Abstract: A board is provided that includes a pattern to facilitate attachment of the board to a frame structure. The pattern comprises a first array of marks disposed along a first imaginary line; a second array of marks disposed along a second imaginary line, said first and second imaginary lines being spaced a first predetermined distance apart; and a third array of marks disposed along a third imaginary line, said first and third imaginary lines being spaced a second predetermined distance apart. The board may be used in a variety of construction applications, where the pattern facilitates the quick attachment of the board to an underlying frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a facing panel, on the long side surfaces of which there are connecting or locking elements (5, 6) that are different or which complement each other along the two parallel long side edges (4, 4?) of the facing panel (1, 1?) so that the long side edges (4, 4?) of two facing panels (1) with different locking elements can be connected to one another. On the visible surface (7) of the facing panel (1, 1?) there is a single stripe (2) that is parallel to and spaced apart from one of the two long side edges (4, 4?); the color of said stripe (2) is darker than the color of the remaining visible surface, one and the same connecting or locking element (6) being formed along the long-side edge (4) of the facing panel (1, 1?) to which the stripe (2) runs parallel or to which it is close, one and the same connecting or locking element (6) being formed on the opposite long-side edge (4?), this being complementary to the connecting or locking element (5) or lockable thereto.

Abstract: A diagonal brace connector and method is disclosed. The connector includes an upper planar member and a lower planar member connected by a rigid webbing. A center screw boss is disposed continuously and laterally along the webbing. The screw boss is adapted to receive a screw fastened through a structural member and into the screw boss. A corner screw boss is along the corner between the webbing and the lower flange. The corner boss is similarly designed to accept a screw fastened through a structural member and into the screw boss. A pair of parallel grooves are formed in the webbing to provide a visual guide for the locations to install permanent fasteners. The alignment grooves are disposed such that the screw bosses of adjoining members do not interfere with the permanent fasteners.

Abstract: A decorative weather-tight inset to position against a wall for providing aesthetics, covering holes or irregular surfaces, and creating storage space. The inset includes a flange around the perimeter to elevate the inset above the wall. The flange and the wall form a waterproof seal through the use of fasteners and caulk. The flange can bend or be prefabricated to contour flush against the wall. A decorative surface can protrude beyond the inset and include indicia. The decorative surface can be one piece or multiple pieces, and include a variety of shapes, graphics, and text. A space between an opposite mounting surface of the inset and the wall can be filled with insulation for preventing thermal transfer, and for enhancing the water proof seal between the flange and the wall. Items can also be stored or displayed in the space if the decorative surface detaches, and/or is transparent.

Abstract: A board is provided that includes a pattern to facilitate attachment of the board to a frame structure. The pattern comprises a first array of marks disposed along a first imaginary line; a second array of marks disposed along a second imaginary line, said first and second imaginary lines being spaced a first predetermined distance apart; and a third array of marks disposed along a third imaginary line, said first and third imaginary lines being spaced a second predetermined distance apart. The board may be used in a variety of construction applications, where the pattern facilitates the quick attachment of the board to an underlying frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a high-visibility roof-drain cover comprising a roof-drain cover, a marked, reversible, elongated flag, and coupler means for mounting the flag to the roof-drain cover, wherein the flag extends upwardly from the roof-drain cover a sufficient distance that a top portion of the flag will remain visible above an accumulation of wind-blown debris and snow. The invention provides a first group of high-visibility roof-drain cover embodiments, each of which includes a novel roof-drain cover. The invention provides a second group of high-visibility roof-drain cover embodiments for retrofit, each of which includes a prior art roof-drain cover. The invention provides a third group of sub-assemblies for retrofit.

Abstract: A swimming pool safety coping element (5, 40) comprising a first portion (110) formed of the group of polyurethane, epoxy, latex, block copolymer, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam and glass reinforced plastic (GRP); a display layer (121); and a second portion (120), disposed on the first portion (110) and the display layer (121), comprising a Low Surface Energy material. The display layer (121) may include an LED arrangement (202) to improve visibility and safety.

Abstract: Provided are frame members from which a structure can be efficiently assembled, and a structure using the frame members. On a surface of a vertical frame member 28, there are printed a position identification mark (sectional shape mark) showing the position where a horizontal frame member 34 is to be butted, a nut position identification mark N showing the mounting position of a nut 46 which is to be inserted into a guide groove 22, and a position identification mark showing the mounting position of a bracket 42. The frame members can be efficiently assembled to manufacture a structure, without referring to a drawing for assembly.

Abstract: A framed wall construction (10) includes a generally vertically orientated frame (12). A substantially planar layer of a moisture barrier (21) having a generally water-resistant front surface is fixedly attached to substantially cover the frame (12). To complete the wall construction, an outer cladding material (22) is secured to cover the moisture barrier (21).

Abstract: Break away panels, devices and methods of using the breakaway panels with grid scored patterns for fire extinguisher cabinets which can be made for small, mid-size and large size fire extinguisher cabinets, and easily resized when needed. Three novel panels each having novel vertical and horizontal scored lines running throughout the panels and be located on the inside surface of the installed panels. An installer can easily break off upper and/or lower and/or side edges of the panels in order to resize the panel to fit almost any size fire extinguisher cabinet. The scoring lines can be accomplished by a router. Alternatively, the entire panel and the scored lines can be formed from injection molding.

Abstract: A carpenter's deck board and fastener positioning tool has a first, proximal part which rests temporarily on the top of a joist, and a second, distal part which rests temporarily on the top of a deck board to be installed. The first, proximal part has a pair of spaced-apart, downwardly extending tabs, one for extending along each side of the joist. This way, when the tool is placed on the joist, the tabs center the tool on the joist. The second, distal part is a longitudinal, substantially flat plate extending from the first, proximal part parallel to the joist, for resting on top of the deck board to be installed when the board is resting transversely on the joist. On or in the flat plate are fastener placements for enabling or indicating the proper location of fasteners for effectively connecting the deck board to the joist.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of sheets, including a lowermost sheet, have an upper edge, a lower edge, parallel side edges, an upper surface, and a lower surface. A support includes a lower board beneath the sheets adjacent to the lower edges. Parallel boards beneath the sheets are at locations adjacent to and at spaced parallel locations between the side edges. Long brackets couple the lower edge of the lowermost sheet to one of the parallel boards and the lower board. Straight brackets couple one of the side edges of one of the sheets to one of the parallel boards there beneath. Short brackets couple the upper and lower edges of two adjacent of the sheets to one of the parallel boards there beneath.

Abstract: A variable size sill pan can be adapted to various widths, lengths, and heights of framed door or window openings. The sill pan assembly includes an extruded base which is typically inclined, window or door supports which can be extruded as part of the base unit, and molded corner elements. Grooves are provided on the front flange of the sill pan base to permit the front flange to be cut to a desired length. Grooves are provided on the rear sill pan wall permit the rear sill pan wall to be cut to a desired length. Grooves or markings are provided on a base and on end cap sections to permit the pieces to the cut to a desired width. An assembled sill pan is formed by attaching the adjusted pieces together, or by snapping and gluing the adjusted pieces together.

Abstract: A connector for securing a horizontally extending member of a sloped roof at a selected angle relative to an upright member of the sloped roof includes a first portion adapted for secure engagement with the upright member and a second portion adapted for secure engagement with the horizontally extending member. An angular measurement section extending from the first portion and having multiple visible features thereon is usable to secure the connector to the upright member at a selected angle by aligning a selected visible feature with a portion of the upright member. Each visible feature corresponds to a selected angular relationship, such that a desired angle between the horizontally extending member and the upright member can be provided through selective alignment of a corresponding visible feature of the connector with the upright member.

Abstract: An anchor bolt device includes an anchor bolt having a threaded first end and a second end. A flange portion has the threaded first end of the anchor bolt extending freely therefrom. The flange portion defines a planar surface aligned in parallel with a surface of a concrete foundation when the second end of the anchor bolt is received in the concrete foundation. A raised column projection having a threaded portion through which the threaded first end of the anchor bolt is threadably received. The raised column projection is set to a user defined position. The flange portion extends radially outward from and is integrally connected to the raised column projection. The flange portion has at least one offset tab used to position the device a defined distance away from a boundary of a concrete foundation wall. The offset tab includes a series of marks defining multiple break points.

Abstract: A roof ventilator mount for mounting a roof ventilator onto a gable-type roof (21), the roof ventilator including a roof ventilator base (10) defining a cupola mounting portion (25) for mounting a cupola (12) thereto, the roof ventilator mount comprising: a first mounting component (26), the first mounting component (26) including a first mounting plate (48) mountable to the roof (21); a second mounting component (26), the second mounting component (26) including a second mounting plate (48) mountable to the roof (21); the first and second mounting components (26) being mountable to the roof ventilator base (10) with proximal edges (47) thereof located substantially adjacent to each other and distal edges (49) thereof located spaced apart from each other; the first and second mounting plates (48) being each provided with a breakable segment (66) extending from the proximal edge (47), the breakable segment (66) being breakable from the remainder of the mounting plate (48) along a predetermined break line locat

Abstract: A window panel including at least one electronic device that includes at least one electronic memory in which is stored information that can be read remotely using an appropriate reading apparatus. An electronic device connected to the memory receives and processes data so as to transmit and enter information to and in the memory in response to signals received in a programmed way by one or more units for detecting and sending data associated with the window panel and/or a device accommodating the window panel.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete pole base and adjustable method of connection and use to receive, support, and stabilize light poles and the like having different hole mounting patterns, securing the pole to the base and facilitating rapid installation of poles while eliminating the need for on-site concrete forms and lengthy concrete cure times.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete pole base and adjustable method of connection and use to receive, support, and stabilize light poles and the like having different hole mounting patterns, securing the pole to the base and facilitating rapid installation of poles while eliminating the need for on-site concrete forms and lengthy concrete cure times.

Abstract: A laminate floor product resembling a hand-scraped hardwood floor is disclosed. The product includes artificial beveled edges, hand-scraping marks, and chatter marks. The floor product may also include rolled or beveled edges with a decorative and/or scratch resistant paper extending to the peripheral edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting framing components of a building structure to a foundation wall includes a connector having a generally L-shaped cross-section. The connector is configured to be secured to the foundation wall. The connector has a joist shelf configured to support one or more floor joists and a ledge configured to support one or more wall sheathing panels.

Abstract: An insulating construction panel having a top end, a bottom end, a first end, a second end, a front side and a rear side, the panel for constructing a single or multi-cavity concrete form. The panel includes regularly spaced coplanar passages extending through the panel from the top end toward the bottom end and at least one angular passage perpendicularly intersecting each coplanar passage at the top end and bottom end of the panel and extending toward and through at least a portion of the back end of the panel.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a temporary structure is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of wall panels, a plurality of roof panels, a plurality of floor panels, at least one door panel, and each wall panel, roof panel, floor panel, and door panel comprising at least one edge coupled to a first track and at least one edge coupled to a second track. The first track has a first surface with an indentation and a flat second surface. The second track has an angled hemmed tab extending therefrom that is adapted to mate with the indentation of the first track and a straight hemmed tab extending therefrom that is adapted to abut the flat second surface of the first track.

Abstract: A shaped insulating board is disclosed for enabling lining of fiber cement boards and simultaneously enabling attachment of the insulating board on the building studs. Furthermore, the shaped insulating board provides a water drainage panel that allows water to drain downward on both sides of the board. The shaped insulating board also provides aeration between the board and the building surface.

Abstract: An assembly, and method for constructing the assembly, to aid in the proper installation of shingles by providing panels of shingles and assembly guides that when followed, result in the installation of shingles that meet keyway width requirements, keyway alignment requirements, provide an aesthetically pleasing distribution of the shingles, and provides adequate ventilation.

Abstract: A fire door installation auditing/verification system includes a label that is adhered to a fire door in use. The label has a first portion adhered to the fire door, and a second, removable, portion, said second, removable, portion carrying detailed installation instructions for the fire door. The second, removable, portion is attached to the first portion such that, when the second portion is removed during installation, the first portion of the label is retained adhered to the fire door and provides a visual indication, post installation, that the installer has removed the second portion carrying the detailed installation instructions.

Abstract: Provided are frame members from which a structure can be efficiently assembled, and a structure using the frame members. On a surface of a vertical frame member 28, there are printed a position identification mark (sectional shape mark) showing the position where a horizontal frame member 34 is to be butted, a nut position identification mark N showing the mounting position of a nut 46 which is to be inserted into a guide groove 22, and a position identification mark showing the mounting position of a bracket 42. The frame members can be efficiently assembled to manufacture a structure, without referring to a drawing for assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a “2 by” (or “2×”) wood construction member, e.g. a 2×4 or a 2×6, having conventional width and thickness but which has a longitudinal cross sectional area which is less than the longitudinal cross sectional area of a regular corresponding 2 by. The reduction in cross section area is achieved by removing material from a longitudinal major surface, e.g. a side or edge surface. When such a member is used in the wall of stick house, a wiring channel is thereby provided. Also disclosed are methods of making such a member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a modular textile system includes dividing a textile web into a plurality of frames that define carpet tiles to be formed from the textile web, providing each frame with an indicium, and forming the textile web into a plurality of carpet tiles. The indicium may include at least one of a variously oriented indicium and a variously positioned indicium for indicating the orientation of each carpet tile in an installation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side faces, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face. At least one of the faces includes a pre-installed adhesive for joining adjacent panels together.

Abstract: A roofing shingle with a laying line that facilitates the alignment of an overlying course of shingles with respect an underlying course of shingles is provided. The laying line is located on a front surface of the shingle and has a width such that the laying line is exposed when an edge of another shingle is placed in contacting proximity with the laying line. The shingle may also have a scale and one or more nibs that protrude from the sides of the shingle that assist in aligning the shingles in the second course with the shingles in the underlying course. The shingle may also include nailing zones located on the front surface of the shingles provide a location for fastening the shingles to the roof. A method of laying the shingles of the present invention on a roof is also provided.

Abstract: A connector for securing a horizontally extending member of a sloped roof at a selected angle relative to an upright member of the sloped roof includes a first portion adapted for secure engagement with the upright member and a second portion adapted for secure engagement with the horizontally extending member. An angular measurement section extending from the first portion and having multiple visible features thereon is usable to secure the connector to the upright member at a selected angle by aligning a selected visible feature with a portion of the upright member. Each visible feature corresponds to a selected angular relationship, such that a desired angle between the horizontally extending member and the upright member can be provided through selective alignment of a corresponding visible feature of the connector with the upright member.

Abstract: A polymer building product for securement to the exterior of a building, the building product comprising a base portion securable to a substrate; a top portion slidingly telescopingly receivable over the base portion; and engaging elements, such as teeth, interengaging projections, etc. disposed on one or both of the base and top portions for securing the base and top portions together. The building product is characterized by a first, unsecured condition in which the top portion is slidingly received over the base portion in a first rotational orientation relative to the base portion and the top and base portions are freely slidingly separable, and a second, secured condition in which the top portion is slidingly received over the base portion in a second rotational orientation relative to the base portion and the top and base portions are secured together.

Abstract: A cast veneer wall panel includes a facing panel having at least one design element. The facing panel is made from a cast material. In addition the wall panel includes a backing panel including a series of spaced apertures. The series of spaced apertures receive a portion of the cast material in order to key the facing panel and the backing panel together.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first part to a fibre cement lining board for use as a replacement to building wrap which can be used to form a sub wall on the outer surface of a wall frame, and to building wall structures and methods of constructing buildings using these particular lining boards. The invention also relates to a new method of constructing framed dual skin walls using the lining boards, particularly brick or masonry veneer walls, and to the wall structures formed by that method.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting framing components of a building structure to a foundation wall includes a connector having a generally L-shaped cross-section. The connector is configured to be secured to the foundation wall. The connector has a joist shelf configured to support one or more floor joists and a ledge configured to support one or more wall sheathing panels.

Abstract: The present invention is a strong, safety barrier that can be affixed to the inside of a wood or metal-framed opening at a construction site so as to prevent passage and resulting injury while permitting installation of finished walls and flooring. In particular, the safety barrier consists of a material, in a substantially planar shape, that attaches to the lower, inside area between the rough opening of a passage way in the area of a building that is under construction and not safe for human passage, which when properly installed, will prevent human passage and resultant injury and also provide a written warning of danger, with universally recognized signage.

Abstract: Various novel roofing brackets and roofing systems are disclosed. A first embodiment can be considered a roofing bracket to be coupled to a vertical post and a horizontal purlin of a roofing system whereby the horizontal purlin is positioned to support roof panels at a requisite pitch. The roofing bracket includes a reference brace and a clip. The reference brace includes a first brace face positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post and a second brace face extending at an angle angle from the first brace face and positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post. The clip includes a first clip face positioned to be fastened generally flush with the horizontal purlin and a second clip face extending at an angle from the first clip face and positioned to be fastened planarly parallel with the vertical post. The second clip face is coupled to the first brace face at a pivot point such that the clip can be rotated a particular angle relative to the reference brace.

Abstract: A composite shingle having unitary construction is presented that includes a body shell, a plurality of longitudinal ribs, and a plurality of rib stiffeners. Further, the present composite shingle may also include transverse ribs, a depressed nailing zone, nailing zone ribs, and/or at least one alignment aid. The present composite shingle may also include spacing nibs. At least a portion of the outside face of composite shingle is textured to resemble slate or wood shake shingles. The butt end wall has a height that creates depth in composite shingle to more closely resemble true slate and shake shingles. The first side wall and second side wall generally taper from a greater height at the butt end to a lesser height at the top end. The longitudinal ribs extend downward from the bottom surface of the body shell to a common plane. There is a plurality of rib stiffeners that also extend downward from the bottom surface of the body shell and each rib stiffener end is integral with a longitudinal rib.

Abstract: A synthetic roofing element is provided having laterally spaced-apart placement indicators in a headlap portion thereof, defining a spacing zone between the placement indicators, with the placement indicators comprising a means for providing a visual indication of proper placement of spaced-apart edges of adjacent roofing elements in a next-overlying course of roofing element. The placement indicators can comprise vertical lines, and can include instructions in text. Spacing nibs can also be used. The placement indicators can include markings for placing corners of tabs of next-overlying roofing elements. A roof comprised of such roofing elements and a method of applying such elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A roofing shingle with a laying line that facilitates the alignment of an overlying course of shingles with respect an underlying course of shingles is provided. The laying line is located on a front surface of the shingle and has a width such that the laying line is exposed when an edge of another shingle is placed in contacting proximity with the laying line. The shingle may also have a scale and one or more nibs that protrude from the sides of the shingle that assist in aligning the shingles in the second course with the shingles in the underlying course. The shingle may also include nailing zones located on the front surface of the shingles provide a location for fastening the shingles to the roof. A method of laying the shingles of the present invention on a roof is also provided.

Abstract: A board is provided that includes a pattern to facilitate attachment of the board to a frame structure. The pattern comprises a first array of marks disposed along a first imaginary line; a second array of marks disposed along a second imaginary line, said first and second imaginary lines being spaced a first predetermined distance apart; and a third array of marks disposed along a third imaginary line, said first and third imaginary lines being spaced a second predetermined distance apart. The board may be used in a variety of construction applications, where the pattern facilitates the quick attachment of the board to an underlying frame.

Abstract: A slope adjustable head for an adjustable pedestal (10) for supporting beams, panel members, typically pavers, in accurate edge aligned relation, in a level plane is disclosed. The pedestal (10) includes a base block (12) and a series of inter-engaging threaded annular elements (20, 30) which can be rotated relative to each other to adjust the height of the top of the pedestal in a screw jack fashion. A slope compensator is located at the top of the pedestal and comprises a slope compensation plate (100) and a head member (50). Rotation of the slope compensation plate (100) about its center of curvature causes the angle of the adjustment plate relative to the vertical axis to change thus allowing for compensation for the slope of the surface on which the pedestal is standing.

Abstract: A system and method for protection of buildings are disclosed here. The system may include a plurality of durable recyclable sheets that are capable of displaying media, portions of each sheet may be attached to the other via external fasteners that may be located at interfaces between the sheets. The system may also include top fasteners to fasten portions of the sheets to parts of the building, supporting members, and internal fasteners to fasten the supporting members to portions of the sheets. The method may include the steps of providing durable recyclable sheets capable of displaying media, attaching portion of the sheets to each other, fastening portions of the sheets to the building, disposing supporting members to support portions of the sheets, and attaching the supporting members to portions of the inside surfaces of the sheets.

Abstract: A main tee member having a measurement indicia system for use with a suspended ceiling includes a support flange and a web extending upwardly from the support flange. The web has first and second sides and a plurality of receiving channels extending from the first side of the web to the second side of the web. The receiving channels are configured to receive a cross tee member. A plurality of first indicia are marked on the first side, and a plurality of second indicia are marked on the second side, and are disposed at the same incremental distances along the length of the main tee member for indicating the location of a selected receiving channel for receiving a first selected cross tee member, and for indicating the location of a selected receiving channel for receiving a second selected cross tee member to be introduced from the opposite side.

Abstract: The present invention provides for track for use in constructing metal stud walls. The track is a generally U-shaped channel having a base and upstanding side walls extending along either side of the base. The base is provided with a plurality of embossed indicator means evenly spaced along the length of the base. The spacing of the embossed indicator means provides a guide for the proper spacing of the studs placed in the base.

Abstract: An application for a metal faced roofing shingle includes a metal face affixed to a substrate, the substrate preferably being of similar size to existing asphalt roofing shingles. The metal faced roofing shingle includes a planar substrate and a metal face that covers less than an entire surface of the planar substrate. A decorative pattern covers an outside surface of the metal face or a part of the metal face, providing a look that, in some embodiments, simulates prior asphalt, wood, clay or stone roofing systems.

Abstract: A tile spacer that provides multiple grout line and/or adjustment dimensions.

Abstract: A magnetic wallpaper system designed to easily install and remove wallpaper without damaging either the wallpaper or the surface of the wall. Such magnetic wallpaper may be printed for personally customized designs or images. Also such magnetic wallpaper may be printed to reflect a season, holiday, event, etc., and be easily changed according to the desired theme for a room. Further, the magnetic wallpaper system comprises a magnetic wallpaper communication system providing patterned wallpaper with non-patterned voids for writing notes and other indicia on a dry-erase surface of the magnetic wallpaper onto walls of a metallic locker.