlayment that can improve the adhesion of the covering to the surface, simplify installation, prevent propagation of cracks from the surface to the covering, and prevent surface topography from affecting the smoothness of the covering.

Abstract: An enclosure panel isolation system which provides an enclosure configured from a plurality of enclosure panels each capable of receiving a removably securable isolation panel.

Abstract: A floor tile for a raised floor. The floor tile is defined by a shallow upwardly-opening metal pan defining a shallow compartment in which a main preformed one-piece concrete block is secured. The main concrete block is preferably formed from a plurality of one-piece preformed concrete sub-blocks which are adhesively adhered in sideward abutting relationship to define a plan profile corresponding to the main concrete block. The main concrete block is then adhesively secured within the compartment of the metal pan.

Abstract: An impact-resistant window assembly includes a window frame, glazing having opposed major surfaces arranged within the window frame, window film arranged on at least one of the glazing opposed major surfaces, and sealant arranged to secure the window film to the window frame. Methods of making an impact-resistant window assembly and anchoring an applied window film to a window frame are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system that utilizes a lath for receiving cementitious material. Lath is affixed to support structure such as sheathing supported by studs as may commonly be found in building construction. Strip members are affixed to the lath and function as fastener guides. Fasteners penetrate the strips for affixing lath and strips to the support structure. The strips are made of a compressible material that protects the lath from damage due to impacts associated with installing the fasteners and forms a gasket-like seal around the fasteners. Strips may be used as drainage guides for directing water that may flow behind the lath. The width of the strips creates spacing between the lath and the support structure, which allows for controlling of a thickness of a base layer of cementitious material by selecting a desired width. In another embodiment, entangled filaments are used as lath material for receiving cementitious material.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed to an elevated batten system that includes a horizontal batten strip to which cylindrical-shaped pads are coupled. The pads elevate the horizontal batten strip above the roof deck surface, preventing water and debris from gathering on the roof deck surface and eliminating the need to install the vertical and horizontal battens in separate steps. Other various embodiments of the invention are directed to an elevated batten system that includes a horizontal batten strip to which pads are coupled that define a depressed portion. The depressed portion receives a fastener for coupling each pad to the horizontal batten strip, and in some embodiments, prevents irregularities in the height of the horizontal batten strip relative to the roof deck surface when installed on the roof deck surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing vapor barrier film to subfloor material and to floor joists is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a first portion having an adhesive receiving surface adapted to adhesively receive said film; and a second adhesive portion secured to said first portion and adapted for adhesion to said subfloor material and to said floor joists. A method for securing vapor barrier film to subfloor material and to floor joists is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing apparatus including: a first portion having an adhesive receiving surface adapted to adhesively receive said film; a second adhesive portion adapted for adhesion to said subfloor material and to said floor joists; adhesively securing the second portion to the subfloor material and the floor joists; and securing said vapor barrier film to said first portion.

Abstract: A self-adhered roof system includes a plurality of waterproof self-adhering base sheets that are self-adhered by watertight bonds to underlying and overlying layers of the roof system and, preferably, waterproof fire-retardant cap sheets that are adhered to an underlying layer formed of the self-adhering base sheets. Base sheet assemblies that each include a base sheet with release sheets overlying its bottom and top major surfaces and, preferably, fire-retardant cap sheet assemblies that each include a fire-retardant cap sheet with release sheets overlying its bottom major surface and a selvage edge portion of its top major surface are utilized to form the self-adhered roof system. The self-adhering base sheets may be used with cap sheets other than fire-retardant cap sheets and with other roof components.

Abstract: In a system and a method for erecting a structure, the walls of the structure are securely interconnected with a foundation, such as, a concrete slab or footing. The system includes a laminated shear panel formed by bonding a thin shear layer (e.g., a layer of sheet steel or other suitable high-strength material) to a surface of a non-structural layer. The thin shear layer has one dimension longer than the non-structural sheet so that a tab of the shear layer extends from one edge of the non-structural sheet. The shear panel is mounted on the exterior walls of a structure with the panel secured to the vertical studs of the wall and with the extended tab secured to the foundation. The shear panel binds the walls of the structure to the foundation to inhibit the walls from lifting or shifting during high wind conditions.

Abstract: A demountable and remountable wall assembly for partitioning room space between an overhead and a floor, the major elements of which are reusable. The assembly provides one or two walls, at lease one of which has an outer fastener-free surface. Additionally, the fastener-free surface may be made substantially smooth and seamless. The walls are arranged in planar congruence, separated by internal spacers or studs, and vertically positioned between the overhead and floor of the room space to be partitioned. Removable tracks or spacers at the top and bottom of the wall assembly serves to interface the wall assembly with the floor and ceiling of the space. The walls are constructed of either finished or unfinished wall panels (e.g., fabric covered or sheet rock panels) which are incorporated into the assembly using a combination of removable fasteners and releasable adhesives. The finished or exposed area of a wall surface includes no fasteners.

Abstract: A system for attaching architectural panels to the outer surface of a residential or commercial building includes a vertically disposed stiffener attached to a panel and also to the outer surface of the building. The stiffener interlocks with a base clip which is attached to an adjacent upper panel. A vertically disposed bracket and a clip are each attached to opposite edges of the panel. The vertically disposed bracket and the clip engage a second clip and a second bracket, respectively, in an adjacent panel in order to attach the panel to the outer surface of the building.

Abstract: A curb, brick, decorative block, landscaping tie or the like, installed between a border area and a paving area can be protected from damage and soiling caused by paving operations by the installation of a flexible protective film, such as a web of polymer film, surrounding the exposed surfaces of the curb border. The flexible protective film extends next to and preferably away from the curb border onto a foundational underlayment surface and beneath the paving surface, thereby effectively securing and sealing a portion of the flexible film with the pavement. After paving is completed, the used and soiled flexible protective film is loosened from the curb border after the paving operation and is fully removed by cutting, tearing or lifting it away from the curb-paving interface thereby leaving a clean and attractive curb-paving border.

Abstract: The invention relates to a facing system (10) for building constructions (11) having two-dimensionally and/or spherically shaped regions (12) to be faced, including at least one load-bearing element (13), which can be secured to the building construction (11), and at least one two-dimensionally embodied cover element (14) that can be fastened in the manner of a spread-out wing to the load-bearing element (13). It is proposed that the load-bearing element (13) is formed by two legs (15, 16) embodied in the manner of struts, the first leg (15), oriented essentially orthogonally to the flat region (12), being capable of being fastened to that region, while conversely the second leg (16), located essentially in an orthogonal angular range to the first leg (15), serves to fasten one cover element (14) each to the first leg.

Abstract: A construction configuration for a building includes a fixture adhered to a framing structure with an adhesive system. The adhesive system has an outer pressure sensitive adhesive material, an inner pressure sensitive adhesive material, a bonding adhesive material, and at least one spacer material. The spacer material has at least one opening for containing a desired quantity of the bonding adhesive material.

Abstract: A two-dimensional foil having slits that allow the foil to convert into a three-dimensional lathe by stretching out the lathe so that the slits form pockets or openings. The lathe is made of a foil that can have a plurality of individual slits formed in parallel spaced rows extending transversely from one end to the opposing end. The foil is expandable by extending the opposing ends of the foil in a lengthwise or widthwise direction, whereby the slits form an array of openings. The length, width, spacing, number of the cuts and the extent of staggering between the rows can be varied. The two-dimensional foil can be easily stored in the non-expandable position in a roll form, allowing inexpensive and easier handling and transportation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing floor covering strips or slabs (1) comprising support panels (2) which are covered with a decorative layer (3) by means of surfacing. The invention is characterised in that it comprises the following steps consisting in: applying glue to ail or part of at least one face (5) of a support panel (2), applying a decorative sheet (7) to the glued face (5) of the support panel (2), in particular by means of calendering; and cutting the panel (2) into floor covering strips and/or slabs (1). The invention also relates to a facility that is used to implement said method and to a floor covering strip thus produced.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and kit adapted for installation over windows or the like. Included is a window film frame assembly that comprises a frame having a plurality of frame segments and a plurality of connector members. Pressure-sensitive adhesive strips are attached to one side of the frame and serve to attach a generally flexible film sheet structure thereto. The film sheet structure is provided so as to conform to the shape of the frame across the frame opening. The film sheet structure does not have an exterior surface coated with an adhesive material.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and kits for installing window film sheet structures over transparent panels or the like are provided. The methods, apparatus and kits include frame assemblies in combination with the window films that are easily installed in a do-it-yourself environment so as to avoid damage to the window films.

Abstract: The present invention is a scratch board for laying on a sub-floor to form a foundation for floor tiles. The scratch board consists of a rectangular flat board made of cement and has opposite first and second surfaces. The board has a metal screen extending throughout the board parallel between the first and second surfaces and a mesh screen extending throughout the board and imbedded in the first surface. The scratch board is used to construct a tile floor by first covering the sub-floor with a plurality of the boards and securing them to the sub-floor with a staples. A tile adhesive is then spread overtop of the boards and the tiles are then laid onto the adhesive. The boards themselves are manufactured by first placing the mesh screen and then the metal screen into a rectangular form. Wet cement is then poured into the rectangular form and then leveled to form one of the surfaces. The cement is left to cure before removing the finished board from the form.

Abstract: A membrane for application to a surface of a structure to provide waterproofing protection to the structure, the membrane including a surface layer of thermoplastic or elastomeric material, a layer of cushion material sealed to the layer of thermoplastic or elastomeric material, a pressure sensitive adhesive bound to a side of the cushion material remote from the thermoplastic or elastomeric material, and a release liner removably mounted on the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: Methods of blocking stains on a substrate to be painted are disclosed, as are stain-blocking composites that are useful according to the disclosed methods. In a broad aspect, the methods include the steps of contacting a stained portion of the substrate with a dry film layer; applying pressure to the dry film layer to cause the dry film layer to adhere to the stained portion of the substrate and to at least a portion of the substrate adjacent the stained portion of the substrate; and subsequently coating the dry film layer and the adjacent substrate with one or more additional liquid coating layers.

Abstract: A process for installation of surface elements (1), the surface elements (1) comprising a core, a decorative upper surface (3) and edges (2) provided with joining means for mechanically locking the surface elements (1) together. Predetermined portions of the edges (2) are provided with a glue which is present on the edges (2) of the surface elements (1) in a passive dry form and which may be activated by applying a liquid. The surface elements (1) are joined to each other by use of the joining means wherein a unit of a plurality of surface elements (1) is formed.

Abstract: A roofing component adhering assembly includes a bitumen layer having first and second major surfaces and at least a first release sheet substantially coextensive with the first major surface of the bitumen layer. The first release sheet is separable from the first major surface of the bitumen layer so that the bitumen layer of the roofing component adhering assembly can be used to adhere together overlapping surfaces, such as end and/or lateral edge portions, of first and second roofing components. The roofing component adhering assembly is especially well suited for adhering surfaces together where one of the surfaces is a granule surface, such as an end edge portion of a cap sheet. Preferably, styrene-butadiene-styrene modified bitumen is used to form the bitumen layer.

Abstract: A flashing and method for installing a window or other portal in a wall opening is provided. The flashing includes a base member with first and second portions that are angled so that an outer surface of the first portion can be disposed against a sill of the opening and an outer surface of the second portion can be disposed against one of the jambs of the opening. A front face plate of the flashing extends perpendicularly from the first and second portions of the base member, and a plurality of channels in the base member are structured to direct water toward and through the front face plate.