Abstract: A connector is provided. The connector includes a flange defining an opening. The connector also includes an insert having a plurality of plates. Each of the plates extends through the opening of the flange. The connector further includes an actuator coupling the insert to the flange. The plurality of plates are movable relative to the flange by operating the actuator.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a first column segment having a first inner surface and a first end surface to a second column segment having a second inner surface and a second end surface such that the end surfaces are adjacent one another is provided. The connector includes a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of plates each having a front face, a rear face, and a plurality of fastener apertures extending from the front face toward the rear face. Each of the fastener apertures is sized to receive one of the fasteners when coupling the first column segment to the second column segment such that the plates are spaced apart from one another. Each of the front faces is contoured to seat flush against the first inner surface and the second inner surface when the plates span the adjacent end surfaces of the coupled-together column segments.

Abstract: A lightweight, compressible panel structure can include a collapsible portion that includes outer facing sections and inner core sections connected by hinge points and/or hinge assemblies. One or more longitudinal support structures can be included to hold the expandable panel structure in its expanded configuration. Methods and apparatus are described.

Abstract: A hanger bracket for mounting a skewed beam at a junction of two adjacent beams includes a supporting section configured to support the skewed beam. Fixing flanges substantially perpendicular to the supporting section are configured for attaching the bracket to the adjacent beams along surfaces of the fixing flanges positioned to engage respective ones of the adjacent beams when attached thereto. The surfaces define planes that are non-parallel and non-coincident with each other. Reinforcing faces are located between the supporting section and each of the fixing flanges. The reinforcing faces are inclined relative to the supporting section and fixing flanges. Holes in at least one of the supporting section and the reinforcing faces are configured to receive fasteners to secure the skewed beam to the hanger bracket.

Abstract: A system for supporting and holding in place an object (for example and not by way of limitation, anchor bolts, steel plates and the like) to be embedded in concrete. A device having a shaft and a tower can be used to support the object, by inserting the shaft into an opening in the tower and rotatably locking the shaft in place at the desired height, an embed can be supported in the desired position. Concrete can be poured around the support to embed the object at the desired position within the concrete.

Abstract: A concrete dowel placement system and methods for making the same. The system allows for accurate and easy substantially-parallel or parallel placement of slip dowels within sections of concrete so that adjacent sections of concrete may be allowed to undergo thermal expansion and contraction while remaining in a common plane without cracking or faulting. The system includes a coupler and a sheath. The sheath is configured to be slidably extensible over the coupler and may be held to the coupler by friction. Additionally, a method of constructing the concrete dowel placement system includes extruding material to form two tubes of different sizes. The tubes are then attached to each other, then material is extruded to form a sheath. Alternatively, construction may include extruding material to form a tube, then removing some of the material from the tube in order to form a coupler.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a plurality of insulation pieces coupled together to form at least a portion of the flood vent panel. The flood vent panel further includes one or more insulation piece connectors coupled to the plurality of insulation pieces, and configured to couple the plurality of insulation pieces together. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure, so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The one or more insulation piece connectors are further configured to uncouple one or more of the plurality of insulation pieces from the panel when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the flood vent panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid.

Abstract: An insulation panel is described that is adapted to be installed between framing members of a building, such as a stud, joist, or rafter. The insulation panel can be installed without the use of fasteners or adhesive. The panel is made of a rigid insulation material such as expanded polystyrene. Grooves are provided along a length of the panel to allow for compression and accommodation of variations in the spacing between framing members.

Abstract: A construction material consisting of a deployment system for a tire retardant substance, suitable for use in a wide variety of applications. This invention is designed to deploy a fire retardant substance in in response to the detection of an uncontrolled fire, thus minimizing or reducing risk of death, serious injury or property damage associated with uncontrolled fires when present in a habitable structure. The invention consists of a construction material which incorporates hinged or folding door(s) or flap(s) which contain a fire retardant substance within the construction material. When an uncontrolled fire is detected, the door(s) or flap(s) open and thus deploy the fire retardant substance onto the area affected by the uncontrolled fire.

Abstract: A fire-rated angle piece and wall assemblies or other assemblies that incorporate the fire-rated angle piece, in which the angle piece can include an intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The angle can be attached adjacent to a corner of a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed between the framing member and a wall board member at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. A fire spray material can be applied over a portion of the angle piece.

Abstract: A dwelling wall includes: a vacuum heat-insulating material including an outer cover material, and an inner member which is sealed in a tightly closed and decompressed state on the inside of the outer cover material; and a wall material. In addition, the vacuum heat-insulating material is disposed on a rear surface side of the wall material, and the inner member is configured of a material which does not generate hydrogen in a case of coming into contact with moisture of liquid. According to the configuration, even in a case where the vacuum heat-insulating material used in the dwelling wall is ruptured and water of liquid comes into contact with the inner member, it is possible to realize excellent stability of the dwelling wall.

Abstract: A wall module assembly usable to make interchangeable scenery, the module comprising a first support member having a first end, a second end, a first main surface, and a second main surface, a second support member having a first end, a second end, a first main surface, and a second main surface, a plurality of panel members interchangeably and removably supported by at least one of the first support member and the second support member, adjacent at least one of the first main surface and the second main surface of the first and/or second support member, and a plurality of connection members supported by the first end of the first support member and configured to be removably received within openings formed in the second end of the second support member positioned adjacent to the first support member.

Abstract: A mullion connection system for resisting wind load reactions using a connection clip structurally engaged with a mullion without a hole or a fastener penetrating into the mullion surface. The connection clip can undergo stress-free vertical sliding relative to the mullion along the entire length of the mullion without impairing the structural connection strength; therefore, the building construction tolerance in the vertical direction is eliminated as a design consideration of the curtain wall system. The design also eliminates the need for pre-fabricating mullion holes for the connection locations. The design does not require the pre-determination of the elevation of the connecting point and thus is most beneficial for a curtain wall renovation project where the available locations in the building structure for structural connection cannot be determined prior to the demolition of the existing wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a structural insulated panel framing system comprising: insulation sheathing receivable by a wall jig; a frame for placement atop the insulation sheathing; and spray foam for application to the frame and the insulation sheathing to fuse the frame and insulation sheathing to produce a structural insulated panel.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a fire-proof and insulating prefabricated building wall comprising a wall core of an expanded, foamed plastic material, such as EPS (expanded polystyrene), with an integrated reinforcement structure and a coating of a cementitious material.

Abstract: A sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange is disclosed herein. The innovative sheet metal framing member is made from a continuous piece of sheet metal and is especially configured for use in a wall assembly. The sheet metal framing member comprises a U-shaped track section (for receiving a plurality of studs) connected to a J-shaped retention flange (for retaining a piece of drywall). The U-shaped track section includes a first web connected to confronting first and second flanges, and the J-shaped retention flange includes a second web connected to the second flange and a third flange. The second flange confronts and is between the third flange and the first flange, and the height of the second flange is greater than the height of the first flange, while the first web is parallel to the second web.

Abstract: A glued timber truss (FIGS. 1, 3), comprising chords (1, 2) and therebetween a first diagonal bar (3) and a second diagonal bar (4), which is crosswise relative to the first one, or a web panel (9) connected to each other with an adhesive and a finger joint (FIG. 3), whereby the first diagonal bar is present alongside the second diagonal bar or the web panel.

Abstract: The buckling-restrained brace that is capable of being fixed to connected portions of a structure using bolts, the brace includes: a plate member extending in an axial direction, and in which bolt holes for fixing the bolts are formed at end portions of the plate member in the axial direction; and a buckling-restrained member configured to restrain a center portion of the plate member in the axial direction to prevent the plate member from buckling, wherein the buckling-restrained member includes a pipe member surrounding the plate member from the outside in a radial direction, and a filler filling the gap between the pipe member and the plate member, and the plate member includes a fixing plate, a portion of which is embedded in the filler, and the remaining portion is protruded from the filler in the axial direction, and in which the bolt hole is formed at an end portion of the remaining portion in the axial direction.

Abstract: A venting method and arrangement for a roof includes a plurality of venting stacks each having a first open base end open to an area on top of the roof insulation layer and below the roof outer membrane, the venting stacks arranged spaced apart around a perimeter of the roof. A venting path grid of air permeable material is arranged between the roof membrane and the insulation layer. The grid is in air flow communication with the first open base ends. Centrally located wind-driven turbine ventilators can also be in air flow communication to the grid.

Abstract: A precast concrete step unit formed of left and right sidewalls, risers, and treads, wherein left and right sidewalls are assembled from a plurality of pre-cast sidewall panel modules, including at least one stepped panel module and at least one rectangular panel module. The panel modules are joined edge-to-edge at seams, with cement and/or with hardware. Pre-cast concrete tread modules extend at least between the left and right sidewalls and are mounted onto respective stepped edge surfaces of the right and left sidewalls. Pre-cast concrete riser modules also extending at least between the right and left sidewalls and mounted onto tread modules. These each extend vertically to successive stepped edge surfaces. Reinforcing cross brace members are fastened to the inward surfaces of the left and right sidewalls and extend at crossed diagonals between them. The precast modules each weight about 200 pounds or less and can be carried by two workmen.

Abstract: A guard rail system that is assembled from a kit of components that includes bottom rails, top rails and balusters and U-shaped top rail inserts that fit into the underside of the top rails. The tops of the balusters are inserted through the spaced apart holes in the base of the insert. The top rail has a body and a pair of spaced apart legs extending downward from the body. After the system has been assembled the legs engage the uprights of the top rail insert to create a compression fit between the top rail insert and the tops of the balusters.

Abstract: A railing and baluster plug system that facilitates installation of balusters at a plurality of angular orientations, such as installations for level railing and installations for non-level or angled railings such as for stairs. The baluster plugs are configured to cooperate with the balusters and include both a level mounting surface and an angled mounting surface for alternatively mounting the balusters in a level or an angled orientation.

Abstract: An insulating siding panel comprises a backing member, a siding member, and a tongue. The backing member comprises a front face, a rear face, a top face, and a bottom face. A groove is defined in the bottom face that is adapted to receive the tongue. The siding member comprises a veneer, a bottom lip, a nailing divot, and a tongue extending upwards beyond the backing member. When panels are laid upon each vertically, the nailing divot of the lower panel may be concealed by a front section of the backing member of the upper panel.

Abstract: A new surface covering system (1) comprising a panel (10) and a base (20), suitable for covering at least a portion of a surface of a building or at least being part of a portion of such surface is presented, wherein the panel (10) and the base (20) are provided with complementary mechanical means (30), (40) for removably fixing or securing the panel (10) on the base (20).

Abstract: An insulating siding panel comprises a backing member, and a siding member. The backing member comprises a front face, a rear face, a top face, and a bottom face. The siding member has an upper end, a lower end, and a nailing divot. An upper end of the backing member combines with the upper end of the siding member to form a tongue. A groove is defined in the bottom face of the backing member that is complementary in shape to the tongue. the nailing divot of the lower panel may be concealed by a front section of the backing member of the upper panel.

Abstract: Building panels, especially floor panels, which are provided with a locking system including several separate strip parts connected to the panel edge A strip part, configured to lock panels horizontally and to be fixed to a panel edge, including a strip body with an inner part configured to be fixed under the panel edge and an outer part configured to extend outside the panel edge, wherein the inner part comprises a fixing element configured to lock the strip part to the panel edge in a horizontal direction, wherein the outer part including a locking protrusion, located above the strip body and configured to, lock the strip part to the panel edge vertically and a locking element configured to lock the panels in a horizontal direction, and wherein the inner part includes a cavity formed in the strip body and located between the fixing element and the locking protrusion.

Abstract: An immersive theater is provided having a screen oriented with respect to a pitched seating area to provide an immersive theater experience for all of the viewers. The theater can include a three-dimensional, concave shaped screen, defining a central axis that extends perpendicularly from the center point of the concave screen directed toward the seating area. The screen is oriented at a prescribed pitch angle (?) relative to the horizontal. The theater has a seating area having a plurality of seats for viewers and is set up in a stacked arrangement along a planar region and pitched at a prescribed angle (?). The seating area is further confined within a viewing area that is centered on the central axis of the screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power lead for a swimming pool cleaning robot. Said power lead comprises a rotary connector and a buoyancy means supporting said rotary connector. An upper part of said buoyancy means is a cap shaped to slide under a swimming pool cover, under the effect of a traction exerted by the swimming pool cleaning robot on the buoyancy means through the power lead.

Abstract: Lift and slide parking systems employ a plurality of novel trolley apparatus. Each trolley includes a rectangular frame from which a platform may be raised and lowered via cables coupled to lifting bars positioned at each of four corners of the platform. On one side of the frame a slide rail and trolley sliding assembly includes hydraulic cylinders coupled with cables routed through sheaves arranged to enable movement of the trolley horizontally a necessary distance. The slide rail may include grooves in which a sliding block may be slidably retained. On the side opposite the slide rail is a lift rail and platform lift assembly which includes a hydraulic cylinder coupled with one or more belts routed through rollers to a lifting block coupled with cables routed through sheaves and coupled to lifting bars arranged to enable vertical movement of the platform. The lift rail may include grooves in which a cylinder block and lift block are slidably retained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adaptor for connecting a new post structure for supporting an electrical device to an existing post structure for supporting an electrical device, the adaptor comprising one or more first engaging features arranged, in use, to engage with at least part of the existing post structure, and one or more second engaging features arranged, in use, to engage with at least part of the new post structure. Also disclosed is a connection structure for forming part of a post structure for supporting an electrical device. In addition, a lamp unit forming part of a street lamp is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides means, methods, and devices for suspending persons and goods above the ground while outdoors. Particularly, the invention provides a treepod assembly having a tent and a suspension element, capable of securely supporting at least one occupant while suspended above the ground from a tree or other elevated structure. In some embodiments, the treepod assembly may further include a rigid frame for additional support. Certain embodiments include an inflatable pocket that protects occupants and items inside the tent from injury or damage in case of a fall and impact with the ground.

Abstract: A convertible shelter system includes an enclosure having a removable side wall that selectively may be hinged to provide open access or to be held in an open position as a wind break. The convertible shelter system also includes the ability to fully remove the removable side wall on two enclosures having the same construction and to quickly and conveniently connect the remaining enclosure structures with a bridging panel, resulting in an enlarged, combined space while maintaining an essentially unobstructed ground surface.

Abstract: A shade device for protecting a user from harmful sunrays is provided. The shade device may be held in the erected position with nubs such that to erect the shade device, frame support members are pushed to the erected position. To collapse the shade device, the frame support members are pushed past nubs. Accordingly, the shade device incorporates a simple push release mechanism to erect and collapse the shade device such that no assembly or disassembly of the shade device is required for tear down or set up.

Abstract: A portable shelter having a hinged side wall includes an enclosure having a plurality of interconnected side walls defining a floor space and being connected to a top wall. At least one of the side walls is a hinged side wall that is pivotally connected to the enclosure and includes opposed first and second side edges and a tope edge that defines an opening in the enclosure. At least one connecting member on the enclosure is configured to selectively connect and disconnect at least the first side edge and the top edge of the hinged side all at the opening. The disclosure also provides a method of hinging the side wall of the portable shelter to an open position.

Abstract: A shelter including an enclosure having a plurality of interconnected side walls defining a floor space and being connected to a top wall, with at least one of the side walls or the top wall including a panel construction comprising a flame resistant insulated fabric, the flame resistant insulated fabric including a flame resistant outer layer, a flame resistant inner layer, an insulating middle layer disposed between and adhesively bonded to the flame resistant outer layer and the flame resistant inner layer. Also disclosed is a method of making a shelter including forming the flame resistant insulated fabric.

Abstract: A canopy gutter system includes a rainwater collection slot disposed on the top side of a canopy for collecting rainwater from the top side of the canopy, thereby preventing the rainwater from cascading over the sides of the canopy. The canopy gutter system further includes a rainwater gutter disposed underneath the rainwater collection slot for receiving the collected rainwater and channeling the collected rainwater away from a side of the canopy, toward a corner of the canopy. The canopy gutter system further includes a spout for transporting the channeled water from the rainwater gutter downward toward the ground along a leg of the canopy.

Abstract: A tent (1) comprises a flysheet (4) supported on a plurality of ground engaging tent poles (7), each of which terminate in respective opposite ground engaging ends (8). A heat insulated enclosure (2) is suspended within the flysheet (4) from the ground engaging tent poles (7) by suspension straps (24). The heat insulated enclosure (2) comprises a heat insulated groundsheet (17), a heat insulated peripheral side wall (19) extending upwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet (17) to a heat insulated ridge element (20), all of which include spaced apart inner and outer sheets (25,26) of fabric material with a heat insulating material (27) such as cellucotton material of thickness typically in the range of 15 mm to 40 mm sandwiched between the inner and outer sheets (25,26).

Abstract: A livestock fence assembly is provided for use across a waterway having a flow direction and a substantially horizontal bed surface. The fence assembly includes: a foundation having a bottom portion configured to be disposed parallel to and below the bed surface, a top portion configured to be disposed proximate the bed surface, and an interior region between the top portion and bottom portion; and a plurality of spaced apart poles, each having a proximal segment secured to the bottom portion of the foundation and secured to the top portion of the foundation, and having a distal segment extending upwardly in a plane which forms an angle ? between 30° and 75° relative to the flow direction, wherein the assembly is substantially devoid of any structure between distal segments of adjacent poles.

Abstract: A fenestration assembly includes a fenestration frame and at least one panel movable between open and closed positions. A locking mechanism is coupled with the at least one panel and includes at least one latch and at least one latch fastener. The panel includes a secure configuration with the panel in the closed position and the latch coupled with the latch fastener. In the unsecure configuration one or more of the panel is in the open position or the latch is decoupled from the latch fastener. A status monitoring assembly monitors the secure and unsecure configurations and includes a sensor operator coupled with the latch, and a sensor coupled with one of the fenestration frame or the panel. In the secure configuration, the status monitoring assembly detects the sensor operator with the sensor if the panel is in the closed position and the latch is coupled with the latch fastener.

Abstract: Magnetic keys, bow caps and key components are described. In one aspect, the present application describes a key. The key includes a blade and a bow connected to the blade. The bow is for applying torque to the blade. The bow defines a key ring aperture located near a top of the bow. The top is the portion of the bow furthest from the blade. The key also include a magnet fixedly coupled to the bow by placement within the key ring aperture to provide a magnetic field on at least one side of the key.

Abstract: A pick-resistant pin tumbler lock having a first stage in which the pins may move but the plug cannot rotate, and a second stage in which the plug may rotate but the pins cannot move. Pin movement inhibitors prevent further movement of the pins once sufficient rearward force is applied to the lock, and a rotation inhibitor prevents rotation of the plug until after the sufficient rearward force is applied.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a lockout condition of a component includes a lockout device, a lock unit, and a reader. The lockout device is moveable between a lockout condition blocking operation of the component and an access condition permitting operation of the component. The lock unit is configured to be secured to a lockout interface of the lockout device to secure the lockout device in the lockout condition. One of the lockout device and the lock unit includes a communication module configured to communicate a data signal including an identification code identifying the one of the lockout device and the lock unit. The reader is remote from the one of the lockout device and the lock unit, and is configured to receive the data signal at least when the lockout device is assembled with the component and the lock unit is secured to the lockout interface of the lockout device.

Abstract: A self-releasing panel support latch allows easy installation of an aesthetic panel, for example a ceiling panel, over an access opening in an aircraft interior and easy removal of the panel from over the opening without the use of any tools or release mechanisms.

Abstract: A lockable enclosure includes a housing and an access door assembled with the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position. A latch is carried by the access door and is slideable along a first axis between a door latching and a door releasing position. A plurality of dials are carried by the access door and rotatable about a post extending along a second axis. When each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, an outer peripheral recess on each of the dials aligns with a corresponding dial engaging portion of the latch, allowing the latch to slide along the first axis from the door latching position to the door releasing position.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch device includes: a body including a striker advancing groove; a cover plate including: a striker advancing groove; and a bent portion at a side portion opposite to an inlet of the striker advancing groove and bent substantially perpendicularly towards the body; at least one female screw hole provided closer to a side end portion of the cover plate, the side end portion opposite to the bent portion, at any one of both sides sandwiching the striker advancing groove; at least two female screw holes provided separately from each other in a direction in which the striker advances, at the other one of the both sides sandwiching the same striker advancing groove; and at least two positioning holes for positioning the cover plate are respectively provided near the one female screw hole and between the two female screw holes in the cover plate.

Abstract: Actuating handle (100) for a motor vehicle for opening and/or closing a door or a flap, comprising a grip element (101) which is designed for movement between an actuating position, in which the grip element (101) is arranged that can be actuated for manually opening a door or a flap (103), and a locking position, in which the grip element (101) is accommodated in a recess (105), wherein the grip element (101) comprises surrounding grip element delimiting sections (107) and the recess (105) has recess delimiting sections (109), wherein the actuating handle (100) is designed such that in the locking position of the grip element (101) each of the grip element delimiting sections (107) is arranged opposite a corresponding recess delimiting section (109), and wherein lighting means (201) are arranged at least in some regions on the grip element delimiting sections (107).

Abstract: A door-equipped vehicle body structure (10) includes a door opening (35) provided to a vehicle (11), a door (40) for opening and closing the door opening (35), and a grip (45) provided to the door (40). The door (40) is provided with a general surface (62) and an upper surface (63). The general surface (62) is a surface extending along a door surface (61). The upper surface (63) is a surface extending from an upper end (62a) of the general surface (62) toward an outside (22) of the vehicle. The grip (45) is provided so as to project upward from the upper surface (63).

Abstract: A control unit 20, including a circuit board and a switch unit, is arranged in a housing space in a door handle. The switch unit has a switch component, which is fastened to the circuit board, a hard switch case, which covers the switch component, a soft pushbutton, which operates the switch component, and a hard cover member, which is fastened to the switch case. The pushbutton has a pushing part in the shape of a cap, a flange, which extends from the bottom end of the pushing part, and an operation projection, which is inserted into an insertion opening in a roof. The switch case and the pushbutton are united by the cover member, and the flange is brought into close contact with the roof all the way therearound, by the cover member.

Abstract: Mortise lock with an operating mechanism with a pinion that is turnable around a geometric axis and a rack engaging therewith that is movable along a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned geometric axis, whereby the pinion is provided with a double toothing with two sets of teeth that are separated by a geometric dividing plane that extends perpendicularly to the axial direction of the pinion, wherein the teeth of each set of teeth of the pinion form an oblique toothing, whereby the faces of these teeth are oblique with respect to the axial direction and these faces include an angle to one another that is such that the width of the teeth of each of the two sets of teeth either decreases or increases in the direction of the dividing plane.

Abstract: Wood or metal wedge with metal plate attached to bottom by two or more screws. Front extends beyond wedge to allow it to slide beneath even tightly fit doors. Base plates are interchangeable to accommodate different floor surfaces. Metal base has two or more rows of triangular spikes designed to specifically engage with various types of carpet commonly found in commercial office buildings. The spikes are fine enough to engage the carpet regardless of the direction of the pile, yet sturdy enough to withstand repeated attempts to force door open. There is an optional handle that can be screwed into the back of the wedge.