Abstract: A window well is disclosed. The window well has a curved wall that has an inner wall section, an upper wall section, and a base. The upper wall section is unitary with the inner wall section. The curved wall includes an outer wall section unitary with the upper wall section. Between the inner and outer wall sections is an air space. The curved wall further includes at two horizontally oriented members or footholds that are unitary with, and that extend inwardly toward the center of curvature of, the curved wall, and which are spaced above the base. Each foothold includes a spaced-apart pair of handholds dimensioned, configured, and oriented to enable a user to extend an adult palm through, to securely grasp the handholds.

Abstract: A retaining wall system, retaining wall panel, and method of constructing a retaining wall, wherein panels of the retaining wall define an arched or curved profile in plan view, for example following a catenary curvature, with the wall panel curvature being concave in a direction extending into the backfill area behind the retaining wall. The curvature resists backfill loading on the panel and evenly distributes the load across the panel without significant stress concentrations and transfers the load to posts or columns to which the panels are mounted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a window well mounting system having a non-conductive bracket and a non-conductive seal that helps prevent premature oxidation of window wells. The non-conductive bracket and the non-conductive seal insulate conductive elements to stop the flow of electricity to the window well.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a resilient and multipurpose window well installation. The installation comprises numerous different features and optional additional attachments and functionalities. In one embodiment, the installation can increase the amount of light entering into a basement window. In an alternative embodiment, the installation can also protect from influx of flood water through the basement window.

Abstract: Load support structures for mounting a load atop a raised rib metal panel roof make use of relatively small, inexpensive, and easy-to-make adapter plugs as interfaces between the raised ribs and one or more component pieces or members of the load support structure, such as an upper diverter or a lower closure member. The adapter plug has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having an inner profile substantially matching or conforming to some or all of the profile of a particular style of rib profile. The outer surface of the adapter plug has a standardized shape, some or all of which is made to conform to an upper diverter, lower closure, and/or other component member of the load support structure.

Abstract: Armoring for a light weight sheet metal enclosure of a vending machine is provided utilizing base plates on mounting bolts passing through the floor in combination, optionally, with L shaped internal wall and floor reinforcements which can mate with external reinforcing plates, sub-flooring reinforcements and vending tray armor, all of which can be combined in different manners to meet the needs of a specific machine.

Abstract: A dwelling assembly that has a continuous sidewall and an opening for a door and a window. A roof assembly is provided with first and second roofs that are spaced apart such that the outer roof acts as a heat shield for the inner roof to ensure the interior of the dwelling is a minimum temperature. In addition, ballast boxes are utilized in order to provide additional weight to the dwelling and a planting area in association with the dwelling assembly.

Abstract: This invention provides upper diverters which are used on support structures on roofs. Such upper diverter has a lower flange which interfaces with the respective roof panel, and an upstanding wall which extends up from the lower flange. The upper diverter diverts water, flowing down the roof, laterally away from the respective roof panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cast-in-place window well walls includes first and second forming panel modules each having an inner and outer section. The forming panel modules may be connected together by a spacer panel which extends downwardly to a footing for providing a pier for supporting the window well wall. The forming panel modules are preferably configured with arcuate corners and upper and lower rails to permit stacking of the modules to increase the height of the window well wall, or include additional spacer panels or filler forms to increase the width or thickness of the window well wall.

Abstract: A window well enclosure including a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall that engage each other. At least one step is attachable to the window well enclosure using a channel formed in at least one of the front wall, the first side wall and the second side wall.

Abstract: A window well cover jack is disclosed. The window well cover jack has three arms: a base arm, a support arm and an actuator handle, all connected to aid in the lifting of a window well cover and to allow egress. In one embodiment, the jack is lockable in a stowed position. It is also possible to add a spring assist to aid in the lifting of a window well cover. Ideally, the window well cover jack is also lockable in a deployed position to aid in holding an ajar window well cover so as to facilitate escape. A simple link, which is easily broken by emergency crews with the proper tools but secure against intruders without said tools, connects the window well cover jack to a window well cover.

Abstract: The window well cover and accessory for use there with includes a cover that is hingedly attached top of a window well. The window well cover includes height-adjusting means to tilt the window well to a particular orientation with respect to the window well. The window well cover includes an accessory that is secured to a top surface of the window well cover, and which provides a decorative feature to an adjacent home as well as a weighting means for maintaining the window well cover atop of the window well. The window well cover is constructed of a transparent material to enable light to penetrate down into the window well. The window well cover is capable of rotating outwardly and away from the respective home in order to provide ingress and egress with respect to the window well.

Abstract: A window well cover that is universal to the extent that it will work on different sizes and shapes of window wells within a certain range for each size of window well cover produced.

Abstract: A window well cover that is universal to the extent that it will work on different sizes and shapes of window wells within a certain range for each size of window well cover produced.

Abstract: An insert (1) for a weep hole opening in a masonry wall is disclosed. The insert (1) includes a hollow body (2) defining an air flow conduit (3) and including a first open end (4) and a second open end (5). A stainless steel mesh screen (6) extends across the conduit (3) near the first open end (4) and is adapted to prevent fire brands and sparks from passing through the body (2). A locating member, in the form of a grate (7), is hingedly connected to the body (2) adjacent the first open end (4). The screen (6) is located in a recess (8) in the rear of the grate (7) and friction between the screen (6) and the grate (7) retains the screen (6) in the recess (8). The grate (7) is formed from a material that substantially retains its spatial integrity when exposed to the heat flux profile generated by a typical forest fire, such that the grate (7) continues thereafter to locate the screen (6). The grate (7) also has a plurality of ventilation apertures (9) to allow air to pass through the air flow conduit (3).

Abstract: “The Environmentally Safe Hydro-Electric Pipeline And Water Delivery System” will provide over one million gallons of fresh water per day to areas and communities in desperate need of clean fresh water. This will be accomplished with a very small environmental footprint. This pipeline will be self powered by use of gravity and siphon principals. There will be enough flow and water pressure left over to power many water turbine electric generators, which may be located anywhere along the pipeline, where the power can be sold.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing improved egress and greater safety for subterranean window wells. The apparatus has relatively low lifting force to allow people to escape fires and earthquake damaged buildings through egress windows. The apparatus can include mounts which are U-shaped and fit over opposing sides of the window well wall and are connected thereto. The mounts may have pivots which connect to an operator that applies upward force upon a grate assembly that covers the window well. The mounts and grate are hinged to pivot and allow the grate to be opened when needed. The operator has swivel and ball connections and an adjustable outboard connector.

Abstract: A method for molding plastic articles with artistic patterns comprises: producing an artistic surface (10) by laying up stones, or masonry (12), or by any other suitable method, conforming a curable plastic mat (16) to the artistic surface (10); and subsequently curing the curable plastic mat (16) into a cured negative (24) of the artistic surface (10). Optionally, the cured negative (24) is curved prior to making a plaster positive (38). The present invention also includes a window-well egress (90) that is more attractive because of an artistic surface (96), and is stronger by virtue of inner (92) and outer (98) walls with a space (102) therebetween, and ribs (108), or corrugations (110) on the outer wall (98).

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A window well structure adapted to be disposed at least partially below grade and adjacent a window in a foundation. The window well structure includes a main body having a center wall portion and two opposing side wall portions. The window well structure may also include a decorative design on its front surface and a plurality of support ribs to reinforce the main body. Each of the support ribs may include a core comprised of a filler material, such as foam, and may be comprised of a composite material.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A window well for use by a person to escape through a window formed in a basement wall including a generally U-shaped body member having upper and lower ends and inner and outer ends. The open upper end of the body member has a spacer and a removable lid mounted thereon. The body member is comprised of a composite material such as fiberglass.

Abstract: A crawl space access device is capable of being placed in a below grade level crawl space entry pit, and mating with the below grade opening in a building wall. The crawl space access device includes a body member having a base portion restable on a horizontal surface of the pit. A side wall portion extends generally perpendicular to the base portion. The side wall portion includes a side wall opening matable with the below grade opening.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A modular egress window well structure which is constructed of structurally identical walls that interlock and attach to the foundation of a building via a termination strip. The identical wall members allow for ease of manufacturing and installation of the egress window well. The method of installation comprises removing soil away from the foundation of a building, securing the termination of strips to the foundation, assembling the egress window well and then backfilling the soil around the structure.

Abstract: A window well for use by a person to escape through a window formed in a basement wall including a generally U-shaped body member having upper and lower ends and inner and outer ends. The open upper end of the body member has a spacer and a removable lid mounted thereon. The body member is comprised of a composite material such as fiberglass. A stair structure is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the front wall of the body member and is also comprised of a composite material.

Abstract: A window well assembly for buildings and the like include at least a first well unit and a second well unit each having opposite first and second flanges at opposite ends of a retaining wall of each unit for securing the well units to a sub-grade foundation of the building. Preferably, the assembly has a plurality of releasable spacer couplings that are mated and carried between well units when the assembly is in a stored state, and has indexing features that are mated and carried between well units when the assembly is in an assembled state.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A modular area wall system for constructing area wall assemblies at a jobsite. The area wall system provides modular sections of varying heights, each provided with a connection plate and a strengthening rib to allow them to be connected to one another in a simple and secure manner. By providing the strengthening rib in overlapping engagement with another area wall section, lighter material of more inexpensive construction may be utilized to reduce the overall cost and weight of the resulting assembly. The system may also be used with sections of varying depth to create a tiered area wall, using teachings of the present invention.

Abstract: A window well assembly includes U-shaped walls that have smooth interior and corrugated exterior surfaces, and are formed from polyvinyl material. The walls have coextensive ribs juxtaposed along an exterior surface thereof that are compressible. Each wall has an end wall with an opening formed therein, allowing the ribs to compress and expand. The openings are spaced at opposed ends of selected ribs. A mechanism is included for stacking the walls wherein a top edge of one wall receives a bottom edge of another wall. Ladders are seated against the interior surfaces of the walls. A mechanism is included for snapping the ladders onto the wall interior surface. A safety grill is mounted on top of the second wall, having an outer edge extending along a top edge of the second wall, for prohibiting the user from stepping into a cavity defined between the walls and the foundation window wall.

Abstract: A process for obscuring corrugations in a window well employing painting on a metal surface a solid variegated pattern using perspective to create a three-dimensional effect on the face. Preferably, such painting occurs prior to the forming of the window well. In a preferred continuous process, a roll of metal is cut prior to the forming into a piece having such dimensions as to permit the piece to be formed into a single window well. The preferred metal is steel. And the solid variegated pattern using perspective to create a three-dimensional effect on the face can be a pattern of brick, stone, or the like, with granite being the preferred pattern.

Abstract: A system for temporally or permanently securing a removable window well cover or grid over a window well at, for example, a construction site is disclosed using adjustable mounts. The window well cover or grid may be pivoted open and closed without having to fully remove the window well cover from the opening of the window well. The adjustable mounts may include a grid sleeve unit slideably attached to the window well cover, and a lock keeper slideably mounted on the grid sleeve unit. In one aspect, the adjustable mounts include theft-deterring features that inhibit unauthorized removal of the window well cover from the window well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cast-in-place window well walls includes first and second forming panel modules each having an inner and outer section. The forming panel modules may be connected together by a spacer panel which extends downwardly to a footing for providing a pier for supporting the window well wall. The forming panel modules are preferably configured with arcuate corners and upper and lower rails to permit stacking of the modules to increase the height of the window well wall, or include additional spacer panels or filler forms to increase the width or thickness of the window well wall.

Abstract: A modular window well for use by a person to escape through a window formed in a basement wall including a generally U-shaped body member having upper and lower ends and inner and outer ends. The open upper end of the body member has a spacer and a removable lid mounted thereon. The body member is comprised of a composite material such as fiberglass. A stair structure is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the front wall of the body member and is also comprised of a composite material.

Abstract: Cellar or bulk head doors having sidewalls are provided which are made of a polymer and which are strong, durable, attractive, virtually maintenance free, easily assembled, have connection and anchorage points which allow the door assembly to be used over a wide temperature range without damage to the polymer parts making up the assembly and which has an opening preferably in one or both of the sidewalls for inserts such as a window, louver, screen or blank and which insert may be easily changed without tools for the purpose of providing light, ventilation, or security. The doors also may be extended from the structure being enclosed using opposed vertical extenders mated with a horizontal extender.

Abstract: A window well assembly for buildings and the like include at least a first well unit and a second well unit each having opposite first and second flanges at opposite ends of a retaining wall of each unit for securing the well units to a sub-grade foundation of the building. Preferably, the assembly has a plurality of releasable spacer couplings that are mated and carried between well units when the assembly is in a stored state, and has indexing features that are mated and carried between well units when the assembly is in an assembled state.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A fastener cover capable of covering exposed studs on a boat contains a padded portion having a top surface and a bottom surface and at least one socket sized to couple to an exposed stud. The socket is located on the bottom surface of the padded portion, so that when the fastener cover is attached to the exposed stud, the stud is covered by the padded portion.

Abstract: A window well cover for a below-grade or basement window is disclosed. A transparent upper structure or portion is designed to cover a below-grade window on an outside of a building or other structure. The upper end of the transparent upper structure extends, or is angled, downwardly from a mounting flange terminating at a lower end. Furthermore, the transparent upper structure has two curved sides, which serve to connect the side ends. Mounting flanges extend outwardly from the two side ends. The window well cover includes a vent portion integrally formed therewith of an air pervious material to allow continuous air exchange through the window well cover. The vented portion may extend the length of, or the entire lower periphery of, the transparent upper structure. The window well cover, which is free of movable parts, allows for continuous airflow through the window well cover while restricting the entry of debris and insects.

Abstract: Window well assembly of the type adapted for below soil grade attachment to a foundational structure adjacent a basement window or the like. The assembly includes a bottom member adapted to provide a drainage site, and an upstanding generally arcuately shaped wall surrounding said bottom member and having a pair of laterally opposed upstanding edge boundaries. The upstanding wall has an interior surface facing said basement window and exterior surface facing away from the window for anchoring the assembly in said soil. The exterior surface comprises at least one arcuately shaped gripping rib. Each gripping rib comprises an inclined protruding top wall sloping upwardly proceeding radially inwardly from the exterior surface toward the interior and a generally horizontal bottom wall.

Abstract: A rust-proof window well manufactured from a composite material. The window well may have integrally formed steps to assist in egress from inside the well. Walls forming the well typically are ¼ inch thick, or greater. While generally made with a spray-up process from a glass/epoxy composite, the well may be manufactured from a variety of composite materials with corresponding manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for serving as a cover for a window well associated with a window of a building and including a frame member having two vertically spaced apart inwardly extending projections, a retainer assembly that serves as a connection between the frame member and the building and also has a pair of vertically spaced apart outwardly extending projections, at least one support beam extending between and supported by the lower most projections, and a protective cover member overlying the support means and having edge portions received within the spaces between the projections of the frame member and the retainer assembly.

Abstract: A window well structure for protecting crawl space access or basement windows. A molded plastic window well structure is provided in a variety of colors. The structure is easily cut at grooves between adjacent corrugations, to provide a desired height, either singularly by affixing two such structures together with fasteners between the top rim of a first structure and the bottom rim of a second structure. Inward facing flanges are provided to assist in ease of installation and to enable visual inspection of the attachment as the installation ages.

Abstract: A window well shield contains a substrate that is laminated to a molded material bearing a decorative design, such as a sculpture or an artificial rock face. The decorative design may be molded to contain functional features, such as egress steps. A waterfall may be provided to cascade down the artificial rock face.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing flood water entering a building through a wall opening has a first member for permanent attachment to the wall and second member detachably fixed to the first member. The first member has a frame having first fixing mechanism and two upright members for permanent fixing to the wall around the opening and a third member bowed away from the building and having a flat upper surface. The second member has a curved member with circumferential flanges and a second fixing mechanism engaging the first fixing mechanism. Two flanges extend outwardly from the curved member, and third flange is perpendicular to flanges and to the curved member. The flanges fit flat against the members of the frame through a gasket with the third flange extending horizontally on top of the third member forming a step.

Abstract: A window well for surrounding an open space contiguous to a building window located partly or completely below the ground surface. The window well is formed of a body having an interior wall, an exterior wall and a core material. The interior wall provides a smooth surface to which a design or paint may be applied so that the window well has an aesthetically pleasing appearance as viewed from a position inside the building. The core material provides insulation to the window well so that the window well may be covered to inhibit heat from escaping through the window. The window well is constructed so as to have low density, and high deflection and elastic memory capabilities.

Abstract: Window well assembly of the type adapted for below soil grade attachment to a foundational structure adjacent a basement window or the like. The assembly includes a bottom member adapted to provide a drainage site, and an upstanding generally arcuately shaped wall surrounding said bottom member and having a pair of laterally opposed upstanding edge boundaries. The upstanding wall has an interior surface facing said basement window and exterior surface facing away from the window for anchoring the assembly in said soil. The exterior surface comprises at least one arcuately shaped gripping rib. Each gripping rib comprises an inclined protruding top wall sloping upwardly proceeding radially inwardly from the exterior surface toward the interior and a generally horizontal bottom wall.

Abstract: Window components are made by a fluid-assist injection molding process to reduce manufacturing costs and provide additional flexibility in the configuration of the window. In addition to the inventive product-by-process, two window configurations, a casement window and a picture window, are taught. The casement window has a frame with installation flanges and the window sash has integral mounting posts for handle hardware. Both the window frame and sash have encapsulated insulative air pockets. An acrylic window pane is taught that mimics a glass block window.

Abstract: An escapable area well cover includes an elevated body having a top gently sloping away from a building, and a trio of sides that extend generally vertically. A casement window is pivotal beneath the cover, and may be either right or left hinged and still fully opened. The cover additionally includes a pair of flanges adjacent the building that permit the cover to conform to irregular building surfaces while also increasing the strength of the cover. A second pair of flanges cooperates with the top of the area well, to both support the cover and also shed moisture away from the area well. The cover is most preferably fabricated from an ultraviolet resistant plastic such as UV protected polycarbonate, and may be formed by many different techniques, but is most preferably vacuum thermoformed.

Abstract: A window well protective cover. The cover has a nonskid surface, and is formed of plastic or fiberglass reinforced plastic in a suitable color. Trimmable cubes are provided along a rear extension of an edge flange, and a trimmable shoulder is provided along a rear extension of the top surface. The trimmable cubes and trimmable shoulder portions allow the cover to be trimmed for tight fitting engagement with an adjacent building structure.