Abstract: There is provided a kit of parts configurable for assembly within a window assembly, that defines a window opening, and includes a frame and a sash, wherein the sash is slidably mounted relative to the frame for slidable movement relative to the frame from a first position to a second position, wherein the kit comprises a frame member of the above-described frame, a sash member of the above-described sash; wherein: the frame member defines a retainer; and the frame, the retainer, and the sash are co-operatively configured such that, while the sash is disposed relative to the frame in the first position, the retainer is interfering with movement of the sash member in an inwardly direction, and while the sash is disposed relative to the frame in the second position, there is an absence of interference to movement of the sash member in the inwardly direction. There is also provided a window construction obtainable from assembly of at least the parts of the kit of parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for an entryway includes: a sheet of material having a top, a bottom, a left side, and a right side, and a sleeve at the top of the sheet of material. The sheet of material has an opening extending to the bottom of the sheet of material between the left side and the right side of the sheet of material from a position below the sleeve. The opening has a left seam and a right seam, wherein a first magnet is positioned at the left seam of the opening and a second magnet is positioned at the right seam of the opening, wherein the first and second magnets are magnetically coupled. A variable-length cross member has a first end and a second end. The cross member is positioned in the sleeve and includes a first securing mechanism at the first end and a second securing mechanism at the second end that secure the cross member respectively to body portions of a first vertical pole and a second vertical pole.

Abstract: A configurable door panel cover includes a first face of a first door that is perforated and includes one or more attachment points, which one or more configurable panels may attach to. The configurable door panel cover includes a fastener assembly that includes at least one fastener that attaches to the configurable door panel cover, and a spacing mechanism. The spacing mechanism attaches to the fastener that is attached to the configurable door panel cover and to one of the one or more attachment points on the first face of the first door. The spacing mechanism attaches the first configurable door panel cover at a first orientation that includes a first angle between the configurable door panel cover and the first spacing mechanism. The fastener assembly may be rotated to the configurable door panel cover.

Abstract: A window structure is configured to form a principal chamber enclosing a first window pane installed in an exterior wall of a building. The window structure includes a first surface configured to absorb solar energy and a main frame including a second window pane. An axial hinge is configured to allow to the main frame to tilt between a first position and a second position. When the main frame is tilted in the first position, the first surface is positioned in a first orientation that allows the first surface to directly receive sunlight through the second window pane. When the main frame is tilted in the second position, the first surface is positioned in a second orientation in which the first surface is prevented from directly receiving sunlight through the second window pane. The window structure may be used for ventilating the structure and shading during the warm weather.

Abstract: A window assembly comprising an upright window frame defining a frame opening, and an upper sash and a lower sash mounted in the window frame. The frame of the upper sash has its top corners pivotally mounted to the window frame. The frame of the lower sash has its bottom corners pivotally mounted to the window frame. The bottom rail of the upper sash is hingedly connected to the bottom rail of the upper sash. At least one of the upper and lower sashes is also slidably mounted to the frame jambs of the window frame, allowing the slidable sash to slide vertically within the window frame. The upper and lower sashes are movable between an extended closed configuration and a folded open configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a window blind solar energy management system for capturing solar energy to manage illumination and temperature within a defined space. Blinds comprising curved louvers are hung from the internal frame of a window, each louver having a concave, highly reflecting specular mirrored surface that focuses incoming solar beam radiation onto a thin area on the back of the adjacent louver. The angle of the louvers is adjusted by an integral automatic controller so that the thin strip of light can be focused on one or two of three regions on the back of the adjacent louver which are designed to either reflect, absorb, or reject the incoming light.

Abstract: An extensible car window shading apparatus mountable inside the car and comprising a first plurality of slats having at each longitudinal end a slat hole in which a slat spring attached to a slat stick is inserted, such that the slat stick extends outwardly from the slat hole, a second plurality of panels, the second plurality being exactly twice the first plurality, such that there is a panel at each longitudinal end of each slat, wherein each panel has a panel hole in which a panel spring is inserted, the panel hole being configured to receive the slat stick, and wherein the panels on each side of the apparatus are joined by hinges, such as to allow folding or deploying of the extensible car window shading apparatus by a user, and a support arm that keeps the extensible car window shading apparatus in folded position.

Abstract: An assembly comprised of at least one fixed panel and at least two moveable panels is provided. The moveable panels are capable of being controllably shifted relative both to each other and to the fixed panel such that first and second aligned and non-aligned positions can be achieved. The assembly is further comprised of two or more drive links which are, in turn, comprised of a center pivot which engages with the fixed panel and two or more outer pivots which engage with the movable panels.

Abstract: An accordion-type shutter assembly including a plurality of elongated vertically extending corrugated or flat shutter slats hingedly held together in an edge-to-edge arrangement for limited pivotal movement between adjacent slats between the assembly being open and closed. The shutter assembly is used to protect a window or door from flying object damage and building intrusion caused by storm or hurricane. The female hinge half along one of the edges of each slat has lengthwise extending rib reinforcements for greater impact resistance to better withstand the impact of airborne flying objects produced during storms and hurricanes.

Abstract: A construction machine having a flip roof top to provide space for improved ingress into and egress from the cab of the construction machine. The construction machine includes a chassis, a construction tool coupled to the chassis, and a cab mounted on the chassis. The cab has a frame that supports a back panel, a pair of opposing side panels, a front door panel and a roof panel. The back, side and front door panels cooperate to define an interior cab space. Operator controls are disposed in the interior cab space and are operatively coupled to the construction tool. The roof panel has opposing first and second edges. The first edge is pivotally coupled to the frame. The roof panel is pivotal between a closed position, wherein the second edge is proximal the frame, and an open position wherein the second edge is pivoted upward away from the frame.

Abstract: A shower screen includes an upper guide rod secured on top of two posts, a screen member having a number of panels foldably coupled together and having an upper portion slidably attached to the guide rod, and two beams secured to sides of the screen member. A lower guide bar is secured to lower portions of the posts, and includes a downwardly facing passage. The beams and the screen member each includes a hook member or hook device having a projection slidably engaged into the passage of the guide bar, to anchor the lower portions of the beams and the screen member to the guide bar, and to prevent the beams and the screen member from fluctuating or vibrating relative to the guide bar.

Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes an array of machine elements disposed within a matrix material. Each machine element includes a cross-section defining an internal space that is filled with a viscous fluid. Preferably, the machine elements are provided in complementary pairs of tubular members, with the internal spaces of the tubular members communicating with one another. When subjected to a predetermined force, the cross-sections of the tubular members change shape, changing the volume of the internal spaces, and causing fluid to flow into or out of the internal spaces. Preferably, under the predetermined force, one tubular member increases in volume and the other tubular member simultaneously decreases in volume, thereby causing fluid to flow between the tubular elements to dissipate energy from the predetermined force.

Abstract: A panel support assembly 25 comprises a post 10 having at least one elongate recess 12, rotatably supporting a respective panel receiving member 13. The panel receiving member 13 comprising a rod-like member having an internal channel 14 adapted to receive a panel 11. The recess 12 is part-cylindrical and respective panel receiving member 14 is cylindrical, partially fitting within recess 12, so as to allow relative rotation. A pair of panel support assemblies 25, with pairs of panel receiving members 13 facing each other, provides a panel fixing system for fixing a panel 11.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a louvered window insert comprising two louvered frame sections 39, 50 each having one vertical member 44, 60 with an upper and lower horizontal member 40, 42, 56, 58 extending from each end thereof and a plurality of louver blades 46, 52 extending horizontally therebetween. The distal ends of the horizontal members and louver blades of the first section have recesses 48, 54 to receive and slidably secure the horizontal members 56, 58 and louver blades 52 of the second section as they travel therethrough allowing a user to size the insert to a window 12 simply by placing the fully overlapped assembly inside an open window 12 and separating the two frame sections 39, 50 thereby reducing the overlap of the horizontal members and the louvers and effectively elongating the insert until the two vertical members 44, 60 are flush to their respective side jambs and then lowering the window 12 until it sits atop the present invention.

Abstract: A pleated panel shutter system for an opening in a dwelling in which the pleated panel portions can be drawn to the side rendering the bulk of the opening available for ventilation, light, and the normal function of a window or a door. The pleated panel can be closed shut, and optionally locked, with securement against vandalism as well as high winds and flying debris damage, such as occurring in a hurricane. The strength of the pleated panels in the vertical orientation permits perforation over more than 50% of the surface of each of the panels, while still providing ample impact against winds up to 125 mph., and survive the impact test of a two by four (2×4) six (6) feet long fired at 34 mph. without deflecting more than 2½ inches.

Abstract: A foldable swimming pool cover includes, in one embodiment, a screen constructed of an ultra-fine, lightweight mesh fabric and a plastic frame mounted on the periphery of the screen. The plastic frame includes a plurality of frame members, each of the frame members having a pair of free ends. The free ends of adjacent frame members are pivotally connected by a bi-directional hinge assembly which enables the swimming pool cover to be collapsed into a vertical stack of individual panels in an accordion fashion. In use, the swimming pool cover is designed to be placed over a swimming pool to prevent environmental debris from falling into and contaminating the water held within the swimming pool. Because the screen is constructed of a mesh fabric, moisture will pass through the screen and environmental debris will accumulate on the screen. In order to use the swimming pool, the swimming pool cover can be folded into a vertical stack of individual panels and lifted off the pool.

Abstract: A sectional garage door is formed of rectangular door sections which include hollow extruded plastic rail members interconnected by hollow extruded plastic end and intermediate stile members to form a door section. The rail members and stile members may be fitted with internal tubular or channel shaped metal reinforcing members to minimize deflection of the door sections during use. The door sections may each include an externally fitted strut which is secured to a longitudinal side edge of a section and is connected directly to a reinforcing member disposed within one of the rail members without being forcibly connected to the rail member itself to allow for differential thermal expansion between the rail member and the reinforcing members. Rectangular panel inserts may be removably supported on each door section by removable retainer members and may include insulated panel inserts which may be added to the door sections before or after installation.

Abstract: A rapid access door system is provided wherein authorized individuals may pass through the door system and wherein unauthorized individuals are blocked from entering a secured area past the doors and are automatically rerouted to an unsecured area for further processing without blocking the door system and impeding the flow of other individuals entering the door system. The door system uses modular units employing sensing means and a specially configured door which door automatically provides the rerouting of persons in the system. The sensing means determines, among others, the number of persons in the system, whether the door is opened or closed, whether a person has exited the system to particular areas, alerting speakers and signage, with the above information being used in conjunction with the door system to provide a highly efficient and effective rapid access portal system.

Abstract: An insulating window shutter comprised of a one-piece, molded window shutter and hinge for coupling two window shutters together and for coupling a window shutter to a window jam. In the preferred embodiment, the window shutter is made from an expanded foam plastic such as Styrofoam.RTM., and the interior and exterior faces of the window shutter comprise a plurality of simulated wooden slats in the closed position.

Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a cargo bay of a pickup truck includes at least first and second cargo bay panels arranged generally parallel to each other, each configured to span the cargo bay of the pickup truck with opposite ends resting on opposite sidewalls of the cargo bay, a hinge interconnecting the first and second cargo bay panels in a manner such that the first and second cargo bay panels can be rotated about the hinge and folded onto the other of the first and second cargo bay panels, and a bracket assembly interconnecting the hinge to the opposite sidewalls of the cargo bay for retaining the first and second cargo bay panels above the cargo bay, the bracket assembly having at least one flange pivotally depending from the hinge proximate to and secured to at least one of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A bifold door comprises a pair of door panels 12.1, 12.2 joined to one another along a centre hinge 14. Each door panel, at the end thereof remote from the center hinge, is supported on a track 16 by a runner assembly 18 to which the door panel is pivotally connected. Each runner assembly is provided with a cam 32 whereby the runner assembly can releasably be locked in position with respect to the track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a partition (19) having horizontal guide rails (14, 14') held between lateral stops (16) and including three collapsible door panels (18, 20, 22) adapted to be moved to and from either side. The middle panel (20) is offset to the front and is articulated to one outer panel (22), whereas a groove (36) is provided on the upper edge of the middle panel for guiding a slidable articulation (28) attached to the other outer panel (18). An opener (40) having two lever arms (42, 48) is mounted to the articulation (30) and will be pivoted as the slidable articulation (28) passes, a long lever arm (48) engaging a slide face (52) of a joint crown (50). Magnetic gibs (60) are provided on the lateral stops (16) and on ledges (58) of the adjacent vertical edges (56) of the outer panels (18, 22). Preferably ball-boren rollers (66) support the door panels along the upper guide rail (14).

Abstract: An air tight shutter is provided having a set of pre-made bifold doors in conjunction with a frame wherein the shutters are manufactured to have tight tongue-in-groove reception area not only with respect to the bifold doors but also with respect to the bifold doors and frame. A burglar proof latch mechanism is provided such that a ball crank is turned by means of a handle thereby withdrawing elongated rod-like members from the frame section which then permits the bifold doors to open, or in the alternative, the ball crank is turned in the opposite direction causing the elongated members to penetrate an aperture in the frame and thereby lock the shutters in place. An assembly method for producing the shutter is also disclosed, along with the machinery particularly adapted for said assembly method. The machinery disclosed achieves the close tolerance required in assemblying of the shutter.

Abstract: A shutter assembly is disclosed for the selective covering of a wall opening. The shutter assembly includes at least one set of shutter elements with each set having at least first and second shutter elements. Each shutter element includes a pair of spaced panel members and end elements interconnecting the panel members to form top and bottom ends members and oppositely disposed side members and to define an enclosed interior chamber therewithin. A member is interposed between the panel members within the interior chamber for providing thermal insulation and to define enclosed air spaces between the thermal insulating member and each of the panel members. Reflective elements are disposed on each side of the thermal insulating member for preventing thermal radiation energy loss. The shutter assembly also includes a jamb structure disposed adjacent the wall opening for mounting each set of shutter elements.

Abstract: A locking mechanism disposed on one of the panels of foldable doors utilized in railway cars for transporting vehicles for automatically connecting the panels together when in a collapsed position.

Abstract: A window construction including a frame and inner and outer window structures is provided. The inner window structure is vertically shiftable in the frame a limited amount and may be swung horizontally inwardly toward an open position after being upwardly shifted in the frame from its lower position, the inner window structure and frame including coacting portions locking the inner window structure against swinging movement to the open position when the inner window structure is shifted downwardly relative to the window frame. The outer window structure includes upper and lower sections pivotally joined together along their adjacent marginal edge portions and the opposite ends of the upper and lower marginal portions of the upper and lower sections, respectively, includes outstanding guide pins slidably and rotably received in opposing vertical grooves formed in the opposite side upright portions of the window frame.