Abstract: A trap with a cross-like frame having a first member with upturned ends in which are pivotally mounted a pair of opening and closing arch shaped jaws. A pair of jaw actuators have central apertures, each embracing both jaws at opposite ends thereof, the actuators being pivotally carried on the respective arms of an U shaped retention pin. A Spring Pin Loc is coupled to the respective arms of U Shaped Pin and extends across the cross member between an attachment for the bait pan 70 and an upturned dog mounting end of the cross member forming an attachment for a swinging trigger dog. The arms of the retention pin also carry coil springs, so that on each arm there is one spring on each side of the corresponding actuator. The coil springs urge the respective actuators upwardly toward the sprung, or closed, position of the trap.

Abstract: An insect trap (100) having a transparent or translucent entrapment chamber (110) with a closed upper end, an entry cone (130) disposed therein, a base (140) removably attachable to the entrapment chamber, and a lower container (180) for holding a liquid attractant removably attachable to the base (140), such that evaporating attractant from the container enters the entrapment chamber. The base includes a plurality of entry apertures (150) adapted to permit target insects to enter the trap. A support such as a slotted cone (160) is disposed in the entrapment chamber, and supports a vial (170) of solid attractant. The liquid and solid attractants are able to mix in the trap, and gradually escape through the entry apertures, to generate a plume to attract the target insects toward the entrance apertures.

Abstract: Fuel additive compositions for enhancing the lubricity of hydrocarbon fuels in which the natural lubricity has been diminished due to treatment of the fuel to reduce sulfur and aromatic components for improved emissions are disclosed. Preferably, the fuel additive compositions include (1) a polyalkenylsuccinimide having a high molecular weight; (2) a low aromatic paraffinic base oil; and (3) a low aromatic petroleum distillate to impart improved lubricity to hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: Compositions including an iron containing fuel additive and a solid carrier are disclosed. Methods of preparing tablet forms of the compositions are also disclosed. The iron containing fuel additive may be ferrocene and/or substituted ferrocene derivatives. The compositions are useful for handling and rapidly solvating the iron containing fuel additive in a fuel such as gasoline.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to gelled fuels and solvents. Specifically the invention relates to gel thickeners that reduce vapor pressure in fuels and solvents and are shear thinning (pseudoplastic or thixotropic) or are shear thickening and remain pourable and flowable. Still more specifically, the invention relates to nonaqueous gels made with diblock copolymers that reduce the Reid Vapor Pressure of gelled gasoline and lower the total volatility of gelled hydrocarbon solvents. These gels may contain secondary amino acid or triblock polymer gelling agents. The invention includes gel compositions and methods of making gels.

Abstract: An open-topped container has an outwardly turned rim extending around the open top a thermoformed body of the containers with the rim formed by a clamping ring which has one or more projections each forming an indentation into the rim. Trim tooling subsequently forms a slit through the bottom wall of each indentation able to receive a flat plastic display inserted therein.

Abstract: A combination of a plant flat having a plant talker, and plant containers in the flat having plant tags, wherein the talkers and tags coordinate with respect to the conveyance of particular plant criteria or other useful information to the purchaser. Such criteria may include desired planting conditions, including sunlight, part sunlight, shade, part shade, moisture needs, drainage needs, soil content and soil pH or plant features such as the capability of plants to attract butterflies or hummingbirds, plant color or fragrance. The invention also provides for a method of communicating information about plants through the use of the coordinated talkers and tags.

Abstract: A plant support having a base and a riser extending upward from the base. The base is received in a pot or the like and soil placed thereon to stabilize the base. The riser extends above the soil to support a plant growing in the soil.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.

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: To construct the apparatus convenient in the respects of both the installing space and movability of a culturing vessel. The plant culturing vessel includes a culturing vessel 1 capable of culturing a plant therein, a tank 4 capable of reserving a culturing liquid 3 for the plant therein, a communication passage 26 communicating between the vessel 1 and the tank 4, and a pump P incorporated in the communication passage 26, the pump P being capable of feeding the liquid 3 reserved in the tank 4 to the plant culturing vessel 1. The tank 4 includes a support portion 9 capable of supporting the culturing vessel 1 upwardly of the tank 4. The communication passage 26 is disposed along the support portion. The pump P is provided integrally with the tank.

Abstract: An irrigation system for watering a substrate, comprising a pipe having a longitudinal dimension. A hermetically closeable inlet portion is connected to a water supply. A passageway extends generally throughout the longitudinal dimension and is in fluid communication with the inlet portion such that water can fill the passageway. Openings are in fluid communication with the passageway such that water in the passageway can exit the pipe through the openings. The openings are distributed along the longitudinal dimension of the pipe, the pipe being adapted to be at least partially buried in the substrate with said longitudinal dimension being generally horizontal. Porous members are secured to an outer periphery of the pipe so as to each cover one of the openings and so as to be in contact with the substrate such that water flows out of the passageway through the openings and the porous member and into the substrate as a result of a capillary action of the substrate.

Abstract: A plant growing kit, primarily for growing climbing plants such as tomatoes, is contained in a flat box approximately the shape of a pizza box. In preferred embodiments three legs are included, broken down into sections in the box and directable into a sturdy tripod, over which a flexible vine-attachment element, such as a wire or thin tubular member or plastic coil, is assembled preferably in a tapered helical configuration. Also in the box is a basket, in flattened condition but erectable into a deep configuration and with provision for attachment to the legs, near their bottom ends, the basket being configured to contain a bag of soil, which may remain in the bag. The consumer provides drainage holes in the bag and an opening at top for the plants to grow and to climb up on the tripod and vine-attachment element. With a water-catching saucer under the bag and basket, the directed plant growing assembly can be placed in any desired location, including inside a building.

Abstract: The invention concerns natural or artificial culture supports and preservation media for cut flowers enriched with active substances. Said active substances consist in acylamino acids salified or not by basic amino acids, or by trace minerals, some of which being endowed with antioxidant properties. The invention also concerns culture supports and media for preserving cut flowers enriched with butyric or free caprylic acids, or salified by basic amino acids or by trace elements, as well as by plant extracts, characterized by their antioxidant properties.

Abstract: A fuel gas generation and supply device includes a reactive liquid storage container, a storage body defining a chamber for a chemical substance that reacts chemically with said liquid to generate a fuel gas, a liquid supply system disposed and arranged for delivering said liquid from the container to the chemical substance in the chamber at a fixed rate, said system including an outlet and a flow constricting segment to control the amount of said liquid supplied to the chemical substance, and a fuel gas delivery system. Such a device solves the problems of adjusting the amount of fuel gas supplied to external applications with very little pressure variation and of the generation of a constant amount of fuel gas continuously, stably, conveniently and inexpensively for enhancing the applicability of fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel gasification furnace including a gasification chamber (1) for fluidizing a high-temperature fluidizing medium therein to form a gasification chamber fluidized bed having an interface, and for gasifying a fuel in the gasification chamber fluidized bed, a char combustion chamber (2) for fluidizing a high-temperature fluidizing medium therein to form a char combustion chamber fluidized bed having an interface, and for combusting char generated by gasification in the gasification chamber (1) in the char combustion chamber fluidized bed to heat the fluidizing medium, and a first energy recovery device (109) for using gases generated by the gasification chamber (1) as a fuel. The gasification chamber (1) and the char combustion chamber (2) are integrated with each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for operating a reformed gas production apparatus with which it is possible to achieve a high reforming efficiency while preventing a drop in catalyst activity due to the deposition of carbon. The reformed gas production method uses a reforming catalyst to reform a fuel that contains a hydrocarbon having at least two carbon atoms to produce a reformed gas that includes methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. With this method, a fluid that includes the fuel, at least one of steam and a carbon dioxide-containing gas, and an oxygen-containing gas, is supplied to a reforming reaction region, and with the thermal decomposition index temperature of the fuel, which is determined by the type and the concentration of the hydrocarbons having at least two carbon atoms that make up the fuel, serving as an upper limit temperature of the reforming reaction region, the fluid is brought into contact with the reforming catalyst to produce the reformed gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a process for hydrogen production in which at least a part of a hydrocarbonaceous feed gas (a) is passed into a reformer (c), wherein the feed gas is contacted in the reformer with a catalyst and the feed gas is converted to hydrogen and solid carbon, for the direct production of a hydrogenous gas at filling stations for sale to a consumer, and also to a reactor (d) for hydrogen on.

Abstract: A system (10) for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes a steam reformer (12) configured to produce an impure hydrogen-rich gas stream which includes a composition of hydrogen and impurities in selected quantities. The system (10) also includes a blending apparatus (14) configured to blend the impure hydrogen-rich gas stream with a hydrocarbon fuel in a predefined ratio. The system (10) can also include a compressor (16), a storage container (18), a fuel dispensing system (20) and a vehicle (22) having an engine (26) configured to burn the hydrogen enriched fuel. A method for producing the hydrogen enriched fuel includes the steps of producing the hydrogen-rich gas stream, and then blending the hydrogen-rich gas stream and the hydrocarbon fuel into the hydrogen enriched fuel at the predefined ratio.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for low-emission storage of biodegradable materials by means of aeration, without aerobic conditions materializing in the material, permits a more consistent feed of the downstream stages in the process. Aeration inhibits methanogenesis and the risk potential of an explosive gas mixture forming in the storage vessel or in the components of the system exhausting waste gas. Closed loop control of the aeration adapts the rate of aeration to the biological activity in the stored material and minimizes air input so as to minimize the loss of methanogenesis potential by aerobic conversion of the matter whilst minimizing the energy required for aeration. The process is characterized in that controlling the aeration in the storage vessel inhibits relevant methanogenesis.

Abstract: A reforming process for synthesis gas (12) production from a mixture of hydrocarbons (14) comprises a first step, or pre-reforming step, in which a process mixture 18), comprising said mixture of hydrocarbons :14: and steam (16), is subjected to a preliminary catalytic conversion reaction, obtaining a partial conversion product (22) comprising hydrogen, carbon oxides and hydrocarbons, and a second step, or main reforming step, in which said partial conversion product (22) is subjected to a conversion completion reaction, obtaining said synthesis gas (12), said pre-reforming step being carried out in pseudo-isothermal conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for preventing entry into a room having an upper window such as a school classroom door. Specifically, the device is an entry resistant material positioned on the lower part of the inside of the classroom door which can be moved into position over the inside of the classroom door window and prevent or resist entry into the window and optionally restrict viewing into the classroom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drum housing, a hybrid door for a motor vehicle with a door module with a mounting area for mounting a cable drum of a either a power or manual window lift drive, whereby the mounting area exhibits a first area with a first diameter that is sufficient for mounting the cable drum for the power window lift, and a second area with a second diameter that is sufficient for mounting the cable drum for the manual window lift.

Abstract: A vehicle window assembly, preferably for the rear of a pickup cab having a sliding glass member, is provided with a window frame molding having an integrated fluid inlet, fluid outlet and circuitous flow channel that doubles back on itself and connects the fluid inlet with the fluid outlet to permit fluid flow through the molding, thereby permitting water that has entered through the sliding glass member to drain from interior compartment to the outside of the vehicle while minimizing the introduction of road and wind noise in the interior compartment.

Abstract: A safer safety door, provided at low cost and imposing little burden on an operator. A primary safety door with a top and a secondary safety door are provided on a clamping unit. The primary safety door and the secondary safety door abut each other at abutting portions provided on each safety door. The secondary safety door has an engaging member that swings along a guide member. The engaging member has a hinge bent in one direction. When both safety doors are closed, the primary safety door can be freely opened and closed independently. When the secondary safety door is opened, both safety doors are linked together and move as a single body. In the state where the primary and secondary safety doors are opened separately, when the primary safety door is moved to be closed, the hinge member bends and both safety doors are linked together as a unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door gap guard made of a reilient material is disclosed having an elongated center portion, a longitudinal strip of mounting portion connected to one side of the elongated center portion and affixed to the doorframe, and a narrow elongated motion portion connected to an opposite side of the elongated center portion with the free end disposed in contact with the door panel to cover the gap between the doorframe and a door panel and to avoid finger crush accidents.

Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed, by which cold air can be effectively prevented from leaking from a storage room. The present invention includes a refrigerator body (10) having an opening and a storage room (12) provided therein, a door (30) closing/opening, a sealing part (40) provided to at least one of the door (30) and the refrigerator body (10) to prevent a cold air from leaking from the storage room (12), and a flow cutoff part (50) provided inside the sealing part (40) to prevent the cold air flowing toward the sealing part (40) form the storage room (12). Accordingly, by cutting of the cold air leakage together with the sealing part (40), energy efficiency of the refrigerator can be raised.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling an electrical door drive by means of which the door drive is switched off if the maximum torque is overshot and/or a defined nominal closing rate of the door is undershot as a result of the door drive being obstructed. In order to reliably prevent injuries and damage to people and objects in the event of a functional failure of the safety control system, and in order to nevertheless reliably block or reverse the door, it is proposed that pulse monitoring be carried out on the door drive, for redundant obstruction identification.

Abstract: A semiconductor polishing composition is disclosed. The semiconductor polishing composition includes fumed silica. The semiconductor polishing composition is an aqueous dispersion solution of fumed silica. Further, an increase rate of average particle diameter of fumed silica after a shake test for 10 days is 10% or less.

Abstract: A system for securing building fascia panels along an edge following a locus. There is provided a system for securing building fascia panels along an edge following a locus. The system comprises a rod shaped to define the locus and a plurality of tabs, each outwardly extending from a corresponding sleeve. The sleeves are pivotally supported in adjacent fashion on the rod to define the edge. The sleeves and corresponding tabs when supported on the rod are configured so as to securely receive, on alternating tabs, sets of panels which meet along the edge. The relative angle between the adjacent tabs on the rod defines the angle between the sets of panels secured to those tabs.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a manufactured housing unit having a slide-out room and main living compartment both with a truss-less pitched roof and cathedral ceiling. The slide-out room extends from the main living compartment through a pentagonal opening in the side wall under a gabled dormer. The dormer roof and main living compartment roof are constructed without conventional roof trusses or ridge beams to provide the additional head room of a cathedral ceiling.

Abstract: A kit containing all parts necessary for erecting a prefabricated building, or dwelling unit, suitable for normal human occupancy. The building is comprised of prefabricated panels that contain all the necessary cutouts to accommodate prefabricated plumbing and electrical assemblies. The kit also includes all necessary piping and wiring needed to connect such plumbing and electrical assemblies to external sources. The kit will also contain a plurality of adjustable supporting legs for supporting and leveling the building on location.

Abstract: The carrier apparatus used for suspending an object within the periphery of a concrete slab comprises an elongate member and a moisture membrane sheet; the elongate member comprises a first distal end, and a second distal end, the elongate member is oriented such that the second distal end is pointed in a downwardly direction and the first distal end is pointed in an upwardly direction; the moisture membrane sheet is comprised of a flexible material disposed around the elongate member; the moisture membrane sheet comprises a first surface and a second surface; the first surface is facing the first distal end of the elongate member and the second surface is facing the second distal end of the elongate member.

Abstract: The assembly and method of the present invention is used for forming a monolithic tiered concrete slab or stairway. The assembly includes a plurality of foam blocks positioned adjacent one another and in a plurality of rows on a support base. The upper surfaces of the blocks are sloped and form a continuous included plane from the front row to the back row. Interface elements are attached to the upper surfaces so as to cover the joints between adjacent blocks. Riser ties are mounted on the interface elements, with riser face forms attached to the ties. After the blocks are positioned and the interface elements with riser ties and face forms assembled, concrete is poured under the blocks so as to cover the upper surface, the interface elements, and the ties, thereby forming a monolithic tiered series of risers and treads.

Abstract: A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a stop bead wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the stop bead wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the stop bead wall for spacing the stop bead wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb,

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic window system consisting of a frame, two movable window casements, one on the outside and one on the inside of a building, and of a mechanism, which opens and closes the afore-mentioned window casements independently of each other. Glass panels having certain physical and optical properties may also be included, as well as a motor-driven blind and a rolled curtain, which together regulate the climate and temperature of the building. In one embodiment, the heat flow between the glass panels can be manipulated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame-shaped spacer for insulating glass panes, which is formed by bending a hollow profile rod (1) or hollow profile rods which are connected in a linear manner, comprising an outer wall (2), two flanks (3,4) and an inner wall (5). Said spacer has at least one corner (31-34) whereon the hollow profile rod (1) is provided with a recess which starts from the inner wall (5) and extends into the flanks (3, 4) in the direction of the outer wall (2), without opening said outer wall (2). According to the invention, an angle piece (13). which is placed in the hollow profile rod (1), is arranged on at least one corner (31-34) of the spacer and comprises two limbs (14, 15) which are connected by a joint (16) and which are blocked in relation to each other in a position, wherein a predetermined angle is formed.

Abstract: A mobile divider for an aircraft or an aircraft cabin with a first wall section, a second wall section that is essentially arranged parallel to the first wall section and a cable duct that is arranged between the first wall section and the second wall section. The cable duct protrudes over an edge of the first wall section and an edge of the second wall section in at least one location. This makes it possible to route a supply line such as, for example, an electric line in the cable duct within the divider and also in the transition region between the divider and, for example, a cabin supply channel such that the supply line is not visible to a passenger traveling in the cabin, particularly in the transition region from the mobile divider into the supply channel.

Abstract: A floor panel for an elevated floor including a printed border along the edge of the floor panel and a protective wear surface over the printed surface.

Abstract: A section of wireway having an elongate channel-shaped body and cover for the body. The cover has a releasable hinge connection with the body for swinging between open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the hinge connection comprising at least two T-shaped slots in a side wall of the body at locations spaced along the length of the body and at least two T-shaped hinge members on the cover receivable in said slots for hinging the cover to the body.

Abstract: A quick-connect system for connecting two or more sections of wireway in generally longitudinal alignment along an X-axis. The system involves the a series of screws in the bottom and side walls of a generally U-shaped connector receivable in corresponding slots in the bottom and side walls of the two wireway sections. In one embodiment, the bottom wall slots are closed-ended slots and the side wall slots are open-end slots extending in from respective end edges of the wireway sections. The side walls slots are configured such that they have longitudinal centerlines having X-axis and Y-axis components.

Abstract: Reinforcing assemblies for use in structural concrete members, as well as reinforced concrete structures, are provided that are uniquely suited to deal with punching shear failure in structural concrete members such as slabs, beams footings and flat foundations. The reinforcing assemblies include a support base, comprising two elongate rebar members disposed substantially parallel to each other, and several shear-resisting rebar elements having two opposing ends and cast, or bent, in hairpin shape on a common plane in generally parallel orientation to each other and secured to the base. The reinforced concrete structures include a concrete member, having a first face and a generally opposed second face, and at least four reinforcing assemblies that are embedded and retained at prescribed locations within the concrete member by their base and by the opposed faces of the concrete member, and which comprise a support base and multiple hairpin-shaped rebar elements secured to the support base.

Abstract: The interlocking interior trim is a modular baseboard system that may be installed without using additional specialized tools or materials. The baseboard sections are stackable, and will connect to each other before being secured to the wall. The interlocking trim can be used around the walls of a room or along a staircase. When used along a staircase, the sections are cut at an angle to allow the system to run parallel to the slope of the stairs.

Abstract: Bottom mounted (anchored) fire barrier systems include UL 2079 and ASTM 1399 tested and certified fire barrier/retainer structures, especially useful for floor/floor, wall/floor, and wall/wall expansion joint spaces formed by spaced opposing pre-cast concrete building units of 4½ inches thickness. The use of this system in structures using pre-cast building units provides room for installation of mandated rubber boots into the limited expansion joint space. Each fire barrier has affixed to its outside long edges a metal retainer that is structured for holding the barrier correctly and tightly positioned to the building unit surfaces first for secure and tight anchoring and then for providing support for the barrier to prevent leakage of gas, flame, smoke, and heat during a fire. Providing for ease of installation there is a reusable installation tool, an optional guard unit, male/female connections between barrier sections, and a splice connector butt to connections.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention there is provided an expansion joint strip support module 12 comprising an expansion joint strip locating portion 24 adapted to locate an expansion joint strip 20 and one or more support means 26 and 28 integral with and arranged to support the expansion joint strip locating portion. In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an expansion joint crack forming device comprising: an elongate base strip 14 being adapted to extend along a proposed expansion joint; and a crack forming projection 84 connected to the base strip 14 and designed to form a cavity in a concrete slab which is to be formed on top of the base strip 14, the crack forming projection 84 being positioned to promote cracking of the concrete slab along the proposed expansion joint.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a manufactured stone comprising a body and an insulating core. The body has a base, an exterior portion and an interlocking mechanism. The exterior portion has an aesthetic face. The interlocking mechanism is adapted to interlock with another similar manufactured stone. The insulating core is at least partly imbedded in the body. The insulating core has a thickness sufficient to provide the body with an R-value of at least R8. The manufactured stone may also be made with a mid portion placed between the base and the exterior portion. The mid portion is recessed both from the base and the exterior portion. In that case, the R-value may be less than R8. The invention also discloses a wall structure comprising, from an interior to an exterior, a wall framing, a sheathing material and a plurality of manufactured stones. The wall framing is made of a plurality of wall studs. The wall studs are placed at a distance from each other so as to define insulating spaces in between them.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be installed to be a flush or near-flush arrangement with adjacent flooring elements.

Abstract: A plug finishing system involves forming a counterbore in a cover board above the head of a fastener as it is driven by a specially constructed driver. A plug, which is dimensioned for the counterbore and has a reduced portion, is inserted into the counterbore and positioned so that its exterior surface is co-planar with the exterior surface of the cover board.

Abstract: A building board, in particular a flooring panel, with a core comprising at least one upper layer and one lower layer of wood fibers or wood chips glued with an adhesive and pressed to one another, which is provided on at least its top side with a pattern that is covered with a sealing coat and in which sealing coat a structure corresponding to the pattern is embossed, is characterized in that at least the chips of the upper layer are glued with an adhesive having thermoplastic properties, and the upper layer has recesses formed at least directly beneath the pattern.

Abstract: A modular block apparatus includes first and second blocks, each block having a generally upwardly protruding locking member and an internal recess sized to receive the locking member of the other block, such that the blocks can be assembled with one block above the other. The blocks are secured together in a vertical direction by relative lateral movement of the locking member and the internal recess. A locking device is provided to prevent relative lateral movement of the locking member and the internal recess so as to retain the blocks in a connected condition. The locking member may be an integral hook, a separate hook, or a cylindrical locking rod. If a hook is used, its orientation relative to the block may be varied. A variety of structures may be built up from the modular blocks.