Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a cane including a handle, a hollow shaft, and a stand mechanism for standing the cane in an upright position upon its shaft. The stand mechanism is releasably retractable from within the hollow shaft through a hand grip mechanism manually operable by the user of the cane. Additionally, the present invention provides for an actuating mechanism extending from the handle, through the shaft and to stand mechanism for actuating the stand mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a technique for uniformly spacing deck boards on a deck, as well as protecting the joists of the deck. The invention provides a deck spacer that can be placed over a joist between adjacent deck boards to provide uniform spacing, as well as to cover and protect the portion of the joists which would otherwise be left exposed by the gap between adjacent deck boards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting frame with assemblage nodes and braces, which is characterized in that the joint between the assemblage nodes (3) and the end parts (27) of the braces (5) comprises a pin joint, that at least one of the elements (braces (5)) of the pin joint (11) which can be plugged into each other has at least one magnet (29), and that at least a partial area of the corresponding counter-part (pin (13)) is ferromagnetic.

Abstract: An automatic down spout extension system including an extension spout pivotally attached to the lower end of a down spout, and a ballast container attached to the distal end of the extension spout. An insert including a number of side openings is attached at the upper end of the down spout, and a hose extends from the bottom of the insert to the ballast container. Rainwater from the rain gutter flows down the down spout and a portion of the water flows through the hose and fills the ballast container at the end of the extension spout. The weight of the water in the ballast container causes the extension spout to move to an extended working position. A spring interconnecting the extension spout and the down spout biases the extension spout in an upright storage position. A drain opening in the ballast container allows water to run out, and when the rain stops and the container empties, the spring pulls the extension spout to an upright storage position.

Abstract: A cladding device for the pond of a swimming pool or the like includes a slab as well as side walls made of concrete or the like. This device is characterized in that it is formed of tightly juxtaposed glass plates applied, through mounting mechanisms, against the slab and the side walls of the pond, on the inner side of the latter.

Abstract: Forms for building and assembling water containment holders such as but not limited to inground spas, pools, manmade ponds and fountains. The forms can have an L-shape with downwardly protruding members for allowing the forms to be placed about a base foundation having receiving openings for the protruding members. Lower walls, seats and backrests can be placed about the forms to assemble the water containment holder. All the components including the base, the forms, the seats, lower walls, and backrests can be modular components that are easily transported and assembled by an individual installer.

Abstract: A construction beam includes a pair of lateral members and a resilient web extending therebetween, so as to present a cross-sectional profile corresponding to commonly used construction beams (e.g., 2″×4″ or 2″×6″). The resilience of the web helps to attenuate sound transmission through the beam from one lateral member to the other. In particular, in a wall frame, the lateral members are mounted at opposite ends thereof to end plates consisting of other construction beams according to the present invention. When the wall frame is used in a building structure, the lateral members of the end plates on the same side are attached to the surrounding structure, leaving the other side of the frame resiliently free floating. A wall is mounted on the free floating side of the wall frame so as to provide a resiliently free floating wall that acts as a sound attenuating absorber.

Abstract: A foundation for a manufactured home generally comprises a ground pan and a lateral brace assembly. Manufactured home has first and second elongate support beams with first beam supported by upright pier and second beam having a lateral flange having a free end. Ground pan, for disposition beneath pier includes a cleat for insertion in ground for preventing horizontal movement of pan. Lateral brace assembly includes an elongate, rigid, and adjustable-length lateral brace, having a bottom end pivotably supported by ground pan and a top end pivotably attached to a beam connector attached to second beam. Beam connector includes: a bracket including a traversing portion, traversing flange and a slot adapted for receiving flange; and a vertical retaining means for bearing on beam opposite slot.

Abstract: A building structure offset uses hexagon structures assembled in an offset layering architecture to construct walls, floors and roofs. Hexagon building structures include interior panels adhered to both sides of a foam core. The structures also include radial cutouts the corners for offset layering assembly with another structure. Peg retainers selectively secure the hexagon building structures together. Fastening holes provide fastener locations for screwing or bolting through the layers of the hexagon structures. The holes align with an offset layer of hexagons when assembled in the axial direction. Conduit holes are selectively located depending on the fastening technique selected. The system includes five derivatives of hexagon building structures and a header, providing square, triangular, and curved geometries when assembled. Since hexagon buildings are built from hexagon building structures without customization, hexagon buildings can be rebuilt, modified, or recycled using the same materials.

Abstract: A clog-free roof drain cover assembly includes a first drain cover fixed over the drain, and a second drain cover which is vertically movable relative to the first drain cover. The second drain cover includes a base provided with weep holes, a skirt located above the weep holes, a hat-shaped portion provided with slots, and a foam ring about the hat-shaped portion. During light rains, water flows under the skirt and through the weep holes, into the first drain cover, and into the drain. During heavy rains, debris becomes caught in the debris skirt. When the pooling water reaches a predetermined level, the foam ring floats, raising the second drain cover, which causes the debris skirt to lift the debris about the drain and permit water to pass freely underneath, into the first drain cover, and down the drain.

Abstract: A rebar hanger is arranged for suspending rebars within a concrete form prior to pouring concrete. It is comprised of a downwardly directed form hook for hooking on top of a concrete form. A first rebar hook extends away from the lower end of an inner section of the form hook. The first rebar hook has a first downward dip for supporting a first rebar, and an upwardly directed and recurved distal end. A brace extends from the recurved distal end of the first rebar hook downwardly and outwardly toward an inner side of the concrete form. An inner end of the brace is positioned against the inner side of the form substantially below a position of the first hook. A second rebar hook extends downwardly and inwardly from the inner end of the brace. The second rebar hook has a second downward dip for supporting a second rebar.

Abstract: An attic cover apparatus comprising a base, an insulating member, a panel, and a flange creating a decorative frame.

Abstract: A temporary support device for installing sheet material in a building construction is provided with a multitude of perpendicular surfaces and a pair of offset surfaces for temporarily supporting a variety of sheet materials in a variety of orientations. Countersunk through holes integral to the support device accept standard screw hardware for temporarily mounting the support device to the building substructure. The pair of offset surfaces provide clearance for loosely supporting the sheet material before final securement of the sheet to the building substructure. The support device may be manufactured out of lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum, wood, or plastic, and may include cored out sections, thereby enhancing the utility and handling of the device. Materials that can be temporarily supported by the support device include, but are not limited to, sheetrock, insulation board, plywood, and particle board.

Abstract: A door panel is disclosed that includes first and second doorskins each formed from two metal stile elements including a longitudinal flange and two rail elements including a pair of U-shaped projections defining narrow grooves, wherein the rail elements are connected to the stile elements by placing the stile element flanges into the rail element grooves and, piercing the U-shaped projections to form a permanent mechanical bond between the stile and rail elements. A method of forming such a door panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing structures includes: cutting a transverse groove in a panel; introducing a plastic material into the groove; applying an imprint to the panel; cutting V-shaped grooves in the panel and folding the panel to form a structure. The plastic material is initially free-flowing and subsequently solidifying. The plastic material forms a hinge which may be flush with the panel or project beyond the panel.

Abstract: A grandstand seating arrangement having seating level members arranged in sequentially elevated relation to one another. A rigid frame that couples and surrounds the seating members has a lower frame coupled to the lifting arrangements and an upper frame coupled rigidly to the lower frame. A lower stop is disposed on each stanchion support and arranged at a height corresponding to the height of the associated seating level member. Seating level member supports support the seating level members, each of which is coupled to, and displaceable along, a respective stanchion support. The seating level member supports are supported by lower stops when the lifting arrangements are in the lower most position. When the lifting arrangements raise the rigid frame, the seating level member supports and the seating levels thereon are sequentially raised from the respective lower stops.

Abstract: Through the use of crushed foam glass derived from old glass or blast-furnace slag by way of aggregate for a casting compound which is bound with a binder, a building material was obtained that enables very wide-ranging applications.

Abstract: The elongated box frame structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of frame segments attached to at least one end piece. Preferably, two end pieces are attached, one at each end of the plurality of frame segments. The plurality of frame segments are attached to the end piece such that a column-like structure is formed. The inner space defined within the frame segments is substantially free of webbing. Instead, structural strength and stability is achieved by the attached end pieces. The end pieces of one elongated box frame structure are capable of removably connecting with the end piece of other similar elongated box frame structures to achieve varying framing heights and other dynamic configurations.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular roof covering made up of a plurality of interlocking modular trays having moisture or water absorbing component or medium in the tray to absorb moisture and allow it to evaporate or otherwise dissipate over time. The trays interlock with each other and are held down by weights or other ballast to secure the trays to the roof without having to create a physical connection between the trays and the roof structure. The modular roof covering can be made up of different types of tray assemblies, where some have vegetation growing in the tray, others have merely water absorption and dissipation capability, while others have photovoltaic cells for the collection and use of solar energy. The present invention provides a light weight, low cost roof covering system for extending the life of current roof structures, and to restore and protect the environment, moderate and aid in controlling building temperature, manage stormwater runoff and collect and utilize solar energy.

Abstract: A roof edge fascia or coping cover having an aerodynamic exterior shape mainly comprising a lower face portion, an intermediate face portion, and a top face portion. The lower face portion is either generally vertical, or sloping or curving upwardly and outwardly, forming an angle within 60° to the vertical outer wall surface of a building. The top face portion, of a substantial lateral size, is generally disposed within ±25° from horizontal. The intermediate face portion, having at least one segment of a substantial lateral size sloping or curving upwardly and inwardly, connects the lower and top face portions. Slope changes at a junction between any two adjacent face portions, or adjacent segments thereof, are generally less than or equal to 50°.