Abstract: A pile (1) intended to be driven into the ground to serve to support an object, the pile (1) having a conical shape terminating in a point (5). The pile (1) has at least two lugs (4) each having a slope (12) intended to favour driving of the pile (1) into the ground and an abutment (9) intended to prevent the withdrawal of the pile (1) in a direction that is opposite to that of the driving in, and in that it has an orifice (18) intended to receive an end-piece adapted to support an object.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing a pipeline system that includes a pipe segment deployed on an inclined surface, in which the pipe segment includes tubing that defines a bore and a fluid conduit implemented in an annulus of the tubing, a pipe fitting secured to the pipe segment, and a pipeline retainer stake. The pipeline retainer stake includes a stake body, in which the stake body includes a pipeline engaging portion and one or more stake legs used to engage ground proximate the pipeline system, and a pipeline engaging component implemented on an inner surface of the pipeline engaging portion of the stake body, in which the pipeline engaging component engages the pipeline system to facilitate offsetting a parallel force resulting from deployment on the inclined surface at least in part by facilitating transfer of the parallel force from the pipeline system to the ground via the pipeline retainer stake.

Abstract: A protective cover for a pole that is typically oriented vertically with a top surface at a top end of the pole and an outer surface that extends down from an outer perimeter of the top surface is provided. The protective cover has a flexible substrate with a central section that engages the top surface of the pole and an outer section that engages the outer surface of the pole. A preservative agent is carried on the central section of the flexible substrate such that the preservative agent engages the top surface of the pole when the cover is installed.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing a pipeline system that includes a pipe segment deployed on an inclined surface, in which the pipe segment includes tubing that defines a bore and a fluid conduit implemented in an annulus of the tubing, a pipe fitting secured to the pipe segment, and a pipeline retainer stake. The pipeline retainer stake includes a stake body, in which the stake body includes a pipeline engaging portion and one or more stake legs used to engage ground proximate the pipeline system, and a pipeline engaging component implemented on an inner surface of the pipeline engaging portion of the stake body, in which the pipeline engaging component engages the pipeline system to facilitate offsetting a parallel force resulting from deployment on the inclined surface at least in part by facilitating transfer of the parallel force from the pipeline system to the ground via the pipeline retainer stake.

Abstract: An adaptor is secured to a first object. The adaptor includes an anchoring part and an adjustment part. The anchoring part includes a distally facing anchoring surface and a proximally facing first control surface. The adjustment part has a distally facing second control surface positioned to abut against the first control surface. The first control surface or the second control surface or both is/are helical. Thereby a relative z position of the adjustment part with respect to the anchoring part is defined by the relative orientation of the adjustment part with respect to the common axis while the second control surface abuts against the first control surface. This is used to adjust the z position of the adjustment part relative to the first object, in connection with the orientation of the adjustment part being defined and possibly fixed by the function of the adaptor/the adjustment part.

Abstract: A helical pier for receipt in a ground surface and including an annular, adjustable, upper pierhead plate and an annular, adjustable, lower pierhead plate. The two plates include threaded bolts and nuts for securing the plates together in a spaced relationship. The upper and lower plates include a drive lug frame centered thereon. The pierhead plates are adapted for slidable receipt around a top portion of the helical pier. The helical pier includes spaced apart helice and spaced apart angular shaped drive lugs. The drive lugs are used for driving the helical pier into the ground surface. Also, the drive lug frames on the pierhead plates are received around selected drive lugs and secured thereto using set screws.

Abstract: A post sleeve installation assembly includes: an elastomeric sleeve core shaped to form a post sleeve when positioned in uncured concrete, a removable stiffener inside the core, an aperture extending lengthwise in the stiffener, a locking element positioned within the core, and an assembly plate coupled to the stiffener. The assembly plate clamps to a prefabricated sleeve element, with the core and stiffener positioned within a post cavity of the sleeve element. an installation stake is positioned in the aperture and prevented from sliding upwards by the locking element. A release point on the assembly plate permits an operator to release the locking element for removal of the stake. To install a post sleeve, the operator positions the installation assembly, clamped to a prefabricated sleeve element, in a post hole with the stake resting on the bottom, then fills the hole with concrete, manipulating the stake to position the assembly.

Abstract: A universal tool for the installation of laminate floors that will utilize a section of the tongue or groove section of the floor being installed to remove gaps in the boards being joined together. The tool will be universal in that it will utilize the unique tongue and groove pattern of the different manufactures of the laminate floor being installed. The tool will be used as a highly specialized tapping block by applying force to remove the gaps without harming the integrity of the tongue and groove of the laminate boards being installed. The tool will include a template for cutting the section of tongue and groove from the floor being installed in order to fit precisely in the main body of the tool.

Abstract: A panel construction system includes a plurality of rails and a plurality of panels. Each rail has a longitudinally-extending base with opposing longitudinally-extending L-shaped sides coupled to at least a portion of the base to thereby define a longitudinally-extending T-shaped channel. Each panel defines a longitudinally-extending T-shaped channel that is recessed within an outer surface of the panel at one end thereof and extends from the outer surface at an opposing end of the panel. One or more of the panels can incorporate at least one auxiliary-function feature such as solar energy conversion features.

Abstract: An anchor for fence post has at least one anchor post having an elongated body, and at least one pair of anchor tabs which protrude from an outer wall of the body, wherein the tabs initially are parallel to the body and are bent outwardly at an angle to the body wherein each tab has an opening therein to facilitate bending of the tabs. An anchor system for fence posts includes at least one anchor post for anchoring a fence post. The anchor post has an elongated body and a plurality of anchor tabs extending from an outer wall of the body. An anchor tool for bends the anchor tabs at an angle from the elongated body. The tool has at least one prong which matingly engages an opening formed in one of the anchor tabs for bending the tabs outwardly with respect to the elongated body.

Abstract: A formed metal piece is U-shaped to be fit to an outer edge of a framing stud, with a pair of side walls, at least one formed with a guide hole for accurately locating drilled holes for routing cables, etc. The front wall is sufficiently strong to provide nail shielding for protection of cables or pipes passed through the hole drilled in the stud. A series of pieces are installed in alignment prior to drilling the stud holes to speed the process. A cut out portion can be removed to optionally form a slot for installation as a nail shield reinforcement after the cables or piping is installed.

Abstract: A peak gusset for securing a safety line for a workman, a roof truss and an anchoring system incorporating the same. The gusset is a substantially planar plate including an attachment region, a coplanar anchor portion and bendable flaps. A plurality of teeth extends from the attachment region and into the side of a truss member adjacent the peak. The anchor portion extends laterally beyond the peak and a hole defined therein receives the security line. The hole is disposed above an upper surface of the truss member and vertically beneath the peak. The gusset is non-removable and does not need to be cut down before a ventilation cap is applied thereover. A pair of peak gussets can be secured on either side of a truss and a connector member for attachment of the security line can extend between peak gussets on adjacent trusses.

Abstract: A gusset connector plate for anchoring a safety line to a roof truss, a roof truss and an anchoring system incorporating the same. The plate is substantially planar and includes an attachment region and an anchor portion. Teeth extend from the attachment region and into the sides of truss members that form the peak of the roof truss. The anchor portion extends laterally beneath the peak and a hole defined therein receives the connector for the security line. The hole is disposed below the lower surfaces of the truss members and vertically beneath the peak. The plate is permanently engaged with the truss. A single plate or a pair of plates may be incorporated in the roof truss and utilized in the anchoring system.

Abstract: A new and unique temporary support system for installing drywall panels on ceilings and walls. This system is ideal for large commercial and residential ceilings spanning and supporting two large 4?×12?×?? sheets of drywall side by side on a fastening element at a plate by a protruding end and a hole. The opposite end, with a protruding end and a fixed spacer, is secured to a parallel framing structural member, the panels are slipped between the hangers and the framing structures, aligned and secured. The hangers are easily removed and reused to install the next panel. The second set, ideal for handymen, Do-it-Yourselfers, additions and remodels will support one 4?×12?×?? panel on a ceiling. It is mounted on a fastening element at a plate on a parallel framing structure, the same as the first set, the panel is aligned and secured eliminating the cumbersome task of holding the panel in place to secure.

Abstract: A modular lift assembly configured for attachment between two substantially parallel support beams includes a chassis, at least one lift component attached to the chassis, a telescoping stiffener, and at least one attachment assembly. The chassis has a plurality of grooves formed in one surface thereof. The telescoping stiffener is disposed in at least one of the grooves and engages facing surfaces of adjacent parallel support beams. The attachment assembly is disposed in another of the grooves formed in the chassis for engaging at least one of the adjacent support beams.

Abstract: A mounting clip is designed to assist positioning and mounting of a first siding board to a wall overlapping a portion of a second siding board. The mounting clip includes a hanger which hangs the mounting clip on the second siding board. The mounting clip also includes a shelf. The shelf positions the first siding board such that the first siding board overlaps the second siding board. The mounting clip allows a single installer to accurately and efficiently install siding boards. The base of the mounting clips can be used as a guide to identify the portion of the siding board that can be nailed to the wall because the clip identifies the area that is going to be covered by the next siding board. An air gap between the wall and the siding boards is created by the mounting clip and prevents moisture from being trapped therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method that allows the installation of construction materials, such as drywall, by a single person. The device comprises an extension (or hoist) section coupled at one end to a support which can receive and support a piece of drywall during installation. The extension section is further coupled to a base portion at the end opposite to the support. The base portion includes a pivot feature that serves to lift the drywall once it has been positioned on the support. The extension is adjustable to install drywall on a stud wall at various heights. Advantageously, the device is lightweight, easily transportable and easy to use. The device's convenient design enables its utilization immediately upon reaching a construction site.

Abstract: A roof truss connector plate is provided comprising a mounting plate portion and an anchor portion extending from the mounting plate portion. The truss connector plate is a portion of a roof anchor safety system. The anchor portion of the truss connector plate allows various safety components of the roof anchor system to be secured to the roof. The truss connector plates are factory installed when the roof truss is formed and provide certifiable anchor capacity to the user.

Abstract: A hinged spreader board of a pre-set length with shaped ends is pivoted open inside a frame to mate with the inside faces of the sides of a frame and maintain the sides apart by the length of the board while attaching the frame to a wall. Additional hinged sections of pre-set lengths allow the spreader board to be opened to various lengths to accommodate frames of different widths. The frame spreader boards fold up for storage.

Abstract: A bricklaying tool includes a mortar guide member having a slot for reception of mortar when the tool is placed on a course of bricks when building a wall. The mortar guide member has a brick engagement panel. An upstanding mortar retaining flange is provided having a rear edge of the panel. A spirit level is mounted on the flange. The slot is open ended with a stiffening strut mounted across the open end which also forms a handle.

Abstract: An improved wall panel system is disclosed. The system includes wall panel assemblies, each assembly having a pair of side frame members having slotted channels, top and bottom steel tubes and fork connectors for attachment to the side frame members, a top cap, lower metal supports and a plastic base rail channel and cover. The system also includes a universal connector post, a universal I-beam shaped connector, a universal bracket, a variable height bracket and adjustable corner and end caps. The corner and end caps are scored to allow removal of cap walls resulting in an inventory of fewer parts and system versatility. A removal tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A locator for locating and holding a structural member in engagement with an adjacent structural member at a predetermined position of an assembly apparatus during a truss assembly operation. The locator includes a cylindric sleeve having an outer wall configured for engaging the structural member and a bore extending through the sleeve defining an inner wall sized for placement around a stop of the assembly apparatus. The bore is eccentrically positioned in the sleeve. The sleeve is portable, may be secured to the apparatus free from fixed connection, and is rotatable about the stop for adjusting a magnitude of force applied by the sleeve to the structural member.

Abstract: An offset beam clamp having a deep channel including two legs, a hole in the channel bottom, and a slot having two sides and a slot bottom and extending transversely through the legs. The slot receives the first of two angle iron members that comprise the upper cord of a web joist. A J-bolt is anchored to the second angle iron member and extends through the hole in the channel bottom where an angle bracket is secured on the bolt. A threaded mounting shaft is attached to the angle bracket.

Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a roof anchor (10) on a roof support structure (30) having an underside surface (32), the roof fully or partially covered with roof covering material (39), the roof anchor (10) including an attachment means (12) and a shaft (14), the method including the steps of: a) making a first hole (50) in the covering material (39) and the roof support structure (30), which first hole (50) is capable of receiving the shaft (14); b) forming an aperture (38) in the covering material (39) adjacent the first hole (50) and the roof support structure (30); c) inserting an anchor block (20), having a second hole (22) capable of fixedly engaging the shaft (14), through the aperture (38) and locating the anchor block (20) at the underside surface (32) such that the first and second holes (50, 22) are in registry; and d) inserting the shaft (14) through both the first and second holes (50, 22) whereby to fixedly engage the roof anchor (10) to the anchor block (20), such that the roof anchor (10)

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for shaping a workpiece. The tool has two pivotally connected arms that are stroked between open and closed positions. Each arm has a handle, an intermediate coupling portion and a working portion. One working portion has a cutting block with a face and two sidewalls that form a pair of spaced apart cutting edges. The other working portion has a pair of spaced apart ramp or wedge shaped blades with cutting edges that are aligned to shearingly engage the cutting edges of the cutting block. The tool is stroked to its open position to align the cutting block with the workpiece. The tool is then stroked to its closed position to form a pair of opposed flaps in the workpiece. The flaps form a slot having a desired width. The tool preferably includes a depth adjustment mechanism for selectively setting the tool to open to a desired intermediate position so that when the tool is aligned with the workpiece it will cut the workpiece to a desired depth.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an anchor for providing an attachment point on a surface. In one embodiment, the anchor includes a center shaft having a first member and a second member pivotally coupled thereto. The center shaft has an attachment end and a piercing end. The piecing end is driven through the surface allowing the first and second members to pass therethrough. Once through the surface, the first and second members rotate away from the center shaft to an open position, thus preventing the anchor from disengaging the roof. A collar may be slidably disposed on the center shaft. The collar may be slid against the surface to lock the members in the open position.

Abstract: A pitched roof roofing apparatus. The roofing apparatus has a support rail and a platform movably mounted to the support rail. A drive system operably connects the platform to the support rail. The drive system moves the platform on a pitched surface in at least two orthogonal directions relative to the support rail.

Abstract: A jig adapted for easily positioning, properly orienting and installing a molding. The jig includes a body having a positioning portion configured to receive a molding. The body also includes a first positioning margin and a second positioning margin each emanating from the positioning portion, the positioning margins being configured so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other. The jig facilitates placement of the molding at a proper installation angle at a juncture of two surfaces, such as a ceiling and wall.

Abstract: The invention is of a modular storm and earthquake shelter system and method fabrication thereof, which invention depends from the assembly of a metal sheet clad cage-like structure made from prefabricated panels and ancillary components which are selected to contribute to a structure which essentially becomes a lining of the interior surfaces of an existing room of an existing structure (a closet in most instances).

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has a raised platform located in the center of the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a perimeter trough is formed between the platform and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.

Abstract: A concrete building module includes a concrete roof having a roof beam with a beam upper surface and a beam lower surface; a lifter mounting fitting embedded in the beam upper surface and oriented to be accessible from above the roof; an upper link connection structure embedded in the beam lower surface below the lifter mounting fitting; a concrete floor having a floor upper surface; a lower link connection structure embedded into the floor upper surface below the upper link connection structure; a linking member extending between and removably connected to the upper link connection structure and to the lower link connection structure; and at least one module concrete side wall interconnecting the module concrete roof and the module concrete floor.

Abstract: A floor board installation device comprises a cross bar, a wedge and two pins extending outwardly from the top and bottom sides of, and through, the cross bar. The wedge comprises a top curved edge and a bottom edge including a groove therein. The pins typically are spaced from one another a distance slightly larger than the width of a joist. In use, the cross bar is placed on top of two adjoining joists so that the pins are positioned on either side of a single joist. The other end of the bar merely rests on top of the adjacent joist. A force is then applied to a side edge of the wedge in a direction parallel to the length of the sub floor boards. Due to the rounded shape of the top curved edge and the flat surface of the wedge that contacts the floor board, the wedge will rotate within the cross bar so that the edge of the wedge is flush against the sub floor board and so that the curved surface of the wedge will contact the cross bar at only one point.

Abstract: A holder comprising a rigid base bar having a pin end and a stabilizing end; a rigid stabilizing bar having a base end and an opposite end, with the base end of the rigid stabilizing bar being rigidly attached to the stabilizing end of the rigid base bar, and extending perpendicular to the rigid base bar; two nails being each having a head end and a pointed end, with the head end of the each nail being rigidly attached to separate points along the rigid stabilizing bar, and with the pointed end of the each nail being extended perpendicular to the rigid stabilizing bar and parallel with the rigid base bar and toward the perpendicular direction of the rigid base bar; and the rigid base bar having a bore through it in a direction parallel with the length of the rigid stabilizing bar.

Abstract: A tool for the spacing of tiles during their installation includes a central body with radially projecting prongs that are fitted between adjacent tiles to control the spacing thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for repairing nail pops in a wallboard is disclosed. The apparatus can be placed In a first state in which it acts as a cutting tool and can be used to cut a bore hole into a wallboard to separate a popped nail from the wallboard. The apparatus can also be placed in a second state in which it acts as a driving or impact tool and can be used to drive the popped nail which has been separated from the wallboard, into a framing support. The apparatus may be comprised of first and connecting members and a cutting member. The driving member may have an elongated core and may be connected by the connecting member to the cutting member. The driving member may be able to slide with respect to the connecting member to allow the apparatus to change from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A portable roof anchor having a slidably adjustable beam member is supported at a pivot location near a line support end and at an opposed end by a rotatably attached self-leveling counterweights. A line wrapped onto the beam member may be used as a handle for carrying the beam member to a roof top, then used to support a person or equipment over a side of the building. The counterweights have a relatively small top cross-section and a relatively large bottom cross-section so that, for any given amount of weight, a relatively large bottom surface area and a relatively tall height from the rooftop will be provided. A handle is provided near a line-deployed center-of-gravity so that the roof anchor assembly may be easily maneuvered, while the line remains over the side of the building, with one hand on the handle and a second hand cradled underneath the beam member.

Abstract: A tool for hanging fascia board includes three parts. A first part consists of a t-bar having two pieces attached perpendicularly together and designed to be removably mounted on the end of a rafter board with the flat elongated member lying against a side wall of the rafter and with a portion of the second perpendicular member overlying the top of the rafter and removably affixed to it through the use of nails driven through openings in the second perpendicular member. A support hanger is pivotably mounted to the t-bar and has a slot sized and configured to slidably receive a fascia board. A depth adjuster is mounted on the support hanger and may be reciprocated and fixed in a desired position to adjust the depth of the slot of the support hanger. Thus, the depth of the slot may be adjusted to facilitate attachment of fascia boards of varying dimensions such as, for example, 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, and 2×12.

Abstract: A traction pad for maneuvering on a roof includes a base layer, traction layer, at least two traction cross members, and two end members. A bottom side of the base layer contacts the roof and the traction layer is attached to a top side of the base layer. The at least two traction cross members are attached to a top side of the traction layer along a length thereof. The two end members are attached to a top side of the traction layer, adjacent the ends of the at least two traction cross members. A pair of lifting handles are preferably attached to a top side of the two end members. The top side of the traction layer is preferably painted with a paint having sand dissolved therein.

Abstract: A floor board installation device comprises a cross bar, a wedge and two pins extending outwardly from the top and bottom sides of, and through, the cross bar. The wedge comprises a top curved edge and a bottom edge including a groove therein. The pins typically are spaced from one another a distance slightly larger than the width of a joist. In use, the cross bar is placed on top of two adjoining joists so that the pins are positioned on either side of a single joist. The other end of the bar merely rests on top of the adjacent joist. A force is then applied to a side edge of the wedge in a direction parallel to the length of the sub floor boards. Due to the rounded shape of the top curved edge and the flat surface of the wedge that contacts the floor board, the wedge will rotate within the cross bar so that the edge of the wedge is flush against the sub floor board and so that the curved surface of the wedge will contact the cross bar at only one point.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting and holding a building panel during installation onto an overhead building structure. The apparatus comprises a bar member for supporting at least a portion of such building panel. The bar member has an elongated portion to be disposed substantially parallel to such overhead building structure when secured to at least one of such overhead building structure and a building wall in a working position, the elongated portion has each of a predetermined length and a predetermined shape. There is an arcuately shaped portion connected to the elongated portion of the bar member adjacent a first end thereof and at least one means disposed adjacent a second end of the elongated portion of the bar member for anchoring the apparatus to such overhead building structure and such building wall.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a tool and a method for using a tool that is particularly useful to individuals engaged in the roofing and roof removal trades. The tool is configured in such a way as to make removal of a shingled roof much easier and with much less strain and effort on the part of the roof remover. The device provides for easy insertion of elongated arms under the shingles in the gap between the boards in the roof base and for a vertical engagement of shingle layers, which makes both inserting the device under the material to be removed and lifting of the layers much easier. After insertion of the device, the shingles are lifted until they are detached from the roof base or the handle of the device may be rotated to lift and disengage the roofing material from the roof base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slot-forming tool for forming a number of consistently sized and shaped slots in a channel of a wall frame. Each slot aligns and slidingly supports a vertical stud that is snap-fit in place during an intermediate stage of constructing a wall. The tool has an arm for aligning the tool against the channel and a pivotally connected arm that is stroked to form the slot in the channel. Each arm has a gripping portion, an intermediate connecting portion and a working portion. The working portion of the alignment arm includes a cutting block with a face and two spaced sidewalls that form a pair of cutting edges. The working portion of the pivoting arm includes a pair of spaced knives. Each knife has a ramp or wedge shaped blade with a cutting edge that is aligned to shearingly engage one of the cutting edges of the cutting block and slide down the sidewall of the cutting block a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A formwork system is provided for prefabricated concrete parts, wherein a magnetic body can be set with its underside on a base plate and over which formwork parts can be fixed in their respective position. The formwork part has a lift-off stirrup engaging over the magnetic body, and between the lift-off stirrup and the cover side of the magnetic body facing away from the base plate there is a slot into which the magnetic body is retractable with a lifting element. This formwork system is characterized by a retaining elements which are releasably coupled on the magnetic body when it is retracted into the slot. This has the advantage that, by the couplable retaining elements, the magnetic body is securely fixed in the lift-off stirrup in its retracted state. Preferably, the coupling elements are constructed as magnetic and adhesion surfaces, which are arranged in the region of the slot between the magnetic body and lift-off stirrup.

Abstract: The modularized structure framing system is disclosed incorporating a plurality of quad wall modules, a plurality of single wall modules, a plurality of double wall module, a plurality of window modules, and a plurality of door modules. Each module is,made using conventional 2″×4″ building materials. Endpieces of conventional 1″×4″ building materials allow modules to be aligned together during construction while still maintaining standard dimensionality. A plurality of alignment tools are provided for installation of the modules. These include a corner alignment tool having a 90 degree angle and a 1.25 inch wide by 3.55 inch deep groove running throughout, a wall straightness tool also having a 1.25 inch wide by 3.55 deep groove running throughout, and a “T”-shaped the wall alignment tool having a 1.25 inch wide by 3.55 deep groove running throughout.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing floor boards, the apparatus comprising a first plate including a first edge gripping device for gripping an edge of a first floor board, and a compression biasing device such as a coil spring or bungee cord mounted on the first plate. A second plate includes a second edge gripping device for gripping an edge of a second floor board, and a strap clamp. A compression strap is joined at its proximal end with the biasing device and extends, in parallel juxtaposition to the first and second floor boards, for terminating, and removably engaging the strap clamp, such that the biasing device causes the first and second plates to draw the first and second floor boards, as well as any intermediate boards, into compression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceiling drainage system for decks, canopies and other applications acting under a similar operational environment. The system is designed to attach to the underside of a conventional structural framework such as an outdoor house deck or a stand-alone canopy. The system provides a watertight snap-together ceiling that keeps the underneath area dry as to create outdoor living or storage space. The multi-paneled ceiling system is unique with its all-plastic construction and its multi-functional watertight snap-fitting interlock feature. This snap-feature maintains a watertight joint between adjacent components while allowing for thermal expansions and contractions of the modular plastic componentry and the inherent movements of the supporting structural framework. This system given its simplicity provides a superior “do-it-yourself” installation procedure for the unskilled homeowner or builder.

Abstract: Provided is a plumbing device for plumbing and connection of a long member, at the time of installation vertically of the long member on an upper end of a lower member, which is used for plumbing the installed long member to connect with the lower member.

Abstract: A system for diverting rain water from the underside of a deck structure is comprised of a side-by-side array of flexible water-collecting elements , each of which collect and divert rain water from a regional area of the deck structure. Each water-collecting element is shaped to control the flow of water without restriction or impediment. This shape further increases the rigidity to the water-collecting element making it relatively easy to install and support. Coupling elements are interposed between adjacent water-collecting elements which function to fix them together such that the resulting array gains structural properties and impermeability comparable to a single corrugated sheet of the same material. Mounting elements secure this array to the underside of the deck. The result is an aesthetically attractive and environmentally rugged system which is realized with very economical components.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved modular panel arrangement for the assembly of a first panel to a second modular panel or a portion of a permanent wall. The arrangement comprises a modular panel of generally rectilinear configuration, having at least one edge thereon. A first corner block is attached to the edge of the panel. An elongated tensile connecting rod is pivotally attached to a pivot hinge of the first corner block, the rod having a lug disposed transversely across at least one end thereof. A second corner block is attached to the second panel or portion of the wall. The second block has at least one cammed locking finger on a base thereof, wherein the rod is swingable about the pivot hinge on the first corner block to permit the lug thereon to engage a cam surface on the second corner block to lockably secure and align the edge of the first modular panel with the second modular panel or wall. The tensile rod may be adjustable to accommodate variations in spacing of the panels and/or wall.

Abstract: In the broader aspects of the invention there is provided a new and improved deck and beam connector for post and beam structures. The deck and beam connector has a deck flange mounted on the deck, the flange has an opening therein. Depending into the deck is a well secured to the flange. The well has a bottom and a bottom opening therein. A threaded bolt having an enlarged head is positioned within the bottom opening with the threaded portion within the well. The head is positioned within a step-diametered counter-sunk bore in the deck with the larger diameter portion thereof adjacent to the surface opposite that to which the deck flange is connected. A threaded member is positioned on the threaded shaft of the bolt within the well with a spring positioned on the bolt between the threaded member and the well bottom. The bolt is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position into which the bolt head is biased and within the larger diametered portion of the step-diametered bore in the deck.