Abstract: Pedestrian-Vehicle safety systems for loading docks are disclosed. An example system includes a first sensor system to determine a position of a vehicle relative to a pedestrian zone adjacent a dock wall of a loading dock and a second sensor system to monitor the pedestrian zone. The second sensor system to attempt to detect a pedestrian in the pedestrian zone, the second sensor system responsive to signals from the first sensor system to enable the second sensor system to dynamically change a sensing area of the pedestrian zone to maintain a delta threshold between the vehicle and the pedestrian zone in response to the vehicle moving toward a dock wall of the loading dock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a passenger identification device including: a weight sensor assembled to a seat of a vehicle, sensing a weight of a passenger and including a stud unit that protrudes upward; a base bracket positioned on the top of the weight sensor and mediating mounting of the weight sensor; an upper damper and a lower damper contacting the top and the bottom of the base bracket, respectively to absorb an error moment; and an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve positioned on the top of the upper damper and the bottom of the lower damper, respectively and used to fix the position of the damper and protect the damper.

Abstract: An electric fireplace with a simulated fire generator within a viewing area of the housing and a controller electrically coupled to the housing to control one or more functions of the electric fireplace and a heater. A display screen for displaying the operative functions of the electric fireplace and heater attached to the housing and configured to move between a view position and a non-view position in response to the controller. By activating or adjusting the controller, the display screen moves from a non-view position to a view position in response to the controller. In the view position, the display screen may be within the viewing area of the housing for viewing information depicted thereon.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least one horizontally extending rail having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending stiles are coupled to the rail, with the stiles disposed forwardly of the rear surface of the rail. A plurality of interface components are coupled to the plurality of stiles. In various embodiments, the stiles may be interconnected to draw together adjacent interface components. The interface components also may include overlapping upper and lower edges. The stiles may be vertically and/or horizontally (laterally and longitudinally) adjustable relative to the rail. A lock member may be provided to secure at least one of the stiles to the rail. Various systems and methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Abstract: A modular brick or block outdoor structure includes an outdoor structure that is constructed in modular sections. Each modular section is fabricated from a plurality of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks that match the brick or block used to construct the patio. The bricks or blocks are preferably assembled to each other with adhesive. Each modular section includes means for transporting thereof with some type of equipment, if necessary. It is preferable that each modular section include channels to receive lifting forks of an end loader or other suitable transport device, if necessary. However, other methods of transporting the modular section may also be used.

Abstract: A method for installing a modular fireplace mantel surrounding a fireplace in a wall utilizing a unique leaf spring bracket. The leaf spring bracket for a modular fireplace mantel comprises a base plate, an upper lip, a lower lip, a left side lip and a right side lip attached to said base, said four lips defining a recess, a slot cut in the meeting edges of the base plate and the upper and lower lips, an extension attached to each of said left side and right side lips, each extension having one or more holes through which connectors may pass, an arcuate shaped leaf spring adapted to fit into said recess, both ends of said leaf spring having a reverse arc adapted to fit into said slots.

Abstract: A method and components for attaching a decorative cover having a closely conforming trim piece to a building structure, by attaching the decorative cover to the building structure with fasteners through holes in the cover and sliding the closely conforming trim piece along the attached cover until the trim piece overlays and hides the fasteners. This technique and associated components are suitable for installing a prefabricated corner post, a decorative covering and trim for a column, and a window or door mantle.

Abstract: A prefabricated mantle unit has a base (36, 40) and a top plate (44) extending forwardly from the top of the base. A decorative strip (56) is oriented obliquely between the front of the top plate and the bottom of the base, with the lower edge (48) of the strip and the bottom (54) of the base forming a lower channel (50). The top element (16) of the surround (12) and the nailing flange (28) of the window box project above the top edge (24) of the window box, forming a box channel (26). The upward projection (22) of the top element is received within the lower channel (50) of the mantle unit, and a downward projecting portion (54) of the mantle base is received within the box channel (26).

Abstract: The invention includes an end cover (32) for disposition over an end of a mantel (20). The end cover (32) presents a front corner (38) extending between an upper wall (34) and a lower wall (36) and is symmetrical rearwardly to a pair of side edges (42) from the front corner (38) whereby the end cover (32) may be disposed over either end of the mantel (20). The upper wall (34) of the end cover (32) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42) and the lower wall (36) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42). The upper wall (34) and the lower wall (36) each has the shape of a square with equal sides. The front walls (44) define interior surfaces complementary to the irregular pattern of the decorative face (24) of the mantel (20) and the end cover (32) overlies the mantel (20) the thickness of each front wall (44).

Abstract: A factory-build masonry fireplace includes a firebox, casing, and chimney system, where the firebox defines a cavity. Masonry panels are removably attached to the periphery of the cavity. Each masonry panel has firebrick housings configured to hold a corresponding firebrick, wherein the housings can optionally be arranged in a running bond and herringbone patterns, among others. Additionally, the base masonry panel defines an opening configured to hold a removable ash dump, the opening covered with a removable cover. In another arrangement, masonry panels have protruding walls that are configured to hold a corresponding firebrick. The masonry panels are used to build traditionally site built masonry structures.

Abstract: A modular fireplace surround assembly for a fireplace opening is formed from a plurality of surround components comprising a first set of components, having a foam core and a manufactured stone veneer shell, located at least 8 inches from the fireplace opening, and a second set of components formed of entirely noncombustible materials including manufactured stone veneer. The first set of components are adapted to receive fasteners that pass through the back member for either direct or indirect mounting to the wall. In one embodiment, the first set of components includes a mantel shelf formed of interconnected, main and top components. The second set of components also establishes a front facing formed of a plurality of modular, interchangeable blocks arranged about the top and sides of the fireplace opening.

Abstract: A surround for a fire comprises a body fabricated at least in part from a relatively low density material to which is secured a relatively high density fascia material.

Abstract: A master bracket system is provided to install a modular fireplace mantel at a fireplace opening. The bracket is generally C-shaped having a base plain and a number of planar extensions with predetermined angles to one another. Each of the plain surfaces of the bracket has an eyelet at the mounting point to receive a bolt that secures the corresponding marble member to the bracket. The base plain provides a retaining base for a main bolt to hold the entire mantel assembly to the wall. A number of brackets are used for each of the opposite sides of the mantel structure against the structure wall. The bracket has bolts each threaded through the eyelets into connection with a machined metal insert, which is embedded within the mantel members and held in place by adhesive.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting objects such as a fireplace mantel to a wall. The assembly includes a ledger strip for mounting on a wall and one or more mounting devices that are located on the mantel. Each mounting device includes a plunger slideably mounted within a main body and coupled to the mantel, and a compressible member cooperating with the plunger. The compressible member allows the mantel to be positioned on the wall when the mounting device is rested on the ledger strip. The compressible member allows the ledger strip to be quickly attached to the wall without highly-precise measurement, and the mantel to be accurately and securely positioned yet easily adjusted.

Abstract: A prefabricated fireplace enclosure (10) configured and arranged for compact packaging which comprises first and second side panels (20, 21), first and second mounting members (40, 44) securable to the exterior wall of a building, a rear panel (22, 23) and a bottom panel (24) adapted for positioning between the first and second side panels, and a roof assembly (25) adapted for support by the first and second side panels, wherein each of the panels, mounting members and roof assembly are configured and arranged so as to allow for compact packaging and shipment to the construction site in a disassembled condition.

Abstract: A prefabricated fireplace enclosure (10) configured and arranged for compact packaging which comprises first and second side panels (20, 21), first and second mounting members (40, 44) securable to the exterior wall of a building, a rear panel (22, 23) and a bottom panel (24) adapted for positioning between the first and second side panels, and a roof assembly (25) adapted for support by the first and second side panels, wherein each of the panels, mounting members and roof assembly are configured and arranged so as to allow for compact packaging and shipment to the construction site in a disassembled condition.

Abstract: A factory-build masonry fireplace includes a firebox, casing, and chimney system, where the firebox defines a cavity. Masonry panels are removably attached to the periphery of the cavity. Each masonry panel has firebrick housings configured to hold a corresponding firebrick, wherein the housings can optionally be arranged in a running bond and herringbone patterns, among others. Additionally, the base masonry panel defines an opening configured to hold a removable ash dump, the opening covered with a removable cover. In another arrangement, masonry panels have protruding walls that are configured to hold a corresponding firebrick. The masonry panels are used to build traditionally site built masonry structures.

Abstract: A fireplace assembly is comprised of a fireplace surround having surround leg portions which may be inserted into a base to adjust the elevation of the fireplace surround. The base may include one or more elongated slots or other openings for receiving lower end portions of the surround leg portions. These surround leg portions may be slidably coupled or otherwise movable relative to a surround breast portion to facilitate width adjustment of the spacing between the surround leg portions. A mantel assembly may also be included.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting objects such as a fireplace mantel to a wall. The assembly includes a ledger strip for mounting on a wall and one or more mounting devices that are located on the mantel. Each mounting device includes a plunger slideably mounted within a main body and coupled to the mantel, and a compressible member cooperating with the plunger. The compressible member allows the mantel to be positioned on the wall when the mounting device is rested on the ledger strip. The compressible member allows the ledger strip to be quickly attached to the wall without highly-precise measurement, and the mantel to be accurately and securely positioned yet easily adjusted.

Abstract: An exterior trim assembly for use with a window or door surround in a building structure comprises at least one mantle for affixing above the window or door, and first and second pilaster assemblies for affixing on the sides of the window or door. The mantle comprises a mantle base and a corresponding mantle cover to affix to and cover the mantle base. Each pilaster assembly comprises a base and a cover element affixed to the base wherein each of the bases has a plurality of regularly repeating reinforced structural sections. At least two pilaster cover plates are provided, each pilaster cover plate is affixed to and covering one of the first and second pilaster bases.

Abstract: An adjustable support structure for a fireplace including upper and lower bars extending in a longitudinal direction, the upper bar being positioned above the lower bar and including a surface upon which the fireplace can rest. First and second cross bars are also included, each with upper and lower ends, the upper end of the first cross bar being coupled to the upper bar and the lower end of the second cross bar being coupled to the lower bar. The lower end of the first cross bar is moveably coupled to the lower bar and the upper end of the second cross bar is moveably coupled to the upper bar such that the upper bar may be adjusted upwards in a plane with respect to the lower bar to a desired height.

Abstract: A fireplace assembly is comprised of a fireplace surround having surround leg portions which may be inserted into a base to adjust the elevation of the fireplace surround. The base may include one or more elongated slots or other openings for receiving lower end portions of the surround leg portions. These surround leg portions may be slidably coupled or otherwise movable relative to a surround breast portion to facilitate width adjustment of the spacing between the surround leg portions. A mantel assembly may also be included.

Abstract: A surround molding assembly for a doorway or window of a structure such as a residential home or a commercial building. In one embodiment, first and second pilaster bases receive first and second cover plates in recesses, wherein the recesses have a lip along at least two sides and the cover plates are mounted flush with the pilaster bases and covering the lips. Further, a mantle base having a central portion comprising regularly repeating reinforced sectional structural receives a mantle cover thereover such that the mantle base in generally obscured from view. The pilaster and mantle bases each include decorative ends integrally formed thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a masonry fireplace and a masonry fireplace log box fitted with a door (interior or exterior) or doors (both interior and exterior) that permits firewood to be loaded into the log box without need to carry wood through the interior of the home. Many masonry fireplaces that are constructed in new homes include a built-in log box (or firewood box) as part of the masonry structure. The log box consists of a recessed chamber with sufficient depth to allow a supply of firewood to be stored convenient to the fireplace without need to stack the wood on the hearth or the floor near the fireplace (or stove insert). With the present invention, the firewood is stocked into the log box from the exterior of the home and removed as needed from the interior opening of the log box. In the case of the single interior or exterior door, the door is insulated for energy efficiency and fitted with a locking mechanism to prevent entry by an intruder.