Abstract: A customizable ridge ventilator includes a first support bracket, a second support bracket, a perforated support and a ridge cover. The first and second support brackets are attached to a roof. The perforated support is secured to the first and second support brackets. The ridge cover is attached to the first support, the second support and the perforated support. A second embodiment includes a support bracket, a perforated support and a ridge cover. The support bracket is attached to a roof. The perforated support is attached to the support bracket and a back side of wall. The ridge cover is secured to the perforated support. A third embodiment includes a support bracket, a perforated support and a ridge cover. The support bracket is attached to a roof. The perforated support is attached to the support bracket. The ridge cover is attached to the perforated support bracket and a wall.

Abstract: A skin-panel sub-frame panel having spaced, upper, lower and lateral edges, designed to occupy an upright plane adjacent the outside of a plural-story building frame, with a vertical dimension which is substantially the same as inter-floor story-height in the frame. The sub-frame includes (a) an elongate beam component defining the sub-frame's upper edge, and (b) plural interconnect-accommodating site structure sets formed in and distributed along the length of that component organized with (1) a first, upwardly facing set, and (2) a second inwardly facing set, which sets define orthogonally intersecting interconnect planes. Each first set accommodates a position-stabilizing, load-transferring inter-sub-frame interconnection between a pair of vertically next-adjacent sub-frames, and each second set accommodates a similar interconnection between a sub-frame and building infrastructure which is located within the mentioned building frame.

Abstract: A sporting activity system comprising a plurality of stakes and a plurality of pods. The plurality of stakes each have a length and a cross-sectional configuration. Each pod includes a body and a member for interfacing with a stake. The body includes a lower edge, a side and a top surface. The interfacing member includes an opening disposed on one of the top and the sides configured to receive a stake, and, two channels disposed on the body spaced apart from the opening. Each of the at least two channels and the opening can accept a stake of the plurality of stakes simultaneously. Connectors may be provided releasably coupling two stakes of the plurality of stakes to each other.

Abstract: An interlocking tile system comprises tiles that has a body, interlocking cap structure with a first surface and a second surface; a first curved portion connecting the first surface with a radius of R1 to the second engaging surface with a radius of R2, wherein R1>R2; and a stem supporting the cap structure. The cap is a mushroom-like shape. Such configuration of the connector aids in installation by lessening instances of binding and align and guide the caps into their corresponding receiving areas. The tiles are preferably square, and are connected along all four sides.

Abstract: In a suspended ceiling for earthquake prone locations, a line of seismic main beam connections of the invention between main beams separates the ceiling into segments that move independently of each other during a quake, to limit a build-up in ceiling momentum. A slotted fishplate in the connection is set to keep the beam ends stable about a gap before a quake, and slidably connected about the gap during a quake.

Abstract: A cleat for tying together two or more structural elements in either one or both of a horizontal and a vertical plane. The cleat comprises a first set of protrusions located on a first half of a plate, and a second set of protrusions located on a second half of the plate, wherein the first set of protrusions are mirror images of the second set of protrusions. Additionally, both the first and second set of protrusions are arranged in rows, wherein each successive row comprises protrusions having a height less than the height of the protrusions located in the immediately preceding row. Furthermore, the protrusions in the various rows are staggered in position relative to the protrusions located in the other rows.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a low profile mounting system that includes a at least one rail. A plurality of tracks is formed in the rail with opposing jaws. The opposing jaws define a slot. The opposing jaws are disposed in the rail asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the rail. At least one ledge monolithically extends from the rail for holding an object such as a solar panel. A coupler is provided for demountably connecting a solar panel to the rail. A cleat also is provided for attaching the system to a surface. A connector connects the rail to the cleat. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.

Abstract: A solar panel supporting system includes a main frame, a solar panel, and a spring mechanism. The main frame has two opposite lateral sides. The solar panel is pivotally mounted on the main frame along a first pivot axis defined by a first rod extending between the opposite lateral sides of the main frame. The spring mechanism is operatively coupled to the solar panel for resiliently holding the solar panel at a predetermined position. The solar panel is adapted to pivot in response to wind strong enough to stretch or compress the spring mechanism.

Abstract: A collapsible structure with a self-locking mechanism includes a first hub, at least two struts pivotable connected at a first ends thereof to the first hub and movable relative to each another between a folded position and an expanded position, and a tension member adapted to limit pivotable movement of at least two struts such that, when in the expanded position, the at least two struts define an angle of less than 180°. The structure further includes a locking hub and at least two locking struts pivotably connected at first ends thereof to the locking hub and, at seconds ends thereof, to connection points on respective ones of the at least two struts. A method of erecting a structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A quick, field installed sump cover system for below ground sumps includes a support ring, a seal between the ring and sump upper lip, preferably two compression brackets each having two spaced regions extending under riser parts, at least one elongated member coupled between the support ring and compression brackets for selectively applying tension forces therebetween causing the bracket regions to engage the riser parts and the support ring to compresses the sealing member to form liquid-tight seal with the sump lip. The sump top can be closed by a dome-cover removably coupled to the support ring. The elongated members can include chain-like members with tensioning devices that, in field installations, can accommodate various sump sizes.

Abstract: A bracket system for assembling playground equipment includes a plurality of deck support brackets, at least two vertical frame brackets, at least two horizontal frame brackets, a swing bracket, and at least two ladder brackets. The deck support brackets secure horizontal deck support beams to vertical frame beams at first points along the vertical frame beams. The vertical frame brackets attach to at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at second points above the first points. The at least two horizontal frame brackets fix at least one horizontal frame beam to the at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at the second points; the horizontal frame brackets and the vertical frame brackets interconnect. The swing bracket fastens a swing support beam to the at least one horizontal frame beam at a third point along the at least one horizontal frame beam. The at least two ladder brackets connect a ladder to one of the horizontal deck support beams.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.

Abstract: A straight rollformed beam made for use in a suspended horizontal drywall ceiling is modified so that it can be used in a drywall ceiling underhang known as a drywall ceiling soffit. The beam is made with repetitive configurations along the length of the beam that are selectively cut, in the field, so that the beam can be bent to, and then fixed at, a desired angle. Drywall panels are secured to a plurality of such beams that form a framework for the soffit.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanically joining a plurality of panels or components of an article of construction without the need for glue or other adhesive is provided. The panels are preferably solid hardwood flooring panels. Each panel includes first and second locking members spaced beneath its outer surface. The first locking member is at one side edge of the panel and has two spaced-apart flexible arm portions, at least one arm portion including a first latching member. Preferably, the first latching member is a rib extending outward from the arm portion. The second locking member is at another side edge and includes a channel recessed within the side edge. The channel is sized to receive the arm portions without them having to contact the channel unless deflected within the channel. The second locking member also includes a second latching member positioned and adapted to engage the first latching member. The second latching member is preferably a slot abutting the channel.

Abstract: A hybrid metal/composite material beam is suitable for withstanding bending stresses. The hybrid beam is a combination of dissimilar materials that are geometrically optimized in a structure to provide benefits beyond the characteristics of the materials separately. Also a stanchion assembly incorporates the hybrid beam.

Abstract: A prefabricated multi-layer roofing panel is utilized in a roofing system for low-slope roofs. The prefabricated roofing panel includes: an insulation layer that may have a self-adhering means on its bottom major surface for securing the roofing panel to a roofing substrate; a cover board that overlies and is bonded to the insulation layer, and a waterproofing membrane that overlies and is bonded to the cover board. The waterproofing membrane may have waterproofing membrane overlaps for overlapping and being bonded to the waterproofing membranes of other roofing panels in the formation of a roofing system. Preferably, the insulation layer includes interlocking structure for interlocking the prefabricated multi-layer roofing panels together in the roofing system.

Abstract: Sill seal and termite shield (SSTS) devices are disclosed. The SSTS devices for residential housing are shown for poured concrete, masonry block, and frost protected shallow foundations. The polymeric foam pad of the SSTS device seals the rough surface atop the foundation wall. For the termite shield function, the SSTS devices use a metallic web—either of foil or of an impenetrable screen—or a nonmetallic web—either of plastic sheet or of impenetrable scrim. The termite shield or barrier layer is shown as adjacent to a weatherproofing membrane or as an interior layer of an polymeric laminate weatherproofing membrane. Hot melt adhesives attach the foam pad to the weatherproofing membrane and, where applicable, the barrier layer to the weatherproofing membrane. Pressure-activated, hot melt adhesives attach the SSTS device to the sill plate. A release sheet is applied forming a peel-and-stick device.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a low profile mounting system that includes a at least one rail. A plurality of tracks is formed in the rail with opposing jaws. The opposing jaws define a slot. The opposing jaws are disposed in the rail asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the rail. At least one ledge monolithically extends from the rail for holding an object such as a solar panel. A coupler is provided for demountably connecting a solar panel to the rail. A cleat also is provided for attaching the system to a surface. A connector connects the rail to the cleat. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.

Abstract: A sealing cover for a fastening device (26) for a spaced attachment of an object (5) to a constructional component includes a base plate (12) having a through-opening (13) for an anchoring element (27) of the fastening device (26) and at least one inlet opening (17), and a first circumferential web (14) projecting from the base plate (12) and forming therewith a receiving space (16) for receiving, at least partially, a spacing element (28) of the fastening device.

Abstract: A ventilating component for a building, particularly a ventilating soffit, provides a high ratio of ventilation flow area to component coverage area. A sheet in a plane of coverage has a spaced-channel configuration, or alternatively a terraced configuration. Ventilation openings are placed in the connecting webs between the upper and lower levels, especially in sidewalls of elongated channels that open as slots on the exposed side of the soffit. These connecting webs are oriented at an acute angle relative to the coverage plane. In a channel arrangement the webs can be shaped to block direct view of the side walls. The acute angle precludes, or at least foreshortens, a view of the webs that contain the ventilation openings. The ventilation aspects are concealed while permitting a high ratio of flow area to coverage area.