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: 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: 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 metal building frame and method for its assembly is disclosed. The building frame includes channel shaped structural members which are utilized for rafters, girders, and vertical columns. The various structural members are joined together by specially designed joining clips which provide structural strength and ease of assembly. Each of the clips includes a channel shape member into which one of the structural members can be inserted and bolted in place. Ridge clips join two of the rafters and are joined together at a preselected angle to define the roofline of the building. A rafter clip is attached to the top of each of the vertical columns and includes and angled portion which is bolted to the outer end of each of the rafters at an angle which is consistent with the preselected angle. The lower end of each vertical column is bolted to a base clip which in turn provides a base member which may be bolted to the floor of the building.

Abstract: Apparatus for advancing packaged goods on a shelf comprises an upright pressure plate carried on the end of a flexible belt. The belt is carried on a roll which is spring biased to wind the belt thereon so that a row of articles positioned along the belt and engaged by the pressure plate will be pushed toward the front of the shelf as each successive article is removed.

Abstract: A plug (P) is present in the bore (B) of a wedge gripping device (W) in a barrel (1) of a grip. The device (W) is formed of tapering segments (4) which are held apart by the plug (P). When a length of wire or strand element (E) is received in the device (W), the plug (P) is diplaced out of the bore (B) so causing the device (W) to grip the element (E).

Abstract: A roof edge fascia system has a base member to secure the edges of a roof-top waterproof membrane at a roof edge and an invertible complemental fascia member transposably interlockable with the base member.

Abstract: Soffits for interior construction purposes are preformed from L-shaped foam material having insert furring strips for attaching the soffits to walls and ceilings. The preformed soffits are brought to the job site, quickly cut to length, fastened in place, and then covered with plasterboard before cabinets are mounted below.

Abstract: This invention simplifies reworking of structures such as buildings having load bearing beam girders embedded therein with limited access thereto for increasing the load bearing capacity of the girders. It also permits the increase of load bearing capacity of steel I-beam girders without welding therefore eliminating the fire danger of welding strengthening members thereto. The rework of the in-situ embedded beam is accomplished with minimal building damage. Thus, the building need be reworked only to gain access to two ends of the I-beam girders and a mid-region load bearing position on the lower flange of the I-beam. A flexible tension load bearing member such as a chain is then strung alongside the I-beam web portion end to end and hooked over the top flange. Thus existing pipes, ducts and wiring need not be disturbed. The mid-section of the chain is then attached in a load bearing capacity to the lower flange, preferably by a post tension controlling adjustable link controlling the chain tension.

Abstract: A method of building a structure formed of a masonry wall having an outer face carrying frame members and insulation and provided with sheathing overlying the frame members and insulation entails generally simultaneously erecting the masonry wall, frame members, and insulation and thereafter applying the sheathing. More particularly first a framework of frame members is erected against an outer brace panel, insulation is fitted between the frame members and against the brace panel, and anchors are fixed to the insulation and framework with stems of the anchors projecting inward away from the panel past the insulation. Then a masonry interior wall either of cast reinforced concrete or block is built against the insulation with the anchors imbedded in the masonry wall. The outer brace panel is then removed and sheathing is secured to the frame members. Thus the exterior walls of the building can be virtually completed, all but the sheathing, one floor at a time.

Abstract: A frame, in particular for dome shaped roofs, is made up of support sections which run together at junction points where they are joined together; rectangular hollow sections are employed as the support sections and at each junction point two dish-shaped plates at least one of which features a hole providing access by hand to introduce joining means such as threaded bolts, locking ring bolts to attach the ends of the hollow sections to the round plates.

Abstract: A beam support joint for a column and a beam, which are each constructed from concrete and at least one metal section having a pair of flanges joined by a web and forming at least one recess of the metal section which is filled with concrete and the outer surfaces of the flanges of the metal section are not covered with concrete and are otherwise free. An upper support strap is mounted on an upper flange of the beam, and is attached to the column and the beam. The upper support strap and the webs of both the beam and the column all lie substantially in the same plane. On a flange of the column a lower support plate is advantageously welded which has a width corresponding approximately to the flange of the column. This lower support plate has at least one recess on its upper side which suitably engages at leat one projection provided on a lower flange of the beam.

Abstract: An improved, variably sized display unit for displaying small merchandise in bays which are created against a wall or partition is disclosed. The wall is created from a series of sections to provide a variably sized display. Display dividers are used for creating the bays. The bays are formed by dividers constructed of pairs of angularly arranged vertical panels which are hingedly connected to one another and which are also secured to the wall at spaced intervals along the wall. A principal header extends along the upper periphery of the rear wall and functions to cover up and conceal mismatches between the rear wall sections and, optionally to support placards or other information bearing devices. The principal header is mounted adjustably at the wall to ensure that it can be mounted to be horizontally level regardless of the orientation of the wall itself.

Abstract: A portable step-forming device releasably attachable to a vertical wooden stud comprises a U-shaped gripping member for closely receiving a stud member, a step member attached to one prong of the U-shaped member and further having an enlarged end for retaining the user's foot on the step member, and a gripping means comprising a spring-loaded reciprocable member with a stud-engaging end for holding the step-forming device in position of the stud member.

Abstract: Insulation configurations for the ceiling, floor and walls of structures, which include in a first embodiment, at least one layer of particulate or "blown" insulation with a water vapor-permeable film or films isolating the layer or layers to limit air circulation and infiltration through the layers. In another embodiment, sheets of a moisture vapor-permeable film membrane are provided in association with insulating "batts" or rolled sheet, fibrous, non-solid insulation to divide the insulation into discrete layers and limit air infiltration through the layers. A method for increasing the efficiency of insulating material in structures, which includes providing one or more moisture or water vapor-permeable membrane films or membranes in association with the insulating material to isolate the insulation in discrete layers and limit air infiltration and circulation through the layers.

Abstract: A tower and a method of constructing a tower. The tower has three support members and an upper member. Each support member has an outside leg and two inside legs, laced together in a triangular cross section. The upper end of each inside leg is attached to the upper end of one of the other inside legs. The inside legs may also be connected at an intermediate point to form a window. An upper member, having three legs, laced together to form a triangular cross section, is erected on top of the support members, so that the legs of the upper member extend upward from the outside legs of the support members.

Abstract: A modular block for engagement to a plurality of similar blocks arranged in a line to form a structural element, the modular blocks being engaged to each other by tension members extending through the blocks. The configuration of the structural element can be easily modified by substituting special blocks. The block has a generally hollow, T-shaped cross-section with an axial hole extending therethrough. The block further has three axial passages for receiving tension members, the passages arranged in a triangular pattern to withstand the high shear and torsional stresses encountered during erection and in service.