Abstract: A barrier or partition for the inside of a house having upper and lower barrier sections that are adjustable relative to each other such that the barrier as a whole is adjustable in height. The upper and lower barrier sections have paired vertically extending support members that slide relative to each other. At least one pair of vertically extending support members have a pincher or pincher mechanism that squeezes upon one of the vertically extending support members to fix the vertically extending support members in a nonsliding fashion relative to each other. The barrier includes a gate that also includes upper and lower sections and paired vertically extending support members that slide relative to each other. Further upper and lower sections, with or without gates, may be laterally attached or detached to increase or decrease a length of the barrier.

Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.

Abstract: A removable security structure interposed between two window configurations is comprised of interconnecting horizontal and vertical members. The vertical members engage a gear junction of the horizontal members such that upon rotation of the vertical members, the horizontal members telescopically collapse. The reduction of length of each horizontal member disengages each horizontal member from a frame housing the window configurations. The rotation of the vertical members also frees the upper portion of the vertical members of the security structure. With the upper and side portions of the security structure freed, the security structure can be rotated and removed from the frame allowing egress.

Abstract: A safety gate for efficiently controlling ingress or egress for children, pets, and the like into and out of a designated area. The safety gate generally includes a support adapted to be secured to a sliding door structure, a gate including a first end and a second end, wherein the gate is movably attached to the support and a latching mechanism extending from the second end of the gate to selectively secure the gate in a closed position. The gate is adapted to extend across an opening formed between a sliding door and a door frame of the sliding door structure. The first end is movably connected to the support on a first side of the opening and the second end moves about an opposing side of the opening to adjust the gate to an open position or a closed position with respect to the opening.

Abstract: A strap to secure bolts at a proper spacing for installing a storm panel to a track using bolts and fasteners. The strap holds the bolts in place, allowing ease of storm panel installation. The storm panels are typically used to protect building openings, such as windows and doors, during periods of bad weather. The storm panels may also be used for security purposes.

Abstract: A storm reinforcing brace for a corrugated polycarbonate plastic hurricane shutter panel, and the combination thereof. The brace includes an elongated bar member extrusion-formed as a single one-piece unit and having a continuous, uniform generally hat-shaped section defining a central portion, leg or side portions, and mounting flange portions thereof. The central portion is preferably flat with an inwardly extending C-shaped channel sized to entrappingly slidably receive a head of a separate threaded fastener from either end of the channel, the threaded fastener being held in the channel in an outwardly extending adjustably slidable orientation along the length of the brace. Each of the mounting flange portions lie in a plane inwardly offset from the central portion and laterally extending from each corresponding leg portion, each of the mounting flange portions for receiving fasteners therethrough anchoring the brace against the upright side members of a window frame.

Abstract: Variable liquid crystal devices for controlling the propagation of light through a liquid crystal layer use a frequency dependent material to dynamically reconfigure effective electrode structures in the device. The frequency of a drive signal that generates an electric field in the device may be varied, and the frequency dependent material has different charge mobilities for the different frequencies. At a low charge mobility, the frequency dependent material has little effect on the existing electrode structures. However, at a high charge mobility, the frequency dependent material appears as an extension of the fixed electrodes, and may be used to change the effective electrode structure and, thereby, the spatial profile of the electric field. This, in turn, changes the optical properties of the liquid crystal, thus allowing the optical device to be frequency controllable.

Abstract: Passive solar wire screens mount vertically on an edifice. The screens have rods vertically arranged parallel to one another and have wires horizontally arranged parallel to one another. The wires attach to the rods and have first surfaces facing away from the edifice in an upward direction from vertical. The wires also have second surfaces facing toward the edifice in a downward direction from vertical. When the sun has a summer elevation on the horizon, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto away from the wire screens. When the sun has a winter elevation on the horizon, however, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto toward the second surfaces, which in turn passively reflect the solar energy toward the edifice. A concave surface on the wires can also reflect thermal energy back to the edifice.

Abstract: Variable liquid crystal devices for controlling the propagation of light through a liquid crystal layer use a frequency dependent material to dynamically reconfigure effective electrode structures in the device. The frequency of a drive signal that generates an electric field in the device may be varied, and the frequency dependent material has different charge mobilities for the different frequencies. At a low charge mobility, the frequency dependent material has little effect on the existing electrode structures. However, at a high charge mobility, the frequency dependent material appears as an extension of the fixed electrodes, and may be used to change the effective electrode structure and, thereby, the spatial profile of the electric field. This, in turn, changes the optical properties of the liquid crystal, thus allowing the optical device to be frequency controllable.

Abstract: A corrugated hurricane panel attachment and strengthening strap system and method for enhanced storm protection for a window of a building. A pair of attaching brackets are each entrappingly connectable along opposing upright edges of the corrugated panel and to the corresponding window frame to hold the upright edges of the panel protectively over the outside of the window. An elongated flexible strap is extendable across the front and rear faces of the panel and is supported through and tensioned against spaced slots formed through each of the brackets, the slots being spaced apart a distance similar to a thickness of the panel. The ends of the strap are lockingly engagable one to another under tension wherein the strap bears against an outer surface of the corrugations of the panel for added panel strength.

Abstract: A barrier that is pressurized after being assembled from multiple pieces. The barrier include a first end frame, a second end frame, and a gate engaged between the end frames. The first and second end frames are engaged at their lower members such that the first end frame and second end frame are not integral and not one-piece with each other, and such that the first and second end frames still provide for a pressurized barrier, that is a barrier that is resiliently mounted between two locations so as to be self-supporting between two locations even if spaced from the floor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first end frame, second end frame, and gate have generally the same length so as to minimize the storage area needed to store the barrier prior to assembly.

Abstract: A gate latch assembly comprising: (a) a biased latchbolt repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position; (b) a latchbolt catch to receive the latchbolt; and (c) a two-stage mechanism for repositioning the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position including a first stage mechanism having a clutch for selectively engaging the latchbolt, and a second stage mechanism for repositioning the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position while the clutch is engaged, where the second stage mechanism is repositionable independent of the latchbolt when the clutch is not engaged.

Abstract: To open a two-action gate, a sliding of a latch and a lifting of the gate to disengage a double stop is required. Performing one step without the other fails to open the gate. The gate is engaged in a frame which may in turn be engaged in a partition or doorway. Via a thumb tab, a portion of the latch can be slid out of the frame. Then the gate is lifted to lift the double stop up and clear of a lower portion of the frame such the gate is swingable. The gate is journaled to a vertically running frame member which serves as the swinging and sliding axis for the gate.

Abstract: A child safety gate having a locking device and a flexible retractable barrier sheet is disclosed. The locking device comprises a locking means having at least a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking means is configured to in its locked position prevent further extraction of the flexible retractable barrier sheet, and the locking means is configured to in its unlocked position allow at least extraction of the flexible retractable barrier sheet. Further, the locking device comprises a timer means configured to upon activation let a delay time elapse and then bring the locking means into its locked position. An advantage of the locking device is that it provides safe operation of a child safety gate by automatically locking the locking device after a delay time has elapsed.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an opening of a building comprising a plurality of rectangular panels. The panels are sized such that when they are stacked for storage, the panels nest together.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: A gate assembly is provided for positioning in an opening through which selective entry is required. The gate assembly includes barrier means mountable directly or indirectly to one or more surrounding surfaces defining the opening. Hinge means are provided to allow the barrier means to be movable relative to the surrounding surfaces in use between a closed position, wherein the opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the opening is open. The hinge means include a hinge pin movably mounted in a channel or recess. The channel or recess receiving the hinge pin in use has a taper which narrows from an opening of said channel or recess through which said hinge pin is located in use towards a base or opposite end of said recess or channel.

Abstract: Edge stiffened corrugated polymeric sheet material can be utilized as storm panels for mounting about a perimeter surface of an opening so as to protect the opening from wind and impact loads. The panels can include a corrugated sheet material having a corrugated contiguous band horizontally extending at about an end of the top and the bottom, wherein the corrugated contiguous band is complementary and contiguous to the plurality of corrugations of the corrugated sheet panel. The complementary and contiguous corrugated band can be configured to sandwich the sheet material. The panel may also include, individually or in combination, a contiguous band sandwiching the polymeric sheet material at a terminal end of each side and extending vertically from the top to the bottom. The panels provide wind and impact load protection for the opening.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air conditioner cover having at least two posts, a plurality of slats, and a plurality of obstructions used to properly distance the slats from the ground. The air conditioner cover also has connectors disposed between said posts and said slats in some embodiments. The air conditioner cover is designed to surround an air conditioner unit in order to hide it from sight and to protect the air conditioner unit from various types of damage. The present invention is specifically designed to ensure appropriate ventilation, as the uniquely shaped slats have in order to provide a spacing gap for ventilation purposes, while still providing a barrier to the air conditioner unit.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated panels of light transmitting plastics sheet material each have longitudinally extending parallel spaced ribs and longitudinally extending co-planner opposite edge portions. An elongated support member for each panel has a base portion secured to the opposite edge portions of the panel adjacent the upper end portion of the panel and includes a hook portion adapted to engage a hook-shaped support rail mounted on a building over a window or door opening. Each hook portion has end surfaces recessed inwardly from opposite edge surfaces of the panel and provide for overlapping edge portions of adjacent panels. The lower end portion of an outer panel is supported by a sill bracket mounted on the building under the opening and receives a U-shaped track member secured to the panel. The bracket and track member are connected by pull pins located within the ribs of the outer panel.

Abstract: A system and method which provides a means to install a hurricane shutter panel in a manner which enables release of the panel from the inside of the structure, thus providing means of egress through the opening on which the panel is installed. There are four preferred embodiments of the invention to correspond with the four primary means for installing hurricane shutter panels; namely angle track, F-Track, direct mount systems using wall anchors and direct mount systems using direct mount studs permanently mounted into a structure. The various embodiments require little or no modifications to the components of the various industry standard installation systems. The invention can be used with new installations or adapted to existing installations.

Abstract: Protective covers for cab guards or racks which extend vertically from the front rail of a truck bed behind the rear window of the truck cab are disclosed. The protective covers may be molded to fit any shape or size of truck bed rack. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a generally horizontal top section which extends to two generally vertical side sections. Additional sections are typically provided between the side sections to provide a barrier that protects the rear window of the truck cab. When the protective cover is installed, it covers most of the surfaces of the truck bed rack, except the forward-facing surface of the rack located adjacent to the truck cab. Thus, the protective cover provides protection to essentially all exposed surfaces of the truck bed rack, while allowing easy installation.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an opening of a building comprising a plurality of rectangular panels. The panels are sized such that when they are stacked for storage, the panels nest together.

Abstract: A variable width gate for adaptively mating with boundaries of an opening to provide a barrier therebetween, the variable width gate comprising: (a) an extendable gate including a first gate section mounted to a second gate section, wherein either the first gate section or the second gate section includes a rib; (b) a tracker adapted to engage the rib and operatively coupled to the other of the first gate section or the second gate section not having the rib; and (c) a handle operatively coupled to one of the tracker and the rib, such that displacement of the handle manipulates the position of the tracker in relation to the rib to horizontally reposition the first gate section with respect to the second gate section.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: Barrier means are provided having a frame including a plurality of frame members, movable between a first substantially erect condition and a second substantially folded condition. At least one of the frame members including two or more telescopically mounted portions capable of relative movement to allow expansion and/or contraction of the length of the frame member. Locking means are associated with one or more of said frame portions to allow the portion or portions to be locked at a required length. The locking means are movable between the locked and/or unlocked position by relative movement of the frame portion or portions with which the locking means are associated.

Abstract: A gate is mounted to a gate mount for movement between an opened and a closed position. The gate includes a hand-operated latch assembly for mating with the gate mount to lock the gate in the closed position.

Abstract: An adjustable square metal tubular strut, comprised of two square metal components, that when telescoped together and positioned horizontally at the center hinge pins on most width double entrance in-swinging doors, stops the deflection of said doors in wind load situations. The preferred embodiment of the strut is comprised of a plurality of predetermined holes for fastening the strut components together in any width configuration, and metal “U” shape straps attached to both ends of the strut with holes to receive the hinge pins, ultimately fixing the strut in place. Located along the face of the strut are a series of threaded holes of predetermined size and location, that where applicable, will receive two threaded torque screws, with a torque lever arm on the front end and a pressure foot on the inner end, that when tightened will firm the strut to the doors.

Abstract: A removable security structure interposed between two window configurations is comprised of interconnecting horizontal and vertical members. One or more vertical members engages a gear junction of each horizontal member such that upon rotation of the vertical member, the horizontal member telescopically collapses. The reduction of length of each horizontal member disengages each horizontal member from a frame outlining the opening. The rotation of the vertical members also frees the upper portion of the vertical members of the security structure. With the upper and side portions of the security structure disengaged from the frame, the security structure can be rotated and removed from the opening allowing egress.

Abstract: A bar assembly includes hollow interior and exterior tubes. Each tube has an inner and an outer end. The tubes are of a length less than the distance between spaced vertical window jamb side surfaces. The bar assembly includes a rigid stopper. A stopper is press fit into the outer end of each tube. The bar assembly includes pins. A pin extends outwardly from each stopper. The bar assembly includes a coil spring. The coil spring is provided within the exterior tube. The coil spring has a first end. The first end is in contact with the stopper of the exterior tube. The coil spring has a second end. The second end is in contact with the inner end of the interior tube. The coil spring is adapted to be compressed to a loading orientation. The coil spring is further adapted to be expanded to an operational orientation.

Abstract: A manhole cover having an integrated locking system that is self-locking and easy to open. The device includes a cover plate adapted to rest on a manhole cover support surface of a manhole frame so as to be substantially flush with a top portion of the manhole frame and a surrounding surface in which the manhole frame is situated. An anchor on the cover plate is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a first location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to the first location. A locking member on the cover plate is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a second location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to the second location. In the unlocked position, the locking member is disengaged from the manhole frame.

Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of installing a safety gate system whereby builders install in new construction multiple adapter features capable of attachment to specialized units that allow a user to create a gate across a passageway without the use of tools or hardware. The present invention also teaches a safety gate system for practicing said method.

Abstract: A fastener for removably securing a protective panel to a structure includes a shaft having a first portion and a second portion. The shaft includes a first opening extending through the second portion of the shaft. The fastener also includes a sleeve sized to fit over the second portion of the shaft. The sleeve includes second and third openings extending through the sleeve that are spaced apart by a distance greater than a thickness of the protective panel to be secured to the structure. The second opening corresponds to the first opening in the shaft and the third opening is located in the sleeve beyond an end of the second portion of the shaft when the first and second openings are aligned. The fastener also includes a first pin that is insertable into the first and second openings and a second pin that is insertable into the third opening.

Abstract: A crib railing includes a driving means, an opening/closing means and a railing coupling with the driving means and the opening/closing means. The driving means' seat has a top surface formed as a helical parabolic surface to allow the railing to automatically return at any angles relative to the driving means. The opening/closing means has an upper cover, a depressing means, a handgrip means, a slider, a lower cover and a linkage bar. The depressing means and handgrip means are single-handed operable at meantime, and can drive the linkage bar running through the handgrip means up and down to form an open or latch relationship with the railing. The handgrip means has a wedge with an inclined member to drive the slider to latch on a latch member of the railing. The invention provides the opening/closing movements of the driving means and opening/closing means and swiveling return of the railing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulation mechanism for built-in sliding doors of the type comprising a sliding leaf (4), a guide (6) in the lower part of said sliding leaf (4) and a fixed stop (16) inside said guide (6), comprising a cover (1) fixed at the end of the sliding leaf (4), a mobile stop (2) slidable through the inner part of the guide (6) situated between the cover (1) and the fixed stop (16), and an adjustment screw (3) traversing the cover (1) and the mobile stop (2) by means of which the relative position between both elements (1) and (2) is regulated.

Abstract: A movable barrier drive case (300) and a clamp (301) wherein the clamp can be configured and arranged to securely and non-temporarily attached the movable barrier drive case to a mounting channel (100). The movable barrier drive case can be configured and arranged to attach securely and non-temporarily to a movable barrier drive assembly. By these teachings, this movable barrier drive case can further comprise an installation safety latch (402) that is configured and arranged to securely and only temporarily maintain a selected disposition of the movable barrier drive case with respect to the mounting channel during installation of the movable barrier drive case. So configured, the installation safety latch can serve to maintain the movable barrier drive case in an installer's selected position with respect to the mounting channel during installation prior to using the clamp to non-temporarily attach the movable barrier drive case to the mounting channel.

Abstract: A retaining bar for securing position of a protective panel within a recess of a building, Such as a window frame or a door frame. The retaining bar has two telescopically engageable portions, which are tensioned in the frame. Each retaining bar member carries a bracket, which contacts the window or door frame once the bar members are extended to fit tightly within the frame. A threaded rod mounted in one of the bracket assemblies allows tightening of the retaining bar in the frame.

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 adjustable apparatus for protection of a door or window opening having an upper frame and a lower frame. The adjustable apparatus includes a plurality of posts, a first end plate for fastening a first end of the adjustable apparatus to the upper frame of the opening, and a second end plate for fastening a second end of the apparatus to the lower frame of the opening. Each of the plurality of posts further includes a first portion having a predetermined length and a second portion having a predetermined length, wherein the first portion telescopically engages the second portion. A length of the plurality of posts telescopically adjusts to correspond to a longitudinal dimension between the upper frame and the lower frame of the opening.

Abstract: A vent for a building structure, specifically for the foundation thereof, having a bi-directional breakaway swing door that releases in either direction once a predetermined PSI of pressure is applied thereto. This is done to meet building codes in flood prone areas and to protect the structure in the event of flooding as the breakaway door opens accordingly once 10-20 PSI is exerted thereupon.

Abstract: A window barrier configured to be removably supported adjacent to the interior side of a vehicle door.

Abstract: A sheet is removably positionable adjacent to a window. The sheet has upper, lower and side edges. A plurality of braces is secured to the sheet. Each brace has a metal base plate and a pair of fixed housings. A vertical push rod is slidably supported in each fixed housing for axial reciprocation. A cam is rotatably secured in each fixed housing. A swivel rod is secured to the handle and both of the cams. A reciprocable housing has an open upper face and a lower face. The housing is secured to the push rods. A rubber bumper is secured to the upper face. The bumper is adapted to contact an adjacent surface when in the extended operative orientation during operation and use.

Abstract: A safety gate assembly includes a frame which may be secured across a door opening, stairway or the like and comprises a base and two upstanding limbs and a gate. One side of the gate is connected by one or more pivotal connections to the one limb of the frame to permit pivotable movement of the gate with respect to the frame about a pivotal axis. The other side of the gate carries a latch member, which cooperates with a latch connected to the other limb of the frame. The latch defines a locked position, in which pivotable movement of the gate is prevented. The pivotal connection is constructed to permit linear movement of the gate relative to the frame in a direction parallel to the pivotal axis. The latch member cooperates with a biasing spring arranged to urge the latch member in the direction away from the said one side of the gate.

Abstract: A window protection structure for a building including novel structure for affixing a sheet of protection material over the window opening. The sheet material is cut to the size of the window opening in the building, and holes are formed therein. U-shaped clips are slid onto an upper edge of the sheet material, and a plurality of brackets are provided with a pair of holes formed therein. Cords loops are secured through the holes in the brackets. The brackets are adapted for receipt by the interior of the window and the cords are threaded to the exterior of the window. The cord loops are threaded through the holes in the sheet material. A bungee cord is then used for securing the ends of the cord loops, whereby the sheet material is held firmly against the window.

Abstract: A gate assembly for selectively opening and closing a passageway includes opposed sides defined by a pair of newel posts. The gate assembly includes a gate, first and second mounting assemblies and a pair of hinges. Each mounting assembly includes a mount face plate, a backing plate and a plurality of fasteners for mounting the face plate to one of the posts. The hinges define a hinge axis and couple the gate to the first mounting assembly face plate and permit pivotal movement of the gate about the hinge axis between first and second open positions and through a closed position through an arc of about 270°. The gate is substantially parallel to the face plate when in the closed position. A caster wheel is coupled with the bottom of the gate in order to facilitate pivotal movement of the gate and to inhibit undesired forces on the hinges.

Abstract: A gate assembly comprising a gate mount and a gate mounted for movement on the gate mount between an opened position and a closed position. The gate assembly further comprises an illumination system mounted on the gate mount for turning on a light mounted on the gate mount when someone approaches the gate when it is dark in the vicinity of the gate.

Abstract: This is a storm window protection device which will fit over the window fame of a building and lock into position to prevent damage to the window during periods of inclement weather.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.