Abstract: A building construction block includes a body made of a rigid material and having a substantially rectangular-shaped main portion, a wedge-shaped offset portion formed integral with the main portion, a pair of opposite side surfaces, a bottom surface, a top surface, a front surface and a rear surface. The top surface and opposite side surfaces are defined on both the main and offset portions. The rear and bottom surfaces are defined on the main portion. The front surface is defined on the offset portion and extends in a generally inclined direction from the bottom surface to the top surface and away from the rear surface. A first part of the top surface on the main portion receives and supports a first building component over the main portion, while a second part of the top surface on the offset portion receives and supports a second building component over the offset portion.

Abstract: A construction system having structural members with pre-manufactured rows of holes for fastening. A first kind of structural member (33, 35 and 35a in FIG. 2) has a row of holes equally spaced at a distance N. A second kind of structural member for diagonal bracing (43 in FIG. 2) has a row of holes equally spaced at a distance equal to the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle with the other two sides having a length of N or a multiple of N. A third kind of structural member (24 in FIG. 2) has two rows of holes equally spaced at a distance N, with the holes of one row perpendicularly intersecting the holes of the other row. Large diameter fasteners (60 in FIG. 8), with a cross-hole for a crossing fastener, allow mounting two or more structural members at the same longitudinal disposition to perpendicular sides of a structural member of the third kind.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a structure such as a bridge has been severely damaged by an earthquake or other disturbance such as a flood. The method is designed to be carried out by unsophisticated persons immediately after such disturbance so that unnecessary delays will not be caused by the closing of bridges and the like which are not severely damaged. The method involves affixing a target to one portion of the structural member such as a span and affixing a pointer on another structural member such as a column. Preferably the target and pointer are positioned in such a way that a safe or unsafe determination can be easily made by the viewer.

Abstract: A set of one or more tiles is provided with a partially complete design permanently inscribed thereon for use in guiding the user to complete the design including structural and artistic elements of the completed design.

Abstract: A chair having a receiving area with a horizontal section and a generally parabolic section extending transverse to the horizontal section, and a plurality of separate legs extending downwardly from the receiving area. Each of the legs has a foot extending horizontally outwardly therefrom. The receiving area and the plurality of legs are integrally formed together of a polymeric material. The horizontal section and the generally parabolic section have a cruciform configuration. Each of the legs has a rectangular cross-section in a horizontal plane. The horizontal section of the receiving area has a numerical indicia molded thereon which is indicative of a distance between a top of the horizontal section and a bottom of the foot. The foot of one of the plurality of separate legs has a top surface with a numerical indicia molded thereon. The numerical indicia on the horizontal section of the receiving area is oriented in a different direction than the numerical indicia on the foot.

Abstract: A stair jack for constructing a staircase between an upper surface and a lower surface. The stair jack has a stair support member with a top inclined edge and a plurality of tread supports adapted to be fixedly coupled to the stair support member. Each tread support has a riser surface that projects upwardly from the top inclined surface and a trend support surface extending from the top inclined surface to an upper point of the riser surface. Stair treads and risers are affixed to the tread supports and riser surfaces, respectively, so as to form a staircase in which both the stringer and the tread support members are hidden from view.

Abstract: An improved display product and method of making a display wherein a perforated panel is provided with layers of paint which are kept on the panel. Thus, a sign painter can have a wide latitude of designs which can be applied to see-through graphics. The resulting product can be opaque to an observer looking from one side of a display product yet the observer is able to see through the product from the other side of the product. A window to be provided with a display product is masked with masking paper and masking tape to cover the exposed parts. A perforated panel is cut to fit the window and attached over the masking paper and the masking tape. The perforated panel is painted with an image that is desired.

Abstract: An ambient lighted plaque structure with self-created aesthetic illusory-colored sides comprising a glass blank. The glass blank being colorless and transparent and homogeneous in composition. The glass blank bounded by front and back surfaces and a series of angularly related sides where the series of angularly related sides define a thickness between the front and back surfaces of the glass blank. One of the series of angularly related sides facing in an upward direction. Another of the series of angularly related sides facing in a downward direction. A colored glass strip structure underlying the glass blank and being homogeneous in composition. The colored glass strip structure is rigidly bonded to the side facing in a downward direction and the bond provides a colorless transparent joint therebetween. The joint enables ambient light to travel between the colored glass strip structure and the side facing in a downward direction without substantial internal reflection.

Abstract: An L-shaped coping for drywall corners is marked with indicia to facilitate both installation of the coping and use of the coping as a permanently affixed rule.

Abstract: A modular structure consisting of three modular units, the center module being the primary module containing the mechanical components of the building, with plumbing, air conditioning and heating ducts, and electrical wiring in the slab floor structural foundation and door jambs. The primary module is completed at the factory. The major exterior walls, slab floor foundation panels, and ceiling/roof panels for all three modules are similarly manufactured in one piece. The major components of the side modules, consisting of the slab floor foundation panels, ceiling/roof panels and the exterior side walls, are all hinged so that they fold to the side and on top of the primary module. Accessories and wall panels and partitions not hinged are placed on top of the primary module for transportation. Two end walls are bolted to the center module during transportation to the site.

Abstract: A roof system utilizing a solar cell comprising a first modular roof member composed of a plurality of first light collecting plate segments each of which having a solar cell embedded therein, the first light collecting plate segments being aligned in one direction and in the other direction perpendicular to the one direction; and a second modular roof member composed of a plurality of second light collecting plate segments each of which is equal in size to the first light collecting plate segment, the second light collecting plate segments being aligned in one direction and in the other direction perpendicular to the one direction, the number of the second light collecting plate segments in one direction being larger by one than that of the first light collecting plate segments.

Abstract: A method of identifying and installing a plurality of electrical or other signal carriers, pipes, tubes or the like within a building structure. The method includes the steps of determining the paths along which the various carriers are to be laid out within the structure, formulating a retrievable record of such paths, storing and retaining the retrievable record of such location information in an accessible computer memory or the like, and assigning a unique identifying expression to each of the carriers. The unique identifying expression is reproduced on spaced apart portions of each of the carriers, and the carriers are then installed according to plan. By using the unique identifying expression to access the computer memory, the location of all points along each carrier can be determined.

Abstract: Methods for fastening or holding down tar or felt paper on a roof and the laying down of shingles on a roof are particularly adaptable in the use of a construction strap wherein the construction strap is made from a flexible, durable, substantially non-stretchable material and has a high breaking load.

Abstract: A sloped gutter assembly provides for the controlled discharge of runoff water from a structure roof. The gutter assembly includes a first elongated gutter section having a bottom and upstanding side walls that collectively define a U-shaped cross-section. The first gutter section is characterized by an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the side walls are tapered progressively from the upstream end to the downstream end. This taper defines a cross-section of progressively reduced dimension. A plurality of mounting brackets are spaced apart and integrally attached to one of the upstanding sidewalls, and attach the first elongated gutter section to the structure. Finally, the gutter assembly includes a screen that is hingedly attached along one side to the upstanding side wall disposed adjacent the structure. The screen is further disposed to overlie the opposing gutter side wall, and therefore the gutter channel.

Abstract: A housing designed to be anchored in concrete includes a handle and a pivot for moving the handle between an upstanding position and a generally recessed position with respect to the top of the housing. The pivot may extend from the housing for anchoring the housing in the concrete.

Abstract: A slab pattern tool for termite treatment drilling in which the tool comprises a drill pattern (11) with a series of color coordinated drilling holes (12) wherein the colors represent different spacing patterns, and a set of adjustment footings (14) which abut the wall of the building being treated and allow for adjustment away from the foundation footing at the wall.

Abstract: A decorative cover for a movable garage door and method of attachment thereof are provided that allow festive ornamentation of ordinary garage doors while maintaining full use of such garage doors. The decorative cover can be made of weather resistant material and printed with various festive designs on its surface. The decorative cover is installed by draping it onto the front of the garage door while the garage door is in its open position. The cover is then wrapped around the garage door and top and bottom ends of the cover are joined together on a back side of the garage door by any of several tethering methods to secure the cover to the garage door.

Abstract: A columbarium structure comprising several niche units, each of which is of a door hingably attached to it. Within each such door, a rotatable element is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: A hearth form is utilized for pour-forming a fireplace hearth in the absence of eventual removal thereof from an opening established by floor joists and a conventional concrete masonry unit. The hearth form is preferably constructed from two relatively slidable body portions which may be reinforced by inter-engaged parallel channels or grooves. The body portions collectively define a chamber or cavity into which concrete can be poured. A peripheral wall defined in part by side walls and front walls carry brackets for establishing a predetermined space between the hearth form and floor joists, not just for supporting the hearth form upon nails or fasteners and nail centering marks for establishing the location of fasteners to assemble the hearth form in an associated floor opening.

Abstract: A holdown strap connection including a sheet metal holdown strap connector for joining a generally vertical frame member such as a post or stud to a concrete foundation made from one piece of sheet metal that installs easily to otherwise identical left and right corner vertical frame members with the same load values for resistance to uplift forces. The one-piece, in-line sheet metal holdown strap connector includes a foot section embedded in the concrete, a transition section connected to the foot section and an elongated strap section integrally connected to the transition section that extends in registration with the side face of a vertical frame member and attaches thereto.

Abstract: A rafter-to-support-member connection apparatus includes a single-piece, substantially two-dimensional blank which includes a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion projecting transversely from the longitudinal portion. The longitudinal portion includes a first end region and a second end region. The transverse portion includes transverse connection apertures. A plurality of indicia are located at predetermined crease line locations on the longitudinal portion. The transverse portion and the first end region and the second end region of the longitudinal portion are adapted to be bent with respect to each other along predetermined locations on the transverse portion and the longitudinal portion to form a three-dimensional structure. In one embodiment, the rafter-to-support-member connection apparatus provides an adjustable fascia rafter connection apparatus to connect a wood or metal fascia to the plumb end of a structural metal rafter.

Abstract: A monument comprised of a body, a device for permanently attaching the body to the ground, and a rotatable element rotatably attached to the body. The body contains an exterior surface with an opening; and at least a portion of the rotatable element is disposed within the opening. As the rotatable element is rotated, it displays visual information which varies with the rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roof anchor system for preventing lifting of a building roof from the walls by high winds for use in building structures having a roof constructed of wood rafters and joists supported by walls and also having a cast concrete foundation footing with at least one perimetric reinforcing bar therein. The roof rafters and joists are connected to each other and anchored to the foundation for preventing lifting of the roof from the walls during high winds. The roof anchor system comprises a plurality of identical rafter connectors, a connector being attached to every rafter of the roof. A horizontal tie bar extends through all rafter connectors on a side of the building. A plurality of identical metal T-shaped reversible couplings is evenly spaced along the horizontal tie bar and a second plurality of reversible couplings is cast within the concrete foundation footings, each coupling being spaced along the reinforcing bar directly under a corresponding coupling on the horizontal tie bar.

Abstract: An octagonal plastic window assembly is provided for mounting to an exterior surface of the building wall or doer. The window includes two spaced window panes, one of which is glass and the other plastic. An exterior trim ring is provided to circumscribe the window to give a finished appearance to the exterior of the window. An octagonal liner assembly is provided comprising a plurality of interconnected liner panels connected together by a snap fit and received within a rough opening in a building wall or door. An interior trim ring is provided for attachment to the liner assembly to give a finished appearance to the interior side of the building wall or door. The plastic window assembly can be installed without the use of fasteners.

Abstract: A method of installing a plurality of carrier elements within a building structure. The method includes the steps of determining the intended locations of various carriers within the structure, formulating a record of such locations, assigning to each carrier a location code indicative of the record of the location points comprising its intended path within the structure, storing and retaining the record of the location information in an accessible memory means, such as in a written record or in the memory of a computer, and reproducing at least portions of the codes on portions of each of the carrier elements. The carrier elements are then installed in the structure such that each carrier element follows its intended path, and each carrier element bears a unique code referable to a record that discloses its location path within the structure.

Abstract: A connector member for a concrete form includes connecting mechanisms adjacent its top and bottom edges for holding two connecting members together.

Abstract: A universal slope compensator for use in installing a substantially horizontal surface comprising ballast blocks on a pre-existing surface having a slope, the slope compensator assembly being capable of achieving a wide range of slope compensation.

Abstract: A handrail including one or more tubular members, the ends whereof are provided with respective fastening members. Inserts made of photoluminescent material are arranged between the tubular members and the fixing members and are suitable to make the handrail visible even in poor lighting conditions or in complete darkness.

Abstract: A stud wall framing construction comprises a lower track; an upper track aligned with and vertically spaced from the lower track; and a plurality of vertically aligned studs positioned between the lower and upper tracks. The lower and upper end portions of the studs are positioned within the lower and upper tracks, respectively. Each of the lower and upper tracks includes a channel with opposed track sidewalls and a track base wall. The track sidewalls have a plurality of inwardly projecting track protrusions formed from the sidewalls. Each of the track protrusions on one of the sidewalls is paired with another track protrusion disposed across the opposite sidewall. The lower and upper end portions of the studs has opposed stud sidewalls and plurality of inwardly projecting stud protrusions formed from the stud sidewalls. Each of the stud protrusions on one of the stud sidewalls is paired with another stud protrusion disposed across the opposite stud sidewall.

Abstract: A water resistant, durable and foldable staging mat for organizing pressurized air-pak bottles for emergency firematic use incorporating rows of horizontally spaced-apart offset dividers extending above the mat surface in separating bottles as "filled" and "emptied", and with the mat being colored-coded and imprinted for ease in segregating the bottles in use.

Abstract: A ground covering mat creating a safe working environment around certain pedestals containing electrical and/or telephone equipment and for preventing the growth of vegetation around ground-anchored structures in general. Such structures include fire hydrants, pedestals for containing telephone or electrical circuitry, and gas vents. The mat includes a main body defined by an outer perimeter. The mat is constructed from synthetic fibers saturated with a resin containing ultraviolet inhibitors and a fire-retardant. The mat is resilient so as to conform to the shape of the ground for which it covers. The mat is designed to be substantially non-biodegradable. In a preferred embodiment, the mat has a concentric series of scored profiles defining successively larger interior sections. The scored profiles facilitate a user in cutting a central open area corresponding in with the size of the ground anchored structure.

Abstract: An adjustable-height post (10) for construction formwork, which is preferably made of aluminum, consists of an outer tube (12) to which a threaded nut is fastened in a lossproof manner, and an inner tube (11) that has thread segments (13, 14) on the outer surface. The segments (13, 13', 13", 13'") project into recesses (19, 19', 19", 19'") of the outer tube (12). This embodiment produces a robust post (10) whose inner tube (11) is nonrotatably supported and guided in the outer tube (12). The inner tube (11) can more easily be manufactured with the threads (14) according to the invention; at the same time, material can be saved in the manufacture of the post (10).

Abstract: A bearer joint for a vehicle bodywork, and in particular a longitudinal front bearer joint, and a process for placing an aluminum bearer on the bearer joint in the vehicle bodywork. The bearer joint comprises a cast aluminum connector for joining together a first forward bearer and a second adjacent bearer. The connector includes a tubular aluminum recess for receiving the rearward end of the first aluminum bearer which is fixed thereto by a transverse weld seam at the front receiving edge of the recess. To replace a damaged front bearer, a ring cut is made to the outer wall of the aluminum recess at a distance from the forward receiving edge corresponding to the zone of thermal influence of the heat affected zone adjacent the weld. A damaged front bearer is then withdrawn from the recess and replaced by a new front bearer which is also welded to the new forward cut edge of the aluminum recess. In this way the front bearer is replaced without compromising the original strength of the bearer joint.

Abstract: A roof vent pipe shield comprising an outer plastic cylinder and an inner plastic cylinder connected at one end by portions that are fusion bonded to one another such that there is a space between the cylinders. An outwardly flared portion extends from the other end of the outer cylinder for engagement with the roof. The flared portion terminates in a free edge lying in a plane which is at an angle to the axes of the cylinders. Indicia are provided on the inner surface of the flared portion to indicate the lines along which the flared portion should be cut to accommodate roofs of different pitch.

Abstract: A swimming pool support structure comprises an elongate upright member having a longitudinal axis and a pivot attached at least indirectly to the upright member at one end thereof for defining an axis of rotation extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. An elongate top rail member is provided at an end with a connector for pivotably connecting the top rail member to the upright member at the pivot, while a fastener is provided for fixing the top rail member to the upright member upon the attainment of a desired orientation angle of the top rail member with respect to the upright member. A swimming pool incorporating the support structure is installed by erecting a first upright member at a predetermined location, pivotally attaching a first end of a first top rail member to the pivot pin of that first upright member, rotating the top rail member about the pivot pin until a first desired angle of orientation is attained between the top rail member and the bearing plate of the upright member.

Abstract: A cleat for supporting sheet goods during alignment and fastening to underlying support structures. A pattern of holes is provided in the cleat for use in fastening the cleat to strapped or non-strapped mounting surfaces. The ends are shaped to provide a means of positioning the first sheet as well as a subsequent sheets. A removable measured spacing plate is attached to the cleat so that the cleat may be positioned without the need to measure or use spacers.

Abstract: Framing for drywall building construction consists of vertical metal U-shaped studs whose ends are positioned with U-shaped metal top and bottom tracks. The tracks have spaced sets of inward protrusions, preferably dimples, formed from the sidewalls of the tracks. The studs are snapped into the sets of protrusions and held therein.

Abstract: A protective covering strip is constructed of a flexible, waterproof material, such as rubber or a plastic compound, and is configured to fit over the upper and/or side surfaces of an elongated wooden member. The strip is formed as an inverted channel and has a length and width substantially corresponding to the length and width of the wooden member to ensure a snug fit. A plurality of longitudinal ribs are provided along the length of the strip. The side portions of the strip may be beveled outwardly to speed water runoff. In use, in the construction, for example, of a wooden deck, covering strips are secured to the top and/or side surfaces of the posts, joists and girders to separate and prevent any direct contact between the post/girder, girder/joist and joist/wooden flooring joints. The covering strips prevent the collection of water in the joints between the respective wooden members, and also prevent water seepage into nail holes formed during the assembly process.

Abstract: A segmented underlay is disclosed for use in installing a title floor of a shower. The underlay comprises a set of identical planar, rigid members which when laid side-by-side in a circuitous fashion form an underlay having a continuous surface which slopes substantially uniformly from the perimeter of the underlay to the center of the underlay.

Abstract: A unitary framing assembly for use in framing an aperture in a wall or a roof, ordinarily a window aperture, has important features which enable its easy installation and yet which provide a superior weather seal. These features include the rout in the outer edge of the molding of the window unit, an intrinsically L-shaped or F-shaped polymeric preformed weather/nailing flange (preferably molded or vacuum formed) which is positioned within or adjacent said rout, prelocated nail marks, centering lines on the uppermost surface of the jamb for centering the window unit during installation, and associated interior trim pieces with incorporated stop structures.

Abstract: A base-point anchor that will allow anchoring of chalklines, plumb bob lines, string for layout lines and tape rules, comprising a body with adhesive locking apertures and an anchor aperture and a bulk adhesive adhering to the body and extruded into the adhesive locking apertures.

Abstract: A ridge roof vent adapted to be mounted on the ridge of a roof and comprising a top wall that is spaced from the remainder of the vent and is adapted to receive overlapping pieces of shingle roofing material comprising transversely extending primary indicia provided along the length of the ridge roof vent and including secondary transverse indicia associated with the transverse primary indicia in repetitive series. Each series of transverse primary indicia spans a distance less than the length of a shingle piece. The transverse primary indicia associated with the secondary indicia are positioned such that when a first shingle piece is applied from one end, the end of the shingle piece will be positioned between a pair of equally spaced secondary indicia and can be used to provide an overlap of the ends of the shingle pieces without the need for measurement.

Abstract: A conduit marking device including one or more strips of flexible material coupled adjacent one end to a fastening member configured for coupling to a conduit member. The strips, when coupled to the conduit member, extend in a vertical direction, with the strength and flexibility thereof being sufficient to avoid severing during the screeding process. The length of the strips is sufficient to extend above the surface of the poured concrete floor to provide visual indication of the location of the conduit member after curing of the concrete. The strips may be color coded, or may be provided with indicia, either or both of which may be used to indicate the type of conduit member, as well as the direction, depth or the like.

Abstract: A retaining ring of an eyeball return fitting of the type used in swimming pools and spas is provided with a releasable or breakaway cover cap. The cap closes the end of the return fitting during construction. This permits the finish work for the cement and plaster stages of the pool construction to be effected without the danger of cement or plaster getting into the fitting during construction. After construction has been completed, the cap is released and drops away, carrying with it any cement or plaster which may have hardened on it during construction.

Abstract: A vegetation barrier incorporating a base member, and upstanding leg, said base member extending to one or both sides of the upstanding leg, to fit underneath of a fence, at its lower end, and be affixed thereto, each barrier having a slot extending inwardly a fixed distance from one end between the upstanding leg and its base member, and temperature compensation structure designed into the barrier including either a series of apertures, arranged above the formed slot, and providing a means of stopping the extent of insertion of the next adjacent barrier therein, so as to provide additional clearance within the slot for expansion, by insertion of a stop within a temperature identified slot to limit the extent of insertion of the next adjacent barrier therein, or the temperature compensation means may include forming the barrier, either along its upstanding leg, or base member, or both, of a corrugated texture.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a plastic clip-on stair edge identifier includes a channel member having a U-shaped front portion that has front, rear and bottom walls, the rear wall inclining upward and inward toward the front wall, a rearwardly extending flange having its front edge joined to the upper edge of the rear wall of the channel member and inclining downward and rearward therefrom, the identifier being made of a resilient plastic material that is colored red or yellow. The identifier member is clipped from the bottom side onto a rectangular metal bar that provides the front edge of a stair step, and provides a highlight for the front surface of each step to one ascending or descending the stairs.

Abstract: The casing of a file shipping and storage container incorporates a reinforcing member along a pair of opposite walls at an end opening in which an external leg portion forms a right angle with a flange portion at a juncture that is smooth and uninterrupted and in which an internal leg portion forms a juncture with the flange portion that includes a row of aligned, lengthwise, longitudinally spaced-apart slits forming a bending line.

Abstract: A device for locating a marker screw threadably engaged with a cover in duct means imbedded in a poured concrete wall construction including resilient fibers that are attached to the marker screw at one end and project beyond the outer wall surface but resiliently yield upon engaging with a finishing tool thus facilitating location of said marker screw after the wall has been poured.

Abstract: A method of building construction which involves the steps of forming a building framework that includes a slab-like floor layer having an upper surface defining a habitable area and at least one horizontal groove opening into its lower surface, providing a pattern of duct-like parts on the floor layer in accord with an arbitrarily selected room layout, providing utility lines in the horizontal groove below the upper surface and in the duct-like parts above the upper surface, and providing partition walls atop the duct-like parts to form rooms.

Abstract: The locating of structural members disposed within the interstices of a concrete member can be accomplished by employing at least one indicator capable of showing the position of the structural member. The indicator also can show the directional location of the support members. The indicator of the present invention generally connects to a post member. This post member provides vertical support for the indicator system. A clamping assembly is attached to the post member and connects the structural member to the indicator system for fixing the location of the structural member. The clamping system can also identify the location of the structural member, and the indicator can then be provided to show the directional line of the structural member. Typically, the post member is sized to a predetermined length so that the longitudinal dimension of the indicator system corresponds to the thickness of the concrete member.