Abstract: A rafter-to-support-member connection apparatus includes a single-piece, substantially two-dimensional blank which includes a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion projecting transversely from the longitudinal portion. The longitudinal portion includes a first end region and a second end region. The transverse portion includes transverse connection apertures. A plurality of indicia are located at predetermined crease line locations on the longitudinal portion. The transverse portion and the first end region and the second end region of the longitudinal portion are adapted to be bent with respect to each other along predetermined locations on the transverse portion and the longitudinal portion to form a three-dimensional structure. In one embodiment, the rafter-to-support-member connection apparatus provides an adjustable fascia rafter connection apparatus to connect a wood or metal fascia to the plumb end of a structural metal rafter.

Abstract: A system and method for natural light illumination of residential and commercial buildings. A tubular skylight, the system comprises a highly reflective tubular body positioned in the space between a building's roof and ceiling with a first end with a supporting lip attached to a roof assembly, and a second end attached to a ceiling assembly. The roof assembly further comprises a semi-spherical transparent globe and a molded roof mount with a tapered sleeve. The ceiling assembly comprises a semi-spherical, light diffusing cap and a molded ceiling mount with a straight sleeve. In a preferred embodiment of the system, the first end of the tubular body is inserted through the tapered sleeve and supported therein by a right angle supporting lip and the second end of the tubular body is positioned over the sleeve of the ceiling mount.

Abstract: A glazing seal is used in combination with a rectangular door frame and a rectangular window frame. The door frame includes a window opening and the window frame is fitted within the window opening. The window frame surrounds a sheet of glass having a perimetric edge. The sealing member has a first portion extending around the perimetric edge of the glass and sealingly engaging the edge of the glass and the window frame. The sealing member also has a second portion thereof fitted between the window frame and the door frame to provide a substantially airtight seal there between.

Abstract: A skylight with a modular shaft. The skylight includes a curb surrounding an opening formed in a roof. The curb defines a downwardly opening channel with at least one serrated wall to receive the modular shaft. The modular shaft extends from the curb to an opening formed in a ceiling and includes a number of panels secured to one another by a number of corner connections. A hook with at least one serrated wall is mounted to each of the panels. The hooks fit into the channel such that the serrated walls contact one another and secure the shaft to the curb by a ratcheting effect.

Abstract: There is disclosed a metal roof support structure comprised of rafter beams, ceiling beams, and internal structural supports, the aforesaid members overlapping in snap-fit interlocking relationship, the intersection points of each of the aforesaid elements being secured by a single fastener. The rafter beams and ceiling beams are comprised of a structural member adapted to interlock with a second structural member of similar construction to form the rafter beams and ceiling beam, each of which presents an "I" beam cross-section when so assembled.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for joining structural units. A structural unit, such as a precast concrete section of pipe, decking, bridge structure, building structure, or pavement, includes a plurality of spaced, longitudinally aligned tubular members. The ends of each structural unit are flush, and the ends of the tubular members are flush with the ends of the structural units. When two of such units are to be joined together, a guide member is inserted in one end of each of the first tubular members in the first structural unit, while an internally threaded insert member is inserted into a corresponding end of each tubular member in the second structural unit. The guide members and insert members have axial apertures with the aperture in the insert member being internally threaded. The two structural units are brought together so that each guide member on the first structural unit enters into the corresponding end of the tubular members containing the inserts in the second structural unit.

Abstract: A seismic bridge for bridging and providing pedestrian access across a seismic joint between two building parts has a first end unit with a floor pivotally connected to one of the building parts and a second end unit with a floor pivotally connected to the other building part. A corridor sleeve unit, also having a floor, is slidably connected to each of the first and second end units. During relative motion between the two building parts, such as during an earthquake, the bridge can accommodate relative motion between the building parts within a predefined range, while still maintaining the structural integrity of the bridge. The bridge also includes centering means for centering and properly positioning the corridor sleeve unit with respect to the first and second end units. The centering means uses springs in combination with a plurality of frames which are slidably connected to each other to maintain the appropriate distance between the end units and the corridor sleeve unit.

Abstract: A unitary, insulated panel is provided for use in sectional doors and walls. The panel comprises opposed, spaced apart, parallel, inner and outer metal skins. The skins are mechanically interlocked along their top and bottom ends by integral, inwardly projecting flanges having mutually engaged, hook-shaped terminal portions. The opposed flanges at each end are coplanar. The engaged hook-shaped terminal portions combine to form a longitudinally extending slot. The mouth of the slot is narrow relative to its bulbous inner portion. A strip of weather seal can be inserted longitudinally into the slot, for sealing purposes. Foamed polyurethane is formed in situ in the space between the skins. The polyurethane bonds to the skins. A rigid, strong panel unit is obtained by the combination of mechanically interlocking the skins and bonding them with the core.

Abstract: A method of making and erecting a framed structure preferably single level, by milling standard pieces of lumber that are joined into a sturdy, rectangular frame is disclosed. Opposed Side Beams having dado cuts at their opposite ends are joined to opposed Face Beams having complementary dado cuts at their opposite ends. Floor joists connect opposed sidebeams and support subflooring or decking, and, to accommodate certain larger dimensional floorplans, Center Beams are built into the frame. The frame can rest on a periphery foundation or be erected over posts.

Abstract: A roofing tile hurricane clip for preventing the nose of an overlapping tile from lifting in high winds. The invention comprises a clip body having a fastening end, a generally C-shaped end for engaging the lower side edge of an overlapping tile, and an arcuate mid-body portion therebetween. The clip fastening end may incorporate an elongated aperture for accommodating a conventional fastener therethrough for securing the clip to a roofing tile such that the clip is subject to adjustment for engaging overlapping roofing tile edge of somewhat varying sizes.

Abstract: A method of making and erecting a framed structure, preferably single level, by milling standard pieces of lumber that are joined into a sturdy, rectangular frame is disclosed. Opposed Side Beams having dado cuts at their opposite ends are joined to opposed Face Beams having complementary dado cuts at their opposite ends. Floor joists connect opposed sidebeams and support subflooring or decking, and, to accommodate certain larger dimensional floorplans, Center Beams are built into the frame. The frame can rest on a periphery foundation or be erected over posts.

Abstract: A thin brick panel assembly for forming a brick facing on a building includes a backing member formed from of a single sheet of material which is adapted to properly retain individual thin brick tiles, and support clips utilized in supporting the completed brick facing. The backing member has a uniform cross-section throughout its entire length, and provides channels which allow the thin brick tiles to lay uniformly across each row. Support clips secure the completed brick facing to an underlying support structure of the building.

Abstract: Roofing components and method for roofs includes a flexible base and one or more ranks of integrally formed thin blades, vanes or fins extending outwardly from the base. The blades, fins or vanes are spaced substantially parallel to each other and overlap to shadow lower elements and to provide air circulation and between blades, which are designed to sluff-off heat and impede thermal energy being transmitted to the roof. The blades, fins or vanes are flexible and resilient so as to absorb the impact of falling material (limbs, etc.). One edge portion of the base is free of blades to provide an overlapped area for installation on a pitched roof. Various overlapping and interlocking arrangements are disclosed for sealing purposes.

Abstract: By incorporating an elongated, generally upstanding, aperture-bearing tube member in the top of a roof drain cover or debris guard, with said elongated pipe extending into the interior of the roof drain assembly, a unique roof drain system is achieved which virtually eliminates clogging of the drain by debris, water, ice or snow buildup. By incorporating the upstanding, elongated pipe member, a safety overflow system is provided which establishes a clog-free flow path for carrying away any water buildup that might otherwise occur from clogged drain covers. Preferably, a generally cylindrically-shaped, elongated tube member is employed which is adjustably mounted to the roof drain cover or debris guard for telescopic, axial adjustable movement relative thereto. In this way, the length of the tube member exposed above the drain cover is adjustable, in order to accommodate alternate roof constructions and drainage problems.

Abstract: A casket display structure has a back wall and wing walls that are removably-attached to the back wall to form an alcove. A double-tiered display rack is mounted between the wing walls. The display structure includes a lower casket rollout rack connected to the fixed double-tiered rack by a scissors unit.

Abstract: The roof tiles (1) of a sloping roof rest via a ridge on tile laths (2) and overlap one another in two directions. They are fixed with tile hooks (4) and each tile hook (4) comprises a first shaft section (7), which at the free end has a hook-shaped bend (8) which grips around a closing groove (6) on a side edge of a first tile, a second shaft section (9), which at the free end has a device (10) by which the tile hook is fixed to a tile lath (2), and a shoulder (11), which is located between the two shaft sections (7 and 9) and engages on the rear surface of a second tile partially located under the first tile. The two shaft sections (7 and 9) of the tile hooks are essentially perpendicular to the shoulder (11).

Abstract: This invention is directed to an extruded thermoplastic, thin-walled, high definition profile structure having a central hollow cross sectional member with at least two flange members extending perpendicularly therefrom and longitudinally therewith wherein at least one flange member extends from one side of the cross sectional member and at least one flange member extends from the other side thereof. Preferably, there are three flange members extending from one side forming channel-like recesses and one flange extending from the other side of the cross sectional member.Also included herein are particular thermoplastic resins that can be employed in making the profile structure of this invention. For example, the profile can be a composite comprising a substrate of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene and a thin outer layer of polyvinyl chloride or a blend of polyvinyl chloride and acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile.

Abstract: A roof shingle for solar heat collection comprises an upper segment and a lower segment. The upper segment of the roof shingle has a greater thickness than the lower segment. The upper segment has a transverse opening extending therethrough for receiving hollow tubing inserted therein. The opening is adapted to be aligned with openings in adjacent roof shingles on either side of the roof shingle.

Abstract: A plastic ceiling panel is mounted in a grid of T-rails. The ceiling panel is shaped complementarily to the space defined by facing edges of the T-rails, and includes a central web and sidewalls extending upwardly from the central web. The sidewalls include a lower part that projects halfway across a lower surface of the T-rail, to butt against the corresponding lower part of contiguous panels in spaces surrounding the first panel, so as to give the impression of a continuous, uninterrupted ceiling. The sidewalls are stiffly flexible and are provided with a channel into which the facing edge of each of the T-rails forming the grid space in which the ceiling panel is seated, is received.

Abstract: A concrete building block for erecting a wall and/or disposing of used rubber tires and other waste material detrimental to the environment. The block is made up of three rectangular portions, and includes a central chamber in which a bale of used rubber tires is encased. The tongue-and-groove design of the block facilitates the construction of a strong wall by joining the blocks end-to-end, with the tongue of one block disposed in the groove of another.