Abstract: An adjustable hanger for a potted plant, having a selectively extendable cord which is attachable to the potted plant and which allows a user to easily raise and lower the potted plant without the need for climbing upon a step ladder or a chair. The adjustable hanger has a housing that encloses a spring-loaded ratchet reel assembly having a ratchet reel, a pawl which selectively engages the ratchet reel, and a coiled spring which biases the ratchet reel assembly to a position wherein the cord is selectively wound around the reel. When the pawl selectively engages the ratchet reel, the reel is only able to rotate in a clockwise direction, thereby fixedly suspending the potted plant at an optimal display height.

Abstract: A plant support device includes a base that connects to a supporting post. The base may comprise a plate including a series of receptacles that connect to the supporting post and position the post in a generally vertical orientation. The receptacles may be formed as cups extending from the base, or as recesses formed into the base. The base may be releasably connected to the floor of a container such as a flowerpot or planter. The base may further include spacers capable of creating an aeration gap within the container. The base may also include slots that limit the rotation of the base when positioned within the container. The supporting post may be formed from a series of axially connectable pole sections.

Abstract: A preformed decorative wrapper for covering a flower pot has an open upper end, an open lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween. At least a portion of the preformed decorative wrapper extends beyond an upper end of the pot and at least a portion of a lower end of the flower pot extends through the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper. An opened flexible sleeve is disposed over at least a portion of the pot and over at least a portion of the preformed decorative wrapper surrounding the pot for securing the preformed decorative wrapper about the pot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a warm window system that utilizes individual buss bars that are placed within the space between an inside window pane and an outside window pane and creates sufficient physical force to create an electrical contact on the tin oxide layer on the inside surface of the inside pane of glass. An insulating nonconductive layer can also be used in conjunction with the buss bars. That include metal strips, braided wires, spring loaded indentations, etc. The buss bars have a modulus of elasticity to ensure sufficient electrical contact with the tin oxide layer. The buss bars can be used with either hard coat or soft coat tin oxide coatings on tempered glass or annealed glass. Electrical connections and wires are hidden from the viewing area of the warm window system to enhance the aesthetic value of the warm window system. Retrofit systems allow use of the warm window system in conjunction with an existing installed window system.

Abstract: In the case of an actuator, comprising an electrical drive (1) with a downstream transmission (2), in particular for automatic and electrical closure of doors of a vehicle, in particular of an aircraft, the actuator (R) is intended to have at least one associated electronic name plate (4).

Abstract: An Air Release is provided having an outer end and an inner end for installation in a storm door to release air between the storm door and an adjacent main door. An outer member includes a tube with an exterior surface, an outer collar mounted on the tube at the outer end and an outer flange against the outer collar toward the inner end. The tube has a thread on its exterior extending from the inner end toward the outer flange. A flap is mounted to swing in the outer collar of the outer member and stop in the outer member adjacent the flap toward the inner end prevents the flap from swinging toward the inner end. An outer washer is located adjacent to the outer flange toward the inner end. An inner member includes a inner collar having an interior thread which mates with the external thread of the tube to engage the thread on the tube. An inner flange is located against the inner collar toward the outer end. Grip plates extend diagonally from the inner collar across the inner flange.

Abstract: A door sill and a sealing mechanism engage one another analogously to a rack and pinion in order to automatically create a weather-resistant closure at the gap between an inswinging exterior door bottom and the floor below. The sealing mechanism, which fastens to the door bottom, contains a door-wide rotating shaft with an arm extension tipped with a flexible seal. On the underside of the shaft extension is a short “pinion” component with elongated teeth that engage in corresponding recesses in the sill, raising and lowering the seal in the process. The pinion is positioned on the far lock side of the door, so that the teeth engage and the seal begins to drop only when the door is nearly closed. As the door opens and the seal rises, a magnet further retracts the shaft extension and retains it until the door is again closed.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a window regulator in a vehicle door, having a profiled base element (110) positonable on a lower section of the vehicle door and provided with a first elongate hole (111b) in its lower side and a second elongate hole (111a) in its upper side. A slider (112) slidingly moves within the base element (110) and includes a hole (113) aligned with the first elongate hole (111b). A screw extends through the hole (113) in the slider and the first elongate hole (111b) aligned therewith. A bolt (116) is fixedly attachable to the window regulator extending through the second elongate hole (111a) and includes a threaded rod engaging the threading of screw (114). The screw (114) can be turned from a first position, in which it does not engage the slider (112), to a second position, in which it engages the slider (112) with the first screw end (114b). The device provides for simple compensation of tolerances in connection with the vehicle door and for the window regulator.

Abstract: A control apparatus for opening/closing a vehicle door includes a door opening/closing mechanism for operating the vehicle door, a driving source for driving the door opening/closing mechanism, a connecting/disconnecting apparatus interposed between the door opening/closing mechanism and the driving source, and a controlling apparatus for controlling the connecting/disconnecting apparatus. The controlling apparatus for opening/closing the vehicle door includes a door movement-detecting apparatus for detecting a movement of the vehicle door. The controlling apparatus switches the connecting/disconnecting apparatus from a connected state to a disconnected state when the driving source is stopped during in an opening/closing operation of the vehicle door.

Abstract: An adjustable doorway threshold that has at least one side which is moveable to change its height to compensate for differing adjacent floor heights. In one embodiment of the invention the doorway threshold includes an elongated central member having a raised horizontal longitudinal surface and a longitudinal edge. A ramp member, approximately the same length as the central member, is disposed with its inner edge adjacent to the longitudinal edge of the central member. The ramp member has an outer edge disposed at a lower horizontal elevation than the raised longitudinal horizontal surface of the central member. The ramp member is hingeably attached at its inner edge to the longitudinal edge of the central member such that the outer edge of the ramp member is moveable vertically with respect to the central member. The threshold ramp member is disposed over the top of the flooring material and not adjacent to the edge of the floor material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular support for automobile doors, which comprises a support panel and at least one attachment unit to attach the panel to a frame. The attachment unit comprises: An orifice made in the panel; A screw; A nut in which the screw is threaded; and A guide element that allows the nut to move in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (y) of the screw which stops the nut from turning about said longitudinal axis (y) of the screw. The invention also relates to a door assembly and an assembly method.

Abstract: A polishing slurry for semiconductor planarization containing cerium oxide particles and water, wherein the content of the cerium oxide particles having a diameter of 3 ?m or more is 500 ppm or less (weight ratio) in a solid, preferably 100 ppm or less and it is more preferable that D99 (99% by volume of the whole particles in polishing slurry) of the cerium oxide particles is 1 ?m or less. The polishing slurry can reduce the generation of scratches, and can polish a surface of the semiconductor substrate in the wiring formation process of semiconductor device precisely at a high speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides CMP abrasive slurry that is substantially free of aluminum oxide and comprises liquid and solids wherein the solids comprises: (a) in an amount of at least about 90 weight percent based on the solids, at least one non-spherical component having formula Al2O3.xH2O where x ranges from 1 to 3; and (b) up to about one weight percent based on the solids portion of submicron alpha-alumina. The CMP abrasive slurry may be used to polish metallic or dielectric surfaces in computer wafers.

Abstract: A cleaning and polishing composition contains mineral spirits, a first abrasive component of particles having a median size in a range of 1-4 microns, a second abrasive component of particles having a median size in a range of 15-30 microns and a fatty acid. The composition is a free flowing liquid having the viscosity of mineral spirits and has the ability to provide a long lasting finish. After cleaning and polishing an aluminum surface and after several weeks of rough use, the surface may be washed and looks like a newly polished surface. A preferred composition is 85-90% mineral spirits, balance stearic acid and aluminum oxide. The median particle size of the abrasive is less than about six microns and a sizeable fraction is below one micron.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a colloidal silica dispersion, by dissolving a fumed silica in an aqueous solvent having an alkali metal hydroxide to produce an alkaline silicate solution; removing the alkali metal via ion exchange to produce a silicic acid solution; adjusting the temperature, concentration and pH of the silicic acid solution to values sufficient to initiate nucleation and particle growth at elevated temperatures; and cooling the silicic acid solution at a rate sufficient to produce the colloidal silica dispersion. The colloidal silica particles in the colloidal silica dispersion have a mean particle size about 2 nm to about 100 nm. Also provided is a method of chemical mechanical polishing a surface of a substrate by contacting the substrate and a composition having a plurality of colloidal silica particles according to the present invention and a medium for suspending the particles. The contacting is carried out at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to planarize the substrate.

Abstract: A gutter and roof protection system 10 comprises a gutter cover 16; a plurality of brackets 18 for supporting the gutter cover over a gutter 12 attached to a roof 14 of a building; an elongated rigid channel 20 supported by the brackets; and a heating element 22 for placement in the channel. The heating element is connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to generate heat and melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The elongated channel retains the heating element and prevents it from moving, without the use of additional fasteners. The elongated channel also positions the heating element below the gutter cover so the channel and heating element do not impede the normal flow of water over the gutter cover or collect debris.

Abstract: A gutter cover distributing water across the face of the cover and controlling the rate of water ingress through the cover into the gutter thereby assisting in the separation of water and shedding of debris from the passing runoff water and debris, and preventing debris from building up on the gutter cover.

Abstract: A workstation (desk) 7 that can be assembled or disassembled without the use of tools or fasteners, mounted on casters 40, with adjustable integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14. In an open plan work environment a user of the workstation (desk) can create private, semi private and open personal workspace by pivoting the integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14, easily roll the workstation (desk) 7 to another location without disturbing other workstations (desks) 7, and create new workstation (desk) 7 configurations by connecting workstation together using the integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14 as common connecting elements. Thus a considerably more versatile workstation is provided that can enable users the ability to immediately create a multitude of workstation configurations and arrangements to suit their long term and immediate needs.

Abstract: Pultruded fiberglass sign panels having overall and cross-section designs useful for replacing aluminum alloy highway signs are disclosed. The construction materials of the pultruded fiberglass sign panels consist of a glass roving; glass reinforcement matt; and a resin matrix. The glass content of the sign panels contain recycled or virgin glass, preferably about 16% by weight or 35% by volume of recycled or virgin glass. The resin matrix comprises thermoset isophthalic polyester that is about 42% to about 44% by weight or about 60% to about 62% by volume. The glass reinforcement matt used in the pultruded fiberglass sign panel comprises a hybrid E/A glass reinforcement matt and the pultruded fiberglass sign panel has a panel width of about 6 inches to about 36 inches, and a length of about 1 foot to about 50 feet. Two or more sign panels can be fastened together to produce a multi-panel system for making highway sign blanks.

Abstract: A roof jack apparatus for sealing openings in roofs through which penetrating conduits may pass. The apparatus includes an inner jack and outer jack. The inner jack may include an inner collar, a first flange, and an inner door. The outer jack may include an outer collar, a second flange, and an outer door. A portion of the inner jack may be inserted into at least a portion of the outer jack. The inner and/or outer jack may be rotated about each other. When rotated so that the first door is aligned with the second door, a passageway may be opened that allows the roof jack apparatus to be slid across the sides of the conduit and into position. The passageway may then be closed by rotating the inner and/or outer jack so that the first and second door are no longer aligned, thereby closing the passageway.

Abstract: A flashing and drainage system for use in cavity wall construction, including a flashing member is sized and shaped to be received within a cavity of the wall and over a base member. The flashing member includes a lower flashing portion and an upper flashing portion. The system includes a water permeable body disposed on the flashing member including a plurality of weep tabs extending on the lower flashing portion and spaced apart to correspond to weep holes formed through the wall and a plurality of porous bodies positioned on the upper flashing portion. The water permeable body has a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass therethrough but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A flashing and drainage system for use in cavity wall construction, including a flashing member is sized and shaped to be received within a cavity of the wall and over a base member. The flashing member includes a lower flashing portion, which is oriented generally horizontally when atop a foundation portion of the wall, and an upper flashing portion, which is oriented generally vertically within the cavity of the wall. A plurality of weep tabs are positioned on the lower flashing portion and spaced apart to correspond to weep holes formed through the wall and a plurality of porous bodies are positioned on the upper flashing portion. Each of the plurality of porous bodies have a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass therethrough but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass therethrough, each of the plurality of porous bodies being positioned to protect a corresponding one of the plurality of weep tabs.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gazebo including a boundary frame comprising a plurality of standing posts, boundary fences interconnected with each other to form boundary area; a canopy assembly comprising a central hub, a plurality of awning arms radially and outwardly extended from the central hub, a fabric awning substantially supported by the awning arms in a tension manner, and a plurality of retaining arms having an arc-shape extended along peripheral edges of the fabric awning to retain the fabric awning in shape; a plurality of coupling joints for coupling the canoply assembly to the top of the standing posts respectively, wherein two free ends of each of said retaining arms are detachably coupled at two coupling joints at two neighboring corners of the boundary frame respectively to substantially retain the fabric awning in an edge-to-edge tension manner with respect to the boundary area of the boundary frame.

Abstract: A folding sliding wall has a wall frame with bottom rail and ceiling rail. Carriages are arranged in at least one of the bottom rail and the ceiling rail. An individual element or several individual elements that are pivotably connected to one another by hinges are provided. The individual element or the several individual elements are arranged in the wall frame so as to be laterally movable therein. Each individual element has an element frame and an element panel arranged in the element frame. A fitting is connected to an end face of the element frame and coupled by a carriage bolt to one of the carriages. A longitudinal axis of the fitting and a longitudinal axis of the carriage bolt are identical.

Abstract: An automated method of building construction utilizes a horizontal force to extrude a structural member formed from a plurality of elongate joists, upper panels, and lower panels. A framing machine includes an upper panel bay and feeder, a joist array and feeder, and a lower panel bay and feeder. The machine positions each joist and upper and lower panels into an installation position where fastening means forms the structural member, which is advanced out of the framing machine. Additional means for insulating the structural member, installing pipes and wires, and an exterior finish may also be provided.

Abstract: A framing connector used with a power fastener driver that has at least two connecting panels. One of the connecting panels is a flange having a fastener zone with a plurality of openings. Each of the openings having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a shank of a fastener and less than the size of a head of the fastener. In addition, the openings are at least 50% of the surface area of the framing connector panel.

Abstract: A guy guard assembly for use with a guy wire is disclosed. The assembly comprises a tubular guy guard and a clamp. The tube wall has an aperture. The clamp includes a bolt, a first plastic portion and a second plastic portion. The bolt has a head outside the tube and a threaded shaft extending from the head through the aperture. The first portion is inside the tube against the tube wall; has the bolt extending therethrough; and defines a first jaw. The second portion defines a second jaw and is threaded to the bolt. The portions have a first configuration, wherein the jaws are relatively distal to and spaced from one another to define a slot for said wire and, from the first configuration, are configurable by rotating the bolt to a second configuration, wherein the jaws are relatively proximal to one another to grip said wire.

Abstract: A handrail assembly is provided which may be attached to a wall or stairwell using conventional mounting hardware. The handrail consists of a substantially flat panel having a series of grooves on opposite sides of an upper edge and a lower edge of the panel. Within the respective oppositely spaced grooves, a thermoplastic extruded slit tube is inserted into the grooves providing a curved gripping portion of a handrail. The substantially flat panel has exterior surfaces of a thermoplastic polymer, thereby providing a handrail assembly having outer surfaces of a damage resistant, easily repair, long wearing polymer.

Abstract: A tenoning structure is composed of a stage at a bottom of a glass clipping groove of a left and a right vertical frame, and a plurality of notch grooves and latch ribs is located on the inside and outside plates. A positioning groove is located on an inside surface of the upper and lower horizontal frame, cuttings are located at two ends of an outside surfaces, and a rib is located at a top end of two side plates of the glass clipping groove of the horizontal frames, such that the two end surfaces of the upper and lower horizontal frames can be pressed against the stages of the left and right vertical frames, and the latching ribs of the vertical frames can be latched into the horizontal frames, in order to construct a tenoning structure for a frame body of the aluminum door/window.

Abstract: A decorative architectural ornament and bracket are disclosed that allow for rapid and secure installation of said decorative architectural ornament to a wall or substrate without puncturing the ornament.

Abstract: A work cubicle cover is described, designed to be positioned between one or more light fixtures providing room lighting in a human work space defined by a cubicle in the room. The cover is made up of a pliable sheet of mesh screen held in position over the work cubicle by the interaction of a spring wire construction which provides its support with the partitions defining individual cubicles in the room. The spring wire construction enables the work cubicle cover to be coiled when not in use.

Abstract: A wall system has a plurality of intrinsically rigid wall elements, wherein the wall elements have face ends and are magnetically joinable to one another at the face ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides a condensation inhibition system for structural waterproofing. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a waterproofing system is provided within a dwelling having a wall and a foundation. The wall having a first surface for defining an interior of the dwelling and an exterior in communication with graded soil. The waterproofing system further including a waterproofing panel having a front vapor diffusion retarder portion, a back vapor diffusion retarder portion, and an insulator carried between said front portion and said back portion. Additionally, a collection channel is provided for collecting water entering into the dwelling from the exterior.

Abstract: A decorative border structure (100) is disclosed. The decorative border structure (100) includes a plurality of border picket assemblies (102), each consisting of a picket portion (108) and a stake (118). Snap assemblages (126) are located on opposing sides of the picket portion (108) of each of the border picket assemblies (102). The snap assemblages (126) are adapted to releasably and pivotably interconnect with trim spacers (104) which, in turn, pivotably and releasably interconnect with adjacent ones of the border picket assemblies (102). The relative structures of the trim spacers (104) and the snap assemblages (126) facilitate assembly of the decorative border structure (100) with curvature, and also permit use of the decorative border structure (100) on uneven terrain or with terrain of substantial inclinations and declinations.

Abstract: A cornerbead for installation at a drywall outside corner, the cornerbead includes a substrate forming a nose and first and second elongated flanges. A first strip of perforated tape is adhered to the first flange at its exterior surface. The first strip of tape extends longitudinally of the first flange and a portion of the first strip of tape extends past the outer edge of the first flange. A second strip of perforated tape is adhered to the first elongated flange at its interior surface. The second strip of tape extends longitudinally of the first flange. The first strip has a coating of adhesive material on a side that faces towards the first flange and the second strip has a coating of adhesive material on a side that faces away from the first flange.

Abstract: A façade covering for covering an outer wall of a building comprises a plurality of façade covering boards formed by circuit boards mountable to the outer wall of the building.

Abstract: A joining member for bridging a gap between a first and at least one second panel wherein the joining member comprises a flange member, one or more extension members extending from the flange member, and at least one retaining member connected to the extension member. The retaining member is moveable relative to the extension member between a first configuration and a second configuration, the retaining member in the second configuration being insertable in use through the gap between the first and at the least one second panel. When inserted through the gap, the retaining member is engageable with a rear surface, relative to the flange member, of each panel and the flange member substantially bridges the gap between the first and second panels.

Abstract: The principles described herein provide floor tiles and modular floors. Some embodiments of the floor tiles and modular floors include multiple levels of support. One of the levels of support may be a resilient level that compresses comfortably under a load. Another level of support may include a generally rigid level that supports the floor or tile after the resilient level has compressed a predetermined distance. One embodiment includes a third generally rigid level of support that supports the floor or tile under certain loads. Some embodiments of the floor tiles include inserts for increased traction. The inserts may be removable and protrude from a top surface and/or a bottom plane of the floor tiles. The tiles may include a locking system that allows adjacent tiles to interlock, while also permitting a predetermined amount of lateral sliding relative to one another. The modular tiles may be injection molded and the inserts and the resilient support level may comprise an elastomer.

Abstract: A building unit for constructing a wall, a ceiling, a floor, or a roof includes a metal rail, and insulating panel, and an elongated linear stud. The metal rail has a flat surface and at least one flange extending from the flat surface. The insulating panel has a front surface and a back surface bounded by opposing edges. It is made of rigid foamed plastic and it has at least one primary linear passageway extending through it between and perpendicular to two opposing edges. At least one of the opposing edges can be attached to the metal rail. The elongated linear stud has two ends that can be fixed to the rail. The stud fits into the primary linear passageway and is at least as long as the primary linear passageway. Another similar metal rail may be attached to the other end of the stud. The panel may include a second linear passageway that is at right angles to the primary linear passageway. A linear metal strap fits into the second linear passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel configuration for a panel-forming component for use in tilt-up construction. The present invention further relates to a panel-forming device comprising the panel-forming component of the present invention. A panel-forming component of the present invention is configured as a comer guard that protects a comer of cured casting material from damage during the tilt-up construction process. The panel-forming component of the present invention generally is configured such that it is free of void-enabling obstructions that may hinder a flow of casting material within a panel form. The absence of void-enabling obstructions ensures that the casting material flows about the panel-forming component and cures substantially free of voids.

Abstract: A method of making a door and a door so made in which a board having a size of about that of the finished door is provided, an opening is cut out of the board, a peripheral inwardly extending tongue or flange is produced by cutting the edges that define the opening, a first molding having a width greater than the width of the flange is fixedly mounted on one side of the flange; a panel having a size and configuration of the hole is mounted on that part of the first molding extending beyond the flange, and a second molding having a width greater than the width of the flange is fixedly mounted on the other side of the flange so that the that part of the parts of the first and second molding overlap and sandwich the panel. In one such constructed door, the panel is smaller than the cutout opening such that the peripheral edges of the panel are spaced from the peripheral edges of the flange.

Abstract: A deck system includes a plurality of parallel deck boards which are disposed transversely across a plurality of widely spaced joists. Each pair of adjacent deck boards is fixedly secured to each joist using the combination of a deck clip and a fastener. The deck clip is a unitary plastic member which includes a substantially cylindrical stem and a substantially annular head which are integrally formed together in coaxial alignment with one another, the stem and head together defining a central longitudinal bore. The annular head of the deck clip is sized and shaped to frictionally fit within a slot formed in opposing side edges of the pair of adjacent deck boards. The fastener is preferably in the form of a screw which is sized and shaped to be driven through the longitudinal bore in the deck clip and into the joist, a tapered shelf formed in the deck clip immediately surrounding the bore serving to limit the extent which the fastener can be driven.

Abstract: The Hi Grid Bracket System for Suspended Ceilings is a grid bracket that is fastened to a wood floor joist. A plastic anchoring “L” shaped block with one hole drilled into one leg of the “L” and two holes drilled into the other. Two properly installed “L” shaped blocks are considered a grid bracket when attached to floor joists. Suspended ceiling grid is attached to the bracket. The bracket provides for easier installation, removal and re-installation of suspended ceiling grids in a residential or commercial setting. The Hi Grid Bracket System improves upon the installation of existing conventional acoustical suspended ceiling grids eliminating the use of wire and leveling devices. In addition, the Hi Grid Bracket System provides other distinct advantages over alternative suspended ceiling systems such as improved ease of access to mechanical ductwork, plumbing and electrical components for maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A ported stabilized window structure includes a light transmissible patch secured over an opening of the window structure, a body of unifying material bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass, and a port in the cohesive mass providing visualization and/or light transmission. The port is formed by a passage in the body of unifying material and by a segment of the patch that is maintained free of the unifying material. A system for ported stabilization of a window structure provides the components used to obtain a ported stabilized window structure. A method for ported stabilization of a window structure involves covering an opening of the window structure with a light transmissible patch, shielding a segment of the patch, applying a body of unifying material to the patch around the shielded segment to form a passage in the body of unifying material, and providing visualization and/or light transmission via a port formed by the passage and by the shielded segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides floor tiles and modular floors. The floor tiles may include a locking system that allows adjacent tiles to interlock, while also permitting a predetermined amount of lateral sliding relative to one another. The modular tiles may be injection molded, and a minor change in the mold facilitates variation to the amount of lateral slide allowed between interlocked tiles. The floor tiles may also provide three layers of traction, providing more sure footing than previous flooring systems. In addition, the floor tiles may comprise a two-tier suspension system that yields a flex or spring-like effect.

Abstract: The covering comprises a large number of strips of timber fixed by means of clips or other components to a supporting framework fixed to the surface to be covered and is characterised in that the edges of the greater sides of the strips are partially asymmetrical, having an arrangement of mating projections and recesses and being capable of engaging in one another while leaving an intermediate gap and in such a way that the projecting upper edge of one of the profiles overlaps mating projections of the adjacent strip situated therebelow, preventing the base on which is fixed the covering or the accessories for the fixing thereof from being seen from the visible face of the covering.

Abstract: Floorboards with substantially planar and parallel upper top sides and lower undersides and panel material located between the upper and lower top sides, and a mechanical locking system for locking a first edge of a first floor board to a second edge of a substantially identical second floor board, the mechanical locking system including a tongue and groove forming a first mechanical connection locking the first and second edges to each other in a first direction at right angles to a principal plane of the floor boards, and a locking device forming a second mechanical connection locking the first and the second edges to each other in a second direction and at right angles to the edges; wherein, when the first edge and the second edge are locked together, there is space in the locking system between the first and the second edges.

Abstract: A retaining wall with a series of differently sized, pre-formed blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to connect and align adjacent courses in registry. Retaining walls made of horizontal blocks may be stacked in columnar fashion or running bond fashion. The location of the indexing surface on a projection relative to the viewable surface of the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: A prefabricated, modular, structural element, space frame or truss assembled from a series of “Z”-shaped modules comprised of three (3) or five (5) structural members, connected at the upper and lower chords. Verticals, end posts or multi-member end sections can be added if required for structural integrity or to improve utility. The individual elements, space frames, or trusses assembled from the modules can be used individually or combined in a variety of configurations to create permanent, temporary or emergency structures on any scale.

Abstract: A joining arrangement is provided for use in the construction of stud frame which includes a releasable attachment/detachment feature. The first member (plate) includes in at least one side wall a formation which, when members are joined, engages a corresponding formation in at least one wall of the second member (stud). The formation, such as a V-shaped protrusion, is/are disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the member and the formation on the second member is disposed generally parallel to its longitudinal axis such that upon engagement of the first and second members, the respective formations in the first and second members engage such that they are in alignment, thereby, securing the first member to the second. Additionally, a plurality of protrusions, which provide a gripping feature, may be formed on the upper surface of web for inhibiting the stud from sliding, slipping, moving and/or migrating within the plate.