Abstract: A building module collapsible for transport and expandable for use, includes an elongated core section which has substantially vertical, lateral and longitudinal walls and a core floor section which together define a partially enclosed interior area. A floor assembly is connected to the core floor section for movement between folded and unfolded positions. Telescopic, as well as foldable wall, ceiling, floor and roof sections are provided and allow the building module when in its collapsed for transport condition to comply with the current United States Department of Transportation regulations pertaining to the maximum shipping sizes for standard ground transportation, as well as the current International Standards Organization codes pertaining to maximum shipping sizes for standard ground and water transportation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting structure of concrete blocks and a method for connecting the concrete blocks in which a special structure for use in connecting the concrete blocks is not required, a rigid connection can be carried out with a simple connecting structure, a removal of the connector is eliminated, a workability is remarkably improved, a productivity of buildings is improved and at the same time it has a superior anti-disaster effect. The connecting structure is comprised of either a hollow rod-like connection member, a plurality of concrete blocks, a pair of connecting holes bored at abutting surfaces between concrete blocks, and adhesive agent poured at one end of the connector flowed out the opposite end and thus filled between the exterior surface of said connector and circumferential walls of said connecting holes.

Abstract: A permanent form for placing a basement concrete wall includes a percolation layer and a water-conduit channel for discharging water leakage or the like from a basement concrete wall. If the basement concrete wall is placed using the form, the percolation layer is impregnated with cement paste of concrete, whereby the form and the basement concrete wall are joined to each other. Redundant water before hardening the concrete, water leakage after hardening or the like flows into the water-conduit channel through the percolation layer, flows downward through the water-conduit channel, and is discharged from the bottom of the form. In addition, heat from the basement concrete wall is cut off by a heat insulating layer provided on the side of the interior as viewed from the water-conduit channel.

Abstract: A component shutter assembly and method of forming same. The assembly comprises a one-piece molded plastic, integrally formed shutter panel. The shutter panel may be molded in a small plurality of standard lengths and then one or both ends thereof cut to shorten the shutter panel to a specific, desired length once it is determined what-specific length of shutter is needed for a particular application. An independent, integrally formed end panel may then be secured to one or both ends of the cut shutter panel and ultrasonically welded thereto to form a finished component shutter assembly having a particular desired length and the appearance of a one-piece, integrally formed shutter. Embodiments directed to raised panel and louvered shutters are disclosed, as is a removable center panel section which may be used in connection with the louvered shutter panels if it is desired to provide a mid-panel section which is offset from the mid-point of the overall length of the shutter panel.

Abstract: A framework structure comprises three or more primary constituent units each including two rigid diagonal members constituting the diagonals of a quadrangular lateral face of a solid and coupled together for relative rotation about a first rotation axis passing through the intersection of the diagonals. The primary constituent units are coupled to one another via second and third rotation axes into a ring-like form. A more complicated framework structure can be obtained by using a plurality of these framework structures as secondary constituent units which are coupled to one another with a coupler or a primary constituent unit used in common between adjacent ones of the secondary constituent units. The framework structure can provide one which is capable of being expanded and contracted in three-dimensional directions and which has rigidity in any directions.

Abstract: A self-jigging web for fastening two steel chords together to form a beam. There are different sizes of webs for assembly of beams of different depths. A web has several holes for locating screws for fastening the web to a pair of chords parallel to each other. Chords having the same outer cross-section but of different steel gauges are used to obtain beams of different strengths. Assembled beams are used in a frame of a building structure such as a wall, floor or ceiling. A system is provided such that a building designer, given the wind bearing (bending) and axial loads required to be borne by the structure, can determine beam spacing and beam depth required for the structure to bear the loads. Beams are then assembled to meet the determined requirements according to a standard set of instructions which detail the chord steel gauge, size of web, number and spacing of webs lengthwise along a beam, and a number and placement of screws for fastening each web to a pair of chords.

Abstract: A lightweight stone-work column apparatus (20) including a side wall assembly (20) formed from a plurality of stone-work pieces (32) in side-by-side relation. A mortar material (31) is adhesively mounted to the collective backsides and joints (20) of and between the stone-work pieces (32). This mortar material (31) is supplied in a relatively thin radial depth dimension, relative the longitudinal axis (30), while being sufficient thick to support and bond together the plurality of stone-work pieces (32) together as a unit. A tube member (45) is positioned in a cavity (46), formed by the stone-work pieces (32) and the mortar material (31), in an orientation extending from the first opening (47) to the second opening (48). A polymer backing (20) positioned in a gap between an outer surface of the tube (45) and the backside of the mortar material (31) for strengthening of the collective stone-work pieces (32).

Abstract: In a sash frame structure for attaching a glass in which a glass is supported in glass attachment channels formed to respective frame members constituting a sash frame by first side seal members and second side seal members disposed on the opposite sides of the glass, the glass is so provided as not to be scattered in pieces even if it is broken. A seal member fitting groove is formed to each of the frame members adjacently to the glass attachment channel, and an engaging portion is formed to the inner surface of the glass attachment channel on the side adjacent to the seal member fitting groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongate support element, such as a walking stick, crutch or umbrella stick, comprising an elongate hollow stick which is provided on its underside with two supporting legs which are tiltable between a folded-in position and a folded-out, active position, wherein on the upper part of the stick an actuating element is arranged for actuating the supporting legs and the actuating element is connected to a drive member extending through the hollow stick, wherein the drive member comprises a rod extending through the hollow stick and provided on its underside with a gear rack in addition to pinions each connected to a leg and engaging in the gear rack.According to a preferred embodiment a stick is therefore provided on its underside with a piece in which the legs are rotatably mounted and in which the transverse wall is arranged through which the rod extends, which transverse wall also functions as stop means for limiting the movement of the legs in the folded-out position.

Abstract: A breakaway gutter (30) comprising a flexible trough (32) having a rearward edge (34) permanently connected to a building (36) proximate an overhanging edge (38) of a roof (40) of the building (36). Structures (42) are connected to the building (36), for retaining in a detachable manner a forward edge (44) of the flexible trough (32), so that the flexible trough (32) will be in a position to receive water from the roof (40) when it rains. The forward edge (44) of the flexible trough (32) can disengage from the retaining structures (42) by pressure exerted by the weight of snow on the roof (40) in winter, to prevent damage to the flexible trough (32).

Abstract: A portable, collapsible, freestanding shelter for protection from sun, wind and precipitation. Shelter is comprised of four struts (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) comprising two x elements juxtaposed and separated by releasably attached cross beams (14a, 14b, 14c). Rear adjustable stays (20a, 20b) strengthen and brace structure and, in combination with adjustable means (24a, 24b) used to lock position of x elements, provide a means of adjusting height of resulting frame. Shelter may be configured with visor arms (15a, 15b) attached to x element struts (8a, 9a). A cover (34) containing rigid rods or dowels (36a, 36b) on its front and rear edge is releasably attached to visor arms (15a, 15b) at front and pulled back over upper beams (14a, 14b) and held by adjustable cords (43a, 43b). Cover can be configured in a variety of ways to provide increasing or decreasing exposure to elements. (FIG. 4) Apparatus may be configured without beam 14a when front cover rod is in place thereby increasing head room. Referring to FIG.

Abstract: Sheet metal multiple stepped tile panels are joined to similar roof panels in interlocking relationship. On one edge running the length of the panel is a single female groove while the opposite edge of the panel has a plurality of male members which can engage the single groove of a similarly shaped panel. The stepped panel is quite long compared to its width. Hidden screws in a securing flange join the panel to a roof.

Abstract: A retractable awning for a recreational vehicle slide-out which prevents rain, snow and other debris from collecting on the roof of the slide-out. The awning is provided with an inner edge secured to the adjacent wall of the recreational vehicle immediately above the slide-out roof. The opposite edge of the awning is connected to a roller journaled on arms pivotally mounted on the outer face of the slide-out. A locking mechanism automatically prevents rotation of the roller when the slide-out is in a retracted position to prevent billowing of the awning when the recreational vehicle travels and automatically allows rotation of the roller when the slide-out moves away from the retracted position to wind and unwind the awning onto the roller. The lock mechanism includes a lock arm which blocks rotation of the roller only when the slide-out is in the retracted position so that no operations or manipulations are required by the operator to lock or unlock the lock mechanism.

Abstract: For trimming a drywall corner, a drywall-trimming article has an elongate portion and two flange portions, which are extruded unitarily with the elongate portion from polyvinyl chloride. The elongate portion has an arcuate profile. Each flange portion has an array of apertures. One of the convex and concave surfaces defined by the central portion is covered substantially with discrete fibers, which adhere to the substantially covered surface but which do not cover the remaining surfaces of the central portion and of the flange portions. Such adhering fibers facilitate application of a coat of paint and texturization of the coat of paint over the substantially covered surface without separating the inner surfaces of the flange portions from the underlying drywall by any appreciable thicknesses due to such adhering fibers.

Abstract: An HVAC register box having no welded or riveted corners and the process for making same by means of fabrication from a single sheet of material without cutting. The highly simplified process for fabrication produces a register box which has superior rigidity and resistance to air leakage at the joints or corners.

Abstract: A window support system for a bay or bow window to be installed on a home or other building wherein the system is secured to the head board and seat board of the unit and wherein the system comprises a vertically extending hollow pipe or solid rod disposed between inner and outer panes of glass which is secured in place by means of standard fastening devices both to the head board and seat board and wherein a turnbuckle is disposed between two threaded rods and at an angle of preferably 221/2 or 45 degrees from the head board. A standard pipe elbow is employed between the vertically extending rod or tool and the threaded rod to maintain the angle to the head board. An eye bolt is affixed to the existing house header and a second threaded rod having a hook on one end, distant from the turnbuckle, for cooperation with the eye bolt. Upon installation of the window the turnbuckle can therefore be rotated in either direction to properly level and secure the window to the house.

Abstract: A post device, which is yieldable when hit by a vehicle, comprises a post with a base having at least three spaced-apart fixtures fixedly attached thereto, and a foundation with a fixing device supporting at least three spaced-apart rods, which are arranged to cooperate with the fixtures, thereby securing the post to the foundation. The fixtures are arranged on the outside of the base and embrace the associated rods and are each provided with a through opening or slot which is oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction of the post. Stop devices each engage an associated rod and an upper portion of an associated fixture.

Abstract: A portable, expandable protective vehicle cover comprising: a base, the base is sized to support a vehicle thereon and having a substantially flat upper surface; a canopy, the canopy is supported by a telescoping frame, the telescoping frame comprises a plurality of U-shaped ribs extending along outer edges of the base; and a drive structure, the drive structure is positioned along a horizontal central axis parallel to the flat upper surface within the base. A rotating rod is operatively connected to the drive structure, ends of the telescoping frame are pivotally connected to opposing edges on the rotating rod. The drive structure provides power to turn the rotating rod to extend the telescoping frame to open and closed positions thereby opening and closing the canopy and allowing a vehicle positioned on the base to be covered by the canopy.

Abstract: A spider for a railroad crossing signal foundation has plastic lined tubular channels extending through it with conical entry sections. In assembling a foundation, upright guide rods are guided into the channels by the entry sections without dislodging the plastic liners. In producing the spider, concrete is poured into a mold about tubular plastic liners so as to form entry sections and channels and to fix the plastic liners in the concrete to line the channels.

Abstract: Upstanding, vertical side rails welded to oppositely facing horizontal top and bottom plates at respective corners thereof form a unitary, rigid, parallelepiped open frame structure including an open front slot to receive a bicycle wheel rim and tire. Deflectable resilient members mounted to side rails extend towards each other and snap behind an inserted bicycle wheel rim. Horizontal side rails or plates and rear plates are fixed to respective pairs of side rails to render the structure rigid. Apertures in the bottom and top plates permit fixedly mounting of the module or a plurality of upright modules to form a multi-module bicycle rack. A transverse common coupling member may be a bench, a planar seat, a table top or a planter. A steel security arm having a U-shaped steel loop welded at one end may be rotatably mounted to the open frame structure at the opposite end.