Abstract: A building material manufacture (20, 21, 22, 64, 70, 81) forming an openway (23, 24) in a building (26) and to which wet cement or stucco trim or the like (40) is applied. One embodiment (20) includes base (28) and side (29) segments having staggered slots (31) and beads (30b) coextensive in length thereto for determining the depth of plaster or stucco to be applied, and with mounting flanges (35,36). Another embodiment includes a tiered arrangement (45) of base/side segments and mounting flanges. Another embodiment is fabricated out of a skeletal configuration (51) of a reticulated foraminous sheet of metal connected to a pair of spaced flanged members (48). Another embodiment (64) is formed of wires, longitudinally and transversely oriented to each other, and including flange-like elements for connecting it to a building formation for an openway therein.

Abstract: A resilient mesh elongated guard for the valley between adjoining angled sections of a tile roof wherein the guard is bent into a convex shape and positioned into the valley with the lateral edges of the guard engaging the sides of the opposed faces of the tile.

Abstract: A light support assembly for installation and use in a timber construction roof eaves overhang; of the type having a pair of adjoining roof rafters, a facia board, and a soffit board or plane for positioning a soffit board if desired or anticipated; is disclosed. The support assembly is provided with a coupling having a biased channel for firmly sliding and supporting at least two frame tracks for extension and retraction within the spacing provided within adjacently constructed roof rafters in a roof overhang area, and for attachment to each of the rafters. The coupling, then supported by the secured tracks, supports and has attached to it an electric box for receiving lighting or electric fixture or wiring in the roof area where the assembly is inherently designed to be installed.

Abstract: A draft insulator kit for use with an attic pull-down staircase comprises a dimensioned enclosure held together with plastic rivets and resting on weather stripping placed directly on the framing around the pull-down staircase. The edge of the box rests on the weather stripping to seal against drafts. The insulator can be covered with fiberglass batting to increase R value but is itself a cost-effective seal against drafts. It can be folded for increased shipping efficiency, is made of low cost cardboard, and has low manufacturing costs. As a result, its payback time to the consumer is less than one season.

Abstract: An attachment clip is formed from a generally rectangular blank of bendable material and includes a pair of depending legs bent forwardly and upwardly so as to engage the slots found in the nailing flange of standard horizontal siding panels. The clip includes a nail slot having a length greater than the length of an individual slot formed in the nailing flange of the panel, thereby permitting greater expansion and contraction of the panel on the wall to which it is attached. The clip is formed from a rectangular blank of bendable material, with a notch extending upwardly in the lower edge to form the depending legs which are journaled through individual slots in the nailing flange of the panel.

Abstract: Families of rhombus-based two-zoomorph variably assemblable tile sets wherein a single amphographic line delineates different parts of one zoomorph and different parts of a second and different zoomorph as well, and may similarly delineate further fatter or skinnier zoomorphs. All or some of these may, in conjunction with one another, tile the plane in an infinite number of different and interesting ways. These tiles and tilings and patches of tiles may be used in puzzles, in games, for teaching certain aspects of geometry, or for the decoration of fabrics or other surfaces.

Abstract: In order to strengthen an elongated or a two-dimensional bearing construction structure (1) against shear forces, at least one pre-stressing means (11) is mounted in a slack or pre-stressed manner on or in the structure cross-section (4) to generate a pre-stressing force directed transversely to the length or to the two-dimensional surface of the structure when this structure is shear-loaded.

Abstract: A composite deck post for use with a wood joist of a wood deck and for attachment thereto with at least one fastener. The composite deck post comprises an elongate, hollow extruded plastic shell which is rectangular in cross-section and has an upper end and a lower end. The shell has a rectangular notch formed therein adjacent the lower end for receiving a wood joist of a deck. An elongate tubular metal stiffening member is positioned within the plastic shell and is rigidly secured thereto generally adjacent the upper end of the plastic shell. The plastic shell and the metal stiffening member each have at least one mounting hole co-aligned with each other for mounting the composite deck post to the wood joist with a fastener.

Abstract: A composite thermally insulated architectural frame member is provided which is comprised first metal section, a second metal section and a preformed thermal break section. The first metal section has a longitudinal inner channel. The second metal section has an extension positioned within the channel of the first section in a predetermined spaced apart relationship from the first metal section. The second metal section is positioned in a longitudinal channel in the thermal break section in a spaced apart relationship from the first metal section. The composite metal frame member is assembled by inserting the thermal break section laterally into the channel of the first metal frame section and then inserting the second metal frame section laterally the channel in the thermal break section. The dimensions of the respective sections are selected so the sections snap lock together.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus for retrofitting an existing wooden door having opposing surfaces to upgrade the fire rating of the existing door. The apparatus includes a door cover steel sheet having a non-combustible insulating coating on an interior surface for coveting at least one surface of the door and a lock set reinforcement bracket having a non-combustible insulating coating on an interior surface for surrounding the lock set opening on an opposing surface of the door, the apparatus providing at least a twenty minute fire rating to the retrofitted door. In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for increasing the fire rating of a door having opposing surfaces.

Abstract: Retaining clips are provided by the present invention for use in a novel method of constructing radiant heat flooring. The clips are used to secure heating pipe that has been laid on top of a wire grid. The pipe is secured by attaching the retaining clip to the wire grid so that the retaining clip passes from one point of attachment on the wire grid, over the pipe, to another point of attachment on the grid, without passing beneath the grid or the pipe.

Abstract: A foldable portable building can be collapsed to fit within the outside dimensions of an internationally standardized (ISO) goods container to facilitate mechanical handling and transportation. The building comprises a rigid main support having a main floor section, a main wall section and a main roof section. When the building is extended, generally horizontal and planar, hingedly interconnected floor sections and roof sections extend from the main floor and roof sections respectively, and wall sections extend between the said sections. The wall sections comprise an end wall section, two first wall sections and two second wall sections which are hingedly interconnected similarly to a bellows. When the building is collapsed, the wall sections are located adjacent the main wall section, the roof sections are disposed vertically on a side of the wall sections remote from the main wall section, and the floor sections are disposed vertically outwardly of the folded wall and roof sections.

Abstract: A truss roof and floor joist storage device which provides access to and creates convenient storage space for a large variety of typically stored items from boxes to sporting equipment to tools and seasonal items. The device includes a large shelf which rotates up between the trusses of a garage or up against the floor joists in a basement. It has an optional pulley to raise and lower the shelf and two latches for safety. It is aesthetically compatible in either finished (drywalled) or unfinished space.

Abstract: An aparatus adapted to be mounted on a sewer vent stack to inhibit frost buildup in cold weather including a supporting frame containing a central rotatable shaft with a wind turbine on the end exposed and four vanes on the end within the vent pipe. The rotation of the shaft will cause frost build up to be scraped off by the vanes. Lack of rotation in a breeze will indicate excessive build up and a possibly dangerous situation.

Abstract: A beam-to-column connection is suitable for connecting an H-beam to a column surface. The connection is defined at an end of the H-beam which has a web plate and a pair of flange plates. The connection comprises a web plate member integrally formed with the web plate of the H-beam; and a pair of flange plate members, each of which is integrally formed with the flange plates and has a tapered zone.

Abstract: A sign is formed from a plurality of panels abutted edge-to-edge. A main elongate reinforcing member has a transverse head for attachment thereto of a mounting device for the sign, and a depending leg terminating in an offset foot secured to the rear of a first sign panel adjacent an abutting edge of the panel. A second, elongate, reinforcing member has a generally L-shaped cross-section including a foot portion secured to the rear of an adjacent second sign panel at the edge abutting the first panel and an upright portion abutting the leg of the main reinforcing member. One of the reinforcing members has a flange at the foot projecting into a recess in the foot portion of the other reinforcing member. The head of the reinforcing member is offset with respect to the leg on the opposite side from the projection of the foot to expose the foot for rivetting to the plate.

Abstract: The roof system is formed of a corrugated sheet of material anchored to a roof beam, a mineral board anchored to the peaks of the corrugated sheet having a moisture barrier, at least one layer of insulating material interposed between the mineral board and the corrugated sheet, and standing seam metal roof panels anchored to the mineral board. A staggered anchoring system is provided which eliminates thermal shorts from the outside of the roof to the inside roof beams.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an angle iron cover to be removably secured to an angle iron. This angle iron cover includes a first wall, a second wall and a securing mechanism for securing the cover to the angle iron. This design and configuration of the angle iron cover will provide for an aesthetically pleasing view in areas where openings are located in brick buildings and will also shield any rusting that can occur with the angle iron from the view of sight.

Abstract: A modular building panel construction comprises an elongated panel member having a least one generally V-shaped reinforcing stud member formed integrally with or secured to one surface of the panel. The reinforcing stud member runs parallel to the long dimension of the panel, and is located along the long side edge of the panel member and extend laterally beyond the edge of the panel member. The other long edge of the panel member is free from any reinforcing stud members. The building panel may be made without any old growth lumber.

Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a manually manipulated power tool which, upon actuation of the power tool momentarily relieves the tension supporting the power tool and enables the power tool's weight to be utilized to augment the axial force required to perform work such as screwdriving, drilling and grinding. A sensor mechanism which is part of the invention may also be used to obtain similar benefits from prior art suspension mechanisms.