Abstract: A space dividing or partitioning system includes a series of panels adapted to be knocked down and reconfigured. Each panel includes a panel frame constructed from a pair of vertical posts interconnected by one or more horizontal support members. Each vertical post includes a series of receptacles aligned vertically along each face surface of the vertical post. The receptacles on the vertical posts receive attachment members contained on each end of the horizontal support member. The horizontal support member can be attached between a pair of the vertical posts without requiring the vertical posts to be separated. A tile retaining hook is received within a hook opening formed in the vertical post. The tile retaining hook includes a hook portion that is received in a hook channel of a decorative tile, such that the decorative tile can be hung on the panel frame through the use of the tile retaining hooks.

Abstract: The power generator unit includes a container having an acoustically insulated inner wall. The inner wall has wall panels each provided with a number of spaced-apart vertical retention studs between which acoustic panels are installed. The retention studs have a cross-sectionally C-shaped main body from which laterally and outwardly extend wing flanges. The acoustic panels are retained against the wall panel by the wing flanges which overlap the side edge portions of the acoustic panels.

Abstract: An external wall panel construction includes a furring member which is held on a rear surface of an external wall panel via a fixing plate. The fixing plate is provided on the rear surface of the external wall panel and is fixed to the external wall panel via a set screw.

Abstract: A preformed component or “preform” for a structural member has a planar base with two longitudinal legs extending in parallel from the base. A channel is defined between the legs for insertion of a flat panel that forms the web of the structural member. The preform is a composite material having continuous filaments of woven or braided fiber. The preform is impregnated with a thermoset resin that bonds the web to the flange of the structural member. The preform provides excellent structural support even if the web and the flange are formed from dissimilar materials such as metallic and composite. The resin is structurally reinforced with oriented fibers in such a manner as to provide coupling strength between the joined members.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assembling components for water retention tanks, such as swimming pools for example, characterised in that it consists in: producing parts or elements of the pool or shell (1) with one edge (7) oriented outwards, over at least part of their periphery, and outer structural elements (2, 3a, 3b, 4) with a groove (8) oriented inwards; providing a sealing joint (9) at the bottom of said groove; and engaging therein the adjacent outer edges (7) of two contiguous shell elements (1), such that they are urged to rest on said joint (9), under the pressure of water introduced in the pool thereby assembling the set of shell (1) elements, and thus producing the junction of said shell (1) parts or elements and sealing said junction.

Abstract: A screen assembly is adapted to connect to a partition of the type having at least one upright frame member with openings in opposite side faces thereof to receive support hooks of hang-on accessory units. The screen assembly includes a sheet member defining at least one side edge, and a bracket is connected to the sheet member adjacent the side edge. The bracket includes a first member configured to extend around at least a portion of a first side of the upright frame member. The first member includes a connector adapted to engage the openings in the first side face of the upright frame member. The bracket also includes a second member configured to extend around at least a portion of a second side of the upright frame member. The second member includes a connector adapted to engage openings in a second side face of the upright frame member.

Abstract: A partition composition is provided having a plurality of partition units. Each partition unit has two supportive poles of hollow tubular shape and cross-shaped cross-section, an outer baffleplate, and a center baffleplate. Optionally, at least one of the supportive poles is configured as a corner pier. Each supportive pole has two lateral wing portions and two panels on front and rear sides, each of which is formed with a plurality of through holes. A plurality of coupling holes are provided on the lateral wing portions; and, the outer baffleplates have a plurality of hooks which correspond to the coupling holes formed on their lateral sides facing the lateral wing portions. The two outer baffleplates are parallel arranged to extend between two supportive poles such that an interspace is formed between the two parallel outer baffleplates. A center baffleplate is provided within the interspace. The partition composition can be easily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: An inspection opening frame includes frame components each of which is provided with a support portion extending along the inner surface of an inspection opening, a front wall holding portion projecting outward from the front surface of the support portion, a rear lid holding portion projecting inward from the rear surface of the support portion, a front lid holding portion projecting inward from the front surface of the support portion and pivotally supported about a hinge, a rear wall holding portion projecting outward from the rear surface of the support portion and pivotally supported about another hinge, and locking portions each having a hook and a projection for disengageably locking the front lid holding portion and the rear wall holding portion in holding positions. The inspection opening frame can be easily mounted at the inspection opening without using a backing or the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns a building element which is a stud (10) having a number of channels (12). Each channel can receive a cooperating means (14) which can be used to mount a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining clip (16) which can be connected to a panel or bracket. The joining clip includes the cooperating means (14) for mounting a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining element (42) which can connect one panel to another. The joining element is hinged (46). The invention also discloses two types of bracket for mounting in the stud. The first type has a screw-threaded shaft (71) and a sleeve (72) with cooperating means (73) at one end of the sleeve. The cooperating means is shaped so that it can be inserted horizontally in a channel of the stud and rotated so that the cooperating means cannot be withdrawn horizontally from the channel.

Abstract: An assembly of panels and jointing elements, in particular for the technical field of building, wherein each panel (11, 12), taken in section, comprises an alveolar structure, determined by a plurality of ribs (14) and arranged between two main outside surfaces (10, 28, 29), extensions (15, 16) obtained at opposed ends of each panel (11, 12), and a jointing element (13, 113) adapted to receive an extension (15, 16) of each of two adjacent panels (11, 12) firmly engaging them, wherein both each extension (15, 16) and the jointing element (13, 113) are provided with reciprocally engaged inclined surfaces (20, 21, 24, 25) facing inwards and facing each other, and wherein the jointing element (13) is U-shaped and is provided with a pressing element (19) that centrally extends inside it and arranges in wedged engagement between outside facing walls (17, 18) of the two extensions (15, 16).

Abstract: A floor tile or wall tile in the form of a panel has a frame and a filling. The frame and the filling are nondetachably connected in a utility state to form an integral part. The connection between frame and filling interlocks tongue and groovc-like. The frame extends beyond the filling in the plane of the tile at least the thickness of the frame. The filling is of the same thickness as the frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns a building element which is a stud (10) having a number of channels (12). Each channel can receive a cooperating means (14) which can be used to mount a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining clip (16) which can be connected to a panel or bracket. The joining clip includes the cooperating means (14) for mounting a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining element (42) which can connect one panel to another. The joining element is hinged (46). The invention also discloses two types of bracket for mounting in the stud. The first type has a screw-threaded shaft (71) and a sleeve (72) with cooperating means (73) at one end of the sleeve. The cooperating means is shaped so that it can be inserted horizontally in a channel of the stud and rotated so that the cooperating means cannot be withdrawn horizontally from the channel.

Abstract: A prefabricated fence post assembly comprising a slotted fence post which slideably receives an adjoining prefabricated modular panel, picket fence, lattice or ornamental section for the construction of fences, walls and other structures incorporating panels.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system in which the grid runners are largely concealed by the panels to produce a distinctive high quality appearance. In various illustrated embodiments, the visual effect is produced as a result of the panels being separated by a relatively narrow gap in two perpendicular directions or by a narrow gap in one direction and essentially no gap in the perpendicular direction, and the grid being recessed above the main face of the panels. The panels are accurately positioned on the grid by metal clips, normally permanently attached to the panels, which engage upstanding flange portions of the grid runners. The accurate positioning afforded by the clips assures that visually distracting variations in the size of the narrow gaps are avoided. The clips can also serve to avoid accidental dislodging of the panels.

Abstract: Construction and remodeling of a cleanroom wall system is facilitated with a universal stud design. A variety of wall configurations may be assembled with the same stud. Also provided is a useful connector block for joining perpendicularly oriented studs, or for splicing together axially aligned studs. A corner stud is also provided, as well as a deflection track for connecting the top track of a wall panel to a conventional ceiling grid to allow deflection of the grid relative to the wall and to facilitate easy access to the portion of the ceiling immediately above the wall panel.

Abstract: A wall for the booth of a coating plant is formed in the conventional manner by a sectional frame (3) composed of at least two vertical, hollow posts (4, 5) and at least two horizontal, hollow crosspieces (6, 7, 8, 9). At least one zone (10, 11, 12) which is bounded by two posts (4, 5) and two crosspieces (6, 7, 8, 9) is covered by a plate (34, 35). The corresponding plate (34, 35) is secured over the associated zone (10, 11, 12) of the frame (3) with the aid of “local” blocking devices (15 to 27) separated from one another spatially. Each of these blocking devices (15 to 27) comprises at least one retaining portion (31b, 31c) which can be inserted in a corresponding locating opening (28a, 28b, 29a, 29b) in the associated post (4, 5) or crosspiece (6, 7, 8, 9) such that a contact portion (31a) of the blocking device (15 to 27) lies against the outside of the associated post (4, 5) or crosspiece (6, 7, 8, 9).

Abstract: A wall for the booth of a coating plant is composed in a known manner of individual wall elements (1, 2). Each wall element (1, 2) comprises a load-bearing frame (3), which is formed from vertical posts (4, 5) made of sheet-metal sections and horizontal crosspieces (6, 7, 8, 9). The zones spanned by the posts (4, 5) and the crosspieces (6, 7, 8, 9) are covered by plates (10, 11, 12). At least the vertical posts (4, 5) have a section whose basic geometric shape is rectangular, although two of the sectional legs (15, 16), namely in each case the outer leg which is vertical to the associated plate (11) and the outer leg (16) which is parallel to the plate (11), do not extend over the entire length of the corresponding side of the rectangle. The interior of the posts (4, 5), in which fixtures and fittings can be installed, is thus accessible.

Abstract: A shear panel configured to fit between adjacent studs in a stud wall is described. The shear panel in one embodiment of the present invention includes an elongate I-shaped member, a top shear cap, and a bottom shear cap. The elongate I-shaped member includes a central region and two opposing flanges extending longitudinally along opposing outer edges of the central region. The elongate I-shaped member is configured to fit between adjacent studs with the flanges in face to face contact with the faces of the adjacent studs. Each shear cap includes an elongate flat section, a first elongate leg section, and a second elongate leg section. The first and second leg sections extend perpendicularly from the elongate flat section, and the leg sections are configured so that an end of the central region of the I-shaped member fits between the legs.

Abstract: Construction and remodeling of a cleanroom wall system is facilitated with a universal stud design. A variety of wall configurations may be assembled with the same stud. Also provided is a useful connector block for joining perpendicularly oriented studs, or for splicing together axially aligned studs. A corner stud is also provided, as well as a deflection track for connecting the top track of a wall panel to a conventional ceiling grid to allow deflection of the grid relative to the wall and to facilitate easy access to the portion of the ceiling immediately above the wall panel.

Abstract: Two generally co-planar panels (4) are supported almost edge-to-edge by an intermediate beam (1). A coupling member (2) is captive to the beam (1) by interengaging longitudinal formations (6, 11) and provides an interlocking engagement (12, 18) for the edges of the panels (4). Opposite the coupling member (2) the beam (1) is proud of the panels (4) and receives and retains a cap (3) which seals against the panels (4).

Abstract: A wall system comprising a plurality of rectangular rigid prefinished panels mounted on a wall support structure with main runners and cross runners. The main runners serve to lock the panels onto the support structure and with the cross runners serve to prevent the panels from warping due to adverse moisture conditions. The main runners are configured to space the panels from the wall support structure to encourage uniform humidity conditions at the front and rear of the panels. Clips that secure the panels to the main runners are fixed adjacent the top and bottom panel edges at different set-offs to obtain an advantageous nesting of panels for reduced packaging volume.

Abstract: A structural panel, suitable for use as slatwalling in retail outlets, comprised of a metal sheet bent to define on each side of the panel a series of channels of re-entrant cross-section extending continuously across the width of the panel. The panel is manufactured by a bending process wherein a portion of sheet material is deformed into a U-shaped cross-section, and the sides of the channel are deformed by bending into a substantially S-shape to define the re-entrant channel shape, this process being repeated at regular intervals along the sheet material. The bending process is performed by tooling including first and second tool assemblies, the first assembly including a shaping part for deforming a portion of sheet material into a recess defined between a pair of opposed tool elements of the second tool assembly, the opposed tool elements being driven towards each other to deform the channel side walls into an S-shape.

Abstract: A panel assembly of the present invention comprises a stringer and a plurality of sheet panels each having a curved portion extending downward at one side thereof and a curved portion extending upward at the other side thereof. The stringer has on the top thereof a plurality of panel engaging portions adjacent to one another, each having upstream side convex portion, around which the curved portion of the sheet panel extending downward is hooked, a downstream side concave portion, into which the curved portion of the sheet panel extending upward Is fitted, and a planar portion extending from the upstream side convex portion to the downstream side concave portion. The planar portion of the panel engaging portion of the stringer is inclined downward from the upstream side convex portion to the downstream side concave portion. An upper portion of the concave portion of the panel engaging portion having a groove, into which a tip end of the curved portion of the sheet panel extending upward is fitted.

Abstract: A cover for an elongated and relatively narrow tank or channel is formed from a series of panels arranged in parallel, edge-to-edge fashion, each panel spanning across the channel and resting on rims of the channel. Each panel is formed of a large plurality of side-by-side, preferably edge-connected deck slats having lengths extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel. At junctions between adjacent panels, structural transverse members have deck slat receiving channels for engaging with and supporting ends of the deck slats. In preferred embodiments the transverse structural members are generally L-shaped, with the L-shaped structural member of one channel nesting into the L-shaped structural channel of an adjacent panel, providing for removal of alternate panels by lifting. Deck slats include special handle slats for inclusion near the two transverse ends of the removable panels to enable lifting of the panels for access to the tank or channel.

Abstract: A virtual block for attachment to a prefabricated ceiling slab including a body with a first stirrup at one end and a second stirrup at an opposite end, a first channel formed on one side of the body and extending lengthwise thereacross, a second channel formed on an opposite side of the body and extending lengthwise thereacross, and a plurality of teeth formed along a bottom edge of the body. Each of the first and second stirrups has a flat bottom surface suitable for resting on a surface of the ceiling slab. The first and second channels are located below this flat bottom surface of the stirrups. The plurality of teeth define a receptacle area between adjacent pairs of the teeth. The receptacle area is suitable for the receipt of connecting portions of a ceiling panel for a profile member.

Abstract: A space dividing or partitioning system includes a series of panels adapted to be knocked down and reconfigured. Each panel includes a panel frame constructed from a pair of vertical posts interconnected by one or more horizontal support members. Each vertical post includes a series of receptacles aligned vertically along each face surface of the vertical post. The receptacles on the vertical posts receive attachment members contained on each end of the horizontal support member. The horizontal support member can be attached between a pair of the vertical posts without requiring the vertical posts to be separated. A tile retaining hook is received within a hook opening formed in the vertical post. The tile retaining hook includes a hook portion that is received in a hook channel of a decorative tile, such that the decorative tile can be hung on the panel frame through the use of the tile retaining hooks.

Abstract: Connection apparatus for connecting frame members and panel members is provided for constructing a storage building primarily from sheet metal. The apparatus utilizes connecting members that may be made from thermoplastic or metal materials. The number of threaded fasteners and time required to assemble the storage building is reduced dramatically from that of prior designs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for attaching a panel to a building wall using an elongated channel. The panel has a main panel portion, a panel edge portion and a groove therebetween. The elongated channel has a body and a pair of rails. The body is attachable to the wall by a fastener. The pair of rails are integrally formed with the body, extending substantially perpendicularly from the body in the same direction. One, or both, of the rails ends in a flange that is contoured to engage the cavity formed by the groove when the panel edge portion is bent around the groove and toward the rail.

Abstract: A curtain wall having a mullion structure comprises bilateral mullions, a sash unit to be mounted to the mullions, the sash unit comprising a sash unit frame and a sash mounted to the sash unit frame, supporting members fixed to the mullions for supporting the sash unit frame, and a fixing member disposed for fixing one of bilateral side portions of the sash unit frame to one of the mullions.

Abstract: A cover for an elongated and relatively narrow tank or channel is formed from a series of panels arranged in parallel, edge-to-edge fashion, each panel spanning across the channel and resting on rims of the channel. Each panel is formed of a large plurality of side-by-side, preferably edge-connected deck slats having lengths extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel. At junctions between adjacent panels, structural transverse members have deck slat receiving channels for engaging with and supporting ends of the deck slats. In preferred embodiments the transverse structural members are generally L-shaped, with the L-shaped structural member of one channel nesting into the L-shaped structural channel of an adjacent panel, providing for removal of alternate panels by lifting. Deck slats include special handle slats for inclusion near the two transverse ends of the removable panels to enable lifting of the panels for access to the tank or channel.

Abstract: The housing system uses foam filled cement and fiberglass clad panels and cement fiberglass moldings to construct modular housing. The panels have a foam core made of polystyrene bead foam coated with an adhesion promoter and then covered with a laminate consisting of layers of continuous strand fiberglass matt and Portland cement. The moldings used to fit the sections together are also made from Portland cement and fiberglass. The panels can be shaped to serve multiple purposes, such as roof panels. Wall panels can be oriented so that the space left between the panel ends and the moldings can be filled with cement. An adhesion promoter can also be used to assist the bonding between the foam and fiberglass panels and the cement fiberglass moldings to provide greater structural strength for the resulting structure.

Abstract: A construction of metal walls or closed containers which are used for storage. A wall or shell formed of several sheets of metal (5, 6) juxtaposed at their longitudinal edges (9, 10), resting on longitudinal elements (2, 3) and transverse elements (4). The longitudinal edges of these metal sheets form receptors (13, 14) subject to pressure from transverse movable pushing elements, thereby maintaining one of the edges (9) in abutment with the other (10) and generating lateral, strengthening tension. A method of construction of any individual wall or container by immobilizing sheets of metal (5, 6) along their longitudinal edges (9, 10) on longitudinal elements using opposing transverse force exerted locally and at intervals along the entire length of two adjacent sheets of metal (5, 6).

Abstract: An interstitial junction spacer for positioning and supporting a plurality of blocks in a matrix for a wall construction, the blocks being of the type having two parallel rectangular side faces and four adjoining end faces orthogonally adjoining the corresponding edges of the side faces and the ends of each other contiguously to form a continuous circumferential edge of the block, the profile of the circumferential edge being substantially concave, whereby the corresponding edges of the side faces define an outer cusp along the opposing sides of each said end face; said spacer comprising a pair of intersecting and integral spacer means, each spacer means having a pair of coplanar edge members of a prescribed thickness adapted to repose in juxtaposition with the outer cusps of the circumferential edge of a said block along the adjoining end of the end face of the block to space the same from another block or surface disposed adjacent to said block, and an interconnecting web portion to integrally interconnect

Abstract: A structure of two interlocking members, such as two planks, comprises a first member having a pair of first rectilinear location edges and a second member having a pair of second rectilinear location edges, each first location edge comprising a pair of elongate flange formations which define therebetween an elongate recess and each second location edge having a tongue formation to engage in a respective recess of a first member by relative angular movement of the members, each flange formation of a first member comprising a longitudinally extending undercut zone and each tongue formation of each second member comprising a protrusion which is received in an undercut zone of one of the flange formations in an assembled condition of the members.

Abstract: An interconnect system for modularly fabricating bullet stops is disclosed including a plurality of bullet proof plates which are placed adjacent one another to form a seam which is covered by a facing strip. A plurality of bolts extend through the facing strip and through a backing mechanism positioned on an opposite side of the plates. When the bolts are tightened, the facing strip and backing pull towards one another and hold the plates together. The facing strips and other teachings of the invention allow standard plates to be used rather than large and specially manufactured plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for extending the effective depth of a frame (510) secured within an opening having a depth greater than that of the frame (501-504) itself. A channel (515) is associated with each segment of the frame (501-504) and opens in the direction in which added frame depth is desired. Each channel (515) has a similar, half-dovetail profile (560), and a frame extending member (520) is associated with each channel. Each frame extending member (520) has a profile that includes a first portion (501) which is rotatable into engagement with a respective channel, and a second portion (650a) which extends in the desired direction when the first portion (501) is retained within the channel (515).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for attaching panel members to perimeter framing members to form a wall. The apparatus attaches the perimeter framing members to the panel member by an attachment member located between a surface of the panel member and a wall of a pocket of the perimeter framing member. To receive the attachment member, which is an elongated rod, the panel member and perimeter framing member form an elongated passage.

Abstract: A modular solarium includes (a) a plurality of prefabricated wall panels, each prefabricated wall panel including (i) at least one transparent sheet of material having a peripheral edge, and (ii) a peripheral frame of an L-shaped cross-section supporting the peripheral edge and positioned therearound, the peripheral frame having opposite exposed surfaces with an opening in at least one of the exposed surfaces; (b) a plurality of prefabricated ceiling panels, each prefabricated ceiling panel including (i) at least one transparent sheet of material having a peripheral edge, (ii) a peripheral frame of an L-shaped cross-section supporting the peripheral edge and positioned therearound, the peripheral frame having opposite exposed surfaces with an opening in at least one of the exposed surfaces; and (c) a plurality of joint members for connecting together the prefabricated panels, each joint member including (i) a joint frame member, and (ii) at least two protrusions extending from the joint frame member, each pro

Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid for supporting rectangular panels. The grid members are elongated runners with a generally inverted T-shaped cross-section. Flanges on the lower side of the runners have inclined exposed portions and vertical portions concealed by rabbeted edges of the panels. The flange portions are configured with respect to the proportions of the rabbeted panels, to appear as beveled edges of the panels whereby the finished ceiling appears to be gridless. The runners are specially notched and trimmed to provide a strong but attractive faux miter joint at their intersections.

Abstract: A modular wall construction includes a plurality of laterally spaced support posts having mutually spaced slots in commonly facing walls thereof, each slot being at least partially defined by oppositely disposed first and second edge segments. At least one panel is arranged between the support posts. In one embodiment, connecting elements are integrally formed with and extend laterally from the panel to overlie the commonly facing walls of the support posts at the slots. In an alternative embodiment, connecting elements are removably coupled to extend laterally from the panel to overlie the commonly facing walls of the support posts at the slots. The connecting elements have hook shaped portions received in the slots in engagement with the first edge segments thereof. A fastener extends into the slots between the connecting element and the second edge segments to coact in engagement with the slot and connecting element to prevent disengagement of the hook portions from the first edge segments.

Abstract: A wood door system (10) provides enhanced weather durability for use on outdoor wooden storage buildings. The door system includes trim (30) and one or more movable doors (40). Wood trim members (32, 34) cover a gap between the exterior wall of the wooden storage building. Movable door members (40) are operably attached to the wooden storage building. Bracing members (42, 44, 46) are attached to movable door members (40) to strengthen said movable door members. Wood trim members (32, 34) and bracing members (42, 44, 46) also provide a decorative feature for the wood doors system (10). The wood trim member (32) and the bracing members (42, 44, 46) have an upper surface tapered outwardly and downwardly from the wooden storage building wall to prevent precipitation and contamination from collection on said upper surfaces. Such shedding of precipitation serves to wash any airborne contaminants from said surfaces.

Abstract: A construction unit and method for forming an exterior surface on a support framework. The construction unit includes a plurality of tiles for forming a finishing layer on the support framework. Mounting brackets are attachable to the support framework to position the tiles at a distance from the support framework to define an internal cavity between the support framework and tiles. An adhesive, filler material is introduced into the internal cavity to bind together the support framework, the tiles and the mounting brackets to form a consolidated construction unit. In a stud frame building, modified mounting brackets can be used that position the tiles directly against an exterior face of the stud frame wall. The adhesive, filler material contacts and binds the tiles through the openings in the stud framework.

Abstract: A modular plastic shutter assembly that includes an injection molded panel that has been cut to length to accommodate the particular shutter assembly. A die cutter having an appropriately shaped cutting blade cuts an end of the panel to the desirable length. A separate injection molded panel end piece is secured to the cut end of the panel to form a complete panel.

Abstract: A wall panel support member adapted to reinforce a wall and to support the weight of structures such as shelves, cabinets, and sinks which are attached to a wall. The wall panel support member includes a support panel which is mounted between adjacent wall studs by brackets or other mounts. One embodiment of the invention includes a support panel with a groove formed at one end of the support panel which accommodates a lip of a metal stud, thus allowing the surface of the support panel to engage the stud. A bracket which is comprised of a plurality of generally perpendicular angled surfaces is mounted on the opposite end of the support panel from the groove for securing the wall panel support member to an adjacent stud. The bracket includes slots in the surface mounted to the support panel to allow the position of the bracket to be adjusted along the longitudinal axis of the support panel in order to accommodate variations in width between studs.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus for molding a peripheral frame around a sheet or grid of thermoplastic material to produce a framed panel. A peripheral frame, preferably of structural foam or the like, is injection molded about a thermoplastic sheet or grid of panel-forming material which has been previously drawn or stretched at a temperature which orients the molecules of the polymer, i.e., below the glass transition temperature of the polymer, T.sub.g. Either during the frame molding process, or subsequent thereto, the panel-forming material is heated sufficiently to cause the material to shrink or revert toward its prestretched condition so as to tension the panel-forming material within the frame. Elastomeric sealing means are disclosed for sealing the mold during injection of the frame-forming material and locator fingers are provided to position a grid-like panel-forming material prior to initiation of the molding process.

Abstract: An extruded plastic decking plank for mounting to an underlying support structure, the plank having a rigid foam core, a resilient outer plastic shell, and a clamping portion for securing the plank to the support structure. The top surface of the plank can be provided with a non-slip surface. The invention also includes an attachment system for securing such decking planks to a support structure by engaging the clamping portions of the decking planks onto clamps or hold down blocks which are secured onto the support structure, and which permit relative motion between the planks and the structure in the planks' lengthwise direction to prevent stress and buckling caused by uneven expansion.

Abstract: A cover for tank is formed from a plurality of panels attached together by cross members. The cover includes means for sealing the panels to the cross members, and means for sealing the panels and the cross members to the tank. The panels are constructed from a multiplicity of edge-to-edge planks. The planks may be connected together without welds, and the panels may be connected to the cross members without welds. The cover may be in the shape of an arch, or the shape of a dome. In another embodiment a dome-shaped cover may be formed from a plurality of panels each having the shape of a section of a circle. Each panel is connected between an adjacent pair of a plurality of radial members arranged in a radial pattern.

Abstract: A skylight panel has a first skylight frame adapted to be adjacently positioned to the first building panel. The first skylight frame includes an upper and a lower first connector respectively coupled to the top of the first skylight frame and the bottom of the first skylight frame. The upper and lower first connectors are adapted to be coupled to the upper and lower connectors of the first building panel. A first lower flange is mounted to the first skylight frame for supporting one side of the radiation attenuating member. The skylight panel also includes a second skylight frame adapted to be adjacently positioned to the second building panel. The second skylight frame includes an upper and a lower second connector respectively coupled to the top of the second skylight frame and the bottom of said second skylight frame. The upper and lower second connectors are adapted to be coupled to the upper and lower connectors of the second building panel.

Abstract: The fastening device for objects, more particularly cladding panels or parts of apparatus, comprises a profile bar receiving the object to be fastened. The profile bar is essentially formed of a center profile and a respective adjacent lateral profile on both sides which are designed in such a manner that the center profile and one of the lateral profiles form a respective continuous clamping channel receiving a portion of the object to be fastened. This allows a very simple attachment of a variety of objects without any visible fastening elements.

Abstract: The present construction includes outer walls, roofs and/or floors in the form of an assembly of modular units. Each modular unit comprises a peripherally closed rectangular supporting frame with intermediate frame elements, several open compartments having all the inner breadth of the supporting frame and having respective heights equal to an integer submultiple of the height of said frame or to an integer multiple of said submultiple. Construction elements including a central embrasure part are arranged in said compartments and at least two facing parts are placed, respectively, on opposite sides of the supporting frame and fixed to the central embrasure part and/or to the supporting frame.