Abstract: A scaffolding attachment and method of using the same during construction of an outer wall next to an inner wall. Each attachment consists of a beam adjustably secured to a support post and a bracket element fixed to the inner wall at the same height as the beam. A flat link member is rigidly, permanently secured to the bracket and detachably attached to the beam. The rear portion of the link member is made frangible. The flat link member and flat plate part of the bracket are adapted to be embedded in the mortar between the next-to-highest and the highest building unit at each desired level. Once the mortar has set, the scaffolding beam is detached and the frangible portion of the link member is removed. The outer wall then remains secured to the inner wall thereat and the work platform of the scaffolding may be raised.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device designed to be used in repairing a hole in a wall, door, or other structure. The device includes a male member threaded into a recess in a female member with an umbrella-shaped device mounted on the male member and initially stored within a recess in the female member but released therefrom when the male member is unthreaded from the female member whereupon the umbrella device spreads outwardly to cover or obscure the opening. Break points are formed on the male member to allow the shaft thereof to be broken off after the device is properly positioned.

Abstract: A casing trim, and the combination therewith of a flat vinyl strip, and the method of concealing building wooden casings and the like, wherein the casing trim is nailed to the edge portion of a casing, with one flange of the casing trim extending over an edge of the casing, and the perpendicularly directed face portion has a channel which receives and retains an edge of the flat vinyl strip.

Abstract: A conduit positioning and accessing apparatus, and resulting concrete form structure, comprises a compression type coupling, a flange member rigidly attached to the coupling, a filler element which removably surrounds a portion of the coupling and fastening elements for removably fastening the apparatus to a concrete form, wherein the filler element is formed of polystyrene foam or other easily disfigured material, and wherein an access cavity is defined in the hardened concrete upon removal of the form and filler element.

Abstract: A hydro channel for use in conjunction and in proximity with the juncture between a foundation wall, and the upper surface of a connecting footing, the channel incorporating an angled portion, formed of a horizontal and vertical integral wall, a lower flange extends from the bottom edge of the vertical wall, a break away upright flange extends integrally from the upper edge of the upper wall, and once a concrete floor or slab is poured, and hardened, a portion of the upright flange may be broken away so as to align its upper edge in proximity with the upper surface of the constructed floor.

Abstract: A shock absorbing assembly having sections for controlling the modal deformation of collapse and capable of absorbing the dynamic energy of impact caused by the rapid deceleration of heavy masses is provided. The shock absorbing assembly has a plurality of arcuate steel sections sandwiched between steel plates with an elastomeric rubber compound secured to and covering at least one surface of one plate. Each of the arcuate steel sections are provided with a groove in its soffit.

Abstract: A fire-resistant suspended ceiling grid structure having cross tees and main beams, to support ceiling tiles. The structure has shear means to permit a cross tee to expand into a main beam during a fire. The shear means have a notch behind a transverse tab formed in the cross tee which acts as a stop against the main beam in normal conditions, and shears or bends during a fire to permit the cross tee to expand into the main beam and still hold the tile in place.

Abstract: A hygienic pressure relief panel unit is provided which reliably ruptures at a predetermined pressure in order to prevent buildup of dangerous pressure within protected structure such as a vessel or the like defining an enclosed space, which prevents media passage therethrough before rupture, and which presents a sanitary, easily cleanable surface toward the vessel interior in order to inhibit accumulation of food particles, dust, or the like. The preferred panel unit includes a slotted stainless steel panel with the slots configured as a line of weakness for separation at a predetermined pressure, a sheet of PTFE material prepared on one side thereof to present an adhesive bonding surface, and an adhesive coupling the sheet and the panel, whereby the panel unit can be placed in a covering relationship with the vent opening of the protected structured in order to present the outer face of the PTFE sheet toward the vessel interior.

Abstract: A breakaway utility pole structure having a tubular base (11) anchored in the ground substantially at ground level and adapted to telescopically secure the bottom end portion of a pole (9), the base (11) having a circumferential shear groove (20) adjacent to its bottom end, and the base being secured in the base by adhesive material (12) and by bolts (21) spaced above the shear groove (20), the shear groove is adapted to cause failure of the base when the pole is subjected to horizontal impact at a predetermined distance above ground level from a vehicle of predetermined weight moving horizontally at a predetermined minimum speed.

Abstract: A recess plug for positioning lifting anchors in precast concrete panel includes first and second hollow plug halves having complementary, frictionally-engaging mating surfaces, and also having pairs of projecting bosses positioned to overlap, when the plug halves are joined together, such that holes therethrough are in registry to receive nails therethrough for locking the plug halves together in enclosing relation with the head of an anchor as they are mounted on a vertical formwork wall. The plug halves also include boss portions for attaching a reinforcing bar to the plug assembly so that the reinforcing bar is properly positioned relative to the anchor held by the recess plug to bear the stresses applied to the anchor when the panel is lifted by the anchor. Each plug half includes a rear wall having a notch which forms an opening with the notch in the mating plug half sized to receive the shank of an anchor therethrough.

Abstract: In a portable traffic marker, the footplate has on its upper side a recess of rectangular or square outline in which the post is inserted. On the post either a portable traffic marker plate is fixed or a portable traffic marker body is fitted. The post has an M profile, the two mutually parallel side segments of which have the same length as each other, which is at least approximately the same as the inside diameter of the recess in the footplate. The two middle segments of the M profile are likewise of the same length and extend from the point of connection with the respective neighboring side segment at least approximately up to the middle of the line joining the free ends of the two side segments of the M profile.

Abstract: Modular system for making containers, including reuseable panels for the side walls of the containers, the side wall panels having fastening devices adjacent the upright corners of the containers, with the end portions of the panels overlapping each other in a series in one direction around the perimeter of the containers, and with fastening devices including fastening plates in a series overlapping each other in the opposite direction around the perimeter of the containers.

Abstract: A reversible, width adjustable gate including a vertically oriented hinge tube supporting a pair of vertically spaced hinges; an end tube, parallel with and laterally spaced from the hinge tube; an upper framing tube horizontally oriented and attached to the uppermost end of the hinge tube and end tube; and a lower framing tube horizontally oriented and attached to the lowermost end of the hinge tube and end tube. Both the upper and lower framing tubes have extension portions protruding beyond the end of the end tube for attachment of a latch. The extension portions may be scored to facilitate breaking or cutting of the tubes for proper width. Reversible hinges permit and up-side-down reversal of the gate and in that both upper and lower framing tubes are provided with removable extension portions, correct width adjustment for attachment of the latch may be made by selective removal of a selected extension portion.

Abstract: A vibration resistant rupturable pressure relief member for protecting structure subject to vibration from reaching an overpressure condition. The rupturable pressure relief member is comprised of a rupture panel having an elongated concave-convex bulged portion formed therein and having a score pattern on a side thereof which includes an elongated score extending longitudinally across the bulged portion the ends of which connect with additional divergent scores forming opposing V-shapes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of constructing a footing and a foundation wall thereon, and form therefore in a hardenable building material for use in a continuous, perimeter type building foundation. An improved shape for the footing and foundation wall is disclosed which allows the use of a novel formwork system, thus permitting both elements to be cast simultaneously in a monolithic arrangement. Additionally, the cast shape of the foundation system is such that the basic function of transmitting superimposed building loads to the earth is an improvement over the more traditional types of foundation systems. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, much of the formwork is expendable and is permanently left in place, being removed only where visable in the finished structure.

Abstract: An expansion joint seal assembly comprising elastomeric face and back seals joined by a tear strip and mounted between abutting adjacent building surfaces by press-fitting holding arrows integrally formed with the face and back seals into corresponding receptacles in a retaining frame mounted to each of the building surfaces. The elastomeric face and back seals are provided with accordion-like surface contours that allow the space between the abutting building surfaces to expand and contract due to thermal expansion, wind drift, settling and seismic motions upon the building structure while maintaining an impervious seal. The elastomeric face and back seals and tear strip are produced from a single extrusion of a flexible material, and may be of a type susceptible of coloration.

Abstract: A pressure ring combination for sealing the inverted stack of a membrane roof to a waste pipe or other drainage member. The pressure ring combination includes a ring member that is movable between a contracted position and an expanded position, and a keeper member for keeping the ring member in the contracted position until it is desired to expand the ring member. The pressure ring combination can be easily inserted into the interior of the drainage member with a portion of the inverted stack positioned between the pressure ring combination and the interior of the waste pipe or other drainage member while the ring member is in the contracted position. The keeper member can then be removed from the ring member to allow the ring member to expand and to securely seal the portion of the inverted stack to the interior of the waste pipe or other drainage member.

Abstract: A punch and shear machine (27) has a pair of rotary punch drums (35, 36) succeeded by a pair of rotary shear drums (38, 39). The machine (27) receives a strip of sheet material (31) and forms in the strip a series of fastener-receiving indentations (51) and a series of alined pairs of slits (110) each with an intermediate scored portion (111). The sheared strip is then passed through a roll-forming machine (28) to form a strip of loosely connected hold-down clips (150) for roof panels and the like.

Abstract: A deformable molding is provided to form watertight sealing between formica covered panel members such as back-splash boards and countertops. The molding includes a first part to fit between first and second panel members and to be secured thereto by pressure-sensitive adhesive means. The molding also includes a pair of lip portions adapted to be biased into pressure sealing contact with respective adjacent panel members.

Abstract: A trench duct power compartment for use over a cellular raceway is fabricated by forming a rectangular-shaped blank and then stamping out a center section to leave portions which are contoured to the shape of the crests of the cellular raceway and thereafter bending the cut-out blank to simultaneously form upright side walls, downwardly extending concrete blockers together with connecting bottom end sections while leaving the bottom midsection open. The contoured portions of the concrete blockers having the same profile as the crests of the cellular raceway and snugly engage therewith.

Abstract: Post for traffic signals, signs, information signs and the like comprising a foundation part fixed to the ground and a post part connected to the foundation part by a shock absorbing coupling which allows the post part to be released from the foundation part without the latter being substantially separated from the ground fixation. Personal damage is eliminated or reduced in an unintentional collision with the post by the coupling (5) which consists of at least two telescopically cooperating parts, one fixed to the foundation part (1) and the other fixed to the post part (6), which parts have a cooperating direction of displacement arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post, and which telescoping parts frictionally contact at cooperating surfaces so that a friction force is generated by relative displacement of the parts.

Abstract: The subject invention is silo explosion door serving as a safety protection apparatus to prevent damage resulting from an explosion within a silo from internally generated gaseous pressures. The invention is structured as an automatically actuated door mechanism that opens solely by the internal pressure generated against the inside areas of the door, and in this inventive application the door is equipped with an elastomeric frame that encompasses the perimeter of the door. This elastomeric frame is engineered and designed to have a specified internal resistance, as governed by its shape and modules of elasticity, which when exceeded by the internal pressure within the silo permits the door to be forced and ejected outwardly away from the silo, thereby permitting the escape of internal pressure.

Abstract: There is described a one-piece, elongated, hollow plastic section which is useful in the support of reinforcing steel in the casting of concrete structures and the formation of recesses in said structures. The section has a trapezoidal configuration and includes (1) a pair of converging wall portions, (2) a wall portion connecting said converging wall portions at their converging ends and (3) a covering strip portion parallel to said connecting wall portion and connecting the opposite ends of said converging wall portions, said (2) connecting wall portion having areas of reduced thickness formed therein and adapted to be perforated by rigid members whereby said wall portion is self-sealing at the area of perforation, said (3) covering strip portion having reduced thickness areas formed therein adjacent to the converging wall portions whereby said covering strip portion may be manually removed from said trapezoidal cross-section so as to form an elongated, U-shaped plastic device.

Abstract: A split masonry block (50) formed of concrete-like material is provided with primary split surface areas (52, 54) and secondary split surface areas (56, 58, 60, 62). A wall (86) is constructed of such blocks so that the primary surface areas (52, 54) in one course are in vertical alignment with primary surface areas in adjacent courses, and the secondary surface areas (56, 58, 60, 62) are placed likewise. A composite module (10) is provided from which split blocks are formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a post comprising a hollow elongated body (1) and rods (2) adapted for static cooperation therewith and so interconnected that said cooperation is interrupted when the post is subjected to local transverse stresses of a predetermined magnitude.The novel features of the invention reside in that the hollow body (1), which is manufactured by extrusion, is provided with a number of per se known internal grooves (5) forming rupture lines and, at least two inwardly open channels (8) defined by inwardly projecting tongues (7), and in that the rods (2) are accommodated in the channels (8), suitably under prestress.

Abstract: Verge unit is a symmetrical tapered channel converging toward one end and diverging toward another end. The unit 1 has two frangible portions which are disposed inwardly at the divergent end the removal of one of which portions allows the unit to be converted into a right hand or a left hand unit for use on a right hand or left hand verge of a roof. The units are placed over the free ends of tiles on a verge so that each divergent end of a unit is overlapped by a convergent end of an adjacent unit, thus providing a stepped line following the line of overlapping tiles along the upper edge of the verge and a straight line running along the lower edge. Verge units may be used for covering the free ends of tiles on tiled roofs to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the verge ends of tiled roofs and to prevent the ingress of rain and snow between the tiles.

Abstract: A window construction is disclosed wherein a unitary vinyl seal 36, corresponding in shape to the window sash 20 and frame 18, is employed to seal the translucent panes 28, 30, 31, etc., in position. Double-backed adhesive foam tape strips 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 46, etc., serve to sealingly bond vinyl seal 36, 36a, and 66 to the translucent panes, the associated sash 20 and frame 18 structure. Replacement of broken panes involves cutting around the periphery of the broken pane (FIGS. 6 and 7), removing the cut segment, installing a replacement pane and sealing it in position. The same segment of vinyl seal 36 removed, or a new seal 66 cut or formed to the same dimensions as the segment cut away, is employed to seal the replacement pane 28a in position. Sealing of the new seal (FIG. 7) is accomplished by an essentially triangular strip of adhesive foam tape 68 having adhesive on all surfaces thereof. Similar replacement seals can also be formed from the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.

Abstract: A prefabricated leave-in-place screed rail for use in forming a floor or pavement slab of slab material cast on opposite sides of the screed rail so that the slab material forms a bond with each side of the screed rail, has an upwardly open groove extending along the rail between the sides. The groove provides for preferential cracking of the screed rail upon shrinkage of the slab material. The screed rail has a toughened upper layer adjacent each opposite side of the groove, and a sealant in the groove.

Abstract: A laminated master panel having a predetermined shape and predetermined dimensions, which panel comprises a foam core made up of a plurality of separate, rigid, constituent segments, an original perimeter frame, and at least one interior divider member. Transverse interior divider members may also be included. Through careful positioning of the interior divider member or members, the panel is dividable into a plurality of smaller laminated panels each of which has a predetermined shape and dimensions that are predetermined proportions of the dimensions of the master panel. In addition, the resulting perimeter frame of each subdivided panel has substantially the same thickness, and substantially the same surface characteristics, throughout the extent of its perimeter. The predetermined shapes of the subdivided panels may be any desired shape--rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, a parallelogram, circular, etc.

Abstract: An assembly for securing roof panels at selectable pitch angles includes an extruded ridge bar having a horizontal ledge and a horizontally extending arcuate flange which form a horizontal slot in which the roof panels are supported at the desired pitch. Horizontally extending end portions of the arcuate flange are removable to set the angle of the slot for the desired pitch. Roof support bars extending along the side edges of the roof panels are connected to the ridge bar at the selected pitch by hinge assemblies having their pivot axes coincident with the center of curvature of the arcuate flange. A header supporting the panels at the eave comprises two extruded channel members pivotally connecting one flange of each channel member. A bifurcated arcuate end portion of the other flange on one channel member straddles the arcuate end portion of the other flange on the other channel member as the channel members are rotated to set the selected roof pitch.

Abstract: An concrete filled steel tube column and method of constructing same. The concrete filled steel tube column includes a steel tube having an inner face; a concrete core disposed within the steel tube; and a separating layer interposed between the inner face of the steel tube and the concrete core for separating the concrete core from the inner face of the steel tube so that the steel tube may not be bonded to the concrete core. After the separating layer is formed on the inner face of the steel tube, the concrete is charged into the steel tube to form a concrete core.

Abstract: A floor panel system for use in grain storage and drying bins is disclosed which uses modular perforated floor panels each of which is hemmed across the width of the panel at predetermined points along its length so that panels of various lengths can be provided readily by breaking standard panels along any appropriate selected hem. The hems also reinforce the panels. Each modular floor panel may have a complete hem at one end and a half hem or flange at the other end such that the panels can be readily aligned and interlocked end-to-end by inserting the half hem or flange of one panel into the full hem of a succeeding panel. A transverse clip may be used to hold together two abutted modular floor panels end-to-end and for reinforcing purposes where high floor loads are contemplated. Adjacent panels are abutted together along the sides and are held together by fitting the side lips into rails or support beams.

Abstract: An aperture seal (30) is providing including a base member (32) having an insulating member (34) coupled thereto. A cover member (36) is coupled to the insulating member (34) on a side opposite the base member (32). A bead of sealant (38) is coupled around the periphery of the cover member (36). A second cover member (42) is provided to hold and protect the bead of sealant (38) in the first cover member (36) until the bead of sealant is released to secure the aperture seal (30) to the roof (12) and close the roof ventilator aperture (14).

Abstract: A screed rail for use in the in situ casting of concrete comprising beams forming upper and lower edges of the rail, which are connected by elements extending therebetween. The elements are spaced along the length of the rail to provide for the passage of concrete reinforcement. For this purpose, the spaced elements may form slots, or a breakable web can close the respective spacings, to be broken as required. In an alternative arrangement a screed rail has an overall cross-section with a lower portion defined by parallel sides extending a major distance from the lower edge of the rail. In use, the rail is mounted in shoes to enable the level of the rail to be accurately set.

Abstract: Recessed sprinkler apparatus including a cover plate having a melting temperature substantially lower than the release temperature of the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A pressure relief wall assembly has a wall panel, one end of which is permanently secured to a frame. A plurality of elements secure a second end of the wall panel to the frame, and these elements fail when an excess pressure is applied to the wall panel. A retaining member is provided so that, when excess pressure is applied to one of the two sides of the wall panel, the second end of the wall panel is retained until a further increase of pressure occurs. The retaining member then releases the second end of the wall panel. This enables the wall assembly to be designed for different release pressures in blow-in and blow-out modes, so that no excess load is applied to a support frame in either mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus designed to catch drippings including three sheets, one formed from an absorbent, isotropically permeable material supported by a second sheet formed from an absorbent material for absorbing drippings. These two sheets further are supported by a third sheet that is liquid-resistant, one side of which is covered by a foil material, this foil-backed sheet further preventing liquid leakage. The three sheets are bonded together by a sealing ring, tape, or adhesive.

Abstract: A frangible coupling assembly for breakaway pole bases has a pair of spaced and parallel plate with a plurality of struts extending therebetween and being situated between a pole base and a supporting base. Each strut is of an elongated cross-section with the longitudinal axis of the struts lying on the perimeter of a circle concentric with the central vertical axis of the plates thereby providing an increased resistance to torsional loads and at the same time relatively lower resistance to lateral force.

Abstract: A wall framing system having a plurality of panels supported by a plurality of spaced and intersecting vertical and horizontal mullions with a water deflector mounted internally and continuously of the length of the horizontal mullions in a channel defined therein and into the intersection of the vertical mullion providing a sealing arrangement such that infiltrated water may not pass the deflector and is directed to the exterior. The water deflector is severably connected to an end panel along a tear line.

Abstract: A one-time-use form for concrete footings comprises a hollow plastic molding with a step-tapered upper portion, sections of which are removable to receive different sizes or shapes of one-time-use pier forms. Use of the two forms in concert permits substantial economy in foundation work because only one excavation, backfill and concrete pouring is required to construct both footings and piers.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall section apparatus includes a pair of pressure treated plywood panels having a plurality of furring strips attached to one side of each panel. A plurality of spacing tie members space the pair panels a predetermined distance apart. The panels are held together by a plurality of fastener members for attaching the panels together, spaced by the spacing tie members with the fastener members attached through the furring strips and panels, so that the furring strips act as reinforcing strips as well as furring strips for the prefabricated wall. Column and beam forming internal walls are located between the pair of connected panels to make three sides of one or two columns and one beam form between the pair of panels so that the prefabricated wall section can be set up and concrete poured therein. The prefabricated wall sections are attached to a foundation adjacent each other so that two adjacent prefabricated wall sections can form one column form.

Abstract: A spacing and support construction member for wood frame construction which provides precise positioning and support for cross-members, such as joists and rafters, on their supporting members, and, in addition, provides for pre-nailing positioning of blocking pieces between cross-members, and furnishes supplementary vertical connection and support, the latter having special use in the attachment of rafters. The construction member comprises a center strip, laid longitudinally along support members, from which transversely-oriented perpendicular projections extend to position the cross-members for attachment. Additional projections provide supplementary horizontal, or, when bent about the edge of the supporting member, vertical attachment means for the construction member, permitting direct vertical connection between the cross-member and its supporting member. The projections from the center strip additionally provide edges for the positioning of blocking pieces between the cross-members for attachment.

Abstract: A gutter system is disclosed for waterproofing basements and the like by channeling seepage water around the perimeter of the basement to either drain or open pit which may contain a sump pump. The gutter system is provided in kit form which includes a plurality of individual components which can be connected together by connecting members into a variety of configurations. Each component of the system is adhesively bonded to the floor and provided with an open conduit arranged facing the wall for channeling water which is collected therein.

Abstract: Heat escape pipes for cinder block structures. A cinder block cavity cap is modified to have a central aperture formed therein. The aperture is specifically configured and dimensioned to receive the base of an upstanding vent pipe. The modified cavity caps are installed in the conventional manner, i.e., they are positioned to cap the cinder blocks in the penultimate row of blocks. The vent pipes are of sufficient length to extend above the concrete which is thereafter poured into the void of the top row of blocks, which concrete is prevented from entering the voids in the blocks below the top row by the cavity caps. Hot air escapes through the vent pipes since the respective lowermost ends of the pipes extend through the respective apertures formed in the cavity caps to thereby provide communication between the interior of the wall and the exterior of the wall.

Abstract: In order to enable accurate regulation of the automatic opening of explosion cover plates at predetermined differences in pressure the cover plate is not only retained in a rubber-elastic sealing clamping section but additionally is supported by at least one counter-support, e.g. as shown in FIG. 2, constituted by a lever arm which will be swung from its supporting position when the limit load is exceeded.

Abstract: A straight elongate structural member, and a structure incorporating such members, capable of rigid mounting at its ends into a reticulated structure to form one of a plurality of structural members forming that structure, the member comprising a straight elongate element serially interconnected with a load responsive means which at working loads axially applied to the member is rigid and which at a desired predetermined load, in excess of the working loads, axially applied to the member becomes plastically deformable the predetermined load being less than the critical load of the member when rigidly supported at its ends.

Abstract: A breakaway standard support assembly has a base member, a standard member, and a coupler securing the base member to the standard member. The coupler has a coupler body assembly consisting of a plurality of body elements which are secured to each other and retained in such position by band means. The body element which cooperate to define the coupler assembly may be in mechanical interengagement. The coupler is sufficiently strong to support the static loading, normal wind forces and other forces encountered in normal use, but is adapted to fracture upon application of a horizontal impact load as by a vehicle, for example, so as to permit the stanadard to absorb shock and yet be moved out of its fixed position. The strap members may have weakened a portion such as a reduced thickness portion to facilitate fracture at a predetermined load level.

Abstract: A roofing shingle having its lower edge portion vertically slotted to divide it into a series of tabs, the shingle being configurated to permit easy breaking of the tabs from the upper part of the shingle, and having a horizontal strip of heat-sensitive adhesive applied to its upper surface on a line above the upper ends of its slots, the upper portions then being usable to form a course of starter shingles along the eave edge of a roof deck to provide an uninterrupted shingle beneath the slots of a course of standard shingles applied over the starter course, with its adhesive strip positioned to seal down the tabs of the first course of standard shingles, and the separated tabs being usable to simulate a course of topping-out shingles adjacent the ridge of the roof. The top surface of the shingle is also configurated to drain water away from the nails used to secure it in place, to inhibit leakage of water through the nail holes in the shingle.

Abstract: A masonry block having through cavities therein of varying dimensions and a compressible, frangible insulating liner for insertion into such a cavity and having resilient arms with integral ribs adapted to bear against at least a pair of the walls of the cavity.

Abstract: An interior panel according to the present invention comprises a plurality of support units fixedly arranged on a floor slab, a panel member supported by the support units so as to be located over the slab surface at a predetermined distance therefrom, and a cable separator supported by the support units and dividing the space between the panel member and the slab surface into upper and lower space sections. Cables and electric devices in a signal system are arranged in the upper space section defined by the cable separator, and electric-system cables and devices in the lower space section. A bendable portion is provided at the peripheral edge portion of the cable separator so that an opening to connect the upper and lower space sections is formed by bending part of the bendable portion.