Abstract: An adjustable step system for assisting a person walking up or down a flight of stairs. The system includes adjustable steps that can be mounted to the stairs of the flight of stairs. The adjustable steps effectively reduce the required vertical height of a step that a person is required to take for each stair. The adjustable steps are also movable and can be positioned at a desired location along the width of the stairs when not in use.

Abstract: The invention comprises a concrete form. The form comprises a first concrete forming panel having a first primary surface adapted for forming and contacting plastic concrete and a second primary surface opposite the first primary surface; a layer of insulating material contacting and substantially covering the second primary surface of the first concrete forming panel; and an insulating blanket adjacent the first concrete forming panel. A method of using the concrete form is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for a pair of opposed spaced concrete forming panels. The connector comprises an elongate spacer member having flanges formed thereon intermediate a central portion thereof and each opposite end thereof. A portion of at least one end of the spacer member is sized and shaped to selectively engage an elongate panel bracing member. A composite insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a variety of rod brackets. An exemplary rod bracket includes a base portion adapted and configured to be mounted to a surface and a top portion adapted and configured to mate with the base portion. The top portion and base portion cooperate to define a recess for holding at least a portion of a rod. The bracket further includes a retainer adapted and configured to hold the top portion and the base portion together, wherein the retainer is displaceable, such as slidably displaceable, from a first position wherein the retainer prevents the base portion and top portion from separating, to a second position wherein the base portion and top portion can be separated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for a slide and tilt hinge mechanism. The slide and tilt mechanism comprises an upper element (102) having a top (140) and a bottom (132) and an angled (130) portion located at an end (144) of the upper element, the angled portion angled relative to the top and the bottom of the upper element. A lower element (104) having a first lower element portion (122) and a second lower element portion (124) coupled together by a joint (126), the joint allowing the first lower element portion to fold relative to the second lower element portion and the upper element. A slide enabling member (302/304), coupling the upper element to the lower element such that when the upper element and the lower element are in a closed configuration (100), the upper element prevents the lower element from folding. A biasing member (128), biasing the lower element to fold about the joint when the upper element is slid to an extended position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for a slide and tilt hinge mechanism. The slide and tilt mechanism comprises an upper element (102) having a top (140) and a bottom (132) and an angled (130) portion located at an end (144) of the upper element, the angled portion angled relative to the top and the bottom of the upper element. A lower element (104) having a first lower element portion (122) and a second lower element portion (124) coupled together by a joint (126), the joint allowing the first lower element portion to fold relative to the second lower element portion and the upper element. A slide enabling member (302/304), coupling the upper element to the lower element such that when the upper element and the lower element are in a closed configuration (100), the upper element prevents the lower element from folding. A biasing member (128), biasing the lower element to fold about the joint when the upper element is slid to an extended position.

Abstract: A device for finishing a wet plaster surface is disclosed. The device of the present invention comprises a finishing tool holder which includes a handle engaging lower end. An upper end of the holder broadens to a planar fan shape, and the upper end is notched to create a step. A filler piece complementary to and substantially filling the notch is inserted therein. A threaded fastener proximate a lower end of the notch secures a lower end of the filler piece to the handle. A pair of spaced apertures near the upper end of the holder are aligned with a pair of spaced apertures in the filler piece, and a pair of threaded fasteners engage the aligned apertures to secure a variety of surface finishing tools to the holder. The surface finishing tools which are directly attachable to the handle include an elongated brush, a variety of trowels with various widths and edge forms, and a circular or star-shaped cup.