Abstract: A building product which includes a hollow extrudate, unitary reinforcing ribs resisting collapse of the hollow extrudate and, in an embodiment, an exterior surface comprises a low gloss, textured pattern having a gloss level of less than about 50 on a 60° glossmeter, in which the textured pattern extends for about 2-20 feet. Methods and an apparatus for manufacturing such products are also provided by this invention.

Abstract: A composite sandwich structure comprises a core sandwiched between composite laminate facesheets. The core includes a plurality of core sections spliced together at joints that incorporate integral features for arresting the propagation of irregularities in the facesheets.

Abstract: Prior art rolled T-beams used in horizontal grids in suspended ceilings, serve as vertical studs in a grid that supports wallboard in a liner for a structural wall. A horizontal strut extends along, and is connected to, the studs, to unite the studs and the strut to form the vertical grid. The grid is braced from the structural wall.

Abstract: A modular brick or block outdoor structure includes an outdoor structure that is constructed in modular sections. Each modular section is fabricated from a plurality of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks that match the brick or block used to construct the patio. The bricks or blocks are preferably assembled to each other with adhesive. Each modular section includes means for transporting thereof with some type of equipment, if necessary. It is preferable that each modular section include channels to receive lifting forks of an end loader or other suitable transport device, if necessary. However, other methods of transporting the modular section may also be used.

Abstract: A method of creating a bend in a construction component for use in a transportation vehicle. The method comprises providing a plurality of cuts in the construction component so as to create a region of increased flexibility in the construction component. The method further comprises bending the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause the construction component to acquire a bent shape, and then rigidifying the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause said construction component to maintain the acquired bent shape.

Abstract: A firestopping sleeve positionable usually in walls which is self-adjusting and includes a sleeve defining an access corridor extending longitudinally therewithin with at least one firestopping pad positioned therein. The pad defines an access corridor extending therethrough for receiving wall penetrating cables which are firestopped therearound by the pad. A supplemental construction band is positioned extending around the pad for enhancing firestopping adjacent the penetrating wire for facilitating preventing the flow of heat, smoke or fire therepast.

Abstract: A cover assembly for bridging an opening located in an expansion joint between two spaced-apart structural members. The cover assembly includes a coverplate having a rigid plate member that is engaged with a resilient elastomeric cover. The cover assembly is affixed to the underlying structural members by base members. The proper positioning of the cover assembly within the expansion joint gap is maintained through a positioning assembly that is engaged with the coverplate and base members.

Abstract: A firestopping sleeve positionable usually in walls which is self-adjusting and includes a sleeve defining an access corridor extending longitudinally therewithin with at least one firestopping pad positioned therein. The pad defines an access corridor extending therethrough for receiving wall penetrating cables which are firestopped therearound by the pad. A supplemental construction band is positioned extending around the pad for enhancing firestopping adjacent the penetrating wire for facilitating preventing the flow of heat, smoke or fire therepast.

Abstract: A storm trim for holding a panel over a window for protection against impact of objects carried by wind during a storm. The storm trim includes a lineal cap and a lineal base. The base may be used with a window frame, incorporated into a window frame or be used in glazing surrounds or shutters. The base carries a stacked screw boss to receive and securely hold the anchoring screws that are needed to hold the panel over the window. The anchoring screws do not extend through the lineal base but remain within it. When the storm trim is not in use, the cap covers the lineal base.

Abstract: The modular unit for generating solar power comprises a plurality of diamond-shaped cover plates (3.2, . . . , 3.3) for forming a surface trapping sunlight. The cover plates (3.2, 3.3) contain photovoltaic elements (106.1, 106.2, 106.3). The system further comprises a plurality of support rods (54) having a number of pre-manufactured fastening positions (55), said rods being arranged at a predetermined angle >0° to the horizontal and extending in the direction of a line of slope. Every fastening position is associated with a fastening device (50) which connects two corners of the overlapping cover plates (3.2, 3.3) to the support rod (54) in the fastening position. The cover plates (3.2, 3.3) are arranged diagonally and so as to overlap in a scale-type fashion with respect to a longitudinal direction of the support rod (54) in such a manner that the surface trapping the sunlight is at the same time rain water-repellent. The cover plates (3.2, 3.3) have a first cut-out section (15.

Abstract: A modular assembly capable of converting from a shipping container configuration into a building unit, and from a building unit into a shipping container configuration. From the shipping container configuration, a plurality of frame panels and unit panels moveably connected to a frame of the modular assembly are selectively positioned to form the floors, walls, and ceilings of the building unit configuration thereby forming a living and/or commercial structure complete with electrical, water and sewage connections. The assembly may include an automated erection system, which may include a system of electric motors, gears, pulleys, cables, automated mechanical arms and electronic controls, located within the container structure of the modular assembly, and which interact with a plurality of frame panels and unit panels to deploy and retract the plurality of frame panels and unit panels for constructing the shipping container configuration and building unit configuration.

Abstract: A post sleeve installation assembly includes: an elastomeric sleeve core shaped to form a post sleeve when positioned in uncured concrete, a removable stiffener inside the core, an aperture extending lengthwise in the stiffener, a locking element positioned within the core, and an assembly plate coupled to the stiffener. The assembly plate clamps to a prefabricated sleeve element, with the core and stiffener positioned within a post cavity of the sleeve element. an installation stake is positioned in the aperture and prevented from sliding upwards by the locking element. A release point on the assembly plate permits an operator to release the locking element for removal of the stake. To install a post sleeve, the operator positions the installation assembly, clamped to a prefabricated sleeve element, in a post hole with the stake resting on the bottom, then fills the hole with concrete, manipulating the stake to position the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are a support beam structure capable of extending a span and reducing a height of a ceiling structure and an installing method thereof. The support beam structure includes an H-beam extending in a longitudinal direction, an inclined extension part fastened to a lower surface or a side surface of the H-beam and inclined in such a way as to flare at an upper end thereof, a reinforcing part for reinforcing the inclined extension part, a deck placed on an upper end of the inclined extension part, and a concrete layer for filling a top of the inclined extension part, a top of the H-beam, and a top of the deck.

Abstract: A load bearing structure including a first fixed net layer, a second fixed net layer and a non-linear structure in between. The first fixed net layer may include a first layer of flexible fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the first layer of flexible fabric. The second fixed net layer may include a second layer of flexible fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the second layer of flexible fabric. The non-linear reinforcing structure may be in communication with the first and second fixed net layers and may be configured to share with the first and second fixed net layers a load applied to the load bearing structure.

Abstract: A retail kiosk includes a product fulfillment portion and a product display portion. The product fulfillment portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The product display portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The continuous, circular edge of the product fulfillment portion is out of alignment with the continuous, circular edge of the product display portion when the retail kiosk is deployed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel which is suitable for use as wall and/or ceiling paneling, in addition to an associated method for laying said panels and a method for the production thereof. The inventive panel for a wall or ceiling comprises coupling means. The coupling means are embodied in such a way that the panel can be joined to other panels in various positions. Said positions can, for example, involve various distances between the longitudinal edges of two panels that are arranged in parallel. According to the inventive laying method, a first panel is engaged with a second panel in a first step, whereupon the panels assume an angular position in relation to each other. At least one of the panels, particularly the first panel, is pivoted in a second step on a common plane, whereupon the panels become locked in relation to each other.

Abstract: A plastic window frame trim is for installation of a window in a corrugated metal building wall having a cut opening with a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges, each of the edges being backed by framing members, the window having an accessory groove. The window frame trim includes: a frame header J-channel with a flange; a frame footer J-channel with a flange; a pair of nailing fins; and fasteners. The trim header J-channel, footer J-channel, and nailing fins are attached to the window at the accessory groove on the window frame. The window frame is lifted so frame header J-channel flange slides between the top edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the top of the cut opening. The window is lowered so footer J-channel flange slides between the bottom edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the bottom of the cut opening so that window frame rest on the window sill. Fasteners attach the window frame to the framing members through the metal building wall.

Abstract: A plastic window frame trim is for installation of a window in a corrugated metal building wall having a cut opening with a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges, each of the edges being backed by framing members. The window frame trim includes: a frame header J-channel with a flange; a frame footer J-channel with a flange; a pair of nailing fins; and fasteners. The trim header J-channel, footer J-channel, and nailing fins are attached to the window frame. The window frame is lifted so frame header J-channel flange slides between the top edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the top of the cut opening. The window is lowered so footer J-channel flange slides between the bottom edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the bottom of the cut opening so that window frame rest on the window sill. Fasteners attach the window frame to the framing members through the metal building wall. Trim caps snap over the nailing fins to finish the trimmed window.

Abstract: A frame for a panel is constructed from two frame components. One of the frame components has a first wall and a first channel and the second frame component has a second wall and a second channel. The first frame component is mated to the second frame component with the first wall of the first frame component inserted in and making frictional contact with the second channel of the second frame component and the second wall of the second frame component inserted in and making frictional contact with the first channel of the first frame component. Portions of the panel are held between and make contact with the first frame component and the second frame component such that an end of the panel is located within a chamber defined between the first frame component and the second frame component.

Abstract: Roof clamps and methods of securing roof clamps are provided. The roof clamps include a saddle, a wedge, and a securing member. The securing member facilitates engaging a seam of a roof with the clamp and removably fixing the roof clamp to the seam through the camming action of the wedge against a region of the saddle. The securing member also serves as the connection point for an auxiliary item, such as a solar panel or a snow guard. The placement of the securing member allows the roof clamp to be secured from, and the auxiliary item to be attached at, a top surface of the saddle.