Abstract: The present invention is a roof tarp. The roof tarp is a square or rectangular shaped tarp that has a first and a second face. The tarp has a tar strip that runs parallel and abuts all edges of the tarp, the tar strip is at-least two and a half inches in width from each edge of the tarp and is at-least a half inch in height from the first face of the tarp. A cellophane covering overlaps the tar strip. A ridge is defined on the first face of the tarp. The ridge is adjacent to the tar strip and runs parallel to the tar strip. The ridge is at least half an inch in height. A first hook and loop material attachment means that is attached to the first face of the tarp and that runs parallel and is adjacent to the ridge of the tarp, the hook and loop attachment means is at least a half an inch inwards from the ridge.

Abstract: The present invention is a roof tarp. The roof tarp is a square or rectangular shaped tarp that has a first and a second face. The tarp has a strip that runs parallel and abuts all edges of the tarp, the strip is at-least two and a half inches in width from each edge of the tarp and is at-least a sixteenth of an inch in height from the first face of the tarp. A covering overlaps the strip. In another variation of the invention, a grommet is attached to each corner of the tarp, and a lifting means attaches to the grommet.

Abstract: An entertainment structure and apparatus principally comprising a 360-degree 2D and/or 3D cinematic theater. Seating for audience members is arrangeable on a circular motion base platform. A compound curved screen may lower from above to surround the theater upon a circular motion base platform, providing seamless media. A 2D/3D projection system is oriented within the structure to provide 2D/3D images on the screen through projection overlap for edge blending. A control system is used to rotate, pitch and roll the motion base platform. The control system can be synchronized with the media presentation. The structure includes a number of variations such as a variety of seating orientations, a stationary screen, a variety of screen configurations, and modular tracking seating.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention employ a modular room including a plurality of modular room components (e.g., anchor assemblies, upright assemblies, etc.). These anchor assemblies and upright assemblies can take different forms permitting assembly of a modular room or modular structure in different manners, and in some cases provide for interchangeable interior and exterior wall panels and components. In some embodiments, a bracket assembly is coupled to an substantially vertical elongated upright for improved strength and stability. Preferably, the anchor assembly has a base plate with at least one edge at an angle with respect to the rest of the base plate for additional strength. If desired, the vertical position of the upright with respect to the base plate can be adjusted. In some embodiments, one or more overhead trusses are used to stabilize the walls of a modular room.

Abstract: A leak diverter device for use with gutters is provided. The leak diverter device provides a novel and effective method for diverting water leaked from a gutter away from a fascia board or other moisture sensitive material. The leak diverter device is generally installed between a gutter and the fascia board adjacent a joint in the gutter. The leak diverter blocks leaked water from contacting the fascia board and directs it down and away from the fascia board toward the ground. The leak diverter device generally comprises a first portion located substantially parallel to a fascia board and a second portion protruding from the first portion away from the fascia board. Additionally, it is preferable that the angle between the first portion and the second portion be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Furthermore, the leak diverter device may be installed adjacent a straight section of gutter or may be installed at a corner where two gutter sections join.

Abstract: A window and door side flashing is installed with a double self adhesive flashing. The flashing may be provided as a tape or sheets, with adhesive pre-applied to both sides of a substrate. Protective liners may be removed in strips from either side of the flashing in order to expose a desired width of adhesive for attachment to portions of door or window jamb, framing, brick mold, or exterior sheeting. Other areas of the flashing remain covered to permit easier handling and installation. After application, the flashing provides a continuous barrier to water intrusion. In other embodiments, an extruded plastic flashing is provided. The flashing may have flexible fins to seal against water intrusion.

Abstract: Foldable patio mainly consisting of mosquito net that—supported by a frame structure—forms the roof and three of the walls. The frame structure may be hinged at the foot of an outer wall forming the fourth wall of the patio. In folded condition the mosquito net is rolled up on an horizontal and two vertical rolls mounted on the outer wall. Un- and up-folding of the structure may be done manually, by means of motors or hydraulic piston-cylinders. By supplementing the sheet of mosquito net with sections of sun-tight, respectively rain-tight cloth, the structure also may protect against sun, respectively rain. By means of hinges the outermost end of the bottom frame may be made turnable if necessitated by narrow space conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an architectural element particularly intended to be utilized as a furnishing or decorative element, preferably but not exclusively associated with mosaic surfaces.

Abstract: A seawall element and installation apparatus therefor, the seawall element including an elongated plastic tubular member having a uniform hollow elliptic or oval-shaped cross section and open at each end thereof. The tubular member has a cylindrically-shaped male portion and cavity interlocking arrangement for interlocking two side by side tubular members together by slidable overlapping substantially watertight engagement lengthwise of one tubular member to another. A seawall structure includes a plurality of these seawall tubular members positioned side by side in self-locking engagement to form a row and supported by being supportively embedded into the earth. An elongated cast concrete reinforcing cap extends along and interconnects an upper end portion of each of the seawall tubular members and extends monolithically into each of the tubular member upon deployment. An apparatus for water jetting each tubular member into bottom ground is also disclosed.

Abstract: A truss for a roof of a building structure includes a lower span having first and second horizontal joist portions on opposite ends of the truss. The first and second joist portions are adapted to be placed on upper ends of first and second sidewalls of a structure and with the first and second joist portions extending toward one another in substantially linear alignment. The first and second joist portions have a combined length less than a distance between the sidewalls. At least a third joist portion is disposed between opposing ends of the first and second joist portions and beneath a plane defined by the first and second joint portions. The third joist portion extends parallel to and spaced from the first and second joist portions. A first bracing member connects a first end of the third joist portion to a first joist portion. A second bracing member connects a second end of a third joist portion to the second joist portion.

Abstract: A concealed suspension ceiling assembly with simplified support structure for closely spaced ceiling tiles is described. The ceiling tiles are kerfed and mounted on framing members suspended from a supporting grid. V shaped torsion springs engage hooks on the framing members and extend upwardly through slots in main tees in an intersecting grid of main tees and cross tees. A tool is inserted in the reveal between adjacent tiles to raise and lower a selected tile. Tiles are lowered in predetermined sections to permit access to the space above the suspended ceiling and also to permit repair or replacement of individual tiles.

Abstract: A shelter system for use within an environment having air includes an enclosure disposable within the environment formed of an air impermeable material. The enclosure is expansible from a collapsed configuration to a usage configuration and is configured to define an interior chamber, to contain a quantity of air within the chamber, and to substantially prevent entry of the environment air into the chamber. An oxygen generator disposable within the enclosure includes a housing and a quantity of oxygen-producing material disposable within the housing for generating oxygen by spontaneous chemical reaction, the oxygen being discharged to the enclosure chamber. A carbon dioxide removal device disposable within the enclosure includes a chamber, a reactive material disposed within the chamber for removing carbon dioxide from the enclosure air, and a fan initiating flow through the chamber. The system may be used within a building, a vehicle, or an open environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tile panel unit having a tile cap composed of at least one layer of crushed stone mixed with a resin and a catalyst and at least one layer of fiberglass strands mixed with a resin, and a base plate at least partially embedded in at least one layer of the tile cap material. The base plate provides a structure for supporting the tile cap, the structure having a matrix of supporting shapes and other reinforcing elements arranged within a peripheral support structure. The base plate further provides mounting features for securing the tile panel unit to an underlying support structure, and interlocking features for aligning and securing adjacent tile panel units in a wall and floor covering tile assembly system.

Abstract: The device for achieving an upper anchoring of a prefabricated staircase for a swimming pool is characterized in that it comprises at least one element with a shaped section acting as a chute for casting concrete, wherein said element(s) cooperate with support component which can be coupled to the staircase and to ground support poles or the elements can surround the upper part of the outer surface of the staircase.

Abstract: A turbulence-creating device is mounted to the roof, such that high winds flowing across the roof are caused to become turbulent, thereby interfering with the laminar flow and lift which would otherwise be created. The turbulence-creating devices comprise generally V-shaped or curved spoilers, many of which are pivotally mounted to a vertical mast attached to the roof such that the spoilers face in the direction of the oncoming wind and are shaped to disturb the laminar flow, thereby preventing lift from being generated. In some embodiments, fixed omnidirectional spoilers with curved sides are provided.

Abstract: A method of sealing an attic access opening; a first step for which involves providing an attic access opening with a peripheral interior sidewall. A second step involves providing an insulated attic access cover, which consists of a first panel having a peripheral edge and a second panel having a peripheral edge. A flexible web connects the peripheral edge of the first panel with the peripheral edge of the second panel, and defines an insulation cavity between the first panel and the second panel filled with compressible insulation. A third step involves positioning the insulated attic access cover within an attic access opening and moving the first panel and the second panel toward each other to compress the insulation in the insulation cavity and cause the insulation to bulge outwardly to engage the peripheral interior sidewall of the attic access opening.

Abstract: Buckles attach to an interior portion on a front surface of the hurricane screen in opposing pairs around the screen. Straps attach on the hemmed edge on the back surface aligned with the buckles. Each strap loops through an anchor and into the buckle to adjust the tension of the strap. The anchor slips over a pre-attached fastener and tightens on the fastener when the belt is tensioned.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an electric cable to a window pane. The system includes a generally elongated plate having a width approximately equal to a thickness of said pane, the plate being provided with a plurality of holes. A socket is fastened to the plate and is shaped and sized to receive a portion of the electric cable within it, the socket being in communication with an opening provided in the plate in order to permit electrical conductors to pass through the plate. The electric cable is fastened to the plate and the plate is fastened to an edge of the pane, in order to resist a 35 lb traction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel carriage which is adapted to traverse a pair of rails used to form a track within a joinery system. The carriage includes a main body and at least a pair of wheels, with the wheels of each pair being located on opposite sides of the main body. The panel carriage also includes an adjustable linkage associated with each wheel, where such an adjustable linkage or linkages are adapted to locate at least one wheel on a side of the main body, and a linkage is also adapted to allow movement of a wheel towards and away from the main body.

Abstract: Various door light assemblies are disclosed for withstanding impacts and pressure cycling. Various door light features are disclosed for enhancing structural rigidity of the door light assemblies including insert keys for adjacent frame members, frame geometries and other structural characteristics for withstanding impact loading and pressure cycling. Further, ornamental frames and frame covers are provided for door light assemblies that are sufficient to withstand impact loading and are aesthetic in appearance for utilization in various door light assembly applications.

Abstract: A fire stop clamp is presented. The fire stop clamp includes a support clamp and a fire stop disc. The support clamp supports a pipe by preventing movement of a pipe towards a structural member. The fire stop disc seals an opening associated with a pipe penetration. The sealed opening inhibits the passage of fire and smoke through the opening. The fire stop clamp includes an expansion element that pushes the fire stop disc towards the structural member. If a pipe moves away from the structural member, the expansion element will allow the fire stop disc to retain a seal over the opening.

Abstract: A panel for providing explosion-resistant curtain walls comprising at least one glass pane suitable to form a glazing unit, and associated with a supporting frame constituted by at least two uprights connected, at their upper and lower ends, by at least two cross-members. The panel comprises an interconnection device for strengthening and interconnecting the uprights and the cross-members, a guiding device for strengthening and guiding in position two contiguous uprights of two panels arranged one above the other, and a limiting device for limiting mutual rotation of two contiguous uprights of two panels arranged side by side.

Abstract: Novel building systems, in particular low cost superior strength building assemblies incorporating single or double shear walls, and disaster resistant window attachments are described herein. The inventive building systems are particularly well-suited for adding rooms to existing buildings, such as attached residential room additions, basements, disaster relief housing, and Do-It Yourself (DIY) projects.

Abstract: A modular building system wherein extruded, elongate, plastic building components can quickly, and with no special tools or skills, be snapped and slidably fit together to form a wide variety of different building structures. The proposed system produces frameless buildings wherein surface closure structures, like walls, windows, doors and roof panels are bound into stability through building-wrapping banding structures that include upright, perimeter stabilizer bars, roof trusses, and in most instances, the underlying ground. Within a finished building, the closure structures effectively float and react with relative motion responses to different applied building loads.

Abstract: An outdoor deck surface unit comprising a substrate support member and a plurality of separate boards, with the plurality of boards being unitized by being secured to the substrate in a desired pattern. The deck surface unit is sufficiently large that an entire deck surface is created relatively quickly, but being sufficiently small that a deck surface unit is capable of being readily lifted, moved, placed and handled by a single individual. The substrate support member comprises plastic coated polyester and is stapled to the separate boards.

Abstract: An aircraft floor system includes a composite panel which generally includes an inboard layer, an inboard interlock layer, a core layer, an outboard interlock layer and an outboard layer. The advanced sandwich core material may include K-Cor™ or X-Cor™ which is pinned through at least one ply of dry composite reinforcement to provide a mechanical lock between the pins and an inboard and outboard interlock layer. Bonding of the locked-in ply with the inboard and outboard results in improved structural performance and damage tolerance.

Abstract: A corner guard providing protection for tiles attached proximal of a corner junction formed by an intersection of side walls. The corner guard includes an edge guard bent to cover a portion of the intersection of side walls proximally above the corner junction. The edge guard includes a base end configured to be releasably attached to each side wall proximal to the tiles. A ledge is formed integrally with said edge guard base end with the ledge extended a sufficient width laterally for protective covering of an upper portion of the tiles. A tile cover integrally depends from the ledge and is sized and angled to substantially cover the tiles proximal of the corner junction. The tile cover protectively covers the tiles and deflects impacts directed toward the tiles while the edge guard protects the wall edges above the corner junction from impacts directed toward the wall edges.

Abstract: An end cap comprises a base and at least one finger extending in a first direction from the base. A plurality of sets of flexible fins can be provided, each set of fins comprising first and second fins extending generally from the finger in an orientation that is generally orthogonal to the first direction. Each set of fins can be being positioned longitudinally along an axis oriented generally in the first direction wherein the first and second fins are movable independently of each other. The first and second fins are resiliently displaceable and movable generally in the first direction. The first and second fins can be resiliently displaceable. The end cap can be used in association with a construction member whereby the finger is inserted into the channel. More than one such finger can be provided.

Abstract: A floor pad includes: a water-drainable base layer having an anti-slip bottom surface, a top surface opposite to the anti-slip bottom surface, and a plurality of through-holes that extend from the anti-slip bottom surface to the top surface; and a fibrous layer secured to the top surface of the water-drainable base layer. The fibrous layer includes fibers that are entangled together so as to form a plurality of fluid passages which are in fluid communication with the through-holes in the base layer.

Abstract: A siding system and method includes siding members, such as siding panels that coupled together to form siding for a wall. Other siding members can include both vertically and horizontally applied siding such as beveled siding, lapped siding, sheeted siding, siding paneling, exterior plywood, channel siding, board and batt siding, non-panelized shingles and panelized shingles. In implementations, the siding members are spaced from the wall by vertically oriented furring members and/or horizontally oriented vented furring members that can be affixed to the siding members prior to affixing to a building structure. Some of the siding panels have two-piece backer-board and shingle construction, or one-piece backer-shingle construction, or one-piece backer-siding construction. The siding panels are constructed to for various joints between the panels when they are coupled together.

Abstract: Waterproof insulating panels 110 are attached to waterproof furring strips 112 installed on an interior surface 113 of a concrete basement wall 800 to create air cavities 150 enclosed therebetween which are in communication with the upper story of a house. A heating cable along the base of the air cavities 150 warms the air therein, such that moist air in the air cavities rises to the upper story of the house and away from the basement bringing the moisture with it, keeping the humidity level of the basement air lower. Finish panels 120 are connected to the insulating panels.

Abstract: A block assembly including a plurality of first framing members each having a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of second framing members each having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis such that the first and second framing members together form a grid including a plurality of openings. The assembly further includes a plurality of blocks, such as glass, plastic or masonry blocks, each being received within a respective one of the openings, and a plurality of support rods, each of the support rods being inserted through a respective one or more of the first framing members along the first longitudinal axis of each of the one or more of the first framing members and being inserted through each of the second framing members.

Abstract: A strong, high density foam glass tile having a small pore size which can be used as a facade on both exterior and interior building walls. The foam glass tile of the present invention is strong enough that it can also be used as a structural member for a building. The foam glass tiles are very strong, and have a compression strength of 6000 psi (lb./sq. in.) or greater, and more particularly of 8000 lb./sq. in. or greater, and even more particularly of 10,000 lb./sq. in. or greater, and even more particularly of 12,000 lb./sq. in. or greater, and even more particularly of 14,000 lb./sq. in. or greater. These foam glass tiles will absorb more energy from an explosion, withstand higher heat and wind loading and other mechanical forces. The tiles of the present invention may have an average pore size of 1.0 mm or less, and preferably 0.7 mm or less, and more preferably 0.6 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or less.

Abstract: A block assembly that includes first framing members, second framing members, and clips, wherein each of the clips is inserted through a respective one of the first framing members. Each of the clips has an upper portion that extends above an upper surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted and a lower portion that extends below a lower surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted. For each of the clips, the upper portion is received within a first one of the second framing members and the lower portion is received within a second one of the second framing members such that the first and second framing members form a grid including openings. The block assembly further includes a plurality of blocks, with each of the blocks being received within a respective one of the openings.

Abstract: A glass block structure supported by a flexible phenolic resin framework is disclosed. The phenolic resin framework is bonded to the individual glass blocks with an adhesive substance that is placed so as to lie at or near the corners of the blocks. The phenolic resin that makes up the supporting framework may advantageously be formed in a pultrusion process wherein the resin is embedded with glass-like strands. Further heat-tolerance and adhesion may be obtained from the use of a high-heat tolerant putty applied between the phenolic resin and the glass blocks. The flexibility of the phenolic resin allows the block structure to be preassembled and then transported to an installation site as a single, ready-to-install unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymeric microparticles that are gas-filled in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a roof system including a roof deck, a previously existing roofing assembly upwardly adjacent to the roof deck, a foam material upwardly adjacent and in air sealing contact with the roofing assembly, a layer of reinforcing mesh embedded in the foam material, and a waterproof membrane upwardly adjacent of the foam material.

Abstract: A cold storage panel, which includes a carbon foam core having a high ratio of compressive strength to density, desirable fire retardant properties, and resistance to environmental stress. The carbon foam insulated panel also includes a first layer and a second layer bound to a first surface and second surface of the carbon foam core. Applications of the carbon foam structural insulated panel include structural and fire retardant elements of residential and commercial refrigerators and freezers, food lockers, coolers, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of different-sized polymeric microparticles in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: In a building board having a designed surface with pattern convex portions, and upper and lower shiplap portions, both of which are formed in the end portion of the designed surface, a printing extension portion is formed in the lower shiplap1 portion, and the printing extension portion is printed in such a way that the extension portion and the pattern convex portion are continuously formed.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to dismantle and re-use a floor structure by effectively exhibiting the displacement preventing effect for each steel beam against an active load when the floor structure is formed by arranging steel beams in parallel. A floor structure comprises a plurality of steel beams 4 arranged in parallel, each steel beam 4 including a web, an upper flange disposed at an upper end of the web, and a lower flange disposed at a lower end of the web, a floor surface being formed on the upper flange 2. The floor structure further includes a displacement preventing spacer interposed between the upper flanges and/or lower flanges of the adjacent steel beams. The displacement preventing spacer includes a load receiving part which is brought into engagement with the adjacent upper flanges and/or lower flanges to receive an active load incurred by the individual steel beams 4 so as to inhibit the steel beams 4 from displacing downward.

Abstract: A boundary screed rail assembly with screed rails (14) supported by feet members (42). The screed rails (14) providing a perimeter part (24) with upper and lower protection parts (26). The upper part (26) provides a planar horizontal surface (28), with a plurality of recesses (30) extending thereinto, alternating with downwardly extending engagement members (32) engageable in the concrete of a slab.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an outdoor flooring such as a lightweight deck surface, employs a fiber reinforced polymer structural panel with plural grid openings therein. A fastener is driven into selected openings to enable the panel to be secured to a deck frame. A surfacing material, such as a quarried stone, is attached to the top of the panel, providing a stone deck surface without requiring substantial structural support.

Abstract: The floor structure has a base layer fastened to floor joists, a resilient layer laid over the base layer, and a top layer mounted over the resilient layer. The top layer has a stiffness that is greater than a stiffness of the base layer. The top layer is fastened to the base layer by wood screws that are placed substantially along a median between two adjacent floor joists. Each screw has a threaded portion extending simultaneously in both the top and the base layers. The installation of screws through the top and the base layers causes a backlash in the advance of the screws upon entering the base layer, thereby causing the occurrence of a larger gap between the layers as compared with an installation using nails. The larger gap relaxes a pressure on the foam layer and reduces the transmission of sound energy to the joists.

Abstract: An insulating concrete form foam block bi-directional system comprises a pair of opposed and parallel foam sidewall panels spaced using a plurality of plastic and metal band ties that act as a fire-break between the two exterior finished concrete wall surfaces. Each tie comprises nearly full sidewall height, plastic flanges which engage the sidewalls and a metal band cross-connecting vertical holders of the ties. The metal band forms a wide opening to enhance concrete flow. The tie results in a minimal downward stress impact on the tie during concrete placement. The top and bottom surfaces of each sidewall are formed with raised areas and non-raised areas which interlock with adjacent blocks. The side surfaces of each sidewall are formed with vertical tongues and grooves which interlock with like tongues and grooves of corner pieces which are adapted to form right or left-hand comers.

Abstract: A thermal wall system for constructing insulated concrete walls includes a pair of opposing forming walls, a mount extending between the forming walls for positioning the walls in spaced relationship, at least one spacing element mounted to the mount, and a body of thermally insulating material held by the spacing element in spaced relationship to at least one and preferably both of the forming walls. Concrete poured into the areas between the body and forming walls envelopes the spacing members and the insulating body, with the resultant concrete wall having the insulating body spaced from the exposed outer surfaces of the cured concrete of the wall a consistent depth corresponding to the depth of the spacing element. The mounts are preferably tie bars, which readily receive the spacing elements and structurally connect the spacing elements positioned on opposite sides of the body.

Abstract: A multi-layer roofing membrane is provided including a top sheet including a co-extruded cap and inner layer and a bottom sheet. The use of a co-extrusion die allows for multi-layer sheets that reduce the need for expensive fillers in all but a cap layer of the membrane. A scrim reinforcement layer is optionally embedded in the membrane. When installed on a roof substrate, the membrane can be sealed by heat welding the seams of the membrane sheets or by other means.

Abstract: A single ply flexible membrane roofing system secured to a roof deck has a first membrane secured to the roof deck by fasteners. The membrane system includes a second membrane with an edge portion overlapping the first membrane edge which can be “factory” weld-bonded to the first membrane along the edge of the second membrane to provide waterproofing such that the first membrane edge projects forwardly from the bond to define a fastening projection extending forwardly from the weld bond for the laterally spaced fasteners. An adhesive coating over the fastening projection and fasteners extends essentially from the weld bond forwardly to provide a continuous adhesive coating over the first membrane projection and the fasteners to provide a substantially monolithic water-sealed seaming bond of enhanced strength with enhanced resistance to uplift forces. The invention is concerned also with the labor reduced method of constructing the system.

Abstract: A building system is described comprising paired studs (20) for attachment to inside surfaces of facing sheets (10, 11) to provide panel formwork for concrete walls. The studs comprise a head (21) and outwardly extending spaced flanges (22, 23) with inwardly directed teeth (26) and lips (24, 25). Spacer elements (30) are engaged with the recess between the flanges and may be formed from off-cuts of sheet material or as specifically formed elements. The latter are formed from hard plastic and in a preferred embodiment (19) are formed as a rectangular box which can be orientated in alternate directions. The system may include end elements (40), internal top and bottom plates (51), internal corners (90), external corners (100) and a shadow line junction between panels. The invention extends to panels formed with the above system and buildings formed from the panels.

Abstract: A concrete forming system includes a plurality of panels, an inside corner form, an outside corner form and a plurality of fasteners for securing the panels and forms together.