Abstract: Wall covering panels of the invention are fabricated from a corrugated cardboard material that is treated with a fire retardant. The panel may include scored edges that ease installation. In one embodiment, the panels are folded accordion-style so that the user may cut lengths as needed. A scoring tool is provided to score lines on the panels. Another embodiment includes two corrugation layers. In another embodiment, the panel includes an interior corrugation layer that is secured by an adhesive to liner boards. Each liner board is adhered to an aluminum layer. Each liner board may be treated with a fire proof treating on its outer surface. The treated boards and aluminum layers make the panel resistant to fire.

Abstract: A duct hanger used to connect ducts to supports includes a main shaft with a hook disposed at one end of the shaft and a loop connected to the other end of the shaft. The loop allows the hangers to be disposed back-to-back. The loop also allows the hanger to pivot with respect to the support.

Abstract: A connector frame for use as a support member for mounting grilles at ventilation openings in a building structure. The connector frame allows the grills to be mounted in slightly different locations to hide imperfections at the edges of the ventilation openings. The connector frame may include a pair of single connector frames that may be separated into two singly usable frames.

Abstract: A device for supporting ducts includes a strap that may be adjustably connected to a support. A cradle is carried by the strap. The cradle is adapted to rest against a flexible duct to prevent the duct from buckling over the strap. The cradle is slidably adjusted on the strap. A buckle may be provided to allow the strap to be looped over a support. Two cradles may be slidably mounted on a single strap when a larger diameter duct is supported by the device.

Abstract: A register opening cover may be used to cover register openings until the register boot is installed in the register opening. During the installation of the register boot, the invention may be used to hold the register boot in place until the register boot is securely connected to the floor. After the register boot is installed, the cover forms an insulator around the register boot. One embodiment of the invention provides a register opening cover and register boot frame that can be configured to fit register boots of different sizes. Another embodiment of the invention provides a register opening cover that will support some of the weight of a worker who may step on the covered register opening.

Abstract: A solar-powered water heating system provides heated water to a pool in an aesthetically-pleasing, leak-resistant manner. The invention provides a heat gathering unit disposed in a tray that fits within the deck boards of a typical roof. Shingles are disposed over the heat gathering unit and any leaks that occur within the heat gathering unit flow out over the top of the shingles. A drain conduit is provided below supply and return pipes so that any leaks flowing out of the supply and return pipes and their connections with the heat gathering unit will be directed out of the building structure to a location where the leak may be readily detected.

Abstract: A duct bracket includes a main body member having first and second channels extending longitudinally through the main body member. A first rod is slidably and rotatably mounted in the first channel. The first rod has a projecting end extending out of the main body member. A second rod is slidably and rotatably mounted in the second channel. The second rod has a projecting end extending out of the main body member. The projecting end of the first rod is on an opposite end of the main body member than the projecting end of the second rod. A U-shaped holder snaps over the main body member so that it does no have to be slid over the end of the main body member.

Abstract: A diffuser for a ceiling allows a ceiling fan to be mounted directly below the diffuser so that the fan may distribute the air being delivered out of the diffuser. The diffuser includes an upper box section mounted on a lower section that mounts the diffuser on the ceiling. The down rod of the ceiling fan is connected to the diffuser to support the ceiling fan. The down rod may be supported above the upper section so that the electrical connections between the ceiling fan and an electrical source may be positioned outside of the diffuser.

Abstract: A duct hanger used to connect ducts to supports includes a main shaft with a hook disposed at one end of the shaft and a loop connected to the other end of the shaft. The loop allows the hangers to be disposed back-to-back. The loop also allows the hanger to pivot with respect to the support.

Abstract: A thermostat wire holder is used behind a portion of wall covering to hold a thermostat wire next to a hole in the wall covering where a thermostat will be located. The wire holder insulates the hole in the wall covering so that the air inside the wall does not influence the thermostat reading. The holder is generally V-shaped when installed on a stud and includes front and rear support members.

Abstract: A connector frame for use as a support member for mounting grilles at ventilation openings in a building structure. The connector frame allows the grills to be mounted in slightly different locations to hide imperfections at the edges of the ventilation openings. The connector frame may include a pair of single connector frames that may be separated into two singly usable frames.