Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. A connecting member is operatively attached by welding to at least one of the flanges of the full-length beam. The connecting member is bolted to at least one of the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly.

Abstract: A removable interior window trim system and method is comprised of either cut to size trim pieces or a pre-fabricated trim unit sized to insert within the jambs of a window and secure to the jamb and/or window frame and cover any existing mullions. The trim system can be secured in many ways, such as trim nails, adhesives, or spring loaded stops. The resulting trim system is particularly useful in creating a more expensive looking window during the course of window installation, but can also be used to retroactively improve the look of existing windows while allowing the user to change systems to create different looks without installing a new window.

Abstract: An internal shear panel for reducing the tendency of the upper portions of buildings to move relative to the foundation when lateral forces, such as those produced by winds and earthquakes, are applied to the walls. The shear panel is pre-assembled having two vertical posts and two diaphragm members interconnecting the posts. The panel also has an upper and a lower horizontal member that are connected to the posts and the diaphragm members. The lower horizontal member and the posts are configured to be attached via brackets to holdown bolts mounted in the foundation of a building and the upper horizontal member is configured to be attached to an upper plate of the wall. Hence, the shear panel can be installed by connecting the upper horizontal member to the upper portion of the wall and connecting the lower horizontal member to the holdown bolts in the foundation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to building trades where precise spacing between structural members ensures support via use of a plurality of elongate spacers. The spacers include at least one intermediate transit tacking member and a pair of nail- or screw-receiving apertures on opposing ends of thereof. One of the opposing ends serves as a pivoting end and the opposite end includes one or more relatively shorter member near the aperture formed therein. These member(s) can be driven into an adjacent trust or other support member while a final precise position is determined. To determine the final precise position to affix a given spacer one or more indicia is provided. Such indicia can include end edges, one or more cut-out features and/or one or more cut-out features and/or numbered or lettered (or other symbols) indicating the relative spacing from one end of the elongate spacer to the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semi-hidden framing for panels (5) sliding in an opening (3) defining an outer surface (Se), in particular for windows and French windows, arranged to hold at least one panel (5) comprising a fixed frame (1) and an intermediate element (4) intended to be fixed to the said panel (5) and cooperating with displacement means (2) associated with the said fixed frame (1) so as to permit the displacement of the said panel (5) along the said fixed frame (1), wherein the opening (3) comprises at least one through slot (6a, 6b), and wherein the said intermediate element (4) comprises at least one main longitudinal wing (4a, 4b) passing through the said at least one through slot (6a, 6b), and at least one longitudinal pad (4d, 4e) connected to one of the ends of the said at least one main longitudinal wing (4a, 4b) and intended to cooperate with the displacement means (2), the said fixed frame (1) being positioned entirely above or below the outer surface (Se) so that the fixed frame does not

Abstract: A building connection between a first structural member and a second structural member made with a nail prong plate connector that has integral tabs. The second structural member supports the first structural member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface covering (100) comprising panels (200) and at least one extraneous locking element (300). The panels (200) are provided with respective longitudinal and transverse coupling means (400, 500) which are adapted to connect similar panels (200) at corresponding adjacent edges (211, 211?, 213, 213?). The transverse coupling means (500) are adapted to form a channel (501) in coupled condition which is adapted to receive the extraneous locking element (300). When inserted into the channel (501) formed by the transverse coupling means (500) of panels (200) in a first row (206), the extraneous locking element is adapted to extend at least partially into the groove (430) of an adjacent parallel panel in the second row (207), such that a lower surface (305) of the extraneous locking element (300) is in contact with a lower lip contact portion (433), and the upper surface (307) of the extraneous locking element (300) is in contact with an upper lip contact portion (437).

Abstract: The disclosure provides for pool step forms and related methods for forming steps in a pool formed by wall panels. The step forms may include a wall panel insert configured for insertion between adjacent pool wall panels. The step forms may include one or more step form brace configured to couple with the wall panel insert and, thereby, the wall panels. The step forms may include riser forms that from riser portions of the stairs when the step forms and riser forms are coupled. The pool stair forms may be filled with filling material to form tread portions of the stairs. The pool stair forms may include liner support members coupled to the step form braces and/or the wall panels that facilitate the coupling of a liner to the stairs formed by the pool stair forms and filling material.

Abstract: Thermally-isolating wall anchors and anchoring systems employing the same are disclosed. A thermally-isolating coating is applied to the wall anchor, which is interconnected with a wire formative veneer tie. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated wall anchors provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Abstract: There is provided in a preferred embodiment a retention bracket for coupling a steering column member to a vehicle cross-support member. The bracket includes a mounting shoe and a reinforcing rod. The mounting shoe has gusset plates integrally joined by a forward end plate, and a lowermost flange extending inwardly along a bottom edge portion of one gusset plate towards the other gusset plate to define a lowermost channel. The reinforcing rod includes an elongated reinforcement portion and a threaded bored portion, the reinforcing rod being positioned in the channel with an outer peripheral surface coupled to the flange and the other gusset plate. The threaded bore portion defines an internally threaded bore for complementary mated engagement with a threaded end of an attachment bolt in the securement of the steering column member to the retention bracket.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a load bearing structural assembly includes an outer loop member; an inner loop member spaced apart from and sized smaller than the outer loop member; and a web assembly coupled to and extending between the outer loop member and the inner loop member, the web assembly comprising a plurality of arcuately formed web members.

Abstract: A roofing accessory adds thickness to a roofing product. A roofing system includes a roofing shingle secured to a roof deck as an outermost layer of the roof. The roofing accessory is secured between the roofing shingle and a previous course of roofing shingle for adding a thickness of at least about 1.5 mm to at least a portion of an exposed edge of the roofing shingle.

Abstract: A device, method and kit for keeping humidity/water away from a concrete foundation and provide insulation. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of devices comprising a main body configured so as to be stackable and having opposed upper and lower surfaces each comprising a plurality of drainage openings therethrough, the main body forming a cavity therein encompassing a plurality of particles having a diameter larger than the openings' diameter, and positioning the plurality of devices in contact with a soil-facing surface of the concrete foundation such that the lower surfaces of the devices face downward.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables, support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels. The solar panels can incorporate single or dual tracking capabilities to enhance sunlight capture. The embodiments encourage dual land use in which installation of the systems minimizes disruption of the underlying ground. Supplemental power may be provided by vertical axis windmills integrated with the columns. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts. Simplified support systems with a minimum number of structural elements can be used to create effective support for solar panel arrays of varying size and shapes. These simplified systems minimize material requirements and labor for installation of the systems.

Abstract: A semi-interlocking construction block system may include blocks having prism shaped male and female fittings configured for semi-interlocking interaction. When mated the male and female fittings may engage along their respective interfacing upper bases and lower ends of their respective lateral side faces. Gaps may be defined between upper ends of their respective lateral side faces. The fittings may include arcuate edges which may be quarter rounded.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least one horizontally extending rail having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending stiles are coupled to the rail, with the stiles disposed forwardly of the rear surface of the rail. A plurality of interface components are coupled to the plurality of stiles. In various embodiments, the stiles may be interconnected to draw together adjacent interface components. The interface components also may include overlapping upper and lower edges. The stiles may be vertically and/or horizontally (laterally and longitudinally) adjustable relative to the rail. A lock member may be provided to secure at least one of the stiles to the rail. Various systems and methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Abstract: A mat-like drain seal composed of a flexible, compressible, conformable polymer material and having at least a centralized window area and a reinforcing band positioned adjacent the edges of the drain seal, the window area being at least translucent such that liquid passing under the drain seal is visible through the drain seal.

Abstract: A foldable carport comprising a header having a hinge socket fastened to an inhabitable structure and, a connection beam, a tilt beam, and a roof deck spanning between the two beams, all of which comprise a roof assembly. The connection beam includes a hinge member that is received into the header socket thereby operably connecting the roof assembly to the header. The operable connection allows the roof assembly to be positioned in an erected position or a folded position. When erected, the tilt beam is supported by a plurality of posts that may bear on a concrete slab, footing, or the ground. The foldable carport may also include a carrier plate coupled to the mobile residence configured to fasten the roof assembly to the mobile residence when the carport is in the folded position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tile for a roof or the like comprising a tile body with at least one vacuumed closed space to provide the tile with a thermal insulation barrier for the maintenance of a more stable temperature within an internal roof area. The tile body is manufactured from recycled glass and preferably is formed as foam glass containing a plurality of vacuum containing bubbles. The tile also comprises at least one energy recovery means such as heat absorbing aluminum wafers to provide for heat transfer through conductivity into a hot water supply or voltaic cells to provide for electricity generation. Light is focused onto the energy recovery device by a profiled translucent cover. These and other variations provide for a roof tile which is environmentally friendly, easy to install with improved thermal, energy efficient and sound-proofing qualities.

Abstract: An inside corner gutter piece for a roof gutter system having an angled outer wall of a center segment extending at a 45 degree angle to outer walls of two straight end segments, the outer wall of the center segment acting as a flow diverter for directing rain runoff from a roof valley into connected straight gutter sections, with a top and down turned edge acting to block a rainwater off-flow stream from flowing up and out of the outer wall of the inside corner gutter piece.