Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a decorative covering about a flower pot or a floral grouping, wherein the decorative covering has a graphic image that is prominently displayed on a selected portion of the decorative covering. The graphic image may be a masterpiece of art produced by one of the Great Masters of the Renaissance, at least a portion of a musical score, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present development is a device for lifting and transporting heavy and/or awkward containers. The device comprises a clamping unit having a jaw for engaging the container.

Abstract: The invention provides an irrigation unit (10) for plants (76) which can either be used alone or in combination with a separate plant container (190) which irrigation unit includes a body (12) which has an upper side (14), a lower side (16), a base (18) on the lower side, an outer wall (20) which extends upwardly from the base and an inner wall (22) which is engaged with and spaced from the outer wall, a cavity (26) formed by the body, a reservoir (28) defined between the inner and outer walls which has an inlet (30) thereto and an outlet (32) therefrom into the cavity, an open ended fluid passage (40) which has a first upper end (42) which terminates in the reservoir and a second lower end (44) which terminates in the cavity, an overflow formation (56) which extends from the body and which is in communication with the cavity and a support platform (58) in the cavity.

Abstract: A figurine shaped from coir base material compressed with a combination of fertilizer, paper and sawdust. The figurine includes a self-watering wick that allows water to be drawn from a reservoir to provide continuous water to the coir material. The figurine is further covered with a grass seeds and nylon net to retain the seeds on the coir figurine. When water is added to the figurine, the seeds sprout grass that resembles hair. The grass can further be trimmed or grown to a desired length. Figurines of shapes can be human, animal or other shapes.

Abstract: A watertight door comprising: a door frame; a door panel, with a perimeter normally adjacent to the door frame when the door is closed, and with a first facing side and a second facing side, configured to open and close within the door frame; a first gasket lip seal generally encircling the perimeter and nearer to the first facing side, the first gasket lip seal having a base section, sealing section, and bending section; a second gasket lip seal generally encircling the perimeter, nearer to the second facing side, and adjacent to the first gasket lip seal, the second gasket lip seal having a base section, sealing section and bending section; a plurality of extension pin sleeves located perpendicular to the perimeter; a plurality of extension pins moveably housed in the plurality of extension pin sleeves; a plurality of gasket retraction plates located generally about the perimeter, and in communication with the plurality of pins; a plurality of springs located in the extension pin sleeves, and configured to

Abstract: A sealing configuration for a sliding door contains a floor seal which can be lowered via a mechanism. The mechanism has a release device which protrudes on the end side of the door leaf and, during the closure of the sliding door, is pressed in counter to a spring force of a lowering mechanism, which spring force acts upon the release device. A closing mechanism is provided for the sliding door in order to oppose the an opening tendency of the sliding door which is due to the spring-loaded release device. The closing mechanism containing at least one magnet element which draws the door leaf in the closing direction.

Abstract: An arrangement in a swing door apparatus comprising a door closer provided with a return spring, which door closer comprises a body part and inside it a movable piston member, which is in force transmitting connection with a driving shaft, which is turned in accordance with the movements of the door, and an actuator, for instance an electric motor, the operating shaft of which may be in operative connection with said piston means for providing the opening movement of the door by utilizing a worm shaft, one end of which is driven by a drive nut connected to the piston member and the other end may be connected to said operating shaft of the actuator. The worm shaft comprises a worm section and a shaft section integrated thereto and provided with a flange member, which is in cooperation with a thrust bearing unit so that the moving of the worm shaft in the axial direction with respect to the body part of the door closer is prevented.

Abstract: An assembly for holding a window pane of a window lifter includes a base body with at least one elongated hole having a shape of a circular arc. The assembly also includes a clamping jaw that is attached to the base body, and which has a guide that engages the elongated hole.

Abstract: A child safety barrier with a door secured in a U-shaped frame has a locking device which cannot be operated by children. The locking device has an activation unit which, when receiving a signal from a signal generator, releases the locking device so that the door may be opened or closed, which, in one embodiment, must take place within 2-4 seconds of the point of time when the signal generator is activated. The activation device may be formed by a mechanical activation mechanism, while the signal generator may be a push-button, an electric voltage or a remote control using a connection of the type IR, Bluetooth or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the activation device is connected with a push/pull rod whose one end is connected with a relay, while its other end is connected with a movable post extending inside a column in the U-shaped frame to which the door is secured.

Abstract: An illuminated refrigerated display cabinet having a refrigerated product compartment includes a door frame defining an integrated raceway extending along a horizontal upper portion of the door frame. Electrical ballast associated with florescent tubes are mounted in a raceway chamber of the raceway and are accessible through a movable raceway chamber access door. The raceway chamber can be accessed without opening doors accessing the refrigerated product compartment thereby eliminating cold air losses, increasing efficiency and lowering operating costs.

Abstract: An open medical system for deploying, supporting and organizing medical equipment and medical utilities comprising a utility connection, and a main assembly having a primary structure having an upper plate and lower plate held in fixed spaced apart relation by a plurality of spacers, the main assembly also having at least one core, with each core having at least one utility outlet, the system having an open space bounded by the upper and lower plates and the inner surfaces of the outlets, which open space is free of utility outlets. Equipment rails are connected between the spacers to support medical equipment. A rotating base assembly may be used to support the system, and to restrict rotation.

Abstract: A gazebo having four or more support columns connected together to form a frame structure which supports a covering support structure which in turn supports a roof covering has decorative posts (e.g., eight in number when four support columns are used) which are connected to the frame structure so that each support column is connected to two decorative posts, and each of the decorative posts has a replaceable top which can be an ornamental top, a bird feeder, a planter or a light, and the tops can be mix and matched, or identical tops can be used with all of the decorative posts, or some partial combination or grouped combination can be used, thus allowing for substantial customization opportunities. The decorative posts can have electrical connections running to connecting support columns, and all of the electrical connections can be connected together and connected to a solar energy source supported by the covering support structure.

Abstract: Small vehicle enclosures and methods for operating the same are disclosed. An example enclosure includes a base portion configured to receive a vehicle and includes at least one channel or groove configured to guide vehicle. The example enclosure further includes a cover portion configured to cover the vehicle when the vehicle is disposed on the base portion and sealingly engage the base when the cover is in a closed position.

Abstract: An improved weather resistant structure. The structure comprising: at least 2 outer walls; a decking for supporting a roof; a deck support structure between the top of the walls and the decking; and a plurality of glass-ceramic building tiles attached to the upper surface of the decking forming the roof. In the preferred embodiment, the building tile is a glass-ceramic substrate formed from a glass prepared at an elevated temperature and crystallized at a second lower temperature, the glass-ceramic substrate being formed in at least one predetermined color by the treatment of time, temperature, and partial pressure of oxygen. The structure may further include a moisture barrier between the plurality of glass-ceramic building tiles and the decking.

Abstract: A hurricane protection harness apparatus for protecting homes, buildings and other assets from the destructive forces of high winds such as from hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones and typhoons is disclosed. The disclosure presents an apparatus for mooring and securing a building roof and the underlying structure during periods of high winds, as well as a means of deflecting flying debris from windows and doors. The harness covers 40 to 90% of the home or building from the roof to the ground, covering the doors, windows and other vulnerable areas against breaking windows and damage from flying debris. The mesh material of the harness has small holes therethrough for permitting the wind to pass through the mesh while blocking flying debris. The harness forms an “A” frame shaped hip style roof shape, thereby preventing the wind from forming a vortex and lifting the roof from the structure.

Abstract: A measurement scheme applied to a cross tee member accounting for an offset between the tee and a cross-sectional center point of a main tee measured to a wall angle. The cross tee exhibits an overall length with first and second opposite lip supporting edges. A cross section of the cross tee including a tile support and a web extending in substantially perpendicular fashion from a midpoint of the support. First and second connector clips extend from first and second edges of the cross tee. An overall rated length of the cross tee corresponds to a lineal distance measured between center line locations associated with inserting portions of the connector clips. An indicia marking scheme is applied at linear extending intervals along the cross tee, an outermost selected indicia marking establishing a first specified lineal distance with a centerline location of a selected one of the connector clips.

Abstract: A tool for lifting and carrying a building block includes a body having a first end adapted to engage an inner building block wall. A nose extends from an upper portion of the first end and is adapted to engage an upper surface of the building block. First and second elongated legs extend away from the first end in angular relation to one another. A foot is pivotally connected to a free end of the second leg, and has a generally parallel pad portion configured to engage an opposite inner wall of the building block. Upon exerting a lifting force on a handle portion of the first leg, the first end of the body and the foot pad engage and exert opposing forces to opposite inner walls of the building block cell, enabling the building block to be lifted by the tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring tension in a stressed cable wherein the apparatus comprises two clamps, a circuit board and a power source. A transverse acceleration is generated in the stressed cable which is measured by an accelerometer in the apparatus, converted into an analog signal and transmitted to a portable computer programmed with software to calculate the cable tension from the fundamental period of vibration.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof. The support block is a moulded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.

Abstract: A base for a building structure to be erected abutting an existing building comprises a plastics shutter having a base and sides to be filled with concrete.

Abstract: An in-ground storm shelter for use near a structure having no basement, especially for use adjacent mobile homes or other slab-on grade dwellings. The in-ground storm shelter is a generally rectangular-shaped enclosure having a pair of generally vertical side walls and a pair of generally vertical end walls, an enclosed bottom and a hinged top. The shelter is made from a fiberglass reinforced product. The hinged top, also of fiberglass reinforced product, has a vent and an emergency exit hatch formed therein. Flexible lock is provided to lock the hinged top to the enclosed bottom. Safety chains are provided to prevent excessive deformation of the gas filled extension arms provided to ease use of the hinged top. The enclosure has vertical reinforcements formed in the walls thereof to prevent deformation by ground pressures. A ladder is incorporated in an end wall of the enclosure for permitting ingress and egress from the shelter, both through the hinged top and through the emergency hatch.

Abstract: Provided as a curved staircase which extends between upper and lower levels of a building structure. The building structure has a plurality of spaced vertical wall studs. The curved staircase comprises a plurality of step modules each including a side panel, a front riser and a back riser. Each of the step modules is disposed in stacked relationship to one another to define a plurality of module joints. Each one of the step modules includes a tread which is mounted on the back riser and side panel as well as on the front riser of the next lowest step module. Inner and outer reinforcing panels are disposed in overlapping relationship to the step modules in order to interconnect the step modules.

Abstract: A retention assembly is for retaining a panel in a window or a door. The assembly includes a surround, a frame, and a locking latch. The surround includes a first and a second pair of spaced segments which extend to define an opening. The frame includes a pair of first spaced sides and the panel is supported between the sides. The pair of first spaced sides are disposed between the first and second pair of segments. One of the first sides includes a floor and a catch which extends from the floor. The locking latch is movably supported by the surround and defines a retention recess for permitting locking engagement between the locking latch and the catch as the locking latch is moved relative to one of the first segments.

Abstract: Interior design structures and lightweight furniture formed from a felted fibrous material such as needle punched felt as the material of construction in replacement for wood. The felted fibrous material is adapted to provide adequate strength to permit construction of three dimensional structures by use of standard joining techniques such as screws, nails, glue and the like. At the same time, the nature of the felted fibrous material affords the opportunity to bend and shape the material thereby allowing additional freedom in construction and use.

Abstract: Several curtain wall system embodiments are described including dry system embodiments, wet system embodiments and a rain screen system embodiment. The dry system embodiments utilize a subframe grid that is comprised of tubular subframe members. The subframe members are interconnected to form a typically rectangular grid that is attached to the substructure of a building using subframe attachment clips that are longitudinally slidably coupled with the subframe members. Panel assemblies are coupled to the subframe grid in a manner that facilitates a water tight seal. In one embodiment, the panel assemblies include perimeter frame members that can be used interchangeably with dry, wet and rain barrier curtain wall systems.

Abstract: A modular wall system is described that includes a plurality of wall panels, a horizontal main bracket having a length; and a plurality of wall panel brackets. Each wall panel bracket is configured for attachment to a corresponding one of the wall panels. Each wall panel bracket is configured to engage the horizontal main bracket so as to hang the corresponding the wall panel while allowing movement of the wall panels in substantially horizontal directions.

Abstract: An interlocking block system building system for block walls which employs an “H” shaped open ended block to build any size walled structure. The device features a first block having a center portion connecting and two parallel sidewalls with two open ends opposite the endwalls. A plurality of interlocking tabs projecting from the top surface of the blocks engage with receptors in blocks stacked above. Projections and recesses formed on the distal edges of the blocks are adapted to engage with projections and recesses formed on the endwalls of adjacent blocks in a wall. The distal edge engagements may be translated to allow for adjustment of block spacing and ultimate wall size.

Abstract: As used to trim a corner where a wall and a ceiling meet, a crown molding member has a planar portion, an intermediate portion, and a mounting flange. The planar portion is attached to the ceiling, in a first mode, or to the wall, in a second mode. The intermediate portion may have a coved, stepped, or curved profile. When applied to the mounting flange, drywall-finishing material, so-called “mud” in trade parlance, is pressed through apertures in the mounting flange, against the wall, in the first mode, or against the ceiling, in the second mode.

Abstract: A system and method for a secondary water drainage system with street level leak detection positioned between spaced apart prefabricated building panels is disclosed herein. In the space between two adjacent prefabricated building panels, an inner line of caulk is formed from the top to the bottom of the panels. Next, a porous drain strip is positioned adjacent to a first side of the inner line of caulk, also extending vertically from the top to the bottom of the panels. Lastly, an exterior line of caulk if formed adjacent to the porous drain strip extending vertically from the top of the panels to a point just above the bottom of the panels. The porous drain strip is extended through this space formed in the exterior line of caulk and allows the water collected to exit through the same space.

Abstract: A decorative stone module comprising a backing panel having a peripheral contour, a decorative face and an opposing structure mounting face. The decorative stone is formed on the decorative face of the panel. The module is configured for mounting on a structure surface in a side-by-side fashion with other like modules thereby creating a decorative stone structure façade. The pre-cast artificial stone can have a cobblestone-like structure. Kits and methods for creating decorative stone structure façades using these modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable corner bead which can join two wall members or board members at a plurality of angles can be set up relatively easily, and is portable, easy to transport, and easy to store. The adjustable corner bead has a first support member and a second support member. The first support member has a substantially flat portion adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and also has a curved portion formed by two curved members extending substantially in parallel with each other from one end of the substantially flat portion. The two curved members form a slot therebetween. The second support member has a substantially flat portion adapted to be secured to a wall or board member, and has a curved portion formed by a single curved member which is adapted to be received within the slot formed in the first support member. Each of the curved portions has a shape corresponding to the outmost surface of a substantially right regular cylindical member.

Abstract: A floor or wall covering has blocks with mating strips having multiple ridges and multiple grooves in both mating members. Ridges and grooves can have different sizes and cross-sectional shapes from one another, and can mate in a manner that provides expansion gaps. Male/female positioning pairs can advantageously be included to facilitate alignment of the blocks during installation and use. Preferred floor blocks comprise a ribbed support portion that supports a working surface, and the ribbed support portion defines a plurality of cells that collectively reduce the weight of the block by a factor of at least 20% relative to corresponding block without such cells.

Abstract: A clip for attaching the end of a grid tee to a wall angle. The clip, in various forms, is arranged to frictionally lock between the hem of the horizontal leg of the wall angle and the vertical leg. The clip, typically, has a pair of opposed open hems forming channels in which the flange of the tee end is received to join the tee to the clip. The clip can be elongated horizontally to accommodate movement of the grid during seismic activity. The clip can be used to trim the edges of a ceiling island and can be made to accommodate angular intersections of the grid with a wall or island edge.

Abstract: A repairable drawer or door assembly has a rear panel and a front panel that each have corresponding openings. Perimeter portions around the openings in the two panels are formed to capture a window. A removable escutcheon plate covers raw edges of the perimeter around the insert opening. The rear panel is fastened to the front panel to create an assembly that has no visible means of fastening on the exterior.

Abstract: A synthetic roofing shingle or tile is provided, in which a core material is formed, of generally less expensive material, and with a skin material provided, disposed on a plurality of surfaces of the shingle or tile, with the skin material being generally of greater expense and having desirable weather-withstanding qualities.

Abstract: In a method and mounting system for placing tiles, use is made of a form-retaining grid element (10) with a number of mutually intersecting walls (11,12) which define a number of tile compartments (13) therebetween. The grid element is fixed to a surface for tiling, whereafter tiles (20) are placed in the tile compartments (13). The tiles herein fit between the walls, which herein provide a moisture-tight seal and joint filling.

Abstract: A system and method for joining floor planks includes two or more planks wherein each plank includes a tongue, a groove, and optionally a shoulder, and optionally a protruding lip, that provide a mechanism for connecting two or more planks together. The tongue can be on the opposing side of each plank from the groove. The groove can be defined between a first flange extending along a first edge of the plank and from one side of the plank, and a second flange extending distally beyond a distal edge of the first flange from the first edge of the plank and from a second side of the plank opposite from the first side. The tongue can be S-shaped to form an interlocking relationship with the groove.

Abstract: The present invention is a hardwood flooring board including a middle layer formed from a non-hardwood flooring material and a hardwood material upper layer which is secured to an upper surface of the middle layer. The middle layer forms between 45% and 75% of the overall material of the board and enables the board to be manufactured to be more dimensionally stable, i.e., wider and longer, than conventional hardwood flooring boards. Also the use of the non-hardwood material in the middle layer greatly increases the dimensional stability and long term performance of the flooring boards, while providing a genuine hardwood appearance to the floor. The board also includes a lower layer that can be formed from either a hardwood material or a non-hardwood material to function as a base for the board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-strength panel used as flooring in a clean facility, such as a semiconductor clean room. The high-strength panel comprises rim ribs, each having a tapered surface, formed at a respective rim portions of the panel. A main reinforcing rib divides an interior space defined by the rim potions into a plurality of square lattice sections. A plurality of auxiliary reinforcing ribs is arranged in each of the square lattice sections to divide the lattice sections into sub-sections, wherein a plurality of circular recesses is diagonally arranged in each sub-section, Each circular recess is surrounded by a circular rib. Accordingly, a supporting force for resisting a vertical load and an eccentric load is enhanced. Thus, the strength of the panel for resisting a concentrated load is increased by distributing the load downwardly concentrated at a specific location of the panel throughout the entire panel.

Abstract: Provided is a curved staircase installed between upper and lower levels of a building structure. The curved staircase may be configured as an “outside radius free-standing” version, an “inside radius free-stranding” version, or as an “entirely free-standing” version using a plurality of step modules disposed in stacked relationship to one another. The step modules may be configured in single-step and/or dual-step versions. Each one of the step modules has at least one side panel and at least one riser assembly which comprises a tread ledger and a front riser. A tread is mounted on the tread ledger and side panel of each of the step modules. Each of the treads is also supported by the front riser of the immediately lower adjacent one of the step modules. Inner and outer reinforcing panels are disposed in overlapping relationship to the side panel to interconnect the step modules.

Abstract: A window assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth frame pieces connected together to form a rectangular frame. Each of the frame pieces has an inside face defining a glass-receiving groove and a muntin-engaging face orthogonal to the inside face and defining a muntin-receiving channel. A first muntin is oriented in the first frame piece muntin-receiving channel and the second frame piece muntin-receiving channel, and a second muntin is oriented in the third frame piece muntin-receiving channel and the fourth frame piece muntin-receiving channel. The first and second muntins cross over to engage at a first half lap joint. The frame pieces are connected to each other with rabbet joints. The window assembly can be part of a garage door arrangement. A method of making a window assembly includes connecting together the frame pieces with rabbet joints and orienting first and second muntins to engage at a lap joint.

Abstract: A knockdown doorframe includes: a pair or jambs respectively secured to a right and a left vertical side wall of a doorway, each jamb having an adjustable covering plate adjustably shielding a side portion of the jamb with the wall; and a lintel horizontally secured to a top portion of each jamb adjacent to a horizontal top wall of the doorway and having an adjustable horizontal covering plate adjustably shielding an upper portion of the lintel and the horizontal top wall, whereby upon a sliding or telescopic movement of each covering plate in each jamb or in the lintel, the covering plate may adjustably well shield the jamb or lintel with the wall having variable wall thickness for security and ornamental purposes.

Abstract: A spacer frame arrangement for insulating glass units, comprising a spacer profile body extending in a first direction and having a predetermined cross section in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the predetermined cross section defining a hollow inner space of the spacer profile body with predetermined dimensions in the plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a connector comprising a connector section adapted to be inserted in the first direction into the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body by having a cross sectional shape perpendicular to the first direction which corresponds, with predetermined tolerances, to the cross section of the spacer profile body limiting the hollow inner space, at least the outer surface of the connector section facing the inner surface of the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body after insertion of the same being made of a fusable material, preferably a material fusable by melting the same, wherein the connector section is inserted into the h

Abstract: A bracing beam extends at a diagonal between an end portion of a track and a stud, or between two studs. A series of the brace beam sections extend along a diagonal line to diagonally brace a framing wall. Each bracing beam section has a web and a pair of flanges connected to the web. The ends of the beam are cut so as to form end members which are end portions of the web of the bracing beam. The web ends are fastened by screws to two framing members between which the bracing beam extends. Some of the web end portions of the brace beams are connected to the outside of the web of the stud and others are connected to the inside of the web of the stud.

Abstract: A novel roofing bracket is disclosed wherein use of a plurality of the roofing brackets provides a generally horizontal working surface on an inclined standing seam roofing panel. The roofing bracket comprises a first and second section, each section defining a base and an upright extending from the base, and a clamping mechanism for securely and removeably fastening the first section upright and the second section upright juxtaposed to one another abutting opposite sides of the standing seam. The roofing brackets further define a retaining element for engaging and retaining a plank suitable for providing a generally horizontal working surface.

Abstract: An anchor rod cap and method for protecting an anchor rod/bolt/lower flange assembly are provided. An anchor rod is provided having upper and lower tubular elements connected by a shoulder. The upper element is disposed about the anchor rod threads and has an interior surface defined on a radius smaller than an anchor rod thread outer radius. The lower tubular element has an interior radius larger than an anchor rod bolt outer dimension and is configured to define an air gap between the lower tubular element inner surface and an anchor nut encompassed thereby. A lower tubular element bottom edge is configured to form a physical barrier interface with the anchor rod base flange. At least one of the upper tubular element interior surface and the lower tubular element bottom edge are configured to form a sealing interface with anchor rod thread outer surfaces or an upper flange surface.

Abstract: A cross tie bracket that is attachable to a rod and a building structural element. The cross tie bracket has a generally cylindrical body sized to receive the rod and a gusset disposed between the body and a base. The base has a series of apertures formed therein for inserting fasteners through the base into the building structural element, temporarily securing the cross tie bracket to the building structural element with screws, and for providing alignment of a temporary drill guide with the base. A first and second end plate are disposed adjacent to each respective end of the cylindrical body. Each of the end plates has a rod aperture sized to receive the rod. Accordingly, by inserting and securing the rod to the end plates, it is possible to attach the rod to the building structural element.

Abstract: A column includes a foundation, a plurality of column segments mounted to the foundation and extending upwardly, and a cap mounted to at least one of the plurality of column segments. A yield plate connects adjacent column segments to one another. An elastic strip connects to an exterior surface of at least two of the plurality of column segments and is adapted to permit deformation between the plurality of column segments and also return the plurality of column segments to their original orientation. A banding strip is connected at a junction between adjacent column segments and is adapted to limit the movement of the adjacent column segments at the junction.

Abstract: A service line distribution base (10) comprises a ground anchor (18) having an upstanding cruciform portion adapted to extend into the ground. A cabinet (20) suited to support a utility pole (14) extends upwardly from the ground anchor (18). The cabinet (20) defines and internal space for receiving buried wire conduits (28) incorporated to the cruciform ground anchor (18). The cruciform shape of the ground anchor (18) advantageously permits to incorporate a greater number of wire conduits (28) into the base of a utility pole as compared to conventional concrete bases.

Abstract: Composite structural members and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a composite structural member includes a central structural portion that extends in a first direction and having a first flange portion and a second flange portion that are spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by a web portion, the web portion further including a periodic or a non-periodic undulation extending in the first direction. A first reinforced polymer-based substrate is fixedly coupled to the first flange portion, and a second reinforced polymer-based substrate is fixedly coupled to the second flange portion.