Abstract: A pool cover support assembly for supporting a pool cover over a swimming pool. The assembly basically comprises a central upstanding post and plural, flexible, flaccid straps. The upstanding post is arranged to extend upward from the bottom surface of the pool to a point above the sidewall of the pool. Each strap is arranged for securement to the top of the post and to be extended for releasable securement to the pool adjacent the pool's sidewall and tightened to form a generally downwardly directed conically shaped umbrella-like-frame over which the pool cover can be disposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product, in particular a panel, that can be obtained by the Hatschek process and without autoclaving, and can be used as siding, cladding element or partition element, this product being formed from a fibre-reinforced cementitious matrix comprising at least one hydraulic binder, such as cement, at least one filler, such as calcium carbonate, and at least synthetic fibres. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing the product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flag pole and more specifically, to a flag pole with moveable flag clips and an electric lamp to illuminate the flag.

Abstract: A wall mounted protective guard is located below a wall switch, alarm pull box station, thermostat or the like to prevent damage, inadvertent operation or actuation of the device. In the preferred embodiment the guard is a curved member located adjacent and below the device in order to receive and deflect objects that otherwise would contact the device. The guard may have a reflective feature to allow the switch or like device to be located in dark or emergency situations. The guard allows for full access to wall mounted devices by individuals having limited range of motion or disabilities.

Abstract: Adjustable apparatus for bracing one or both sides of a wall being fabricated from masonry blocks and having an opening near the base of the block wall. Bracing system includes strong rigid members assembled in the form of a right angle brace set having stiff vertical, horizontal and diagonal members, a connector having a length sufficient to extend through the opening affixed at a right angle location of one or both of the brace sets. A pair of such braces—back to back, and spaced on opposite sides of a wall—are interconnected together via this connector. Selected brace members telescope to accommodate increases in wall height and a manually adjustable outrigger screwjack at the remote end of the horizontal member eliminates reliance on prior art deadmen.

Abstract: A shelter and a method of providing a shelter are provided. The shelter includes a roof structure supported by a plurality of wall structures. The wall structures are anchored securely into at least one foundation. A display panel extends adjacent to at least one of the wall structures but is structurally separate therefrom. The display panel includes advertising materials.

Abstract: A permanent form building assembly includes one or more GRC forms having a one or more open cavities and a reinforcement structure. The GRC forms are designed and configured for a predetermined application. The reinforcement structure is inserted within the open cavities of the GRC forms prior to filling with concrete.

Abstract: A container, especially intended for use as a workroom, with an adjustable volume includes a base container with a floor panel and a roof panel, and at least one box-shaped expansion element that can be extended from the base container. The expansion element includes a floor panel, a roof panel, a side that is open to the base container, a front panel that is opposite the open side, and two side panels. The container further includes a device with which a box-shaped expansion element can be lowered, such that, once the expansion element has been extended, the floor panels of the expansion element and the base container are at the same height, and with which an expansion element can be raised such that, once the expansion element has been lowered, it can be reinserted into the base container. The roof panel of the box-shaped expansion element is designed to fold along a horizontal axis on the upper edge of the front panel of the expansion element.

Abstract: A collapsible gazebo frame includes a set of four corner support members and a set of four scissor assemblies, each being coupled to a different pair of the four corner support members. Each of four scissor assembly sliders is slidingly coupled to a different one of the four corner support members and serves to extend and retract the scissor assemblies coupled to the respective corner support member when slid along the corner support member. A canopy support frame includes four canopy support members, each being coupled to the top end of a different one of the four corner support members and having a canopy frame joint. The canopy support frame also includes four canopy frame sliders, where each canopy frame slider is slidingly coupled to a different one of the four corner support members. The canopy frame sliders serve to lock the canopy frame joints when slid along their corner support members.

Abstract: A collapsible gazebo frame includes a set of four corner support members and a set of four scissor assemblies, each being coupled to a different pair of the four corner support members. Each of four scissor assembly sliders is slidingly coupled to a different one of the four corner support members and serves to extend and retract the scissor assemblies coupled to the respective corner support member when slid along the corner support member. A canopy support frame includes four canopy support members, each being coupled to the top end of a different one of the four corner support members and having a canopy frame joint. The canopy support frame also includes four canopy support arms. Each canopy support arm is coupled to a different one of the four scissor assemblies and to a different canopy frame extender such that the canopy frame joints lock when gazebo frame is deployed.

Abstract: The indirectly prestressed concrete roof-ceiling construction is prefabricated element for constructing industrial large-span buildings. The construction comprises distinctly wide and thin concrete soffit plate (1) and the upper concrete girder (2), of the inverse “V”-shaped cross section, interconnected by slender steel pipe-rods (3) that are used to stabilize the upper girder (2) against lateral buckling and to prevent parts (1) and (2) to get closer or apart each to another. Prestressing of the soffit plate (1) causes compression in the upper girder (2) which passively (indirectly) pushes the ends of the construction, acting on some eccentricity over the center of gravity of the cross section, causing rotation of its ends bending in that way the soffit plate upwards. There are two efficient methods of prestressing these constructions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method to selectively adjust and temporarily retain a vertical beam in a desired position quickly and with a high accuracy, while not damaging an outer surface of the beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for building a foundation for a structure comprising a plurality of segments, in particular for a wind turbine tower, a foundation segment for use in such method, and a wind turbine. In order to create a stable foundation, a method comprising the following steps is proposed on the basis of experience gained:_excavating a foundation bed,_building a stable, substantially level and horizontal subbase in a foundation bed, setting down a foundation segment of the structure on the subbase, wherein at least three vertically adjustable support poles are fixedly attached to said foundation segment by means of a supporting bracket mounted at the end of the support poles in such a way that only the support poles are placed onto predetermined points of support on the subbase,_producing a reinforcement on the subbase,_filling the remainder of the foundation bed with foundation mass, in particular concrete, to a level above the bottom rim of the foundation segment.

Abstract: A post mounting system and method that includes individually adjustable angled gripping elements which contact the interior of a hollow post so as to hold the post firmly against a retaining wall of a base member surrounding the lower end of the post. One or more shim components having a surface area substantially the same as at least the surface area of the bottom of the base member is used to adjust the vertical angularity of a post secured to the base member. The shims may be circularly shaped with a slot extending to the center thereof for shim placement about a rod upon which the base member is mounted. There is a thicker portion of such a shim opposite the slot. Alternative embodiments include additional post reinforcing structures insertable into the interior of the hollow post to provide additional support for complying with building code requirements, such as second story dwelling uses, etc.

Abstract: A fluid induced acoustic generator comprising a horizontal like surface and structure to avoid the puddling of falling water on its surface. The generator is rigid to avoid undesirable movement in the wind and to increase the effectiveness of sound generation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a barrier for protecting an object from encroaching elements. In one embodiment, the object is a utility pole and the barrier comprises an organic bentonite-based material and an outer boundary surface. The organic bentonite-based material may be formed substantially of sodium bentonite. The outer boundary surface may be an annular plastic sheet. Alternatively, the outer boundary surface may comprise the edges of a depression formed around the utility pole. The barrier may be disposed about any object that requires protection from encroaching elements, such as, but not limited to, fences, fence posts, poles, buildings, etc.

Abstract: A tank or other form of container or vessel for holding fluids being treated or the like is provided with a removable cover. The cover is formed of a number of panels of a composite material including a thermoset synthetic resin and a reinforcing fiber material typically fiberglass. The panels are formed by a pultrusion process and are of sufficient length to extend between the end walls of the tank as single units. The panels may be made of any suitable width and depth and require no welding or joining to form a single panel width.

Abstract: Baffled attic vents and methods of their use and manufacture are provided. The baffled air vent of this invention includes an elongated member having a roof facing side and an attic space facing side, a pair of longitudinal side portions, first and second transverse ends, and at least one central panel portion. The vent defines at least one channel on the roof facing side thereof, for directing ventilated air. The channel includes a bottom portion having an integral baffled surface thereon. The vent further has an installed, convective air flow reading, under a 5 Pa air pressure differential, of at least about 95 CFM. Further embodiments contain separation means for permitting the attic vent to be separated by hand in a transverse or longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A window sleeve arrangement for positioning a window unit in an opening through an enclosure wall has an interior surface for receiving the window unit and an outside surface for sliding into the opening through the enclosure wall. A first exterior flange engages the exterior surface of the enclosure wall, while a second exterior flange, spaced from the first exterior flange provides a gap for receiving sheathing on the outside of the building. Disposed within the window sleeve arrangement is an interior inwardly projecting flange which serves as a window stop to position the window adjacent the exterior wall of the building enclosure. The window unit is held within the window sleeve by a snap-in-place molding which engages the window unit. Optionally, interior decorative molding is coupled to the sleeve to cover a portion of the interior wall adjacent to the window sleeve.

Abstract: A net is adapted to stretch across the entire width of a garage doorway to cover a vertical portion of the doorway. The net comprises an open weave web portion having a closed weave border. Two brackets mounted one on each side of the doorway near the floor include lugs spaced above the garage floor. Straps extend from the bottom and top portions of the border toward the brackets and loop through the lugs and back onto themselves where hook-and-loop fasteners secure them in place. One or more intermediate straps may extend from each end of the net between the top and bottom straps to corresponding lugs. The garage door freely passes in front of the net to close the doorway as normal.

Abstract: A latching system for a double-hung window including upper latches and anti-bow latches where the upper latches and the anti-bow latches are operated by a common activating mechanism for ease of use of the window. A single activating mechanism may be utilized for latches on both sides of a window, or separate activating mechanisms may be used for each side of the window.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for venting an airspace formed between an ornamental window and a protective panel. The venting means includes at least one pair of vent openings, one for air to enter the airspace and one for air to exit. These vent openings include a path through the frame holding the protective panel to an interior opening which is to the airspace. The vent openings, the paths and the interior openings must be of adequate size to minimize the range of temperature and moisture within the airspace. It is recommended that effective vent openings are at least one square inch for every 2000-2500 square inches of ornamental window.

Abstract: A glass fixing grommet fixes a glass with a hole to a mount and includes first and second supporting plates. The first supporting plate is attached on one surface of the glass and has a first cylinder portion with a bolt inserting hole for inserting a bolt therein. The second supporting plate is attached on the other surface of the glass to face the first supporting plate. The second supporting plate includes a second cylinder portion to be fitted with the first cylinder portion with a bolt exit, and a nut holding member situated adjacent to the bolt exit for holding a nut thereat. When the first and second supporting plates sandwich the glass, the bolt passes through the mount and the first and second supporting plates to engages the nut to fix the glass to the mount.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a device for creating a footing for a structure includes a reinforcing member having a base extending a first direction, and a leg extending in a second direction. The device also includes a sleeve defining a cavity for receiving the leg, a portion of the fence post, and an anchoring material for securing the leg to the structure.

Abstract: A device for protecting the surface of homes and surrounding soil from heating oil spillage during the filling process of a heating oil tank that is stored inside of or underneath the home. The device catches any spilled oil thereby protecting the home and preventing contamination of the surrounding soil. Traditional heating oil tanks must be refilled on a regular basis, usually via a fill tube that extends from the tank through an exterior wall of the home. Some spillage usually occurs during each filling procedure, causing cosmetic and environmental problems. The present device solves this problem by providing a device that protects the home and surrounding soil by catching any oils that spills during filling. It does so by providing an aluminum device, in the preferred embodiment, that covers the fill neck and vent line, and provides a basin in which the spilt oil can be caught.

Abstract: A cleanout with adjustable subsurface drainage capabilities which includes a first body and a second body. The first body has a first sidewall and a top access opening. The first sidewall has a plurality of circumferentially spaced and axially oriented first slots. A removable liquid impervious closure closes the top access opening. The second body has a second sidewall and a bottom access opening. The second sidewall has a plurality of circumferentially spaced and axially oriented second slots. The first body and the second body are rotatably engaged with the first sidewall and the second sidewall overlapping. A slot open flow area is provided where the first slots and the second slots overlap. Relative rotation of the first body and the second body alters the relative circumferential spacing of the first slots and the second slots placing them either out of register, partially in register or fully in register and thereby altering the width of the slot open flow area.

Abstract: A deck pan arrangement for an open deck which includes a plurality of joists is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the deck pan arrangement includes a plurality of planks for connection with the joists. The planks have an upper surface and descending legs. A separate or integral deck pan is fitted between gaps between the planks.

Abstract: A ventilating component for a building, particularly a ventilating soffit, provides a high ratio of ventilation flow area to component coverage area. A sheet in a plane of coverage has a spaced-channel configuration, or alternatively a terraced configuration. Ventilation openings are placed in the connecting webs between the upper and lower levels, especially in sidewalls of elongated channels that open as slots on the exposed side of the soffit. These connecting webs are oriented at an acute angle relative to the coverage plane. In a channel arrangement the webs can be shaped to block direct view of the side walls. The acute angle precludes, or at least foreshortens, a view of the webs that contain the ventilation openings. The ventilation aspects are concealed while permitting a high ratio of flow area to coverage area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detachably fixing a surface component (16) to a background (18), especially a tile to a wall or on a bottom, whereby projections connected to the surface component when secured to the background and/or recesses engage with recesses connected to the background and/or projections, said recesses and projections being correspondingly embodied in such a way that they have deformable undercuts in the direction of the distance of said component from the background, the projections and recesses connected to the background being embodied on a forming film (4). The projections and recesses embodied on the surface component (4) are formed by a hardenable bonding material (22) which is applied to the forming film (4) joined to the background (18, 26) and/or to the surface component before it is pressed onto the forming film, said material bonding with the surface component when hardened.

Abstract: A concave fire-rated industrial door for use in underground transportation systems includes a door panel mounted to a doorframe by pivot points. An extremely effective noncombustible seal member is interjected between door frame and door panel, and along perimeter of door panel comprised of an intumescent gasket being aided by a flexible outer sleeve housing a resilient ceramic fiber blanket along top. The door panel is latched to the doorframe by a door closure aided by a latching device that ensures that the seal integrity is maintained in the event of a fire. This door is also blast resistant. This door comes in 2 sizes.

Abstract: A composite French door provided with assembled stiles and top and bottom transverse pieces is described herein. The stiles and transverse pieces include outer faces that are pre-finished and provided with beveiled edges so that once assembled, a V-shaped notch is provided at the junction of the various pieces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a child safety door having a door locking device, in which the child safety door is installed to a door frame of a house to safely keep a child indoors. The child safety door includes a rectangular door pivoted around a shaft rod and a door supporting frame coupled to the door for supporting the door. The child safety door includes a door locking device including a body having a knob at one side of the body, and a plurality of locking pins positioned in the body and restraining the door by resilience of a spring. The body has a pivoting plate engaged to the knob, an arm coupled to the pivoting plate, and an actuating plate coupled to the arm and pulling the locking pin to unlock the door.

Abstract: A joiner panel system is formed from a composite material and includes a panel attached to a deck by a coaming or shoe and attached at its upper edge by a curtain plate that fits around obstructions at the ceiling area. The shoe can be readily installed to an uneven steel deck by stud welding to reduce installation time or attached to a composite material deck. A curtain plate fabrication method uses a laser scan or close range photogrammetry of the overhead area to optimize and automate the cutting of curtain plate sections. The curtain plate sections can then be readily installed in the overhead area. A composite material panel to provide good flame, smoke and toxicity properties and good mechanical properties is formed from a phenolic resin foam material, micro-balloons to reduce the weight and density, and reinforcing fibers and powder material to improve the mechanical properties. The panel can be formed by a method in which the core and face skins are co-cured to provide a good bond.

Abstract: A Venetian-style window blind (10) that resembles plantation style shutters is described. In a preferred embodiment, the headrail is shaped like the plurality of slats depending from it, is pivotally connected to the sides of a window frame by mounting brackets and has a hollow interior. Tilting of the plurality slats depending from the headrail is accomplished by vertically moving an actuator rod that is pivotally connected to the headrail. The plurality of slats are suspended from the headrail by a cord ladder to tilt in unison with the headrail. While tilting the blind assembly into the closed position, the headrail and depending slats also slide inwardly towards the windowpane. The slats are lifted through the actuation of a lift handle that is slidably attached to the actuator rod and contains therein a lock mechanism to hold the slats in a desired position.

Abstract: A rolling door or shutter (1) has a series of preferably planar panels (3, 3A) which are joined by pairs (6) of pivotally connected hinge members (7, 8). The shutter slides up and down with its side edges guided in tracks (2). When the shutter is closed, e.g. against a bottom sill, the hinge members of each pair (6) pivot about one another to jam between opposing walls (30, 31) of the guide tracks. The pivotal range of each hinge pair may be limited to prevent the hinge pair from straightening when the shutter is suspended. This ensures the hinge pairs always fold in the same way when the shutter is closed. The panels may be rolled steel, extruded aluminium, moulded (optionally transparent) polycarbonate plastic, or tempered glass sheets fitted with edge cappings.

Abstract: Combined ceiling support device and cable pathway, comprising a plurality of spaced apart junctions (3) arranged in a predetermined array above an area of a building, means (5, 15) for supporting said junctions (3), support means (6) connected to said junctions for forming a grid over said area, said support means adapted to support a multiplicity of ceiling tiles to form a ceiling for said area, and a multiplicity of cable ducts (1a, 1b, 2) extending between at least some of said junctions (3) for routing cable over said area.

Abstract: A tile support arrangement (10) has interlocking panels (30) adapted to support thereon a plurality of tiles (32), the interlocking panels (30) being supported by battens (18). The battens (18) are secured to load bearing frame members, such as timber rafters (12), of an inclined roof or a wall of a building.

Abstract: A high profile shingle for roofs includes a weather layer of composition material and a plurality of members of composition material arranged under said weather layer which are of varying lengths and arranged to cause the butt end of the shingle to be substantially thicker than the weather layer. In one embodiment, the members under the weather layer are a series of spaced, tapered strips arranged with their thick ends toward one end of the shingle and having an additional end strip abutted against the thick ends. Another embodiment uses a series of underlayers of the same width as the weather layer but of lengths varying from approximately one-half down to about one-eighth the length of the weather layer. A third embodiment uses a base layer of substantially greater width than the weather layer, a series of layers of progressively shorter lengths below the weather layer with the ends of the layers in registry at the butt end of the shingle with cut-out sections.

Abstract: A sheet of plastics material is continuously extruded onto the upper run of an endless conveyor which carries aluminum vacuum mold plates each defining a cavity with a shingle pattern. The sheet is progressively vacuum-formed into the mold plate cavities, and opposite longitudinal upper and lower portions of the sheet are progressively vacuum-formed, with traveling plug assist in one embodiment, to define shingle panels with hook-shaped lower portions and upper portions defining grooves for receiving the lower portions. The upper portion of the sheet is punched with longitudinally spaced slots to form a nailing flange, and the sheet is then cut laterally at longitudinally spaced intervals to produce elongated siding panels each having integrally connected shingle panels. The shingle panels may have different bottom configurations or profiles and are interchangeable.

Abstract: A constructional panel has a generally rectangular central section and two opposed end sections, each having an isosceles trapezoid part, its short edge conjoined to an edge of the central section and its long edge conjoined to a rectangular part, there being oblique edges extending between the long and short edges. The panel is thus bound by one pair of opposed edges of the central section, the oblique edges of the two end sections, one pair of opposed edges of the rectangular part and a further edge of the rectangular part. opposed to that edge conjoined to the trapezoid part. The panel edges are configured for connection to the corresponding edges of like panels to build up an area of panelling. Projecting tabs from some edges are received in corresponding receptors on opposed edges and having lock arrangements, whereby the interengaged panels may be locked together.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system is described. The block system includes blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a retaining wall or free-standing wall. Each block has at least three faces which are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width.

Abstract: A support member for roof scaffolding having a base plate that is designed to be secured to a roof deck. The base plate is operably connected to a hinged plate that carries on it a sleeve that is used to engage scaffolding. Because of the way the hinged plate is mounted onto the base plate, a wedged end plate is formed to allow the base plate to easily slip underneath a shingle on a roof. Furthermore, because of the hinged plate the scaffolding is able to be maintained at a right angle to the ground.

Abstract: A modular building panel comprising a rectangular frame 11 having one face covered in a water resistant board 16 with the other face also covered in a board material 17, the frame having top and bottom rails 12,13 joined together by wood composite “I” beams 14. Two of said I beams 14A & 14B also form the sides of the frame with their recessed sides 28 facing outwardly thereof. The recessed sides 28 of the outer I beams 14A 14B in use accommodate jointing posts for linking adjacent panels.

Abstract: A railing system with a pair of supporting posts and upper and lower rails extending between the posts includes a plurality of balusters extending between the rails. The balusters have a longitudinal axis, a curved portion and an opening extending through the baluster in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. An extension member extends through each opening in the plurality of balusters to prevent the balusters from rotating about their longitudinal axis. The openings may be asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis, with the cross-sectional dimension of the extension member corresponding to the dimensions of the openings so that the extension members may extend through the openings of a plurality of balusters only when the balusters are aligned with their curved portions in the same direction.

Abstract: A connection in wood frame construction such as in frame walls of homes, wood framed apartment buildings and light wood framed commercial buildings. Specifically, the disclosure describes a pair of connectors for joining wall studs to a base plate and to a top plate for framing a wall. The two connectors used in the connection are identical and include an edge member for connection to the edge faces of the stud and the base or top plates, and a face member for engaging the lower face of the base plate or the upper face of the top plate. The face member is joined to the edge member and projects at a right angle thereto. The face member serves the dual purposes of locating the connected at the ends of the studs and of resisting tension forces.

Abstract: A frame assembly for making a gate or door comprising an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, a first vertical member and a second vertical member, one or more cylindrical members provided along the length of each of the upper and lower horizontal members, first connection means to connect an upper end of the first vertical to one end of cylindrical member provided along the length of the upper horizontal member, second connection means to connect lower end of the first vertical to one end of cylindrical member provided along the length of the lower horizontal member, third connection means to connect an upper end of the second vertical to a second end of cylindrical member provided along the length of the upper horizontal member and fourth connection means to connect a lower end of the second vertical to a second end of cylindrical member provided along the length of the lower horizontal member.

Abstract: There is provided a hot bath facility 1 configured so that pipes 41 and 4 of two stages, upper and lower, are laid above floor concrete 3 in an enclosed bathroom 2, a training wave concrete layer 5 is formed above the pipes via a protective concrete layer 43, a rough stone flat plate 52 generating training wave energy is embedded in an appropriately divided space 51 substantially in a flush form, and on the other hand, into pipes 41, 4 of two stages, upper and lower, hot water can be supplied circulatingly from respective dedicated boilers 44, 45.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling reinforcing bars used in structural concrete comprising an elongate tubular body for receiving bar end portions, a plurality of engagers being adjustably positioned through the elongate tubular body, the coupling device being characterized in that the plurality of engagers are configured with a plurality of different end portions being configured for a different engaging of the reinforcing bars.

Abstract: A coupling device for the coupling of reinforcing bars, the coupling device comprising an elongate tubular body configured for receiving reinforcing bars, in particular their end portions, at least one recessed gripping surface being formed on an inner surface of the elongate tubular body, the recessed gripping surface comprising a plurality of teeth being configured to engage the reinforcing bars in response to the engagement of the reinforcing bars by a plurality of engaging bolts being adjustably positioned through the elongate tubular body.

Abstract: A board is provided that includes a pattern to facilitate attachment of the board to a frame structure. The pattern comprises a first array of marks disposed along a first imaginary line; a second array of marks disposed along a second imaginary line, said first and second imaginary lines being spaced a first predetermined distance apart; and a third array of marks disposed along a third imaginary line, said first and third imaginary lines being spaced a second predetermined distance apart. The board may be used in a variety of construction applications, where the pattern facilitates the quick attachment of the board to an underlying frame.