Abstract: A sound damping wallboard for installation on an installed wallboard, a sound damping wallboard system, and a method of constructing a sound damping wallboard on a building structure are disclosed. The sound damping wallboard includes a gypsum layer having a gypsum layer inner surface and a gypsum layer outer surface, a first sound damping layer disposed at the gypsum layer inner surface and having a first sound damping layer inner surface opposite the gypsum layer inner surface, a first encasing layer disposed at the gypsum layer outer surface, a second encasing layer disposed at the first sound damping layer inner surface, and a second sound damping layer disposed at the second encasing layer opposite the first sound damping layer inner surface.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic soundproofing panel, constituted by at least one first mat and one second mat, each provided with individual and distinct pockets, which are mutually adjacent and are filled with an inert material; the first mat and second mat being mutually adjacent and mutually offset along a horizontal axis and/or a vertical axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an architectural assembly consisting of wall elements made of concrete containing conductive particles with a conductive mesh forming an electromagnetic radiation shielding. Said wall elements consist of a panel 1 made of concrete containing conductive particles without a conductive mesh, at least one face of which is provided with a skin 2, 3 comprising a conductive mesh, with meshes being less than 30×30 mm in dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flame-retardant building panels comprising a body having a first major surface opposite a second major surface; an inorganic coating atop the first major surface, the inorganic coating being optically transparent and flame retardant and comprising a blend of a borate compound and a phosphate compound, and wherein the inorganic flame retardant coating is substantially transparent such that the first major surface of the body is visible through the inorganic coating.

Abstract: Described herein is a flame-retardant building panel comprising a body having a first major surface opposite a second major surface, an inorganic coating atop the first major surface, the inorganic coating being optically transparent and flame retardant and comprising a silicate compound; and wherein the inorganic flame retardant coating is substantially transparent such that the first major surface of the body is visible through the inorganic coating.

Abstract: A prefabricated interlocking building block is used in the construction of structures. The block is composed of a material comprising polyvinyl chloride and is substantially hollow, with a density of not more than 10 lbs. per cubic foot.

Abstract: A prefabricated building block is used in the construction of structures. The block is composed of a polymer-based material, with a density of not more than 10 lbs. per cubic foot.

Abstract: A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall.

Abstract: A support structure having a horizontal surface such as a deck or stage, the support structure having first and second modules which are interconnected together, the interconnection comprising a connector assembly having a first member with a vertically extending recess formed within a bottom wall thereof, the recess being bounded by first and second interior walls which each have a protrusion extending inwardly within the recess, and a second member comprising a U-shaped element having a base, first and second legs, each of the legs having an interior and an exterior wall with one of the legs having a recess formed in each of the interior and exterior walls such that the first leg sidingly fits within the recess formed within the first member and the second leg extends upwardly adjacent one of the first and second side walls to receive and support an adjacent module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite floor, typically a wood/concrete composite floor. The composite floor comprises a support structure being adapted to be attached to a concrete layer. The support structure comprises a top portion being made of at least one support panel comprising at least one opening through which the concrete layer may flow into the inner portion of the support structure once the top portion of the support structure is being disposed on the top of the concrete layer. The upward flow of the concrete creates at least one anchor point, which, once being harden in the inner portion of the support structure, improves the adhesion between the support panels and the concrete and ensures better mechanical rigidity and resistance of the assembly made of the panels and the concrete.

Abstract: The present invention provides coated barrier sheets with improved skid resistant properties. Preferred embodiments are liquid water impermeable and water vapor permeable. The coated barrier sheets comprise a barrier sheet and a skid-resistant, coated mesh provide on at least a portion of a surface of the barrier sheet. As one utility, the barrier sheets may be incorporated into engineered wood panels.

Abstract: A roof system including roof support and roof, preferably a flat roof. The roof support includes (a) a plurality of first joists and (b) a plurality of second joists. Each first joist acts as a roof girder. Each second joist extends between a pair of adjacent first joists. Each first joist and each second joist includes a top chord, a bottom chord and web members connecting the chords. Each top chord is hollow, rectangular cross section and sealed; each bottom chord and web member is preferably a hollow sealed pipe. As a result the roof support can be made of joists with a minimum of flat surfaces and nooks and crannies where dust and particles can collect, so that the roof support is easier to wash and regularly sanitize.

Abstract: A device and method for covering a roof. The interlocking roof shingle includes a shingle having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first edge of the shingle is curved over the top surface and a second edge of the shingle is curved under the bottom edge of the shingle. The first edge of the shingle is configured to engage with the second edge of an adjacent shingle. The device further includes a tab configured to receive a nail and engage with the first edge of the shingle. Some embodiments of the shingle are configured to fit along the ridges and valleys of a roof. In these embodiments, the shingle has a center fold and a gap in the upper and lower folded edges.

Abstract: A system and method of roofing. The present invention includes a fabric sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes one of a hook and loop fastener and the lower surface is configured to be attached to a roof decking. The present invention further includes a plurality of tiles each having an upper edge, a lower edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The other of the hook and loop fastener is attached to the bottom surface. The plurality of tiles are releasably attached to the upper surface of the fabric sheet via the hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tile system for mounting structures to a roof may comprise a base assembly, a fastener, a seal, a flashing, and a mounting bracket. The fastener may be installable on the base assembly. The seal may be installable on the fastener. The flashing may be configured to replace a roof tile. Moreover, a protrusion may be field formed in the flashing during installation of the tile system by driving the fastener through the flashing in response to the base assembly being positioned on the roof surface. The bracket may be installable on the fastener and configured to compress the flashing against the seal and the base assembly.

Abstract: A combination drip edge, rake flashing, gutter with nail flange that is useful for water harvesting and securing of shingles in adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: A snow removal apparatus for cutting and removing snow from a sloped surface. The apparatus comprises a frame. The frame has a lower section and an upper section connected by side sections. The apparatus also comprises an elongated handle removably engageable to the frame and a slide connected to the lower section of the frame and extending away therefrom in a slide extending direction. The apparatus is selectively configurable in a push configuration where the handle is engaged to the lower section of the frame and extends in a direction substantially similar to the slide extending direction and a pull configuration where the handle is engaged to the upper section of the frame and extends in a direction substantially opposite to the slide extending direction.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning shingles on a roof using alignment marks placed directly on drip edges, limiting the need for stand-alone measurement devices.

Abstract: An outdoor privacy screen for space-dividing residential and commercial landscapes that is free standing and stable; manually moveable; easily assembled and dismantled by means of retractable-pin spring-clip fasteners; having a metal frame and weighted, detachable base foot components; and, with innovatively, quick-release snap fasteners that attach to a series of horizontal bars in vertical arrangement, each of which suspends, for breeze-propelled, independent and not interconnected for motion, ultraviolet-ray protective, individual, decorative fabric panels that are easily secured, removed, and interchanged by means of sliding a panel's top hem pocket onto and across said bar. Fabric panel bottom edges slightly overlap each other in louver arrangement affording privacy; sunlight mitigation; and, airflow allowance for the creation of a wind resistant privacy partition.

Abstract: A canopy including a flexible cover and a framework. The cover carries two rods, one secured to each of the opposite sides of the cover. Each of the rods has a gear attached to each of its ends. Brackets attached to the four corners of the framework each include a socket sized to receive the rod end, and, also, each bracket includes a pawl. When the rod is positioned in the socket, the gear on the rod is aligned with the pawl on the bracket to complete a ratchet tensioning mechanism that can be operated to progressively tighten the cover over the framework. To install the cover, the cover is rolled up on the rods and placed on the framework. The cover is then unrolled from the rods towards opposite sides of the framework where the rods are secured in the bracket sockets, tightened by the ratchet mechanisms, and secured by a locking pin. The operation is simply reversed when the cover is to be stored on top of the framework, or removed for storage elsewhere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for helping a wheeled vehicle pass over an obstacle, in particular for a person with impaired mobility. It comprises: —a stationary frame (2) comprising a bottom and two symmetrical parallel side walls (9, 10); —a plate (3) provided with two ends, a first end being movable between a high position and a low position in which said plate constitutes an access ramp, and —an assembly for driving said first end between a low position and a high position, said first end being supported by said drive assembly in both the low position and the high position. Said drive assembly comprises: —a linear ram mounted under the plate (3), provided with a stationary end adjacent to said second end and rigidly connected to the bottom, and a mobile end, —a carriage that is movable in horizontal translation and driven by said ram, said carriage resting on guides mounted on the bottom of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relater to a device (1) for helping a wheeled vehicle pass over an obstacle, in particular for a person with impaired mobility.

Abstract: The step for modular staircases comprises a portion of tread (2) associated with a support body (3) suitable for permitting the reciprocal assembly of the adjacent steps (1). The support body (3) comprises a pair of beams extending substantially vertically, suitable for being arranged facing one another in mounting position so as to define respective sides (40) of the step (1). Protruding perpendicular from the sides (40) are a respective upper bracket (5) and a respective lower bracket (6), suitable one for supporting in support said portion of tread (2) and the other for being secured to an opposite bracket (5) of an adjacent step (1).

Abstract: A stair tread cover suitable for covering at least one step in a staircase. The stair tread cover includes at least a front portion and a back portion. The front and back portion each have a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one adhesive strip is optionally positioned on the bottom surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover, and at least one grip strip is optionally positioned on the top surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover.

Abstract: A stair assistance device includes a rail unit having a toothed rail which has a teeth row. A base movably is engaged with the toothed rail and includes a pulley unit and a brake unit. The pulley unit is movable relative to the rail unit. The brake unit includes a roller which is engaged with the teeth row. A brake member is movably engaged with or disengaged from the roller. A grip unit is movably connected to the base and drives the brake member. The grip unit includes a grip which extends outward relative to the rail unit. The users hold the grip unit to control the brake member to be disengaged from the roller. The stair assistance device moves the users by the cooperation between the roller and the teeth row.

Abstract: A flooring system includes at least two discrete layers, the at least two discrete layers including at least a first discrete layer, wherein at least a portion of the least a first discrete layer includes a first material displaying dilatant properties, at least a second discrete layer. A method for assembly of an athletic flooring system includes installing at least a first discrete layer, wherein at least a portion of the least a first discrete layer includes a first material displaying dilatant properties and installing at least a second discrete layer.

Abstract: A window well is snapped into place on the foundation adjacent a window opening. During the pouring of the foundation wall, a pair of spaced and generally parallel channels are embedded in the wall and directed outwardly on the outer face of the poured concrete wall. The channels are seated on the wall form panels used in constructing the foundation wall and after the concrete has been poured and cured, the wall form panels are removed and the channels remain embedded and exposed on the outer face of the concrete wall. The channels provide a slot into which one of the generally vertical terminal edges of the window well structure may be inserted for attachment to the wall. The window well includes a number of clips which secure the window well to the foundation wall once they are inserted into the channel.

Abstract: A drywall mud applicator handle is provided. The drywall mud applicator handle has a generally cylindrical exterior tube having a generally hollow interior having components. The generally hollow interior of the handle contains a second hollow tube (therein having a reduced weight over existing solid rods) for activating the drywall mud applicator. The second hollow tube lacks any bends and may therein be reversed to dramatically increase the life span of the second hollow tube by altering the wear and tear on the tube evenly.

Abstract: A device for leveling and aligning tiles and method for leveling and aligning tiles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the leveling device includes a body and two spaced and parallel strip members extending transversely from the body. Each of the spaced and parallel strip members extend to the front and rear of the body. Two opposing lateral open windows are formed in the body. A breakaway section is defined along the body. A wedge device is provided for penetrating one or more of the two opposing lateral open windows and exerting a force on the tiles for leveling them relative to each other.

Abstract: A system for forming a vertical structure through the incremental pouring of wet concrete has a plurality of vertical columns external to the concrete of the vertical structure; a slip form structure comprising a pair of opposing walls forming a bottomless trough; a main frame coupled to the slip form structure, wherein the main frame is supported on, and configured to move vertically along, the vertical columns; and a work platform residing below the slip form structure and main frame, the work platform being supported on, and configured to move vertically along, the vertical columns; wherein the main platform moves independently of the work platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formwork arrangement for forming a suspended concrete floor slab comprising a change in level in an underside thereof, a support bracket for use with such a formwork arrangement, and a method for employing the support bracket and formwork arrangement.

Abstract: A concrete form assembly that includes a shaping assembly with a number of generally planar panels, and, a retaining assembly with a number of whaler clamp assemblies and a number of whaler cleat assemblies.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for depositing building materials comprising a motor vehicle, a container comprising a material depositing system and at least one device for removing the container from the motor vehicle. The device can comprise one or more outriggers which are adapted to remove the container from the motor vehicle and which can be used to deposit the container on a job site, There is also disclosed a process as well, which includes at least one of the following steps providing a base slab floor; bull floating the base slab floor, inspecting the base slab floor for debris, utilizing a measuring device to survey height dimensions, applying an adhesive intermediary, inserting plastic pins with respect to survey measured points, mixing a self leveling compound, pumping the mixed compound through a conveying system, and smoothing the mixed compound to create a uniform surface and floor which is cured.

Abstract: A stair tread cover suitable for covering at least one step in a staircase. The stair tread cover includes at least a front portion and a back portion. The front and back portion each have a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one adhesive or tacky region is optionally positioned on the bottom surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover, and at least one gripping region is optionally positioned on the top surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover.

Abstract: A stair tread cover suitable for covering at least one step in a staircase. The stair tread cover includes at least a front portion and a back portion. The front and back portion each have a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one friction region is optionally positioned on the bottom surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover, and at least one gripping region is optionally positioned on the top surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover.

Abstract: A system for providing a guard rail has stanchions comprising a vertical member with holes holding cable, and laterally extending reinforcement legs fastened at an angle to the vertical member, the legs and vertical member having base plates in a common plane with each having a vertical through-hole. A plurality of embeds are screwed into a base of a mold for forming a concrete floor, each presenting a vertically-oriented nut, the embeds encased in the concrete floor. The stanchions are bolted through the through holes in the base plates to the nuts presented by the embeds at an upper surface of the concrete floor, and guard rails are formed by passing cable through the holes or openings for holding cable for the guard rail.

Abstract: An outrigger netting system configured for installation on a building slab such as a balcony to protect against falling projectiles. The system includes one or more spaced apart brackets attached to a target slab, each bracket having an outrigger to support a net suspended across. The outriggers each extend outward from the edge of the slab and are each optionally angled slightly upward from the surface of the slab. A spring-dampened cable assembly is attached between the bracket and outrigger in order to dampen the impact of and resiliently catch and retain falling debris. Each bracket includes hardware to secure and level the bracket to the slab to enhance rigidity and security and prevent displacement or dislodgment of the brackets during use.

Abstract: A drop netting system for multi-floor construction for retaining debris has multiple rows of spaced apart brackets. Each bracket includes a base plate assembly attached to a surface of the building and a pole extending perpendicularly away from the base plate. One or more drop nets is attached to the distal ends of the poles and is the nets are suspended across the multiple rows of brackets to form a protective sheath on the building structure. The nets are spaced away from the surface of the building to permit access for construction work while retaining and preventing the spread of debris. The nets may be attached in breakaway fashion to cables attached across the distal ends of the poles of each bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable vocal booth (1) comprising a hood (2) that comprises a top (3), side walls (6), a front wall (4) and a rear portion (5) and is adapted to freely enclose a singer's head. The hood (2) comprises a rear part (R), which is intended to accommodate the singer's head and is open forwards and downwards and otherwise limited by the top (3), the side walls (6) and the rear portion (5), and a front part (F), which is intended to be in front of the singer's head and at the back is open towards the rear part (R) and is otherwise limited by the top (3), the side walls (6), the front wall (4) and a bottom wall (8), wherein a sound absorbing insert (16) is provided in the front part (F) inside the front wall (4). In the front part (F) between the sound absorbing insert (16) and the rear part (R) of the hood (2) a partition wall (17) of a sound absorbing material is arranged, and between the sound absorbing insert (16) and the partition wall (17) a gap (18) is provided.

Abstract: A method of constructing seismic shock absorbing structure which transfers horizontal and vertical forces from the floor to allow buildings to withstand earthquake shocks. In a first embodiment, foundation column is structurally designed and casted in the form of a fin shape below plinth level. In another embodiment, strength of the construction frame is enhanced by structurally designing, casting and slotting in at least one of rhombus shaped beams, diagonal cross beams, corner beams, plus shaped beams, rectangle shaped beams, semi-quarter circular beams in horizontal, vertical and inclined directions at the plinth level, below and above the plinth level. In another embodiment, wall is interlocked with at least one of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC), cement composites, steel, iron, metal, concrete, polystyrene, polyurethane, wood, plastic, fired bricks, cardboard and clay blocks. In another embodiment, interlocked wall is reinforced with GI (Galvanized) welded mesh, fiberglass mesh and wire mesh.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a beam-to-column connection systems for a moment-resisting frame as well as moment-resisting frames that include such connection systems.

Abstract: A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.

Abstract: A transitioning wind turbine for land or offshore use having a tower base; a wind turbine tower attached to the tower base; a wind turbine attached to the wind turbine tower having a hub and an outer perimeter with spokes disposed between the hub and outer perimeter; a set of vanes carried by the spokes; a generator configured to engage the outer perimeter of the wind turbine and convert a rotational energy of the outer perimeter into power; a lifting tower having a pivot disposed at a proximal end of the lifting tower; a cable attached between the lifting tower and the wind turbine tower; and, wherein the lifting tower is configured to transition from the upright position to the tilted position as the wind turbine tower transitions between the horizontal position to the vertical position.

Abstract: A backpack with incorporated and separable instant tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag cover allows the user to carry supplies within an enclosed back pack, which when deployed, becomes a no-set-up lightweight, portable, compactible shelter. The user can enter said structure easily, close it behind him or herself, and access his or her sleeping system and gear within. It may be used by hikers, campers, hunters, fishermen, disaster relief victims, military personnel, emergency rescue workers or anyone in need of a personal, portable, quick access, no set up, combined shelter and gear carrying system which is lightweight, provides privacy, protection from the elements, and ease of use.

Abstract: A quick and easy way of combining items needed for connecting and securing tents and tarps to a stake in the ground is provided. The stake has an elongated metal shaft with the bottom of the shaft tapered into a triangular shape for easily entering the ground. First and second sets of slots may be located on front and back surfaces of the shaft, respectively. Flexible pins may be inserted into a slot on the front surface of the shaft and extend out a corresponding slot on the back surface of the shaft. A user then bends the portion of the flexible pin extending out the back surface for added gripping strength of the stake when inserted into the ground. The stakes may include a wire or cable connected to a fastener which is used to secure the tent, tarp or tarp like item to the stake.

Abstract: An exemplary bollard fence includes bollards having bottom ends secured in a concrete base, the bollards spaced apart and extending axially from the concrete base; an elongated member moveably disposed inside of each of the bollards, and a header member laterally interconnecting the upper ends of the bollards.

Abstract: A lever apparatus having a lever connected to a latch assembly is operable to open the latch when rotated to a second position from a first position under an actuation torque. The apparatus further includes a magnet assembly with first and second magnets operably coupled to the lever apparatus. The magnet assembly is operable to generate a return torque in an opposite direction to that of the actuation torque such that the lever is returned to the first position after the actuation torque is removed from the lever.

Abstract: An anti-ligature handle and escutcheon mechanism mountable on a door for operating a lock for securing the door. The mechanism comprises a handle movable between open and closed positions, the handle having a smoothly curved outer surface to prevent the attachment of a ligature thereto and comprising a pivot at a first end for rotating the handle between the open and closed positions to operate the lock. An escutcheon fixed relative to a backing plate is oriented for mounting parallel to the door when the mechanism is mounted on an outer surface of the door, wherein the escutcheon surrounds the handle and defines a recessed area within which the handle pivots. The handle further has a second end including a guide which is trapped beneath and slides along an arcuate edge of the recessed area of the escutcheon to maintain flush contact between a mating surface of the handle and the backing plate to prevent ligatures from being inserted therebetween as the handle rotates to operate the lock.

Abstract: A locking mechanism including a plunger, a plurality of locking elements, a cage including apertures in which the locking elements are housed, and a sleeve, with the sleeve moveable with respect to the cage between an unlocked position and a locked position, and when the sleeve is in the locked position, the sleeve maintains the locking elements in engagement with a recess on the plunger to restrict movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a locking portion and a housing portion. The locking portion includes a locking mechanism. The housing portion includes a housing portion wall. The housing portion wall comprises a first material and is configured to house a second material within the housing portion wall. The second material is made of a different material than the first material. The second material is selected such that a cutting tool will be hindered when trying to cut through the housing portion.