Abstract: A sleeping bag having a cinch mechanism that can be closed with a single hand. The cinch mechanism includes, for example, a loop and a cord attached at an end of the sleeping bag. When the sleeping bag has been rolled, the loop is pulled in one direction, while the cord is pulled in the other direction. The cord is then extended through the loop, and pulled back and attached to itself. For example, a clasp may be used to attach the cord to itself.

Abstract: A stand is described for supporting a hammock, the stand comprising several tubular members which can be assembled into an arc shaped stand having a support hook on one end and two horizontally spaced support hooks on the opposite end.

Abstract: A retaining wall structure for retaining soil, including a retaining wall including a plurality of non-molded blocks disposed side-by-side and adjacent each other, the retaining wall having a width and a height. The wall structure further includes a plurality of joints being defined by adjacent of the non-molded blocks, a cementitious compound disposed in the plurality of joints, the cementitious compound securing adjacent ones of the non-molded blocks to each other, and an anchor sheet including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the anchor sheet is embedded in the cementitious compound, the anchor sheet extending outwardly from the retaining wall, and backfill is disposed about the anchor sheet such that the backfill retains the wall structure in a desired position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reinforced panel that includes a face sheet having an interior side and an exterior side, a plurality of integral and intersecting ribs having distal ends and projecting from the interior side of the face sheet to form contiguous cells, and a reinforcing member positioned in a channel and secured thereto for increasing bending resistance of the panel.

Abstract: An element, such as a floor element, for floor heating systems and the like, and a method of manufacturing such element. The element includes a sheet having at least one channel and a heat transfer layer which extends over one main surface of the sheet and on each side of respective channels, and forms an upwardly open recess that receives a heat transfer conductor and tightly embraces the conductor around half its circumference in the channel, with the upper side of the conductor being flush with or lower than the upper side of the sheet. The heat transfer layer is preferably made of thin, readily flexed foil that has a thickness of less than 200 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention involves a window trim system with a bracket and trim ring, and a method of installing the same. The window trim system includes a clamping bracket which is press fit and screwed into preformed channels in the window frame. The clamping bracket has a receiving portion, such as a depression or catch, for interfitting with an engagement portion of the trim ring, such as a protrusion or catch. A trim ring is then snapped into place over the clamping bracket, thus hiding the screw head from sight. Advantageously, the window trim system is capable of securing the window frame to the vehicle wall with a minimal number of brackets and screws.

Abstract: This application discloses an anchor sheet and method of installation comprising a laminate with an upper layer of relatively thin, flexible rigid sheet material having on its upper layer a plurality of hooks and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material attached to the upper layer, the laminate having sufficient rigidity, thickness, and mass that when combined with an overlying decorative covering, it is stable against buckling. The bottom layer is dimensioned such that there is an overlap area of lower layer along two adjacent edges of the lower layer for detachable attachment of an overlapping portion.

Abstract: An energy dissipation apparatus for installation in structural frames to mitigate seismic effects comprises a scissor-jack system of braces with an energy dissipation device such as a viscous, viscoelastic, or hysteretic damper, or an active or semi-active device, connected between opposing pivot joints of the scissor-scissor jack system. The scissor jack system magnifies displacement so that energy is dissipated more effectively by the damper. Open bay, diagonal, and alternative installation arrangements with respect a structural frame are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular temporary barrier system includes a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges. Each panel member comprises a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Connecting structure associated with the panels is constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another, such that connected panel members together form a wall. In preferred embodiments of the invention, each panel member and two one-piece corner members each comprise a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Each corner member can be removably connected to a respective end of the wall. In other preferred embodiments of the invention, the modular barrier system can further include two side panel members, each side panel member being able to connect to a respective end of the wall such that the wall is self-supporting.

Abstract: The proposed system comprises an auditorium, lighting facilities and a stage appearing as a container. The interior space of the container holds a liquid medium adapted for playing a theatrical performance therein, and a side transparent wall of the container serves as a stage mirror. Visual perception of each spectator is directed deep in the liquid medium through the stage mirror. The proposed stage comprises a container wherein the liquid medium is held. At least one side wall is transparent. The proposed method consists in that the stage appears as a container wherein a liquid medium is held suitable for human vital functions; at least one container wall is optically transparent, the surface of the liquid medium is isolated from the audience perception which is directed through the optically transparent wall deep in the container, and a theatrical performance is played in the liquid medium by at least one player.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spacer profile of an elastically-plastically deformable material with low heat conductivity for a spacer frame to be mounted in the marginal area of at least two spaced-apart panes by forming an intermediate pane space, whereby the spacer profile comprises a chamber which has in one of its walls at least one elastically-plastically deformable reinforcement element extending along the chamber, and whereby the spacer profile has a diffusion-proof layer extending substantially over its entire width and length. In order to produce the profile through cold flexion, the lateral walls of the chamber are each provided with at least one reinforcement element.

Abstract: A building includes a rigid dwelling-house enclosing an inner space, a swimming-pool, and a device for moving the dwelling-house relative to the swimming-pool between a first position in which the dwelling-house is positioned on top of the swimming-pool which is thereby incorporated within the inner space of the dwelling-house, and a second position in which the dwelling house is adjacent the swimming-pool. The swimming-pool is usable as an outdoor swimming-pool or a covered swimming-pool, each of the dwelling-house and the swimming-pool retaining a separate functionality and being usable separately and simultaneously.

Abstract: An efficient structural composite suitable for a cantilever applications in nonomnidirectional uses, such as that of highway guardrail posts, assembled from recycled plastic or rubber material as compressive elements with embedded formed sheet steel as tensile elements and shear transfer by encapsulation of said tensile elements in said compressive elements. Structural integrity and/or specific maximum service loads can be achieved through design sizing of shear-transfer elements allowing for intended catastrophic structural failure, which is useful in highway guardrail system design.

Abstract: An open-lattice, foldable, self-deployable structure with a number of spaced, bendable longitudinal members forming cells each bounded by a portion of two spaced longitudinal members and two spaced diagonal members. The diagonal members are joined to the longitudinal members at the cell boundary intersections of the diagonal members and the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are made of a material which bends by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point and the diagonal members are made of a material which both bends and twists by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point so that the structure can be collapsed and then self resurrected.

Abstract: A steel framed building which includes prefabricated steel frames, unique pier posts, POLYSTYRENE panels, and an assembly method which in combination provides an expedited overall time frame of 21 days from start to finish.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly used to cover and protect windows, doors or other wall openings for homes, office buildings, hotels, and other walled structures from the destructive forces of a high windstorm, such as a hurricane. The current form of the preferred embodiment consists of a high strength fabric covering an opening, such as a window and being supported by brackets, a rod and a bar. Once installed, the high strength fabric is stretched over the opening, through the use of a gears and ratchet assembly. The high strength fabric once stretched will provide protection from high winds and wind borne debris common in storms such as hurricanes. The protective cover assembly also prevents unlawful entries or break-ins of buildings. The high strength fabric is securely supported to the rod and steel bar that are firmly attached to the wall structure near the wall opening.

Abstract: A window frame incorporating a sliding sash, the frame providing increased water resistance by incorporating an integral J-rail return, the return portion of which has a double wall to provide a depending trough at the bottom of the frame with a wall forming a chamber including the trough, opening from the bottom of the frame into the chamber and from the bottom of the trough to the exterior to provide increased dam height against water backing up and spilling over the interior sill of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for facilitating the removal of formwork for the end joint of a diaphragm wall panel, said formwork comprising a soleplate having two side edges. The device comprising: two substantially rectangular plates of substantially the same dimensions; spacer means secured to first longitudinal edges of each of said plates to hold them substantially parallel to each other at a spacing h; filler means for filling the volume defined by said plates, the spacer means, and a plane orthogonal to said plates located at a distance d from the second longitudinal edges of the plates; and temporary fixing means for fixing said plates to said soleplate.

Abstract: A New Useful Improvement. An encapsulation method for producing high quality low cost housing panels, which uses commercially fabricated pre-assembled light gage steel framed structures, with superior insulation material. The encapsulation process uses a Clamshell Jig Fixture designed specifically for this process. The pre-assembled steel housing frames are placed in the Jig Fixture and sealed. Thereafter the insulation material is injected into the steel framework via openings in the jig fixture. The insulation material is a high density Class 1 Isofoam Polyisocyanate, known as Polyurethane. It is free of Formaldehyde and CFC's or HCFCS. Its insulation “R” factor is 7.69 per inch of thickness. Finished panels result in “R” factors to 40.37, with vertical, horrizontal, wind and seismic strengths greater than building code requirements for housing. Panel attaching methods are simpler and stronger using smaller, short, light 16 to 12 gage studs, bolts, nuts and anchor plates.

Abstract: A seismic isolation system with a plurality of ball-and-socket joints attaching a base structure to a plurality of foundation pads or piers. A plurality of pads or piers 3, 13 form a foundation structure. A seismic isolation bearing 20 attaches a pad to the floor 1 of a building or other structure. The seismic isolation bearing includes a joint 22 attached to an elastic element 12. The seismic isolation bearing allows tilting of the pad in relation to the base structure in response to vertical movement of a foundation pad. Additionally, rotation of the joint works in conjunction with the elastic element to reduce the shear deformation in the elastic element in response to transverse movement of the foundation pad.