Abstract: A stud that may be used as a header, as a sill, as a jamb stud, in a support post assembly and as a floor girder. In one embodiment, the stud has a substantially planar web, a first flange and a second flange that each protrude from the web. A first leg protrudes from the first flange such that the first leg is substantially parallel to the substantially planar header web. Likewise, a second leg protrudes from the second flange such that it is substantially parallel to the substantially planar header web. A first return protrudes from the first leg and a second return protrudes from the second leg. Stiffener ribs may be provided in at least one of the web, the first and second flanges and/or the first and second legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for bracing a masonry wall that is bowing or has begun to buckle as a result of hydrostatic pressure and/or other forces as may occur with the foundation or basement wall of a building. The wall restraint system includes a vertically disposed beam, which is positioned against a vertical concrete masonry wall and secured in place by a bottom bracket and a top bracket. The beam reinforces the wall and prevents further bowing, buckling, or potentially collapsing of the wall. One end of the beam is secured to the floor by a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket preferably receives the lower end of the beam. The upper end of the beam is secured against the basement wall by a top bracket or offset connector, which in turn is secured to one of the overhead floor joists. The beam may be offset to avoid piping or the like.

Abstract: A gutter cover with clip is provided that operates with a variety of gutter styles to capture roof runoff while preventing debris from entering the gutter. The gutter cover is an elongated panel of sufficient width to bridge a roof to the far side of the gutter. A radiused edge is provided to direct roof runoff into the gutter. The clip includes a mounting tab and an upward rising arm. A tooth on the arm positively engages an aperture in the radiused edge to facilitate extremely accurate, fast, and resilient installation of a gutter cover system.

Abstract: A support shoe for a concrete pillar has a base plate and two lateral plates arranged at lateral edges of the base plate and projecting upwardly at a right angle from the base plate. At least one reinforcement bar is connected to the support shoe for introducing forces into the concrete pillar. The two lateral edges and thus also the lateral plates connected thereto are arranged at an acute angle relative to one another, wherein the two lateral plates are formed as separate components connected to the base plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and system to conserve resources, particularly rain water, by providing for water storage within building walls and other structural components. The building water storage allows reuse of water at that location that in the past has generally flowed to storm drains as runoff. Besides allowing reuse, another advantageous effect is that the structure may become a well insulated unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.

Abstract: A deployable rectangular truss with folding or removable chordal members and diagonals and orthogonal hinge joints for continuous and synchronous retraction and extension. The truss is rectangular in cross section, with four common chords on the corners. Two opposing sides of the truss have diagonals that meet at side joints. One or more end frames may be used to close off or mount one of more ends of the deployable truss. A plurality of telescoping transverse struts may extend between major joints on one side of the truss.

Abstract: A flagpole assembly comprising a flagpole body having an aperture disposed in the side thereof, one or two internal fastening plates, disposed within the flagpole body, an external fastening plate and door assembly and a set of threaded fasteners securing the flagpole assembly together. A cleat or winch mount may be secured to the internal fastening plate, having a winch secured thereto for securement of a flag halyard inside the flagpole body.

Abstract: A shutter assembly having at least one shutter and a security bar device for locking closed and providing additional rigidity to the shutter when covering an opening in a dwelling. The bar device has an elongated member preferably engaged releasably to the dwelling in the opening. The member traverses the opening and prevents the shutters from collapsing into the opening when closed. A retention bracket co-extends with and is spaced from the member with a portion of the shutter layered there-between when in the closed position. As such, the retention bracket prevents the shutter from opening when in the closed position. A locking portion of the retention bracket projects laterally to releasably engage the member.

Abstract: A rebar safety protective cover for use on the projecting free end of concrete reinforcing bar to prevent impact injuries comprising: (a) a hollow cylindrical body closed at one end and open at the other, (b) a flat overhanging impact head of substantial extent projecting laterally outwardly beyond said closed end of the body, said body and impact head being of a thickness and integrally formed of a plastic material to provide a protective cover which passes the Cal OSHA drop test when the rebar is positioned within said protective cover at an angle such that the free end of the rebar abuts the inside lateral extremity of said closed end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for reducing roof membrane damage from hail/fastener impact by locating a fastener, positioning an energy absorbing material over the fastener and affixing the material to the fastener. Further disclosed herein is a roof system with reduced hail/fastener impact damage characteristics. The system comprises a roof substrate having one or more layers of material at least one fastener exposed at a top surface of the substrate and a dedicated energy absorbing material positioned over the at least one fastener. A roof water proofing membrane is placed atop the foregoing elements.

Abstract: A connector device is provided for a curtain wall system of the type having structural members secured to the building framing to define frames to support glazing panels. The glazing panels each have a sash by which they are secured to the frames of structural members to form an outer wall portion of a building. The curtain wall system has connector devices securing one of the glazing panels to the frames of structural members. The connector device comprises a keeper secured to a frame, and a latch mechanism secured opposite the keeper on the sash. The latch mechanism has a latch bolt automatically displaceable to a locking position upon contact with the keeper. The keeper and the latch mechanism cooperate in the locking position to lock the glazing panel to the frame in a secured position. A method for installing the connector device is also provided.

Abstract: A free-standing, partition-type furniture system adapted to subdivide an open space of a room, comprising a plurality of first partition panels, each including a first body portion having a pair of side edges, and a first screen member operably coupled to the first partition panel and laterally shiftable with respect to the first partition panel such that the first screen member extends from one of the side edges of the first body portion. The furniture system also includes a plurality of second partition panels each including a second body portion having an upper edge, and a second screen member operably coupled to the second partition panel and vertically shiftable with respect to the second partition panel such that the second screen member extends from the upper edge of the second body portion. The plurality of first and second partition panels are operably coupleable and arrangeable so as to subdivide the open space of a room.

Abstract: A panel attachment system (10) comprising a plurality of covering panels (12), a plurality of retaining members (16) to hold the panels (12), and a plurality of mounting structures (18) to secure the retaining members (16) to a surface (20). The panels (12) are held to the retaining members (16) through the use of protruding locking members (32) formed on the panels (12) which interlock with a slot (48) formed on the retaining member (16). The panels (12) may be coupled to the retaining members (16) without the need for precise alignment, thereby expediting the installation of the surface (20). The retaining members (16) additionally contain a drainage channel (50) to carry water and other debris away from the surface (20).

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing, slim profile window frame assembly that is capable of retaining a shutter. Specifically, the window frame assembly of the present invention comprises a core substrate coupled to a flange. Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a core substrate having a thickness less than 5/16 inch and having, by volume, an elastic modulus greater than wood. A flange comprises a depth sufficient to retain a hinge attached to a window covering, such as a shutter. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a decorative covering to be coupled to the core substrate and/or flange such that a portion of the window frame assembly is thereby concealed. The improved strength per volume of the present invention facilitates shutter installation by a “do-it-yourself” homeowner or handyman as well as by a skilled carpenter.

Abstract: An engineered wall system for use above or below ground constituted of zinc-borate treated timber strand studs with sheets of structural fiberglass reinforced plastic and rigid foam insulation. The invention is particularly suitable as an alternative to other materials and methods commonly used to construct foundations for residential structures. This wall system exhibits great strength, durability, as well as improved resistance to mold, insects, water and fire.

Abstract: A blast resistant window blind system includes a blind system comprising a plurality of parallel blind slats, a plurality of spaced pane engaging members, and first and second mounting bodies coupled to the pane engaging members and anchor members disposed at first and second opposite ends of said opening, wherein the pane engaging members are secured to the mounting bodies and coupled thereby to the structure. At least one energy dampening device is coupled to the pane engaging members, allowing the pane engaging members to extend a selected amount toward the inside of the structure upon impact of the window pane, wherein the blind system and pane engaging members cooperate to restrain the window pane from being blown into the inside of the structure and conform to the inside surface of the window pane during impact therewith to distribute the restraining force across the window pane.

Abstract: A deployable truss is formed from a plurality of column members connected at their ends where at least some of the column members are formed from column assemblies, each including a plurality of strut members that are at least connected to each other at a first and second end of the column assembly. For added rigidity, strut members of a column assembly may be connected to each other between the first and second ends using, for example, a rigidizable resin, a fixed spacer, or a deployable spacer. Connecting strut members between the ends of the column assembly provides mutual bracing to the strut members and decreases the free buckling length of the individual strut members. Spacers are preferably configured to radially space the strut members away from the longitudinal centerline of the column assembly to increase its moment of inertia, and hence its buckling strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for bracing a masonry wall that is bowing or has begun to buckle as a result of hydrostatic pressure and/or other forces as may occur with the foundation or basement wall of a building. The wall restraint system includes a vertically disposed beam, which is positioned against a vertical concrete masonry wall and secured in place by a bottom bracket and a top bracket. The beam reinforces the wall and prevents further bowing, buckling, or potentially collapsing of the wall. One end of the beam is secured to the floor by a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket preferably receives the lower end of the beam. The upper end of the beam is secured against the basement wall by a top bracket or offset connector, which in turn is secured to one of the overhead floor joists. The beam may be offset to avoid piping or the like.

Abstract: A connector device is provided for a curtain wall system of the type having structural members secured to the building framing to define frames to support glazing panels. The glazing panels each have a sash by which they are secured to the frames of structural members to form an outer wall portion of a building. The curtain wall system has connector devices securing one of the glazing panels to the frames of structural members. The connector device comprises a keeper secured to a frame, and a latch mechanism secured opposite the keeper on the sash. The latch mechanism has a latch bolt automatically displaceable to a locking position upon contact with the keeper. The keeper and the latch mechanism cooperate in the locking position to lock the glazing panel to the frame in a secured position. A method for installing the connector device is also provided.