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

Abstract: An elevated batten system according to the present is designed to eliminate the need to install the vertical and horizontal battens in separate steps. By attaching pads or blocks to the underside of the horizontal battens during assembly, the function of the vertical strips is contained in the resulting batten assembly itself.

Abstract: A deck including a panel, a retainer and a fastener. The panel includes a flange having an aperture therein. The retainer includes an upper leg and a lower leg embracing the flange therebetween, with the lower leg having a fastener receiving opening. The fastener is for attaching the panel to structural framework, with the fastener including a shoulder. The fastener extends through the aperture of the flange and the opening of the lower leg of the retainer. The shoulder extends through the aperture in the flange and abuts against the lower leg of the retainer to secure the retainer. Furthermore, the shoulder is sufficiently tall as to prevent the fastener from tightly clamping the flange. Additionally, the flange embraced between the upper leg and the lower leg of the retainer is adapted to expand between the upper leg and the lower leg. Therefore, thermal expansion of the panel is accommodated.

Abstract: A roof scaffolding system includes a support assembly disposed on one inclined surface of a roof extending to a peak of the roof and attached to an opposite inclined surface of the roof near the peak thereof, a roof jack resting on the one inclined surface of the roof astraddle and connected to the support assembly, a valley support assembly disposed on a valley of the roof along one side of the one inclined surface and extending to the peak of the roof and attached to the opposite inclined surface of the roof near the peak thereof, and a valley jack astraddle the valley of the roof and valley support assembly and anchored to the valley support assembly. The roof and valley jacks are spaced apart so as to support a flat board extending therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gypsum board hanging tool that allows a single workman to hang gypsum board on a conventional or inclined ceiling. Specifically, the gypsum board hanging tool comprises a support housing, a wheel that is rotatably attached to the support housing, and a support strut which is removably attached to at least one extension of the support housing. The support housing also has a means whereby a support strut may be attached. The support housing also has a means an aperture in its upper surface that is capable of receiving, within the support housing, a hanging member, such as a nail or screw, that is first attached to a ceiling or a wall. The hanging member allows the support housing to be suspended from the ceiling and to adjust and swivel about the hanging member.

Abstract: A construction method is provided using wooden bricks for building wall structures and the like. The bricks are formed from stocks of wood wastes cut into rectangular blocks. The wood grain of the blocks is arranged to extend longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the block to reduce the effects of wood shrinkage on the completed wood structure. A rabbet is formed in a forward face of the blocks adjacent a top side and the second end of the block. The blocks are laid out similarly to masonry bricks in a staggered pattern.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards, in which immediately juxtaposed upper parts of taco adjacent joint edges of two joined floorboards together define a joint plane perpendicular to a principal plane of the floorboards, the locking system providing a joining of the two joint edges perpendicular to the joint plane, the locking system including a locking groove which is formed in an underside of and extends in parallel with a first of the two joint edges at a distance from the joint plane and a portion projecting from a lower part of a second of the two joint edges and below the first joint edge and integrated with a body of the board, the projecting portion supporting at a distance from the joint plane a locking element cooperating with the locking groove, the projecting portion being located entirely outside the joint plane seen from a side of the second joint edge, and the projecting portion having a material composition other than that of the body of the board, tie projecting portion inc

Abstract: A concrete building module includes a concrete roof having a roof beam with a beam upper surface and a beam lower surface; a lifter mounting fitting embedded in the beam upper surface and oriented to be accessible from above the roof; an upper link connection structure embedded in the beam lower surface below the lifter mounting fitting; a concrete floor having a floor upper surface; a lower link connection structure embedded into the floor upper surface below the upper link connection structure; a linking member extending between and removably connected to the upper link connection structure and to the lower link connection structure; and at least one module concrete side wall interconnecting the module concrete roof and the module concrete floor.

Abstract: In a method of laying floor panels having circumferential tongues, receiving grooves, locking grooves and locking lips, a first row of floor panels is joined through interlocking engagement of the shorts sides. The connection of the floor panels of each subsequent row of floor panels is implemented through attachment along their shorts sides as well as attachment of their long sides with the long sides of each preceding row of floor panels, by using wedges by which neighboring floor panels can be reliably pushed together in longitudinal and transverse directions, while at least partially engaging, without play, the locking lips with the locking grooves as well as the tongues in the receiving grooves.

Abstract: The present invention is a log panel system for constructing buildings using prefabricated panels made of full size logs. The log panel system includes log panels and fasteners. The log panels can be pre-built at a factory and assembled into a building at the site where the building is to stand. Each log panel is made from individual logs fastened together. Each log has a two sides, two ends, a top and a bottom. The top and bottom of all of the logs are flat surface, whereby the top includes a tongue extending upward from the log and the bottom includes a groove to receive the tongue of another log. The log panel is formed by placing a first log to receive a second log. The second log is placed on top of the first log such that the groove of the second log fits over the tongue of the first log, in order to provide the beginning of an assembly of logs to form the log panel.

Abstract: A method of building a log structure using naturally-shaped logs is provided. The method involves stacking layers of the log structure upon one another in a rough approximation of the final desired positioning, determining the distance of the greatest gap existing between the pairs of logs at each layer, determining groove cuts to be made for every log in the same layer using the same vertical groove dimension, determining a dimension of a final notch cut to be made in the logs of the lowest layer stacked according to this invention, and determining the final notch cuts to be made at layers above according to a relationship among the vertical groove dimensions that were marked for each of the grooves in a single layer and the dimension of the final notch cut determined for the lowest layer of logs stacked according to the present invention.

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

Abstract: An adjustably sizeable raised panel system is disclosed which is attachable to a lower outer surface portion of a wall along flights of stairs having different rises and runs or slopes. The system includes adjustably sizeable raised panels which include a parallelogram-shaped member having a pair of vertically-extending sides and parallel angled top and bottom sides. The top and bottom sides of the panels have a longer peripherally-extending portion compared to the peripherally-extending portions of the vertically-extending sides. This allows a carpenter to cut or trim the top and bottom sides on the job site to correspond to the slope of the flight of stairs. Desirably, the relieved portion is disposed on an angle of either about 37 degrees or about 41 degrees which allows adjustment, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing floor boards, the apparatus comprising a first plate including a first edge gripping device for gripping an edge of a first floor board, and a compression biasing device such as a coil spring or bungee cord mounted on the first plate. A second plate includes a second edge gripping device for gripping an edge of a second floor board, and a strap clamp. A compression strap is joined at its proximal end with the biasing device and extends, in parallel juxtaposition to the first and second floor boards, for terminating, and removably engaging the strap clamp, such that the biasing device causes the first and second plates to draw the first and second floor boards, as well as any intermediate boards, into compression.

Abstract: A bridge for aiding in setting tile on a surface above a fireplace including a pair of horizontal elongated guide bars and a pair of vertical elongated support bars, each guide bar and support bar having an elongated slot, the guide pair bolted together through slots providing a single guide bar. Each end of the single guide bar is bolted to near an end of a support bar by a fastener through the slots so that the bridge is formed. In use, the bridge is positioned at the entrance to the fireplace with a lower end of each support bar supported on the floor of the fireplace. The single guide bar is positioned along the top edge of the entrance and a first course of files is set against a front surface of a wall above the fireplace with a lower edge of each tile arranged parallel to and along the horizontal edge. A marker clip is snapped onto the guide bar and moved along to position each successively laid tile.

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

Abstract: The present invention comprises a siding unit which is adapted for installation. An exemplary embodiment of the siding unit has at least 1.5 courses of vinyl siding. The courses of vinyl siding are preferably formed by one or more facing panels which are comprised of polyvinyl chloride. A reinforcing panel is glued or otherwise laminated to the inside of each course of vinyl siding. The reinforcing panel is preferably comprised of expanded or extruded polystyrene.

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

Abstract: The method of this invention concerns bonding side-to-side glass or plastic building blocks to obtain decorative and/or functional modular sub-assemblies, walls, panels, floors, windows, skylights, etc., using flexible, light-weight, elongated, adhesive tape strips to adhesively bond together at least portions of complementary block side surfaces to construct multi-tier building block units.

Abstract: A structural building panel including a composite truss member having transverse truss elements defining an undulated shape, and first and second composite skins, formed by a pultrusion process. A composite connector extends along a side edge of the panel, the connector including a tongue and a groove adjacent one another defining an inside face having an elongate aperture therein that extends parallel to the side edge. The connector may slidably engage with a similar connector on an adjacent panel, the tongues and groove interlocking such that the apertures together define a channel through which a rod-like locking member may be received. Composite connection systems are provided for connecting composite wall panels to a foundation and to connect composite roof panels to the wall panels. The connection systems include interlocking connectors having apertures for receiving locking members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a building board, exhibiting a board body which is formed with a gripping stud, and a metal strip which extends from the body and from which are formed gripping elements, which are bent round the gripping stud for mechanical fastening of the strip to the body, as well as a locking element for enabling mechanical joining of the board to similar boards. The method is characterized by preforming the gripping elements of the strip prior to bending them round the gripping stud, and subsequently bending the preformed gripping elements ground the gripping stud, the preforming being such that, as a result of the bending, the preformed gripping elements strike against the gripping stud and thereby undergo a deformation in the opposite direction to the preforming during a final stage of the bending.

Abstract: A modular building unit (1-6, 1A) including a building block (10, 10A) having lower and upper faces (9, 9A, 11, 11A), side faces (12, 12A, 13, 13A) and end faces (14, 14A). At least the lower and upper faces are provided with mounting strips (21-24, 53A, 54A) interfit with mating mounting strips (21-24, 53A, 54A) on similar adjacent modular building units (1-6, 1A) to join the adjoining building block units (1-6, 1A) in predetermined dimensionally accurate relationships. A method of securing the mounting strips (21-24, 53A, 54A) to the building block or brick (10, 10A) and the method of interlocking and securing adjacent modular building units (1-6, 1A) to each other are disclosed. A preferred embodiment of mounting strips (53A, 54A) is shown in FIGS. 8-10. A mold (203) is shown in FIG. 12 for the preferred method of forming a building block or brick (200).

Abstract: A support system of brackets and rods designed to be removably attached to a building stud. Used in pairs, the system can hold sheets of building material within the holing bracket and supported by a back rod so that the builder has the materials within easy view and reach and can replace partial sheets with the brackets.

Abstract: A wall bracket (10) for aiding in attaching a ceiling panel (90) to ceiling structure (80) next to a wall (70); ceiling panel (90) having a thickness and peripheral edges (98). Bracket (10) generally comprises a vertical, wall-abutting member (20) for attachment to wall (70) and a shelf (50) for receiving and supporting edge (98) of ceiling panel (90). Vertical member (20) includes a lower portion (30) and an upper portion (40). Lower portion (30) is temporarily attached to the wall and includes an aperture (32) for aiding in removal. Upper portion (40) spaces shelf (50) from ceiling structure (80). Shelf (50) has an outer end (56) having an outwardly downwardly slanted portion (57) for facilitating entry of edge (98) of panel (90) onto shelf (50).

Abstract: A method of erecting the shell of an aboveground storage tank involves erection of the first shell ring; erecting the second and higher shell rings by using a mobile man lift to provide access for the construction personnel to the shell plates being erected; and anchoring the structure to reduce the risk of blow-ins from ambient wind.

Abstract: A plurality of engaging pieces each formed of washer (35) for instance are fixed to the rear surface of a building board (30). A plurality of elongated fixtures (10), each provided at the lower end thereof with an engaging tongue (20a) and at the upper end thereof with an engaging region (12a) designed to be engaged with the engaging tongue (20a), are engaged with the engaging pieces. The fixtures (10) thus engaged are directly fixed to the posts (1) or studs (2) of a building. Since each fixture (10) is provided with a rising portion (12), a ventilation space (Sc) is secured between the framework of the building and the rear surface of a building board (30). The coupling between upper and lower building boards (30) can be effected through the linkage between a couple of fixtures (10). Since the engaging tongue (20a) is made separable from the building board (30), the building boards (30) can be transported for instance without becoming bulky.

Abstract: A method of installation of an emergency shelter to be used under the floor of a residential or commercial structure. In the preferred embodiment, a prefabricated acrylic shelter is sized to accommodate at least one individual in a crouching or sitting position. In the preferred embodiment, the shelter is placed prior to the pouring of a slab foundation. In an alternate embodiment, the shelter is placed prior to building the floor in a pier and beam foundation.

Abstract: A plurality of tile panels suited for dry execution for a wall surface. Each tile panel is integrally formed by bonding a plate onto a back surface of a tile and a plurality of restriction blocks are disposed on coupling pieces of at least two opposite side edges of the plate in a tightly attached manner. The restriction blocks are positioned on the side edges of the plate so as to not overlap with each other when the tile panels are aligned vertically and horizontally. The coupling pieces protrude beyond a tile bonding range on the plate. Rivet holes, a nail hole, and a screw hole for an adjuster bolt are provided in each of the restriction blocks.

Abstract: A method for installing tongue-and-groove material comprises the steps of: a) placing a piece of tongue-and-groove material on an installation surface adjacent to a previously installed piece of tongue-and-groove material and/or a border member; b) pivotably securing a lever having a thrust portion and a lever end to the installation surface so that rotating the lever urges the piece of tongue-and-groove material against the previously installed piece and/or the border member; c) rotating the lever, thereby urging the piece of tongue-and-groove material against the previously installed piece and/or the border member; d) securing the piece of tongue-and-groove material to the previously installed piece, the border member, and/or the installation surface; and e) removing the lever from the installation surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plank top installation for a deck comprising two tools and their method of use. The method is capable of attaching a top plank material and a bottom plank material, typically the “Teck Deck” system from Heritage Vinyl Products, together in a quick and non-destructive manner without the use of hammers or mallets. The method comprises the use of a first plank top installation tool for placing most of said planks together and then uses a plank top end installation tool to place the remaining unattached planks. Each tool comprises a series of rollers and force application components for applying the necessary force between a top and bottom plank for attachment of said planks.

Abstract: A portable floor system (20) including individual floor sections (22, 24) joined by interlocking tongue elements (40) and receiver elements (50, 70). Each floor section (22, 24) is substantially planar and rectangular, and includes tongue elements on two sides and receiver elements on two sides. The tongue elements (40) have an upwardly-turned portion (44) which engages a downwardly projecting inner member (58, 78) of the receiver elements (50, 70). The receiver elements include a first embodiment (50) having an opening (56) which can be entered by a tongue element from the side of the panel, and a second embodiment (70) having an opening (76) which can be entered by a tongue element from either the side or the bottom of the panel. The portable floor system further includes edge sections (26, 28) which create a smooth transition from the portable floor sections to the permanent floor surface.

Abstract: A building system which uses a plurality of interlocking members which can be used to construct an unlimited number of structures which can be assembled, disassembled and used by children and adults. The building system requires no tools, fasteners or adhesives, yet creates rigid and sturdy structures of all sizes, through interlocking ends and edges.

Abstract: A embeddable mounting device and method for permanently affixing a fixture to a concrete block wall. The embeddable mounting device comprises a first rectangular metal plate member; a second rectangular metal plate member having dimensions equal to the first metal plate; and a pair of vertical spacer members secured between the first inner surface and the second inner surface in a manner to create at least one reinforcing bar and cement receiving cavity between the first and second metal plate members, and in a manner to hold the first and second metal plate members in parallel relationship with each other such that when said first and second metal plate members simultaneously contact a planar surface the first and second metal plate members are both perpendicularly oriented to the planar surface. A method of installing a fixture utilizing the mounting device is also described.