Abstract: A roofing apparatus for forming round, square, and oval rooms utilizing channel beams and interlocking roof panels. A system and method for utilizing vinyl as a construction material for forming roofing system is taught along with the use of connecting spiders, connection blocks, and insulated and sheathed vinyl panels. The system teaches the use of a non-thermally conductive I-beam for forming a roof system for improved insulation and long-term longevity of building structures.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering the end of a reinforcing bar has a cylindrical tube having an open end and an upper end. A cap is on the upper end of the tube, and an inverted fristo-conical surface is provided in the upper end of the tube to cause the reinforcing bar to orient itself vertically upon impact by a falling body. The protective cover also has strengthening ribs both above and below the canopy to prevent its inadvertent collapse. The ribs below the canopy are further strengthened against lateral deflection by a circular wall which extends downwardly from the canopy and intersects each of the ribs at their substantial mid section.

Abstract: An environmentally conservative and more cost-effective apparatus and method for protecting architectural-building construction work in progress from potential damaging effects of rain-storms, temporarily sealing-off exposed roof and wall structures from penetration by water; -heretofore only facilitated by use of awkward to handle disposable plastic-film sheets or general use tarpaulins. The new specialized tarp-system employs a modular array of prefabricated rectangular tarp-panels fabricated from flexible imperforate light-weight/high-strength material sized both for easy one-man handling which proportional dimensions are quickly and easily assembled over exposed-framing of a building. Each identical tarp-panel and optional ridge-panel employs either a linear anchoring-strip device, or a plurality of spaced apart perimeter and field-area grommethole reinforced points, either of which accepting easily removable nail or screw fasteners.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wooden roof truss having a bottom chord and at least one upper chord obliquely disposed relative to the bottom chord, with the upper chord and the bottom chord being connected by at least one web via nail-plated joints, the method including the steps of: designing a plurality of web designs having tapered end shapes at each end thereof and being of discrete web lengths at increments between minimum and maximum web lengths, the plurality of web designs, tapered end shapes and discrete web lengths being predetermined without knowing shape, pitch and span of said wooden roof truss to be manufactured; engineering a truss design for the wooden roof truss taking into consideration the plurality of web designs and the shape, the pitch and the span of the wooden roof truss to be manufactured by selecting at least one of the plurality of web designs for the truss design; and, assembling the upper and bottom chords and webs by securing joints created by the upper and bottom chords and th

Abstract: An insulated roof panel comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced parallel web trusses secured to an inner sheathing and an outer sheathing. Each of the web trusses comprises at least one top cord, a bottom cord and a plurality of webs joining the cords together. A vapor barrier is sandwiched between the bottom cords of the web trusses and the inner sheathing. Insulation extends upwardly from the vapor barrier to a height less than the height of the insulated roof panel in order to allow air to flow over the insulation.

Abstract: A roof system for sloped metal roofs utilizing plywood decking, corrugated metal panels and one or more spacers disposed between the decking and metal panels for holding the metal panels vertically above the decking. The spacers have a planar top section, a planar bottom section and a center section to hold the top and bottom sections in spaced apart relation. The spacers also have one or more openings to form an airflow cavity between the decking and metal panels to permit the circulation of air therein. In the preferred embodiment, a thermal barrier layer is disposed between the spacers and the decking and the airflow cavity connects to a ridge vent located at the ridge of the roof and an eave vent at the eave of the roof. The roof system allows ambient air to be drawn into the eave vent to circulate through the airflow cavity and out the ridge vent in order to prevent thermal flexing of the metal roof and the build-up of moisture between the metal panels and decking.

Abstract: Roof bracing, and a braced roof structure including the bracing located at the junction of dihedral surfaces of the roof structure which meet at a dihedral angle determined by trusses in a roof framing system. The bracing includes a pair of elongate braces each having a web and a flange extending from an edge of the flange. The web is bendable relative to the flange. The braces can be applied with their flanges in back-to-back engagement and with the webs extending laterally outwardly generally at the dihedral angle for generally flatwise engagement of the webs with the trusses. The braces also function as beams to support the roofing against upward and downward loads on the roofing.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for connecting hip rafters at the apex of a hipped roof comprises a plurality of hip rafter support members arranged sequentially around the apex of the roof. Each support member includes at least one outwardly extending member and a carrier member to carry the outwardly extending member. The outwardly extending members are pivotally attached to the carrier member. The outwardly extending member of each support member is adapted to support a respective hip rafter such that adjacent outwardly extending members on adjacent support members can support the same hip rafter.

Abstract: An assembled hip roof includes a plurality of roofing panels as well as the rafters of the underlying structure that support those panels. Ridge caps preferably extend over the panels at the hip rafters. In a preferred embodiment, a set of metal roofing panels is designed and shaped for use on a specific hip roof configuration, using a minimal number of separate panels. In a preferred embodiment especially suitable for larger area roofs, a plurality of the panels interlock with one another. The panels are preferably coated on one or both sides for protection against scratching during handling and assembly. One or more of the panels preferably include decorative relief, such as the appearance of overlapping wooden boards.

Abstract: A building includes a rigid dwelling-house enclosing an inner space, a swimming-pool, and a device for moving the dwelling-house relative to the swimming-pool between a first position in which the dwelling-house is positioned on top of the swimming-pool which is thereby incorporated within the inner space of the dwelling-house, and a second position in which the dwelling house is adjacent the swimming-pool. The swimming-pool is usable as an outdoor swimming-pool or a covered swimming-pool, each of the dwelling-house and the swimming-pool retaining a separate functionality and being usable separately and simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus secured to extend upwardly from a rooftop for redirecting free oncoming flow of a gas passing over an edge of the rooftop. The apparatus has an elongated member having at least a lower flow-surface, and a leading edge portion having a leading-rim extending therealong. A plurality of supports is spaced along the elongated member. An upper-end of each support is secured to, integrated-with, or otherwise extends from the lower flow-surface of the elongated member. There may be several such elongated members that may be joined. The lower-end of each support extends from the rooftop or sidewall structure to provide a spaced relationship between the lower flow-surface and the rooftop. The leading-rim of the leading edge portion extends into the oncoming flow to redirect of at least a portion thereof so that it flows under the leading edge portion and along the lower flow-surface and, preferably, on into a re-circulation region above the rooftop.

Abstract: A modular housing unit which includes first and second unit parts. Each housing unit part has a sidewall and two end walls with an opening in one side extending substantially along the longitudinal dimension of the part. A pair of roof panels extends over each of the housing unit parts having one end of each panel pivotally connected to the unit so that the roof panels may be pivoted between a lowered position and a raised position. When in the raised position, the panels form a portion of the second floor living area in the housing unit. The housing unit parts are joined at their respective open sides so as to form the second floor living area when the roofing panels of each of the respective parts are in their raised positions.

Abstract: A modular construction system that utilizes an extruded wall panel formed from rigid PVC to form either a door system, a wall system, or a storage building. The construction system includes an extruded wall panel defined by planar front and back surfaces that define a hollow interior. The wall panel can be configured to act as a door panel for a modular door system. A plurality of wall panels can be joined by a panel adapter to define a wall having a user selected configuration. Further, the wall panels can be joined to define the sidewalls of a storage building. An eave connector formed from extruded plastic supports a series of wall panels on the sidewalls and cooperates with a roof connector to form the roof of the storage building from the extruded wall panels.

Abstract: The roof shingle system of the present invention includes rows of shingle elements having parallel, slanting lower edges that are aligned to divert the flow of water away from areas where high flow volumes are not desired toward areas where high flow volumes will not cause harm. Because water flowing down a surface will tend to adhere to that surface, the water flowing down the surface of the shingle system of the present invention will tend to follow the slanting lower edges of the shingle elements in the direction of the slanted edges so as to provide a way to control the flow of water on the surface of a roof.

Abstract: A roof beam construction for use in constructing conservatory roofs comprises a glazing bar and upper and lower cappings therefor having gaskets along edges thereof between which roof panels are to be retained and means for locating the cappings on the glazing bar, wherein the upper capping has a top and generally flat depending sides, the top being in the form of a duct having a base and a decoratively profiled top and wherein the lower capping is formed in two parts, the first having the gaskets on its edges and having its base extending beyond its sides to provide locations for attachment of the second part which is shaped to provide ledges on opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: Roofing brackets include a first leg that can be attached to vertical members of a roof structure and a second leg that extends at an angle from the first leg and can be attached to horizontal members of the roof structure and/or to a support surface. One or both of the first and second legs includes a plurality of preformed patterned holes having sizes that can receive fasteners. A roofing structure is fabricated using the roofing brackets.

Abstract: The present invention, in certain aspects, includes a portable building structure with a bottom section, a top section on the bottom section, the bottom section having at least one bottom support for supporting the top section, the at least one bottom support having a top opening, and the top section having at least one top support with a lower member projecting down into the top opening of the at least one bottom support. The present invention also provides a new bottom section for a building structure, the bottom section having a plurality of support pillars interconnected by interconnection members, each support pillar of the plurality of support pillars having an enlarged top opening for receiving a lower member of an upper section to be emplaced on the bottom section.

Abstract: A roof beam construction for use in constructing conservatory roofs comprises a glazing bar and an upper capping therefor having gaskets along edges thereof for sealing on a roofing panel to be supported by the glazing bar and means for locating the capping on the glazing bar, wherein the upper capping has its sides stepped inwardly and its gasket material on inwards ends of said stepped sides.

Abstract: An insulated roof panel comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced parallel web trusses secured to an inner sheathing and an outer sheathing. Each of the web trusses comprises at least one top cord, a bottom cord and a plurality of webs joining the cords together. A vapor barrier is sandwiched between the bottom cords of the web trusses and the inner sheathing. A layer of insulation extends upwardly from the vapor barrier a height less than the height of the insulated roof panel in order to allow air to flow over the insulation. Sleeves built in to the web trusses allow fasteners of a length less than the height of the panel to secure the roof panel to timber frame members.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wooden roof truss having a bottom chord and at least one upper chord obliquely disposed relative to the bottom chord, with the upper chord and the bottom chord being connected by at the least one web via nail-plated joints, the method including the steps of: designing a plurality of web designs having tapered end shapes at each end thereof and being of discrete web lengths at increments between minimum and maximum web lengths, the plurality of web designs, tapered end shapes and discrete web lengths being predetermined without knowing shape, pitch and span of said wooden roof truss to be manufactured; engineering a truss design for the wooden roof truss taking into consideration the plurality of web designs and the shape, the pitch and the span of the wooden roof truss to be manufactured by selecting at least one of the plurality of web designs for the truss design; and assembling the upper and bottom chords and webs by securing joints created by the upper and bottom chords and th

Abstract: The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a portable building with a plurality of interconnected walls defining an interior space therebetween, a floor on which the walls are positioned, a roof structure connected on top of the walls, and at least one bay area for servicing an automobile. In one aspect there are a pluralities of bay areas. In one aspect the building is removably mounted on a trailer.

Abstract: The invention provides an easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture facia board rack for temporarily holding a facia board in position for attachment to a building. The rack is a single member formed in such a way that it may be mounted to the side of a building to provide a ledge which projects therefrom upon which a facia board may be supported during the installation of the facia board. An optional riser member may be used with the rack to adjust the depth of a channel in the rack. The holder may be used either before or after the roof deck of the building is installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof construction, assembled from aluminium alloy extrusions and sections which may be cut on site to the appropriate dimensions. There is a ring beam, made from a channel and a ridge member in the form of a central extruded aluminium alloy central box member, the channel and member being essentially of the same section. Thus a relatively small number of different extrusions are required.

Abstract: A mobile reuse center structure for containment and handling of hazardous materials comprising a base assembly having a containment pan, right side and left side walls, front and rear walls and a roof assembly. The right side wall and the front wall each have a door which allow access to the interior of the structure by its user. The left side wall has a plurality of deflagration vents which burst open when pressure is applied to the deflagration vents. The roof assembly has at each corner thereof a corner fitting which may receive a twistlock stacker. The twistlock stackers when coupled to the roof assembly corner fittings allow a drum rack to be stacked on top of and secured to the roof assembly. A machinery compartment is located in the rear end of the mobile reuse center structure. The machinery compartment includes the electrical control and power distribution system for the mobile reuse center structure.