Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically. A panel system including a plurality of rectangular panels with long and short edges which are mechanically connectable to each other along at least one pair of adjacent edges, said panels each being provided with a tongue and groove formed in one piece with the panels for mechanically locking together said adjacent edges at right angles to the principal plane of the panels, thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels, said panels being provided with a first locking element at one first edge formed in one piece with the panel and a locking groove at an opposite second edge, the locking groove being open towards a rear side or a front side of the panel.

A structural frame for a building, comprising: adjacent first and second columns; at least one precast concrete floor slab having first and second corner indents located in two adjacent corners and a first elongated edge beam defined between the first and second corner indents, the first elongated edge beam being disposed between the first and second columns such that the first and second columns are received in the first and second corner indents and that the first elongated edge beam abuts the first and second columns; and a first tendon assembly extending between the first and second columns and adapted to be tensioned to compress the first elongated edge beam between the first and second columns, the first tendon assembly including at least one left cable and at least one right cable located symmetrically on either sides of a vertical center plane of the first and second columns.

The present invention relates to a reinforcing structure of unexpired concrete building floors used for reinforcing a concrete column, a concrete beam and a concrete floor slab. The structure has: at least one external column each of the at least one external column wrapping around the concrete column; at least one framework each wrapping around the concrete beam; a plurality of brackets fixedly mounted to the lower surface of the concrete floor slab, and a base plate disposed at the bottom of the concrete column, wherein the bottom of each of the at least one external column is fixed to the base plate, the top of each of the at least one external column is fixed to a corresponding one of the at least one framework, and the corresponding framework is fixed to the plurality of brackets along a length direction of the concrete beam.

Modular building methods and systems using precision machined modular panels. Standard modular panels are used for constructing walls, floor, and roof, with transitions from wall to roof and wall to floor provided by special transition panels. The standard panels include a channel formed configured to receive a flange of a C-channel member. The present method progresses by installation of a foam panel (or stack or row of such panels), followed by installation of a C-channel member, with the flange of such member engaged in the panels, followed by installation of an adjacent row or stack of panels, before installation of the next, adjacent C-channel member. Such alternating placement of panels and frame members eliminates the need for a tape measure, the need for any independent frame for the building, and ensures the walls, floor, and roof are square and plumb, as the precision machined panels ensure these requirements are met.

An elevated flooring system is operable to support a flooring panel. The elevated flooring system includes a beam configured to support the flooring panel. Aspects of the flooring system also include a saddle with a base surface and a prong. The beam is engaged with and vertically supported by the base surface of the saddle. The beam is configured to support the flooring panel and defines an aperture configured to receive the prong. Aspects of the beam includes a tent attachment assembly and a beam wall defining an aperture and opposite wall surfaces. The tent attachment assembly is configured for attachment to the tent and includes a base, a boss plate, and a threaded fastener. The fastener extends at least partly through the apertures of the base, boss plate and beam wall and is threaded into the boss plate.

A floor to wall connector is provided. The floor to wall connector comprises a wall bracket and a floor bracket. The wall bracket includes a floor receiver. The wall bracket is configured to connect to a wall panel. The floor bracket includes an opening. The floor bracket is configured to connect to a floor panel. The floor receiver of the wall bracket is configured to insert into the opening of the floor bracket thereby connecting the wall panel to the floor panel. A floor and wall system including the floor to wall connector and a method of connecting a wall panel to a floor panel via the floor to wall connector is also provided.

Modular building methods and systems using lightweight modular panels, and specially configured transition panels for transitioning from wall to floor, or from wall to roof. Identically configured standard panels are used for constructing the walls, floor, and roof, with transitions from one structure to the next (e.g., wall to floor, or wall to roof). Each of the variously configured panel types includes channels (e.g., 2 pair of channels) formed through the length of the foam body, where the channels are configured to receive splines (e.g., flanges of an I-beam) therein. In the standard panel, the channels may include pairs of top and bottom channels, with the channels offset towards the respective panel major faces. In the transition panels, the channels may be similarly configured, but positioned differently to make the appropriate transition. The splines are connected to a frame, which acts as a template and transfers loads to a foundation.

The innovation relates to a pool covering system that is usable as a flooring surface. The pool covering system includes brackets and support beams spanning the pool opening. The beams provide structural support to cross members and flooring placed on top of the beams. The pool covering system does not require significant drainage of the pool and does not damage the pool structure during installation and use.

An elevated flooring system is operable to support a flooring panel. The elevated flooring system includes a beam configured to support the flooring panel. Aspects of the flooring system also include a saddle with a base surface and a prong. The beam is engaged with and vertically supported by the base surface of the saddle. The beam is configured to support the flooring panel and defines an aperture configured to receive the prong. Aspects of the beam includes a tent attachment assembly and a beam wall defining an aperture and opposite wall surfaces. The tent attachment assembly is configured for attachment to the tent and includes a base, a boss plate, and a threaded fastener. The fastener extends at least partly through the apertures of the base, boss plate and beam wall and is threaded into the boss plate.

A connector (100) is disclosed for use in forming a joint between a first surface (400) and a second surface (410). The connector (100) comprises a housing (10). The connector also comprises a tendon (200). A portion of the tendon (200) can protrude from the housing (10) through a seal (50). The seal (50) is configured to sealably cover an open end (14) of the housing (10) such that the tendon (200) can move through the seal (50) and laterally sideways across the open end (14) together with at least a portion of the seal (50). Also disclosed is a connector (100) system for use in forming a joint, and a method of installing a connector (100) to form a joint, between a first surface (400) and a second surface (410). The connector (100) system and method comprises and makes use of the housing (10) and the tendon (200).