Abstract: A stressing element of fiber composites is disclosed as well as a process and device for the stressing and anchorage of such a stressing element, in which the stressing element ends are embedded in synthetic resin mortar in a transversely-corrugated anchoring or stressing sleeve, which deforms during stressing and allows cracks caused by stretching of the stressing bars inside the sleeve, which cracks divide up the anchorage body over a part of its length into slices and thereby allow a movement of the stressing bars under a vibrational loading effect. After stressing, the stressing bars of the stressing elements can be anchored by anchorage mortar introduced directly into encasing tube widenings.

Abstract: A collapsible frame for a portable shelter including a plurality of cover supporting frame bars pivotally mounted at one end on a central hub. The hub includes a pair of vertically spaced apart plates. The frame bars include inverted L-shaped support bars including a generally vertical, ground supported leg and an integral generally horizontal base received between the plates. The terminal end of the horizontal base is pivotally mounted in an aperture provided in one of the plates. One of the plates also includes a plurality of recesses which receive the horizontal base in one position of rotation about its terminal end. A spring mechanism is provided for urging the plates together to hold the horizontal members in the recesses but allowing spreading movement thereof such that the frame bars can rotate between stowed, generally side-by-side positions, and angularly disposed positions received in the recesses.

Abstract: An umbrella with a carrying strap retractable interiorly of the umbrella's handle to a storage position when use of the strap is not desired, and extendable exteriorly of the handle into a use position when it is desired to carry the umbrella with aid of the strap.

Abstract: A skylight includes a frame curb assembly which is integrally molded to provide an upright external wall portion and a depending interior wall portion, the latter extending within the associated building structure and having a mounting flange which is adapted for fastening the entire assembly to the building structure from the inside of the building. The upright external wall has an integrally formed flashing flange extending outwardly to rest on an outside surface (roof) of the building. A bulbous bead is provided at the outermost extremity of each side of the flange to impart rigidity along each side. The bead is terminated in the vicinity of each corner of the flange to provide a fluid run-off.

Abstract: A foldable shelter having a frame that is comprised solely of a foldable arch and a pair of struts that are detachably connected to the arch and receive pockets of a flexible covering that is affixed to the arch so as to provide form for the shelter when erected.

Abstract: A skylight adapted to fit within the opening of a roof or the like having a peripheral curb frame which is fixed to the roof about the opening. The frame is constructed of a plastic material and includes a retainer for securing the skylight cover over the curb frame. A sealing gasket is provided integral with the frame and, in one embodiment, seals between frame sections, and in another embodiment, seals with the skylight glazing.

Abstract: An automatic umbrella includes a central post, a canopy assembly, and a spring and linkage mechanism which causes the umbrella to open when desired. There is also commonly a feature used for securing the umbrella in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved deck device which is elevated with respect to associated structure. The device includes an elevated platform having sidewalls angled with respect to the horizontal. The sidewalls may be covered with a reflective covering designed to reflect the sun's rays in the direction of the center of the deck to facilitate tanning of individuals seated or lying thereon.

Abstract: A skylight that may have a domed-type or flat-type glazing and which is adapted to fit within the opening of a roof or the like. The skylight includes a peripheral curb frame that may include a base frame and an operating leaf frame. A retainer is used for securing the skylight cover over the curb frame. The curb frame is preferably constructed of a rigid plastic material having high temperature resistant properties. A glazing cushioning member is disposed between the retainer and the curb frame for providing positioning and cushioning regarding the edge of the glazing. The glazing cushioning member also receives a securing bolt and is dimensioned to control the tightening of the retainer against the glazing.

Abstract: A temporary pylon that does not require the use of crutches. A wearer's knee and thigh are secured between two frame supports. Tubing extends below the support frame to allow the wearer to stand. A waist belt pivotably attached to the outer frame member secures the device to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy for use with a chair or other free-standing device is described. The collapsible canopy of the present invention includes three hoop sections which are covered with material capable of blocking substantial amounts of sunlight. The respective hoop sections are coupled with a cross-coupled truss structure which extends to support the collapsible canopy over a chair or other freestanding device in an open position, and collapses to store the collapsible canopy in an extremely compact form in a closed position.

Abstract: A structural assembly for producing interconnecting structures which includes a first element which, on each of two transversely extending sides lying opposite each other, is provided with a dovetail joint member and, on each of two longitudinally extending sides lying opposite each other, is provided with three fins which, when viewed from the tip or free end, have a convex portion provided on each side with a corresponding, connection recess so that the space between two adjacent fins is identical in form to the fin in order to permit a toothing to be formed. The structural assembly also includes a second element which is provided with a dovetail joint member on one longitudinally extending side and with three fins on the opposite side, as well as a connecting member which has, on each of two sides lying opposite each other, a dovetail joint member which corresponds to the dovetail joint members of the first element.

Abstract: A tent, tent kit and method of erecting a tent about a free-standing tree or post element and which tent comprises a truncated, conical tent shelter material having a top opening which fits around the free-standing element, a closure means to enclose the side edges of the canopy in use to form a teepee tent about the free-standing element, and an adjustable, flexible belt to be secured snugly at a predetermined height about the free-standing element, the belt containing a hoist pulley secured to the belt and a pulley line secured through the pulley and secured to the top edge of the tent shelter material so as to permit the user to hoist the canopy about the free-standing element to a desired height and ground stakes and lines to secure the lower edges of the tent material in a tent structural form.

Abstract: A shingle for simulating the textured appearance of a shake roof has a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis, as well as a weather surface and an inner surface. The shingle includes a fiber glass base with an upper edge and a butt edge extending in the transverse direction, as well as two side edges extending mainly in the longitudinal direction. At least one stiffening member is secured to the base and extends generally in the longitudinal direction. A sealing member, located adjacent to the butt edge of the base, extends mainly in the transverse direction and comprises an elongated strip of an elastic, deformable material.

Abstract: A specially constructed block for use in forming a mortarless retaining wall is disclosed, as is a retaining wall constructed therefrom and a method of constructing a retaining wall. Each block has a front face of a predetermined width and a rear wall having a substantially equal width. The block side walls provide a maximum block width at the front face and a minimum block width adjacent the rear wall. When such blocks are placed in a side-by-side relationship, a substantially closed cavity is formed between the blocks for receiving backfill material and thereby reinforcing the wall. A wall constructed from a plurality of such blocks utilizes an engagement clip disposed between blocks in upper and lower courses for preventing relative forward movement between the blocks. The clip is engageable with the upper surface of the rear web of the block for easy installation after the block is laid in a course.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise machine for accomplishing progressive resistance exercises.

Abstract: A bonnet for lawn chairs and the like involves a canopy formed of a plurality of flexible, resilient bows, which are maintained in a generally U-shaped configuration, and a flexible covering attached to and interconnecting the bows along a substantial portion of their length. The bows are attached to a chair through two bow assembly bars, each of which have a separate attachment location, in linear spaced relationship, for each bow. Each bow is pivotally connected, with adjustable tension, at its ends between the two bow assembly bars at the separate spaced locations so as to permit each of the bows to be individually pivotable, fore and aft, thereby permitting variation of the canopy coverage and location. The bow assembly bars are removably clamped to the framework on opposing sides of a lawn chair. A flexible line, of less length than the bows, is used to directly interconnect the bow assembly bars so as to restrain the resilient bows to a generally U-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A retaining wall is made from a plurality of blocks arranged in rows superimposed on each other and pinned together. Each block has a body with an exterior face and rearwardly diverging side walls joined to a neck. A head having outwardly directed ears is joined to the neck. The body has holes and pockets for pins that interlock overlapped blocks together. A finishing block having a flat top surface is used to construct the top layer of the wall. A geogrid tie-back sheet having slots is located between layers of blocks and anchored to the pins stabilizes the wall.

Abstract: A glass butt joint for curtain wall construction is formed from a novel insulating glass panel unit having a peripheral edge with an outwardly opening U-shape and a novel pair of brackets adapted to hold a pair of adjacent panel units to a supporting framework member such as mullion or rail located within the interior of a building thereby providing an exterior glass surface which is mullion and/or rail free.

Abstract: A space frame comprises an upper frame body and a lower frame body both constructed with square steel tubular members; and diagonal members joining the upper frame body to the lower frame body. Each pair of two perpendicular sides of each of the square steel tubular members forming the lower frame body are arranged to make an angle of about 45 degrees to the plane of the lower frame body. The diagonal members are arranged to cross at an angle of about 45 degrees to bar members both of the upper and lower frame bodies. The space frame provides increased buckling strength because the bar members and the diagonal members may be entirely joined by welding.