Abstract: To reduce the weight of a staircase block so as to be manually carried and installed, prevent adjacent blocks from being displaced from each other after installation, and prevent the blocks from being raised and separated from each other due to heating and cooling by conquering problems with the staircase blocks related to publicly known technologies. In this precast concrete block for building a staircase, large recesses (2) and (9) are formed in the rise surface (1) and the rear surface (8) of the block to reduce the weight, and displacement prevention grooves (7) for connecting the adjacent blocks to each other with mortar are formed in the side faces of the block, and round parts (partially cylindrical recessed surfaces) (10) with a specified radius are formed at the inner corner parts of the recess (9) in the rear surface so that an acute angle part preventing the adhesive mortar from being filled therein is not produced.

Abstract: A constructional unit comprising: a support frame which is O-shaped in plan bounding an open central region, the support frame including first and second members which are each U-shaped in plan, each member being in the form of a base frame from which extend two side arms; the first and second members having their side arms telescopically engaged to define sides to the open central region of the O-shaped support frame; the telescopic engagement providing for—the spacing of the first base frame from the second base frame to be adjustable over a range of distance; and the temporary securing of the first member to the second member at a predetermined spacing; the base frame of the first member being adapted for location at a first level at a first working location; the second member being adapted, at a position remote from the first member, for location at a second level at a second working location by way of at least one leg pivotably attached at or near one end of the, or each, leg to the base frame of the sec

Abstract: A metal framing member for use in a wide variety of applications including interior and exterior walls, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as floors, ceilings and roofs of residential and commercial buildings, to name but a few. The metal framing member generally includes first and second metal components, where each of the metal components is a separate piece and includes an elongated support with a series of fingers extending therefrom. The two metal components are attached together near tips of the fingers so that an alternating sequence of fingers and spaces is formed in an intermediate area between the two supports. This sequence can result in weight, material and cost savings, reduced thermal and acoustic conductivity across the metal framing member, and trade-ready holes for passing through items such as wires, pipes, etc.

Abstract: A method of strengthening a roof is disclosed. Preferably, the roof is first cleaned of at least some of any existing roofing materials to expose at least a portion of a roof deck, which is also preferably cleaned. A layer of high viscosity resin may then be rolled or brushed onto the roof deck. Once the roof has been adequately prepared, a plurality of strips of composite material may be provided and saturated with a low-viscosity saturating resin. Each such saturated strip is preferably long enough to fit along an entire first side of the roof, the first such strip hanging partially over the first side of the roof. Each end of the first strip also overhangs the roof. A second saturated strip is then placed generally parallel to and overlapping the first strip. The ends of this second strip likewise overhang two sides of the roof.

Abstract: A flooring system for intercepting debris including at least a plurality of floor tiles with a perforated top surface providing on a top of the plurality of tube frames for intercepting the debris. Each plurality of floor tiles may include a plurality of tube frames in side by side relationship to form a distributed suction area for fluid entrance into tile interiors and for debris interception and capture. The tile interiors of the flooring system may also provide a distributed flow path for fluid flow to a transition plenum. The flooring system may also include a transition plenum for directing a flow path of the fluid from the tiles to a sump, wherein the pumps take suction.

Abstract: The invention provides a wall panel system including a supporting structure; and a plurality of plates (3), each plate having a first pair of edges (6) for engaging with the support structure and a second pair of edges (9), each plate being shaped such that the second pair of edges (9) conceal the engagement of corresponding adjacent plates with the support structure. In one preferred embodiment the supporting structure includes a mounting board (1) including a plurality of retaining elements (2) adapted for engagement with the first pair of edges (6) of each plate. Preferably each retaining element (2) includes a supporting lip (5), wherein the support edge (6) of a plate is engagable with a supporting lip (5) of a retaining element. The retaining elements may, for example, be arranged in a rectangular or square grid on the mounting board (1).

Abstract: A sill flashing and method for installing a window or other portal in a wall opening are provided. The flashing includes a sill portion, at least one jamb portion at an angle relative to the sill portion, and a front face plate. The flashing is configured to be disposed in the opening with the sill portion disposed against a sill of the opening, an outer surface of the jamb portion disposed against one of the jambs of the opening, and a front face plate at an outer surface of the wall. The sill portion defines a plurality of support portions and a rear dam which can support the portal in the opening. The sill portion also includes one or more integral housing, configured to overlap an adjacent support portion when the flashing is cut and disposed multiple parts defining an interface therebetween.

Abstract: A concrete wall forming system including a plurality of mold units for forming a wall of concrete. The mold units include a bond beam form extending into the body lengthwise, defined by a first wall, a second wall, a bond beam form bottom, a first end and a second end where the first wall and second wall extend a depth defined by a portion of the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface and where the bond beam form does not touch the first side or the second side. First and second ledges extend lengthwise along the body from the first and second sides respectively to the first and second walls respectively of the bond beam form. The bond beam form bottom extends from the first wall to the second wall. At least two column forms extend from the bond beam form bottom to a bottom surface.

Abstract: A water deflecting apparatus comprises a mounting plate with a back surface and a front surface. The back surface of the mounting plate abuts the wall when the water deflecting apparatus is mounted to the wall. A deflector extends outwardly from the front surface of the mounting plate near each end of the mounting plate. The mounting plate of the wall mounting bracket is received between the deflectors when the water deflecting apparatus and the wall mounting bracket are mounted to the wall. The deflectors deflect the downward flow of water. A skirt extends between the deflectors and outwardly from the front surface of the mounting plate of the water deflecting apparatus. The skirt is located below the mounting plate of the wall mounting bracket and is received between the deflectors when the water deflecting apparatus and the wall mounting bracket are mounted to the wall.

Abstract: A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.

Abstract: A method and/or system is provided that compensates for the flow of air through fiberglass insulation. In certain example embodiments, a dynamic heat flow meter or the like is provided for measuring and/or determining any detrimental effects of air flow through insulation such as fiberglass insulation. Once the possible detrimental effects are recognized, an insulation system is adapted (e.g., by providing a foam based insulation in a wall cavity in addition to the fiberglass insulation) to compensate, or substantially compensate, for the effects of air flow through the fiberglass. For instance, a sufficient amount of foam insulation may be provided in a cavity adjacent fiberglass, where the foam blocks or substantially blocks air from flowing through the cavity, thereby compensating for the effects of air flow through fiberglass and permitting the intended R-value to be maintained or substantially maintained.

Abstract: Connection plates for constructing buildings are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a connection plate includes a generally planar insert member and a support member. Insert member has a first side configured for receipt in a slot defined by a structural member and a second side configured for receipt in a slot defined by another structural member. First and second sides collectively define inner and outer edges. Support member is coupled to first and second sides is generally perpendicular to insert member in two directions. Either (1) a portion of inner edge corresponding to first side is angled relative to a portion of inner edge corresponding to second side and support member is coupled to inner edge; or (2) a portion of outer edge corresponding to first side is angled relative to a portion of outer edge corresponding to second side and support member is coupled to outer edge.

Abstract: An inflatable and rigidizable structure for use as a habitat or a load bearing structure is disclosed. The structure consists of an outer wall and an inner wall defining a containment member and a bladder. The bladder is pressurized to erect the structure from an initially collapsed state. The containment member is subsequently injected with rigidizable fluid through an arrangement of injection ports. Exhaust gases from the curing rigidizable fluid are vented through an arrangement of exhaust ports. The rate of erection can be controlled by frictional engagement with a container or by using a tether. A method for fabricating a tubular structure is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a glass barrier system including at least one post adapted to support at least one piece of glass above a base structure, such as a concrete slab or a masonry wall. The post is connected with a support member extending from the base structure. In one embodiment, aluminum posts are supported by steel members embedded into and extending from concrete so as to suspend the aluminum posts above the concrete. Some embodiments of the present invention also utilize a glazing bead to help hold the glass in place with respect to the posts. The glass barrier system can also include a rail connected with the glass.

Abstract: A window well assembly for buildings and the like include at least a first well unit and a second well unit each having opposite first and second flanges at opposite ends of a retaining wall of each unit for securing the well units to a sub-grade foundation of the building. Preferably, the assembly has a plurality of releasable spacer couplings that are mated and carried between well units when the assembly is in a stored state, and has indexing features that are mated and carried between well units when the assembly is in an assembled state.

Abstract: A removable arch form assembly for use in forming a masonry arch of a plurality of masonry elements on a substructure comprises a flexible arch form having a substantially rectangular shape, first and second end clips engaging an arched structure about which the masonry arch is to be formed, at least one intermediate clip positioned on the arched structure between the end clips and at an elevation differing from the end clips, the end clips and the at least one intermediate clip removably receiving the flexible arch form and retaining the form in an arched orientation.

Abstract: Relocatable personal and/or pet safety shelters for protecting occupants from dangerous conditions such as those from hurricanes and tornadoes. The shelters can include metal wall and ceiling panels of approximately 10 gage to approximately 12 gage thick and be able to withstand winds of up to approximately 250 miles per hour or greater, and be able to withstand a projectile such as 2 inch by 4 inch wood member shot at approximately 100 miles per hour from penetrating inside. The shelter can have a length of approximately 60 inches, a width of approximately 30 inches, a height of approximately 55 inches, with a total weight of up to approximately 940 pounds. The shelter can have fixed bench seats along opposite sides of the door from each other, and be attached in a fixed horizontal orientation above the floor by elongated L-shaped brackets that are attached to the walls be removable fasteners.

Abstract: A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The t vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a hurricane panel installation protectively covering a window of a building, the panel installation including a panel member sized to cover the window, a header attached to the building above the window for securing an upper edge of the panel member, and a lower F-track attached to the building below the window which supports attaching bolts which pass through and secure a lower edge of the panel member. The locking mechanism includes a padlock having a hasp securely positionable in a hasp receiving arrangement to prevent substantial movement of the lower edge of the panel member and unauthorized removal of the panel member.

Abstract: A transportable building system including at least partially erecting a building, transporting the at least partially erected building (6) on its side to a building location, locating the at least partially erected building on a support at the building location, and orientating the at least partially erected building so that it is correctly orientated relative to its support. Further disclosed is a transportable building, including a first structural component (51; 58), a second structural component (40; 56) and a hinge (68) coupling the first and second structural components whereby the second structural component is pivotable between a folded position and an unfolded erected position of the building. The hinge is reconfigurable to allow the second structural component to be relatively displaced away from the first structural component in the unfolded erected position of the second structural component.