Abstract: There is contemplated a material covering for a kettlebell which changes the weight of the kettlebell when attached thereon. The material covering in an example may include a generally elongated, fabric wrap. The fabric wrap is secureable around the exterior surface of the kettlebell. The fabric wrap is weighted so as to change the overall weight of the kettlebell. The material covering further may include a securing mechanism attached to the material wrap.

Abstract: In a combination that may be realized as a sign illumination system, the combination includes a fastener adapted to couple two objects together. The fastener has a body and one or more fastening elements attachable to both objects thereon. An illumination unit may be removably coupled to the fastener, a light source thereof configurable to direct light at variable angles onto at least one of the two objects.

Abstract: A structural device includes a first deformable member configured to absorb at least a portion of a load resulting from relative displacement between structural members of a building. The first deformable member exhibits elastic deformation when subjected to tensile and/or compressive forces within a first range of forces, and exhibits plastic deformation when subjected to tensile and/or compressive forces within a second range of forces. A second deformable member is affixed to a portion of the first deformable member, and is configured to absorb at least another portion of the load resulting from the relative displacement between the structural members of the building. The second deformable member exhibits elastic deformation when subjected to tensile and/or compressive forces within a third range of forces, and exhibits plastic deformation when subjected to tensile and/or compressive forces within a fourth range of forces. Methods relate to forming structural devices.

Abstract: In a combination that may be realized as a sign illumination system, the combination includes a fastener adapted to couple two objects together. The fastener has a body and one or more fastening elements attachable to both objects thereon. An illumination unit may be removably coupled to the fastener, a light source thereof configurable to direct light at variable angles onto at least one of the two objects.

Abstract: A structural device includes a first deformable member configured to absorb at least a portion of a load resulting from relative displacement between structural members of a building. The first deformable member exhibits elastic deformation when subjected to tensile and/or compressive forces within a first range of forces, and exhibits plastic deformation when subjected to tensile and/or compressive forces within a second range of forces. A second deformable member is affixed to a portion of the first deformable member, and is configured to absorb at least another portion of the load resulting from the relative displacement between the structural members of the building. The second deformable member exhibits elastic deformation when subjected to tensile and/or compressive forces within a third range of forces, and exhibits plastic deformation when subjected to tensile and/or compressive forces within a fourth range of forces. Methods relate to forming structural devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and systems for absorbing seismic energy through non-linear yielding as a structure experiences lateral displacement. A seismic damper according to embodiments of the present invention includes at least one flat plate which can be perforated to include a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs. One or more interior apertures are formed in the plate, and cut-outs may be formed along outer edges. External nodes are defined between the apertures and the cut-outs and stresses focus on the nodes to reduce non-linear displacement of a brace system to which the seismic damper is attached. One or more tension straps can be attached to the flat plate. Tension straps can be rotated relative to each other. Multiple tension straps may also be on the same surface. Multiple tension straps on the same surface may be nested and parallel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for absorbing seismic energy to prevent non-linear displacement in a structure. A seismic damper according to embodiments of the present invention includes at least one flat plate which can be perforated to include a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs. Interior apertures are formed in the flat plate, and one or more cut-outs along outer edges. Nodes are defined between the apertures and the cut-outs and stresses from transferred energy focus on the nodes to reduce non-linear displacement of a brace system to which the seismic damper is attached. One or more tension straps can be attached to the flat plate. The interior apertures may include a single aperture, or multiple apertures. The apertures may include slots. Two plates may be connected and rotated relative to each other placing the apertures out of alignment. Tension straps can be rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for absorbing seismic energy to prevent non-linear displacement in a structure. A seismic damper according to embodiments of the present invention includes a flat plate which can be perforated to include a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs. A central aperture is formed in the flat plate and one or more cut-outs are formed along outer edges of the flat plate. The area of the flat plate between the aperture and the cut-outs forms one or more nodes on which stresses from seismic activity are focused, and which can deform to absorb energy, thereby reducing or preventing non-linear displacement of a brace system to which the seismic damper is attached. The nodes are located at the intersection between one or more tabs, the tabs being arranged to be connected to braces within the brace system.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and systems for absorbing seismic energy through non-linear yielding as a structure experiences lateral displacement. A seismic damper according to embodiments of the present invention includes at least one flat plate which can be perforated to include a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs. One or more interior apertures are formed in the plate, and cut-outs may be formed along outer edges. External nodes are defined between the apertures and the cut-outs and stresses focus on the nodes to reduce non-linear displacement of a brace system to which the seismic damper is attached. One or more tension straps can be attached to the flat plate. Tension straps can be rotated relative to each other. Multiple tension straps may also be on the same surface. Multiple tension straps on the same surface may be nested and parallel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for absorbing seismic energy to prevent non-linear displacement in a structure. A seismic damper according to embodiments of the present invention includes at least one flat plate which can be perforated to include a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs. Interior apertures are formed in the flat plate, and one or more cut-outs along outer edges. Nodes are defined between the apertures and the cut-outs and stresses from transferred energy focus on the nodes to reduce non-linear displacement of a brace system to which the seismic damper is attached. One or more tension straps can be attached to the flat plate. The interior apertures may include a single aperture, or multiple apertures. The apertures may include slots. Two plates may be connected and rotated relative to each other placing the apertures out of alignment. Tension straps can be rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for absorbing seismic energy to prevent non-linear displacement in a structure. A seismic damper according to embodiments of the present invention includes a flat plate which can be perforated to include a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs. A central aperture is formed in the flat plate and one or more cut-outs are formed along outer edges of the flat plate. The area of the flat plate between the aperture and the cut-outs forms one or more nodes on which stresses from seismic activity are focused, and which can deform to absorb energy, thereby reducing or preventing non-linear displacement of a brace system to which the seismic damper is attached. The nodes are located at the intersection between one or more tabs, the tabs being arranged to be connected to braces within the brace system.