Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for securing a vertical panel (14) in a longitudinal groove (28), the panel (14) comprising an inner face (20) and an outer face (22), the securing being carried out by transverse clamping between transversely opposed wedges (36A, 36B; 38A, 38B), the arrangement comprising: an upper outer wedge (38A) and a lower outer wedge (38B) which are each positioned between an outer face (34) of the groove (28) and the outer vertical face (22) of the panel (14); at least two movable transmission members (62A, 62B) which are each capable of transmitting a sliding force to an associated outer wedge (38A, 38B), the force being applied from an inner side (24) of the panel (14); the arrangement is characterized in that the upper and lower outer wedges (38A, 38B) slide vertically upwards from the released position thereof to the clamped position thereof above the released position.

Abstract: A device for securing a panel in a groove is provided. The securing device includes a cradle housed in the groove comprising a sole bearing on the bottom of the groove and a vertical outer flange interposed transversely between an outer face of the panel and a face of the groove; a first upper wedge which is interposed between a fixed upper ramp of the groove and an inner face of the panel; and a second lower wedge which is interposed transversely between a fixed lower ramp of the groove and the inner face of the panel. The lower ramp is carried by an inner vertical flange of the cradle.

Abstract: A rail assembly may include a housing with a cavity and a channel in the cavity. A cam may be disposed in the channel. The cam may include an elongated portion. One or more locks may be disposed in the channel and contact an outer surface of the cam. When the cam is rotated from the open position, the position of the locks may be adjusted to retain a panel disposed in the rail assembly. When the cam is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the position of the locks may be returned to the initial position and the panel may be moved and/or removed.

Abstract: A connector for butt-connecting two chipboard components having two connector parts, which, mutually rotated through 90°, can be pushed together, into one another, into a locked assembly position and are in the form of U-shaped brackets having two outer bracket arms, which respectively have a rear plug-in portion for insertion into a circular drill hole of one component and an expandable front plug-in portion, forming the free bracket end, for insertion into a circular drill hole of the other component. A middle bracket arm is for expansion of the two front plug-in portions of the respectively other bracket in the assembly position. At least one locking portion for the mutual locking of the two brackets in the assembly position is provided. The outer sides of the rear plug-in portions are each configured, at least approximately, as partial lateral surfaces of the same circular cylinder.

Abstract: A boom for an aircraft, and, more particularly, to a tail boom for a helicopter, whereby the tail boom may comprise a watertight compartment and watertight bulkheads. The watertight bulkheads may close at least one end of watertight compartment. Watertight bulkhead may include attachment device, frame, and watertight fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a boltless module mounting system and a method of installing a boltless module. The system includes at least one module frame containing a module laminate, at least one support structure having support rails, and multiple boltless mounting components. The mounting components attach the module frame to the support rails. The present invention also provides a boltless module mounting system including at least one module having posts and at least one support structure with support rails. The support rails have receiving slots with a receiving hole and two or more slide slots. The posts interlock with the receiving slots. The method includes aligning multiple boltless connectors, lowering a boltless module frame onto a support structure, and sliding the frame to interlock the boltless connectors.

Abstract: A laminated glass retention system for securing a laminated glass subassembly within a window sash or frame member or door panel or similar component includes a retention member applied to the laminated glass subassembly. The retention member generally can include a leg portion that engages of the laminated glass subassembly, and can further include a base portion that is coupled to the frame member in which the laminated glass subassembly is seated. The retention member helps retain the insulating glass subassembly within its frame member when subjected to high winds and wind-borne debris.

Abstract: A locking post for a folding door having two face panels and two end panels, the panels extending the length of the post. A plurality of relatively short, spacers are in the post, including a spacer at each end of the post. First fasteners fasten one face panel to each spacer on one side of each spacer and fasten the other face panel to each spacer on the side of each spacer opposite the one side, the face panels parallel and aligned. Second fastens detachably fasten one end panel to both face panels along one side of the face panels and detachably fasten the other end panel to both face panels on the other side of the face panels, the end panels parallel, the face panels and end panels together providing a tubular enclosure for the spacers.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing a modular building having pre-fabricated panel wall components are easily assembled to form a predetermined, energy efficient structure that provides for mating alignment and securement of the modular panels with each other along their adjoining seams.

Abstract: A mechanism for the adjustment of the vertical alignment of a panel member contained within an elongated channel section comprising; one or more means of clamping the panel member with an adjustable force; and one or more support means for supporting the panel member within the channel section; wherein the one or more means of clamping the panel member is arranged to adjustably tilt and secure the panel member so as to be maintained substantially vertically aligned even when the elongated channel section is secured to a surface which is not substantially horizontal.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing a modular building having pre-fabricated panel wall components are easily assembled to form a predetermined structure that provides for mating alignment and securement of the modular panels with each other along their adjoining seams, without requiring additional locking mechanisms for stabilizing the panels.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing a modular building having pre-fabricated panel wall components are easily assembled to form a predetermined structure including energy efficient corner modular components that provide for seamless, energy-efficient corners with structural strength.

Abstract: A connector for rigidly engaging elongate structural members in a display structure includes a beam connection portion defined on a body and having a cavity. A semi-cylindrical guide surface of the cavity is adjacent to an opening. The opening has an elliptical shape in which the difference between a major and a minor axis is an offset distance. An eccentric fastener is rotatably disposed in the cavity and includes a head portion that protrudes from the opening and engages a hole of the elongate structural member, and a cam portion that is eccentrically disposed relative to the head portion and configured to engage the semi-cylindrical surface when the eccentric fastener is rotated relative to the connector.

Abstract: A self-leveling structural element in a non-progressive attachment system, a U-shaped retentive clip having a base and two upwardly extending arms that are forced apart by the installation of a self-drilling screw, the novel retentive clip with screw coacting with an extruded frame to mount and retain a plurality of aluminum composite material (ACM) panels in a coplanar manner, to form an Aluminum Composite Cladding System, for a non-progressive system that enables removal of individual panels for replacement or repair.

Abstract: Connecting element for panels (11, 12) comprising a flange (19) having a presser (19?) at a first end, a first longitudinal seat (20a) for receiving and engaging an extension (13) of a first panel (11) in an intermediate portion, and a enlarged base (28) at a second end, said first longitudinal seat (20a) being open in an area adjacent to said flange and delimited, besides by said flange (19) also by a first lateral wall (22) opposite to said flange (19) and by a first base wall (25) for connecting said first lateral wall (22) with said flange (19), said enlarged base (28) defining with a first projection (29), which extends from a first end thereof towards said first base wall (25), a first longitudinal channel (20b) delimited by said flange (19), said first base wall (25), said enlarged base (28) and said first projection (29), wherein said first base wall (25) extends in the direction orthogonal to said flange (19) at least over a section equivalent to the distance between said flange (19) and said first p

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system comprising metal grid members and rectangular composite acoustical panels, the panels having edges at their peripheries, the grid members having a cross section generally like an inverted T such that they provide oppositely extending flanges adapted to support the panels at their edges, a resilient element at a juncture between a support on the grid member flanges and at least one edge of each panel, the resilient element being arranged to temporarily deflect to permit a panel to be raised from below the grid member into an installed position and to extend itself to hold such panel in position on the grid.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a self-leveling structural element in a non-progressive attachment system, a U-shaped retentive clip having a base and two upwardly extending arms that are forced apart by the installation of a self-drilling screw, the novel retentive clip with screw coacting with an extruded frame to mount and retain a plurality of aluminum composite material (ACM) panels in a coplanar manner, to form an Aluminum Composite Cladding System; thereby comprising a non-progressive system that enables removal of individual panels for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A modular frame connection is formed by abutting a front camming surface of a front camming end of a front fastening plate against a rear camming surface of a rear camming end of a rear fastening plate while a front pierced end of the front fastening plate and rear pierced end of the rear fastening plate are separated, inserting the front and rear camming ends between a front and rear flanges of a post or beam, rotating the front pierced end toward the rear pierced end until a front finger surface of the front camming end is disposed insertably between a front lip of the front flange and a web of the post or beam and abutably to the front flange and a front abutment surface substantially orthogonal to the front fastening plate is disposed abutably to the web, rotating the rear pierced end toward the front pierced end until a rear finger surface of the rear camming end is disposed insertably between a rear lip of the rear flange and the web of the post or beam and abutably to the rear flange and a rear abutmen

Abstract: A brick veneer assembly having improved installation capabilities, improved accommodation of brick tolerances, improved moisture control, simple assembly, and lower cost relative to the prior art. A plurality of bricks having a mortised groove providing both a locating advantage and a locking mechanism are provided. An easy to handle support panel provides horizontal rows of shaped receptors, each of which are alternately aligned vertically, and each of which have resilient retainers integrated within the walls of said receptors to engage the brick.

Abstract: A rail system for holding a panel, such as a plate glass pane, in a door and/or wall partition. The rail system includes a housing and a clamp member having a wedging geometry so that when the clamp member is actuated with respect to the housing in a first direction, at least a portion of the clamp member will move in a clamping direction, which is different than the first direction to clamp the panel.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for a fire resistant rated fenestration including curtain wall systems for multiple story buildings capable of withstanding a seismic load. Fire resistant panels are mounted in a fire resistant mullion where the mullion may be one element, or may have an inner structural shell and an outer shell. A barrier of fire resistant material is disposed between the inner and outer shells. A sealer compound or a fire resistant compressible filler seals the space between the mullion and the fire resistant panels. The inner structural shell member is connected to an elastic panel fastener that is connected at its opposite end to fire resistant panels. The fastener allows the fire resistant panels to move in response to a seismic load without damage to the mullion or panels.

Abstract: A structural glass panel railing includes glass panels supported on a floor by a base assembly including a railing support assembly. The railing support assembly includes a shoe fastened to the floor, a base member locked to the shoe by a cam lock lever and a channel member having a pocket receiving the panel. The base member may be attached directly to the floor. The channel member is received in a groove of the base member and is held by a wedge system. The wedge system can be formed by mating tapers on the channel member and the groove or by a wedge member inserted into the groove. A handrail assembly includes a handrail channel member receiving the top edge of the panel. The handrail channel member is received in a groove in a handrail.

Abstract: A wall framework includes top and bottom tracks, a horizontal channel and vertical studs. A first vertical stud is secured to the top track and the bottom track and has a first opening sized and shaped to permit the horizontal channel to extend therethrough and a second opening vertically spaced from the first opening. A second vertical stud is secured to the top track and the bottom track and has a third opening sized and shaped to permit the channel to extend therethrough and a fourth opening vertically spaced from the fourth opening. At least one clip extends through the first opening and the second opening. A fastener connects the horizontal channel to the clip. The clip cooperates with the fastener to secure the horizontal channel in a fixed relationship to the first vertical stud.

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 method of making a seal on a panel for a door or window by applying and curing a sealant on the surface of the panel is provided, preferably by screening the sealant onto the surface of the panel. The panel with the seal is mounted in a window or door frame such that the seal is disposed between the panel and the frame itself. To assemble the door or window, the panel may be inserted into “U” shaped grooves in the structural members comprising the door and the frame members assembled about the panel. The panel may have multiple layers with such seals interposed between the layers.

Abstract: A semi-automatic shielding panel removal and installation system for supportless dasher board systems. A U-channel runs along the length of a dasher board for holding in place (by cam means) a shielding panel. The U-channel is divided into two portions; a fixed portion is mounted to the frame of the dasher board, and a movable portion is able to be lifted off of a stringer by an actuator device. During normal use of the dasher board system (i.e. during a hockey game), the cam means holds the shielding panel snugly within the U-channel portions. When it is desired to remove the panel, a motor-driven lifting device is pivotably attached to the movable portion of the U-channel and actuated. The movable portion of the U-channel is lifted vertically, thus lifting the panel out of and away from the fixed portion of the U-channel. When the top portion of the dasher board has been cleared, the U-channel is rotated by 90 degrees so the panel may be slid out and loaded onto a skid or other storage means.

Abstract: An apparatus of a muntin bar clip to secure the position of muntin bars during and following the fabrication of multi-pane sealed glass window units. The disclosure relates to securing and positioning muntin bars at multi-pane sealed glass window unit perimeters and in joining hollow false muntin bars within such units. The invention relates particularly to muntin bar clips intended to fix the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit utilizing the sealing methods including foam strips and or butyl as the sealing medium. The disclosed invention more particularly relates to muntin bar clips for the purpose of fixing the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit where the false muntin bar is other than orthogonal in relation to the perimeter of the window.

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: A dasher board assembly having a U-shaped channel for receiving a shielding panel, and a rotatable cam co-operating with the channel to releasably clamp the shielding panel to the channel.

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: 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 lightweight, prefabricated building structure is assembled from panels having positive attachment means for attaching each of the panels to a suitable foundation. Each of the panels has friction lock means for interlocking one to another. Roof panels are provided which are joinable to the edge on the upper surface of the panels by the same type of friction lock means. Panels consisting of polyurethane can be easily shipped to a building site and erected with a minimum of cost and manual labor.

Abstract: A dasher board assembly having a U-shaped channel for receiving a shielding panel, and a rotatable cam co-operating with the channel to releasably clamp the shielding panel to the channel.

Abstract: A lock-wedge bracket (10) is intended to straddle a beam and can be mounted at any desired position on the beam. It comprises a short leg (12) and a long leg (14), forming a 90.degree. angle with each other. An angle flange (16) on the leg (12) is bent 90.degree. and the outer edge of the leg (14) is bent over approximately 105.degree.. A wedge (23) and a hook (29) with a lip (31) are disposed in a slot in the leg (14). The distal end of the leg (14) thereby acts as a pressure spring (18) for resilient pressing of the wedge against the hook, which in turn is brought into engagement with the lip (31) under the lateral edge of the beam.

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: A rapidly erectable, removable, reusable, and raisable acoustical wall system is provided that comprises a plurality of wall panels, each of which has opposing side edges which include a front edge and a back edge, a plurality of panel support posts having pairs of parallel flanges for receiving the side edges of the wall panels to form a wall, and a plurality of wedging members for forcefully securing the front side edges of the panels into an acoustically-obstructing engagement with the front flanges of the panel support posts. Wedge-receiving recesses are provided at the top and bottom of each of the back side edges of the panels, the top recesses of one panel being registrable with the bottom recesses of another panel when two panels are stacked between the same support posts.

Abstract: Interior shields for protecting structure openings such as windows and doors are described. The shields which are to be positioned on the inside of a window include metal pane backing, metal reinforcement channel members, a metal flange frame, and sealing gasket material on the inside edges of the flange frame. The shields are held in place by compressive fasteners that include a metal cam type wheel with a flat side portion, an axial-hole off center and a side opening for an adjustment rod. A bolt can fit through the axial opening to hold the wheel against the side interior frame of a window. The bolt can be held in place by a concrete anchor and metal sleeve. Rotating the adjustment rod attaches and detaches the shield from the window. When attached, the gasket material forms a watertight seal between the shield and the window. For wooden frames a lag bolt can be substituted for the bolt. Materials for the shield and compressive fastener can include aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel or the like.

Abstract: A device for anchoring beams, together or to one or more other structural elements. A wedge-shaped beam attachment (10) is intended to straddle respective beams and can be fitted in any selected position along the beam. The attachment includes a short leg (12) and a long leg (14) which define an angle or 90 degrees with one another. An angled collar (16) on the short leg (12) is bent through 90 degrees and the outer end of the long leg (14) is bent to an angle of about 75 degrees. This bent outer end of the long leg (14) forms an abutment spring (18) which consequently defines an angle of approximately 75 degrees with the long leg (14) and which functions to urge a wedge (23) resiliently against the side edge of a beam.

Abstract: A concealed suspension ceiling system advantageously uses a `T` bar grid network used for lay-in ceiling panels. Saddle clips are secured to upper beads of the `T` bar grid network allowing torsioning springs to releasably maintain the panels suspended beneath the grid. The system can be used for entirely new installations or used in a retrofit application.

Abstract: Where a structural frame has elongated spaced parallel framing members therein, longitudinally extending edges of which are substantially coplanar with one another on one side of the frame, boards of wood facing material are superimposed on the edges of the framing members, and interlocked with one another, as well as with the framing members, at male/female joints formed therebetween along parallels to the right angular coordinates of the frame in the plane of the edges. The joints take the form of tongue and groove joints, and in the case of those between the boards and the framing members, the joints are also dovetailed. Certain improvements in sheet metal clad wood facing materials are also shown, as is a process for making boards of sheet metal clad wood facing material from planks of wood which are only partially dried when they are put to use in the process.

Abstract: A rapidly erectable, removable, reusable, and raisable acoustical wall system is provided that comprises a plurality of wall panels, each of which has opposing side edges which include a front edge and a back edge, a plurality of panel support posts having pairs of parallel flanges for receiving the side edges of the wall panels to form a wall, and a plurality of wedging members for forcefully securing the front side edges of the panels into an acoustically-obstructing engagement with the front flanges of the panel support posts. Wedge-receiving recesses are provided at the top and bottom of each of the back side edges of the panels, the top recesses of one panel being registrable with the bottom recesses of another panel when two panels are stacked between the same support posts.

Abstract: A holding device for vertically positioning a window pane in the window frame of a motor vehicle, including a retaining part adapted to be secured in a transverse part of the frame, a supporting part moveable with respect to the retaining part and adapted to engage with an edge of the window pane, and a spring acting between the supporting part and the retaining part for urging the supporting part in the direction of the plane of the window pane towards the edge. The retaining part has a pawl pivotally connected to it for movement between a holding position where it engages the supporting part and holds it and the spring in an initial tensioned position and a release position where it is located in a recess in the retaining part and allows the spring to urge the supporting part against the edge of the window pane. The pawl is resiliently biased toward the holding position and located so that it will be pushed into the release position by the window pane as it is being inserted into the window frame.

Abstract: A rapidly erectable, removable, reusable, and raisable acoustical wall system is provided that comprises a plurality of wall panels, each of which has opposing side edges which include a front edge and a back edge, a plurality of panel support posts having pairs of parallel flanges for receiving the side edges of the wall panels to form a wall, and a plurality of wedging members for forcefully securing the front side edges of the panels into an acoustically-obstructing engagement with the front flanges of the panel support posts. Wedge-receiving recesses are provided at the top and bottom of each of the back side edges of the panels, the top recesses of one panel being registrable with the bottom recesses of another panel when two panels are stacked between the same support posts.

Abstract: Cap means embodying the concepts of the present invention are adapted to secure one or more roof panel members to a modular building structure. Broadly, such a cap means has a horizontally disposed base portion that is adapted to engage a supporting member incorporated in, and presented from, the modular building. An inclined, plate portion is supported from the base portion. The plate portion is adapted to receive, and support, the roof panel. A locking member secures each roof panel to one or more inclined plate portions. The cap means may also provide a facia member which may be attached to the roof panels with connector that inhibit removal. The cap members can provide space for the installation of electrical cable in a location that can be accessed either before or after erection of the building.

Abstract: Connector means embodying the concepts of the present invention are adapted to secure one or more roof panel members to a modular building structure. Broadly, such a connector means has a horizontally disposed base portion that is adapted to engage a supporting member incorporated in, and presented from, the modular building. An inclined, plate portion is supported from the base portion. The plate portion is adapted to receive, and support, the roof panel. A locking member frictionally secures each roof panel to one or more inclined plate portions.

Abstract: A stabilizer for securing muntin bar within insulating glass windows has a primary insert, a secondary insert, and a pad which is attached to the primary insert by an attaching means. The primary and secondary inserts are insertible into open ends of muntin bar to secure the two ends into a desired angle. The secondary insert is attached to the primary insert by means of a pivot, allowing the same stabilizer to be used for a variety of angles. The pad is adjustable allowing it to fit against an associated spacer bar and secure the muntin bar between the panes of the insulating glass window.

Abstract: A two-piece adjustable support for supporting the edge of a windshield panel on a vehicle body includes a molded plastic base member and molded plastic rotary cam member. The base member and the rotary cam member have integrally molded mating cylindrical elements with a snap-fitting retention mechanism to rotatably mount the rotary cam member on the base member. The base member has an integrally molded fastener which inserts through an aperture in the vehicle body panel to immovably mount the base member on the vehicle body. The rotary cam member has a cam surface on the periphery thereof for engaging and supporting the lower edge of the windshield panel. A detent integrally molded with the members includes a plurality of teeth molded on the rotary cam member and engaged by at least one tooth carried by a flexible spring arm integrally molded with the base member.

Abstract: A sectional frame and insert arrangement in which one contact surface on the insert rests against the frame, and the insert has a flange with a foot-shaped cross-section extending into a channel with a C-shaped cross-section. The flange has an impact surface that extends perpendicular to the contact surface and rests against the wall of the channel. The flange has a snap-in edge that engages below and can be released from the head of another wall having a T-shaped cross-section and being positioned opposite the first wall. Positioners enclosing at least partly the inserted area of the snap-in edge of the foot-section flange, are inserted into a longitudinal snap-in groove. The positioners have resilient tongues above the snap-in edge resting against the head of the T-section wall.

Abstract: An open frame has a shoulder which is inwardly on the outward surface of the frame and receives a flat rectangular panel with the edge portions of the panel against said shoulder. A continuous groove around the inner portion of said frame receives a bezel which protrudes into said groove and outwardly over the edge portions of the frame. The bezel is biased inwardly as to firmly hold the frame in place. The bezel can be removed by urging it toward the center of the frame.

Abstract: A panel-framing assembly using clips to secure a pair of retaining strips to a frame member, along each edge of a panel being framed, without any adhesive. Each clip has a securing portion, which is insertable into a relatively wide region of a slot in a wall of the frame member, and which is adapted to coact with the wall to secure such clip to the frame member when such clip is moved so that the securing region is admitted by a relatively narrow region of the slot. Each retaining strip has an inner leg, which is insertable between a flanged portion of each clip and the wall when such clip is secured to the wall, and an outer leg, which is generally normal to the inner leg, and which is adapted to retain a panel seated against the flanged portion by engaging a portion of one face of the panel along one edge of the panel to prevent lateral movement of the panel relative to the frame member.