Abstract: A track guard for a sectional overhead door assembly comprises an elongate member which may be positioned between the vertical track sections of the door assembly and a wall jamb to which the vertical track sections are mounted to cover the space therebetween. The track guard has a generally C-shaped cross-section and has a width which tapers from a first end to a second end to accommodate variations in spacing between the vertical track sections and the wall jamb.

Abstract: A pre-finished, moisture resistant and durable building material is provided. In one embodiment the building material includes a fiber cement substrate having a first side and a second side, at least one resin impregnated paper over at least one of the first and second sides, and a stress-relieving polymeric film between the fiber cement substrate and the at least one resin impregnated paper, the polymer film acting as a stress relaxer between the fiber cement substrate and the at least one resin impregnated paper. In another embodiment, a stress-relieving polymeric coating or film is provided between resin penetrated sheets and a substrate. In another embodiment, a process for bonding the resin penetrated sheets to the substrate is provided.

Abstract: A bracket for aiding in the mounting of a course of wallboards onto a frame of vertical studs including a channel having a short leg joined to a long panel and a punched out nailer extending from the long panel. First, the pointed free end of the nailer is driven into a stud permitting the user to check alignment of a row of the brackets before permanently securing each bracket to its respective stud by driving nails through apertures in the bracket into the stud. The board is then supported in the bracket against the stud and nailed to the stud. The bracket has a line of perforations that permits snapping the exposed part of the bracket from the stud.

Abstract: A roofing composite comprising a roofing material and an interply material attached to the roofing material. The interply material is attached adjacent to an edge of the roofing material and is scored to permit a major portion of the interply material to be folded away from the roofing material for application to a roof. The roofing material may be a roofing shingle or roll roofing and the interply material is comprised of a water resistant material.

Abstract: In a glazing beam system comprising a glazing beam and upper and lower cappings locatable on the glazing beam, and end cap system comprises an end cap, which is mountable on an end of the glazing beam, via a bracket securable to the glazing beam end. After the bracket and the end cap are formed integrally, the bracket is separable from the end cap for attaching to the glazing beam.

Abstract: A block for an outdoor staircase stair includes an open four-sided block having a web interconnecting opposing sides and transversing the cavity within the block. The web includes vertical voids which extend from the top of the web into the body of the web. Two of the voids are located at the lateral ends of the web. The top parts of the web between the voids are broken out after the block is placed over the ground surface. Each block may be placed such that its front wall rests on the rear wall of the course of blocks below it. The blocks are filled with granular material to within about the thickness of a paving block or brick. Paving blocks are arranged on the granular material within the block such that the tops of the paving blocks are flush with the top of the block. Methods for building a staircase from the blocks and for molding the blocks are also described.

Abstract: A drywall finishing system where a continuously extruded, elongated semi-rigid member with an inner and outer layer of fibrous material has a groove running end-to-end allowing the piece to assume any angle to match a drywall seam. The groove is held at a fixed angle near 89 degrees (or any other fixed angle) by a break-apart bead running in the groove. The break-apart bead can be glue or extruded plastic or other means that holds the flanges at a rigid angle. If the seam is a right angle, the piece is used without breaking the bead. If the seam is any other angle, the break-apart bead is snapped or cut apart allowing the flanges to assume any angle.

Abstract: A fabric wall panel system includes wall panels mounted on a wall by means of a releasable hanger. Each fabric wall panel comprises a frame and a flat filler insert covered by a fabric. Each frame member has a flat spine, an outside web, an inside web, and a front web. Together the outside web, the inside web, and the front web form a hollow channel along the edge of the frame member with internal protrusions to engage the hanger and hold the fabric wall panel in place on the wall. The hanger comprises a resilient material with a flat base affixed to the wall with two forked tongues extend perpendicularly therefrom. The forked tongues engage the protrusions within the hollow channel to hold the frame member securely to the hanger and thus to the wall. The hanger with its resilient forked tongues assures proper spacing between the adjacent fabric wall panels mounted on the hanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable greenhouse structure comprising a base in the shape of a right-polygonal cylinder having a top and a bottom, wherein the base comprises a plurality of wall panels connected along abutting edges; a hemispherical roof attached to the top of the base, wherein the hemispherical roof has a polygonal hole in the apex thereof; and a polygonal panel having the same shape as the polygonal hole, wherein the polygonal panel is moveable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the polygonal panel sealably covers the polygonal hole when in the closed position.

Abstract: A resilient pre-cut fibrous insulation blanket includes first and second insulation blankets. The blankets each have a first major surface with one or more longitudinally extending cuts in the surface that are spaced inwardly from lateral edges of the surface and spaced apart from each other. The cuts only partially sever the blankets to form separable connectors in the blankets that join adjacent blanket sections formed by the cuts. The first major surfaces of the blankets are bonded to each other, with the cuts in the major surfaces of the blankets aligned longitudinally, to form a batt with longitudinally extending batt sections joined by the separable connectors in the blankets whereby the batt can be handled as a unit or one or more batt sections can be separated from the remainder of the batt by hand to form a batt of lesser width.

Abstract: A decking tile is disclosed which is arranged to receive a plurality of slats in a side-by-side manner. The decking tile has a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners to retain the slats to the decking tile and connector provided around the periphery of the decking tile for connecting the decking tile to another decking tile. The decking tile is divided into a plurality of portions arranged in an array, the portions being connected to adjacent portions by a plurality of membranes. Each portion is removable from the tile upon severing of the membranes surrounding it. Two apertures are provided in each portion through which the fasteners can engage a slat positioned on said portion parallel to any side of said tile.

Abstract: A method is described of making a plurality of window frame members having different end use applications on a single production line. The method comprises the step of extruding from a single die plate a master window frame member having at least two flange portion extending therefrom. The method also comprises the step of cutting at least one flange portion at a predetermined location to create a functional frame member having a specific end use application.

Abstract: A rupture panel for relieving an excess pressure differential between the interior and exterior of a vessel having a wall and an opening through the wall includes a first frame section connected to the vessel wall at the opening and a pair of pressure relief panels mounted to the frame, each panel having a stitched portion, the stitched portions providing opening capability on both vacuum and burst pressure control (or on either vacuum or burst pressure control). A pair of sealing members that sandwich the pair of pressure relief panels there between are provided, one of the sealing members engaging one of the pressure relief panels, the other sealing member engaging the other pressure relief panel. Each of the sealing members has a sealing surface that covers a stitched portion of an adjacent relief panel.

Abstract: A window frame for installation onto a structure having exterior siding, the window frame helping to prevent moisture from penetrating into the interior of the structure. The window frame has a frame member onto which is installed a window pane and a C-tunnel, the C-tunnel having a first flange, a second flange that extends outwardly from the first flange in non-perpendicular fashion, and a third flange extending outwardly from the second flange in non-perpendicular fashion. A fourth flange extends along a length of the second flange and acts as a rain stop. Diagonal as well as vertical channels may be located on the second flange.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a novel process for making brick-faced block.

Abstract: An adjustable threshold protector to be used during the construction of a house or building is an apparatus made of durable material covering the threshold, removably attached to the threshold and which can be adjusted in width and length by removable sections to fit a wide variety of doorway thresholds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hermetically sealing a casket in an enclosure to be entombed in a mausoleum crypt. The casket enclosure comprises a tray and a flexible cover. An adhesive material is used to affix the cover to the tray. The enclosure includes a check valve to vent any gases that may build up over time.

Abstract: A modular cladding element cooperates with an assembly of cladding elements to clad a surface of an underlying structure. The cladding element includes a cladding panel having opposed inside and outside major surfaces, first and second opposed sides, and first and second opposed ends. A removable male fastener is integrally formed along the first side of the panel, and is adapted for entering a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element when positioned on the first side of the panel. The male fastener is removable in the absence of a complementary cladding element positioned on the first side of the panel. A first female fastener is integrally formed along the opposed second side of the panel, and defines a first opening adapted for receiving a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element positioned on the second side of the panel. A second female fastener is integrally formed adjacent the male fastener on the first side of the panel.

Abstract: An elongate modular decking plank is provided for assembly on a supporting subfloor together with a plurality of like planks to form a decking structure. The decking plank has a top wall spaced-apart from a bottom wall, and opposing laterally spaced downwardly converging side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls. An integrally-formed flange extends outwardly from the bottom wall on one of said sides of the decoding plank. The flange includes a fastening portion for receiving fasteners therethrough to the supporting subfloor to mount the decking plank on the supporting subfloor, and a connecting portion for connecting the plank to an adjacent like plank in a manner which permits limited lateral and angular adjustment between adjacent planks. The plank is preferably extruded from high-impact polymeric material, such as PVC plastic.

Abstract: A construction form for building an insulated concrete reinforced wall includes separable and independently usable lintel block and post block sections, made from injection molding Styrofoam. The lintel block section includes a channel extending horizontally and fully along its top portion. The channel includes multiple knock-out plugs within the bottom wall. The lintel block section also has multiple parallel and vertically spaced apertures with one end opened at a lower end, and extending upward to a closed end terminating at one plug within the bottom wall of the channel. The post block section is stackable with the lintel block section.

Abstract: A window or door includes a wood sash carrying at least one reinforced transparent panel. The wood sash includes a body portion and an integrally formed aesthetic sacrificial member extending outwardly therefrom to contact the transparent panel at an interface therewith. The body portion is spaced from an adjacent portion of the transparent panel to define a cavity beneath the aesthetic sacrificial member. Sealant material is positioned in the cavity. The aesthetic sacrificial member fractures during hurricane force winds to permit the transparent panel to move within the wood sash to absorb energy of pressure cycling that occurs during hurricane force winds. The aesthetic sacrificial member also covers the body of sealant material to provide a pleasing appearance consistent with the quality of the wood sash.

Abstract: A standardized block for forming a retaining wall, said block comprising a top and bottom and having disposed proximate the top thereof first, second and third abutment means, and having disposed proximate the bottom thereof fourth, fifth and sixth abutment means, said second and fifth abutment means abutting in a first abutting position when like blocks are placed course upon course to form a retaining wall having a substantially vertical alignment, said first abutment, said second abutment and said third abutment abutting with said fourth, fifth and sixth abutment in a second abutting position different from said first position when like blocks are placed one upon the other, course upon course, to provide a substantially set-back retaining wall construction, and wherein said first, second and third abutment means abut with said fourth, fifth and sixth abutment means in a third abutting position different from said second or first position when like blocks are placed one upon another, course upon course, to

Abstract: A concrete masonry unit having a top surface with a splitting pattern formed therein. The splitting pattern has a splitting groove which intersects at least one recessed region formed in the top surface.

Abstract: A lightweight, preferably clay roofing tile, preferably having surface configurations to simulate the thick heavyweight of natural slate, or to simulate natural wood shakes, or other natural materials, is provided, constructed so as to be molded from materials with weight-reducing zones, and strengthening webs, integral with the tile, such that each tile is of unitary, molded, one-piece construction. The placement, type and number of webs enable the cutting of the tiles to form tile accessory pieces, at ends of laid-up courses, hips, ridges and the like, to minimize or eliminate the necessity of inventorying large numbers of special accessory pieces. The webs provide strengthening while the hollow zones reduce weight, with at least some of the webs being located to provide strength to the tiles along newly cut edges. An interlock design at tile edges facilitates reduction in weight by eliminating the need for a double coverage overlap.

Abstract: A building panel joint support including an elongate member having spaced apart raised surfaces defining a longitudinal recess.

Abstract: A knockout providing either bundled wiring or multiple electrical conduit connector access to an electrical enclosure. The knockout provides one large knockout for use with bundled wiring or a large conduit connector when activated and a number of small knockouts, each for use with one small conduit connector when activated. The small knockouts are arranged tangentially within the larger knockout in a radial pattern.

Abstract: A concrete floor insert includes a peripheral side wall and a breakaway mount. The peripheral side wall has an inner surface which is disposed between a top end and a bottom end. The breakaway mount is adapted to fasten to a floor form and coupled to the inner surface of the peripheral side wall through a weakened portion such that when the floor form is removed from the hardened floor, the breakaway mount separates from the inner surface at the weakened portion.

Abstract: A concrete masonry unit having a top surface with a splitting pattern formed therein. The splitting pattern has a splitting groove which intersects at least one recessed region formed in the top surface.

Abstract: A concrete wall panel for tilt-up construction provides polymeric peripheral elements defining panel and orifice edges and medial fastening strips extending in the panel between the peripheral elements, all of which remain as part of the finished panel to accept traditional self-penetrating nail, screw and staple fasteners historically used in wood construction. The peripheral elements are of solid configuration to provide a form for pouring plastic concrete that forms the panel embodying them. The fastening strips extend through the panel between opposed panel surfaces and are formed by two initially releasably interconnected elements defining voids therebetween to allow thickness adjustment and convenient placement and support of structural components within the panel. The fastening strips define spaced areas to receive traditional wood fasteners and may carry index strips on opposed exposed surfaces to visually indicate strip location and fastening areas.

Abstract: An interlocking building block for use in constructing mortarless walls in which the block has a first face shell in spaced relationship with a second face shell which define opposed inner surfaces for the block. Between the face shells, there stands at least one transversely-disposed bridge portion and a transverse end portion which defines an operatively outer surface for the block and which closes one end of the block between the first and second face shells. A grouting cavity is formed between the transverse end portion and a bridge portion. Both the transversely-disposed bridge portions and the transverse end portion have integrally-formed projections which extend above the height of the block on an operatively-upper surface and corresponding recesses are formed in an operatively lower surface of the block.

Abstract: Construction blocks having a generally octagonal configuration. The octagonal shape is defined by first through eighth external side portions respectively connected end-to-end to define an octagonal shape with respective first through eighth corners; a transverse chord portion extending from said first corner to said fourth corner; a perpendicular segment portion extending perpendicularly from said transverse chord portion to said third corner defining a right angled cutout; an angled segment portion extending from said second corner to said transverse chord portion defining a triangle cutout; and a middle cutout defined by said triangle cutout, said right angle cutout and said transverse cord portion.

Abstract: A window or door includes a wood sash carrying at least one reinforced transparent panel. The wood sash includes a body portion and an integrally formed aesthetic sacrificial member extending outwardly therefrom to contact the transparent panel at an interface therewith. The body portion is spaced from an adjacent portion of the transparent panel to define a cavity beneath the aesthetic sacrificial member. Sealant material is positioned in the cavity. The aesthetic sacrificial member fractures during hurricane force winds to permit the transparent panel to move within the wood sash to absorb energy of pressure cycling that occurs during hurricane force winds. The aesthetic sacrificial member also covers the body of sealant material to provide a pleasing appearance consistent with the quality of the wood sash.

Abstract: An improved concrete wall structure is provided with an insulation layer sandwiched between concrete layers. The insulation layer includes a vapor film on at least one side. An extruded channel member is fit onto the edge of a sheet of insulation and has a vapor film fit into a longitudinal groove extending along the channel member. The vapor films on the channel members of adjacent wall panels cooperate to bridge the gap between adjacent panels and thereby provide a vapor seal in the space between the adjacent panels.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a structure unit comprising a lightweight cellular resign block and plural bricks laid thereon. A cellular resign block 1 is integrally molded from suitable foamable resign so as to include vertical grooves 3 at the transversely opposite extremities, a vertical bar passage 5 at the transversely middle, and mortar wells 8 extending on the upper end of the block 1. Brick 20 is adhesively laid on surface of the block 1 using elastic mortar to form a structure unit A. Vertical reinforcing bars are inserted into vertical grooves 3 as well as into the middle vertical bar passage 5 and then mortal is poured into the mortar wells 8 to carry out work of masonry. For the blocks in every other stage, portions of vertical partitions 4 extending above the mortar wells 8 are broken away to form horizontal bar supports. Thus, a desired exterior structure such as wall, gatepost or the like in the same manner as with concrete blocks.

Abstract: A component of lightweight structural material to be utilized in the construction of a sturdy wall, the component being elongate and generally in the configuration of a rectangular solid whose height is approximately three to four times its width. The component involves a pair of elongate sidewalls, a pair of end portions, a bottom section, and an upper section. An elongate, trough-like recess is located along the upper section between the elongate sidewalls, and a plurality of elongate, generally vertically disposed apertures are disposed in an essentially parallel relationship below the trough-like recess. The upper end of each of the elongate apertures is directly below the trough-like recess, with the trough-like recess being adapted to receive and contain molten concrete, with some of such concrete being able to flow into and fill the vertically disposed apertures.

Abstract: A termite shield includes two parallel planes of barrier material separated by perpendicular connecting strips to hold the barriers a fixed distance apart until completion of the wall fixes their positions. The strips can then be removed or bent back to permit access to the gap between the planes for inspection and repair. Flanges above and below secure the shield to sheathing above and below, and flanges along the back attach to the wall beneath to perfect the barrier.

Abstract: Concrete inserts are disclosed which are preferably embedded in the rear surface of a concrete wall panel and used to mount and support the wall panel from a building frame. The insert preferably comprises a U-shaped metal housing defining a longitudinally extending channel, the housing comprising two side members in spaced, facing relation to one another and a bight portion between the side members, the bight portion having a longitudinally extending slot therethrough. The insert is adapted to be embedded in the rear surface of the wall panel with the bight portion flush with the rear surface and the side members embedded in the concrete of the panel. The side members are preferably of a trapezoidal shape which provides the insert with high resistance to withdrawal from the concrete.

Abstract: A strengthened masonry reinforcement device is used in construction to strengthen the courses of laid hollow block. The masonry reinforcement device is fashioned with ends and a strengthened trough. When used in the construction of a wall the masonry device with the strengthened trough will be light-weight and retain cement to bind hollow block in a lower course to hollow block of an adjacent upper course.

Abstract: An elongate modular decking plank is provided for assembly on a supporting subfloor together with a plurality of like planks to form a decking structure. The decking plank has a top wall spaced-apart from a bottom wall, and opposing laterally spaced downwardly converging side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls. An integrally-formed flange extends outwardly from the bottom wall on one of said sides of the decking plank. The flange includes a fastening portion for receiving fasteners therethrough to the supporting subfloor to mount the decking plank on the supporting subfloor, and a connecting portion for connecting the plank to an adjacent like plank in a manner which permits limited lateral and angular adjustment between adjacent planks. The plank is preferably extruded from high-impact polymeric material, such as PVC plastic.

Abstract: An automobile glass pane, intended for adhesive fastening, is provided with an extruded-on profile frame, which has a U-shaped profile section (3) with a channel-like depression, the side ribs of which are provided with anchoring projections. The adhesive composition (16) is introduced into the channel-like depression. The materials of the profile frame and of the adhesive composition do not enter into an adhesive bond with one another, instead the connection between the hardened adhesive composition (16) and the profile section (3) is provided by the mechanical interlocking alone. To be able in an emergency to press out the glass pane from inside easily and quickly, at the bottom of the channel-like depression there is laid a flexible cord (10), of which at least any intersection is led out from the frame inwards. By pulling out this cord (10), the release of the mechanical interlocking between the hardened bead of adhesive and the frame profile is made easier.

Abstract: A plastic power pole system has a pole, a syncline support member secured to the upper portion of the pole, and a horizontal support member secured to both the pole and the syncline support member. The horizontal support member supports a plurality of conventional insulators which project vertically upward. The pole further includes a number of knockout members, the knockout members removable to form apertures for receiving a fastener.

Abstract: A seal for use on a tubular member in post-tension construction including a cap having a tubular body and a surface extending across the of the tubular body, and a corrosion-resistant material contained within the interior area of the cap. The surface closes an end of the tubular body. The surface has a frangible area formed thereon. The surface extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body at one end of the tubular body. The frangible area has a thickness less than a thickness of a non-frangible remainder of the surface. The cap is formed of a polymeric material. The surface is formed of a deformable polymeric material such that the non-frangible portion of the surface forms a liquid-tight seal with an outer diameter of a tendon extending through the surface. The corrosion-resistant material is contained within the cap of a suitable volume so as to fill a void in the tubular member between the inner diameter of the tubular member and the outer diameter of a tendon extending therethrough.

Abstract: An edge restrain apparatus for restraining a hard structure, including a substantially upright section having a height; and a base section extending from a lower end of the upright section on at least one lateral side thereof. The base section is essentially perpendicular to the upright section and has a width. At least one of the height of the upright section and the width of the base section is variable. The upright section and/or the base section may be provided with longitudinal weakened portions such as indentations, score lines, or different material properties, in order to allow an unwanted portion of the section to be severed and removed. Extension sections may be provided which are engageable with the upright section and/or the base section.

Abstract: A segmented, encapsulated insulation assembly preferably includes a blanket of fibrous insulation having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending cuts therein. The cuts divide the fibrous insulation into segments and weaken the fibrous insulation to permit the fibrous insulation to be selectively separated at any of the cuts. The fibrous insulation is encapsulated within an envelope having weakened transverse tear lines that divide the envelope into envelope segments. The transverse tear lines in the envelope overlay the cuts in the fibrous insulation to permit the envelope to be separated at the cuts thereby forming a plurality of encapsulated fibrous insulation modules. One or more of the encapsulated fibrous insulation modules can be selectively separated from the segmented, encapsulated fibrous insulation assembly to form an insulation panel of a desired length to insulate a cavity.

Abstract: The fence-line grass barrier, is a substantially impermeable, flexible member. A series of score-lines are positioned along the flexible member at regular intervals, along the length of the flexible member. The score-lines are stamped into the flexible member to facilitate separation of regions within the score-lines from the barrier member. The score lines or other distance indicators are positioned along the length of the barrier thereby indicating the placement of the fence posts. The score lines have peripheral configurations which correspond to the peripheral configuration of fence posts, such as round, half-round, and square. The barrier has a width substantially greater than the width of the fence, thereby extending beyond the fence and preventing vegetation from growing under and around the fence. The score-lines separate from the flexible member under pressure, thereby forming a hole having a shape which conforms to the shape of the fence post.

Abstract: An improved system for mounting electrical devices, such as lighting fixtures, switches, communication receptacles for telephones, television cables, etc., especially on exterior walls having lapped type siding or shingles comprises a one or two-piece wall mounting frame with an integrally molded electrical junction box which is flush mounted on a wall without cutting or drilling large openings to accommodate a protruding junction box, and without altering vertical supporting studs or other framing members when in alignment with such wall mounting systems. Products of the invention are molded with a narrowed gap between an interior flange and an exterior flange to allow an optimal fit with siding products while maintaining the required depth of the electrical junction box.

Abstract: A building block for a wall enables the blocks to be mounted in offset and flush modes. The block has an extension portion on the bottom, making the bottom longer than the top. The rearward lug protrudes from the bottom at the extension portion. The forward lug protrudes from the bottom forward of the rearward lug. In the offset mode, the upper row of blocks rests on the lower row with the forward lug of the upper row engaging the rearward end of the lower row of blocks. In the flush mode, the forward lug is removed and the blocks positioned with the forward end substantially flush. The rearward lugs of the upper row will then engage the rearward ends of the lower row. Holes extend through the blocks for receiving pins for interlocking them together. Some of the holes are elongated. The pins have enlarged heads which locate in the elongated holes, but will not fit in the cylindrical holes.

Abstract: Floor joist fabricated of metal including a formed structure enhancing areas along and about a main planar web surface.

Abstract: A plastering and lining strip includes a first strip portion extending in a longitudinal direction, and that includes a base strip extending in the longitudinal direction. The base strip is defined by front and rear oppositely located sides, and two oppositely located edge faces connecting the front and rear sides together. The plastering and lining strip includes a web affixed to and projecting away from the front side and extending in the longitudinal direction. The web is positioned at a distance away from a selected one of the edge faces to form a plaster receiving space having an L-shaped cross section as viewed in the longitudinal direction. A region of the base strip extending from the selected one edge face to the web forms a spacing extension that constitutes a leg of the L-shaped cross section. The spacing extension has a width essentially corresponding to a thickness of an applied finish layer of plaster.

Abstract: Here is a method of construction of a multi-storey building comprising the following steps: positioning precast side slab walls on the site; each slab wall defining outer and inner wall surfaces with the inner wall surface being inclusive of a plurality of inwardly-extending cavities; positioning one or more precast floor slabs each being of appropriate dimensions for a respective floor of the building; each floor slab having secured thereon or therein one or more retaining means; engaging each retaining means in an adjacent cavity to position the floor slab as required; and securing the so-engaged retaining means such that the respective floor slab is secured relative to the side walls.