Abstract: A driving accident simulation, having a virtual- or augmented-reality user interface, may be used to inform a driver of the driver's potential liability under different insurance options. The simulation may determine damages caused by the simulated accident, and identify multiple insurance options and the resulting user liability under each option. The simulation may also be used to assess an insurance adjuster's ability to estimate damages from an accident, by receiving the adjuster's estimate and comparing it to the simulation's own estimate of damages. In some embodiments, the simulation may present a driver with a simulated view from a point of view of another party to the simulated accident.

Abstract: A bridging termination clip for securing the terminal end of a steel channel or spazzer bar to a steel stud. The bridging termination clip may include a horizontal portion having a bridge plate and a pair of opposing legs, the legs extending vertically one from each side edge of the bridge plate in a substantially perpendicular relation thereto; a vertical plate connected to a rear portion of the bridge plate and extending upward in a substantially perpendicular relation thereto; and an opposing pair of side extensions connected to the vertical plate and extending rearward one from each side of the vertical plate in a substantially perpendicular relation thereto.

Abstract: A precast concrete step unit formed of left and right sidewalls, risers, and treads, wherein left and right sidewalls are assembled from a plurality of pre-cast sidewall panel modules, with a stepped panel module with two or more steps. Pre-cast concrete riser modules and tread modules extend between the right and left sidewalls. Reinforcing cross brace members are fastened to the inside distal surfaces of the left and right sidewalls where they are bolted into screw anchors embedded into the sidewalls. There are also screw anchor inserts embedded into the proximal ends of the sidewalls and into the ends of a first or lowest of the risers, and adapted for affixing the riser and sidewalls using clip angles or right-angle brackets. After alignment, the treads and remaining risers are installed using a construction adhesive which may be applied using a caulk gun. The precast modules each weight about 200 pounds or less, with none exceeding 250 pounds, and most much less.

Abstract: A precast concrete step unit formed of left and right sidewalls, risers, and treads, wherein left and right sidewalls are assembled from a plurality of pre-cast sidewall panel modules, including at least one stepped panel module and at least one rectangular panel module. The panel modules are joined edge-to-edge at seams, with cement and/or with hardware. Pre-cast concrete tread modules extend at least between the left and right sidewalls and are mounted onto respective stepped edge surfaces of the right and left sidewalls. Pre-cast concrete riser modules also extending at least between the right and left sidewalls and mounted onto tread modules. These each extend vertically to successive stepped edge surfaces. Reinforcing cross brace members are fastened to the inward surfaces of the left and right sidewalls and extend at crossed diagonals between them. The precast modules each weight about 200 pounds or less and can be carried by two workmen.

Abstract: The water-filled stairs involves a modular staircase that is to be used on a temporary basis, and which is of hollowed construction so as to be filled with water when in use for the purpose of weighing down the staircase. The water-filled stairs is further defined with a plurality of steps adorning a top surface, and a flattened bottom surface. Distal ends of the water-filled stairs include a hook or connecting bar such that consecutive staircases may be attached to accommodate the needs of a particular application. Each staircase includes a male threaded port adjacent a top distal end as well as a bottom distal end. A flexible hose attaches in between the male threaded ports of adjacent staircases in order for a single water source to fill all staircases simultaneously.

Abstract: A concrete step has a trough with a base and two side walls. The side walls project upwardly from the base and are positioned at opposite ends of the base. At least one of the sidewalls has an inwardly projecting flange spaced away from the base by approximately the height of the step. Concrete fills the trough at least up to the inwardly projecting flange, and together a top surface of the concrete and at least a portion of the inwardly projecting flange form a top surface/tread of the step.

Abstract: Pre-cast concrete stairs, molds for making pre-cast concrete stairs, and methods of casting pre-cast concrete stairs are provided. The stair is constructed with two beams that are cast with the stair steps as an integral monolithic structure. One of the beams (integral down edge beam) projects below the steps on one side, and the other (integral up edge beam) projects above the steps on the other side. The weight of the stairs and the weight of traffic on the steps creates compression on the tops of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, and tension on the bottoms of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, which enhances the combined strength of the beams. The asymmetric orientation of the members creates a stronger cross-section than if the beams were in the same plane horizontally, allowing greater load handing capability. Lightweight steps are suspended between the two beams.

Abstract: A stadium and arena seating system is provided which preferably utilizes pre-cast concrete tread surfaces and metallic or other non-concrete vertical risers therebetween. The pre-cast concrete treads have non-concrete front embeds embedded within the front of the treads respectively, and an integrally formed upwardly extending concrete lip portion for shedding water from the upper adjacent riser that eliminates the need for a non-concrete rear embed. The front embeds may comprise a metallic or other non-concrete material similar to the vertical risers. The vertical risers are arranged in a shingled fashion overlapping the upwardly extending concrete lip portion of the treads to provide water and debris shedding. In a further aspect, the upwardly extending concrete lip portion may optionally be formed with a plurality of pre-formed mounting holes through which fasteners for fastening a lower portion of the riser may be received.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to filled polyimides that can be used in films and articles comprising the films. The films are useful in coverlay applications and have advantageous optical properties. The present disclosure also relates to blends of polyimide precursor, polyacrylonitrile, and cellulosic polymer which can be used to obtain the filled polyimides.

Abstract: A stadium and arena seating system is provided which utilizes concrete tread surfaces and metallic or other non-concrete vertical risers therebetween. The concrete treads have front and rear embeds embedded within the front and rear ends of the treads respectively. The embeds comprise a metallic or other non-concrete material similar to the vertical risers. The vertical risers are arranged in a shingled or other self-sealing fashion between the embeds of the treads to provide water and debris shedding. In certain embodiments, an overlapping vertical riser may be used which provides water shedding without the need for embeds within the concrete tread surfaces.

Abstract: A tiered seating system includes a series of tiers each including a block pair, a riser, brackets securing the riser to the block pair, and concrete. The block pair includes a lower block and an upper block. The riser is spaced from the front surface of the block pair. The system includes two rows of brackets. The first row is secured between the upper block and the lower block, and is secured to the riser between the bottom and the top of the riser. The second row is secured only to the upper block, and is secured to the top of the riser. The concrete fills the gap between the riser and the blocks and form a layer over the upper block.

Abstract: A corner joint element for bevel-edge tiles, comprising a first in-view surface (2) and a second in-view surface (8) which are incident to one another and reciprocally inclined by a predetermined angle, in which the first in-view surface (2) exhibits a first corner (3), defined by a union of two consecutive edges (5, 6), and a second corner (4), defined by a union of two consecutive edges (6, 7). Each corner exhibits at least a tract (5a, 6a, 6b, 7a), arranged in proximity of a respective corner (3, 4) of the corners, which is downwards-inclined with respect to the first in-view surface (2) on a perpendicular plane to the first in-view surface (2).

Abstract: The assembly and method of the present invention is used for forming a monolithic tiered concrete slab or stairway. The assembly includes a plurality of foam blocks positioned adjacent one another and in a plurality of rows on a support base. The upper surfaces of the blocks are sloped and form a continuous included plane from the front row to the back row. Interface elements are attached to the upper surfaces so as to cover the joints between adjacent blocks. Riser ties are mounted on the interface elements, with riser face forms attached to the ties. After the blocks are positioned and the interface elements with riser ties and face forms assembled, concrete is poured under the blocks so as to cover the upper surface, the interface elements, and the ties, thereby forming a monolithic tiered series of risers and treads.

Abstract: Pre-cast concrete stairs, molds for making pre-cast concrete stairs, and methods of casting pre-cast concrete stairs are provided. The stair is constructed with two beams that are cast with the stair steps as an integral monolithic structure. One of the beams (integral down edge beam) projects below the steps on one side, and the other (integral up edge beam) projects above the steps on the other side. The weight of the stairs and the weight of traffic on the steps creates compression on the tops of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, and tension on the bottoms of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, which enhances the combined strength of the beams. The asymmetric orientation of the members creates a stronger cross-section than if the beams were in the same plane horizontally, allowing greater load handing capability. Lightweight steps are suspended between the two beams.

Abstract: This disclosure is a system which includes processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, preferably autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams. This results in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs.

Abstract: A dock pit for a dock leveler mechanism comprises a pre-cast concrete body including integrally formed side, rear panel and front panels, all forming a continuous perimeter open therethrough to receive the load leveler mechanism. Each side panel has a top edge and the rear panel has a rear edge offset below the of the side panel top edges, whereby a concrete slab poured around the body will abut the rear panel edge with the surface of the concrete slab substantially flush with the top edge of each side panel. The side panels define a recess along their length that is situated between the top edge of the side panel and the rear edge of the rear panel, whereby the concrete slab poured around the pre-cast body will integrate within the recesses on each said side panel. The dock slab can be poured using the pre-cast pit as a form.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a prefabricated precast riser module, where the required forms that are used in casting the modules are reusable and need not to be transported to the construction site. Each precast riser assembly is finished having brick facings. Brick facings are applied to the vertical surfaces of the precast riser. They are: the commonly used stretcher course and row lock course. A Rebar reinforcing rod is imbedded in the concrete mixture, which will strengthen the assembly to prevent damage when being transported on site. This added strengthening would also allow for minor misalignments during the assembly phase. These novel concrete brick faced modules can be assembled by inexperienced craftsmen, and when completed, will give the appearance of a handcrafted riser that was constructed by professional masonry craftsmen using brick and sandstone.

Abstract: Stair elements installed on sloped ground starting bottom up and using a riser reversibly secured with a clamping mechanism. Each riser is attached to a corresponding tread at the time of installation. The manner of fixing the riser to the tread permits the relationship between the two to be adjusted for angle and position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a step stone for a stairway comprising an upper essentially horizontal stepping surface, a front essentially vertical setting surface, a rear back surface, which is located opposite the setting surface and which, with the stepping surface, forms an upper rear edge, and comprising an underside. A supporting section with a recess is provided in the front area of the underside of the step stone, whereby said recess enables the step stone to be supported on a step stone located directly underneath in order to form a stairway. To this end, the supporting section has a number of stepped recesses, which are offset with respect to one another and with which the step stone can be placed as desired onto the rear edge of the step stone located directly underneath.

Abstract: A step system made up of masonry panels of various sizes pre-formed to resemble natural stone or brick on the outside. These panels have bolts or other securing devices embedded in them at precise locations at the time of their manufacture. These securing devises allow them to be attached together to form the sides and front of a set of steps. They are attached via a metal frame that is also of differing sizes and made with holes at precise locations to accept the bolts of the masonry pieces. When assembled, as directed, the structure has areas where large slabs of natural stone treads can be rested and attached at differing distances and heights from the ground forming a set of steps.

Abstract: A block for an outdoor staircase stair includes an open four-sided block having a web interconnecting opposing sides and transversing the cavity within the block. The web includes vertical voids which extend from the top of the web into the body of the web. Two of the voids are located at the lateral ends of the web. The top parts of the web between the voids are broken out after the block is placed over the ground surface. Each block may be placed such that its front wall rests on the rear wall of the course of blocks below it. The blocks are filled with granular material to within about the thickness of a paving block or brick. Paving blocks are arranged on the granular material within the block such that the tops of the paving blocks are flush with the top of the block. Methods for building a staircase from the blocks and for molding the blocks are also described.

Abstract: A modular stone stair system using a plurality of modules in the form of stringers, risers, treads and landings in standardized thicknesses and widths. The risers, landings (if any) and treads have different widths dependent upon the width of the stairs desired, with the treads and landing (if any) being of the full width of the stair, and the risers being a modular width such that each tread or landing is underlain by a plurality of risers. Each level of the stair has a plurality of stringers, abutting the back of the tread and riser and running to the back of the stair. The stringers vary in depth depending upon how many steps are to be present, such that each level, except the bottom, overlaps the tread and riser of the next lower level by a fixed amount. The system can easily be assembled by two people, using a shovel, a level, and a ruler, giving the homeowner or contractor the option of choosing threshold heights, widths, and landings with varying depths.

Abstract: A stair bracket system, having a plurality of modular brackets, which can be assembled together to fabricate the risers for a flight of stairs, each of the brackets having a bottom edge, front and back end edges, a top edge, and, an attachment flange.

Abstract: In a method for forming a block having a core, the core is formed in a vertical orientation, providing for increased control of wall thickness. The block has a projection on one surface and a groove on an opposing surface. The block core is disposed parallel to the projection and the groove. The block may be used in a step assembly, a ramp assembly, or a wall. Assemblies made from the block are easy to construct and can be assembled with or a without adhesive.

Abstract: A preformed component or “preform” for a structural member has a planar base with two longitudinal legs extending in parallel from the base. A channel is defined between the legs for insertion of a flat panel that forms the web of the structural member. The preform is a composite material having continuous filaments of woven or braided fiber. The preform is impregnated with a thermoset resin that bonds the web to the flange of the structural member. The preform provides excellent structural support even if the web and the flange are formed from dissimilar materials such as metallic and composite. The resin is structurally reinforced with oriented fibers in such a manner as to provide coupling strength between the joined members.

Abstract: A concrete step assembly includes risers with each having a longitudinal projection on its upper end for disposition in a longitudinal receptacle in a bottom surface of a tread resting on the riser. Each riser has a pair of slots in its bottom surface to receive a portion of a projection on a concrete block of each of two supports formed of concrete blocks. Each tread has a pair of transverse receptacles in its bottom surface to receive a portion of a projection on a concrete block of each of the two supports. The transverse receptacles communicate with the longitudinal receptacle in the bottom surface of the tread to enable the portions of the projections on the concrete blocks therein to abut the longitudinal projection on the riser in the longitudinal receptacle. When the concrete block has another of the concrete blocks thereabove, the projection on the lower of the two concrete blocks fits in a groove in the bottom surface of the upper concrete block.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and product providing a cantilevered coping about prefabricated stairs of an in-ground liner type swimming pool. Disclosed is a polystyrene form board of desired profile face to effect a complementary fit onto a top of the stairs, fastener means including a saddle bracket for securing the form board onto the stairs and a release structure to enable removing the form board after the poured aggregate coping has cured.

Abstract: In a method for forming a block having a core, the core is formed in a vertical orientation, providing for increased control of wall thickness. The block has a projection on one surface and a groove on an opposing surface. The block core is disposed parallel to the projection and the groove. The block may be used in a step assembly, a ramp assembly, or a wall. Assemblies made from the block are easy to construct and can be assembled with or without adhesive.

Abstract: A load bearing device is disclosed, which includes a girder to support the load. The girder is accommodated in a housing connected to the load and can be pulled out from the house to engage a girder receptacle, which is fastened to a wall or the like. By means of this bearing device, it is possible to mount prefabricated structural elements such as stairway landings in easy manner.

Abstract: Sheet steel pan forms bent or rollformed to specific "universal" profiles allow the manufacture of concrete tread filled steel stairs or precast concrete stairs. The profiles adjust against each other under the specific angle of 26.565 and thereby, used in series, create stairways of various rise and run relations, maintaing the same profile at all times, satisfying requirements of all building codes and follow the measure of the human step on an incline.These "universal" profiles are designed to standardize stair construction, save labor and material and produce stairs more economically than conventional methods employed in today's construction industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prefabricated concrete component system for forming ground-bearing stairways, platforms, terraces and analogous structures of one or more layers. It is the object of the invention to be able to construct, from a few basic components, a durable and safe ground-bearing structure of the desired shape. Such a component system comprises at least three different basic components (1, 2, and 3), which are used together or separately and which are slab components provided with upright supports. The basic components of the component system according to the invention are so designed that one or two adjacent slab components in the same constructional layer form at least two support and fastening surfaces for the next higher slab component. Thus a sturdy and safe structure is obtained. The shape of the components enables them to be cast in a single-part casting mold, from which the component will detach owing to vertical surfaces.

Abstract: The standardized step module according to the present invention is provided with a pair of wings disposed aside of the step and having the shape, as seen in a side section, of a parallelogram whose bases are parallel to the tread of the step and are separated by a distance equal to the riser of the step. In the case of a step made of reinforced concrete, said wings are constituted by a metallic structure having said parallelogram shape and provided with suitable reinforcing members and buried in a casting of concrete. According to the invention, the metallic structure forming the step wing is provided with suitable coupling means for joining it to other adjacent modules, said means being generally constituted by through-holes into which are inserted, for instance, fixing bolts, and nuts. The conformation of the structure forming a wing of the module according to the invention allows a high production at a low cost of such reinforced concrete modules to be achieved.

Abstract: A footboard for an indoor staircase which is temporarily fixed to notchboards with ease. In fixing the footboard to the notchboards, the lower end portion of a riser of the footboard is made free so that the footboard can be employed in the staircase provided with the same footboards each having different dimensions of the riser. The footboard for an indoor staircase comprises a riser 1 and a footstep portion 2 which is formed integrally with the riser in the L-shape, characterized in that the riser 1 having a hook portion 2 at the upper end thereof, the footstep portion having a lower end portion inclined downward, a rising portion 6 which rises from the end of the inclined lower end portion to a tip end thereof so as to reach a nosing 5 so that the hook portion of the lower positioned footboard can be hooked by the tip end of the rising portion of the upper positioned footboard, and fixing pieces 7 which are welded between the inclined portion 4 of the footstep portion and the rising portion 6.

Abstract: A precast stair system having releasably mounted steps is disclosed. The system includes first and second elongate, generally parallel stringer elements having respective inner surfaces that face each other and a plurality of individually precast steps that are precast independently of the stringer elements. Each step extends side to side from a first end that engages the inner surface of the first stringer element to an opposite second end that engages the inner surface of the second stringer element. The steps are juxtaposed in an ascending pattern along the stringer elements. Each step is releasably fastened to each stringer element. In particular, a first connector is formed through the inner surface of the first stringer element and through the first end of the step and a second connector is formed through the inner surface of the second stringer element and through the second end of the step.

Abstract: A reversible footboard for staircase is capable of changing the pattern on the same footboard by decorating the obverse and reverse surfaces thereof with different patterns. The reversible footboard for staircase to be fixed to notchboards for forming a staircase comprises a flat portion decorated with different patterns on obverse and reverse surfaces thereof either of which serves as a footstep portion, an upward projecting portion provided on one end of the flat portion for serving as a riser and a downward projecting portion provided on the other end of the flat portion.

Abstract: A step module is provided for use in constructing stairways. Each step module includes a tread portion and a riser portion connected at a nosing so that a plurality of modules may be secured adjacently in stepwise fashion to create a stairway. A shoulder member attaches to the riser portion of one module along the front riser surface parallel to the nosing and thus forms a tread seat for attachment of the distal tread edge of a lower module. When connected, a channel is formed which may be enclosed and filled with a filler material such as an acoustical damping material. The cover may be a wing projecting forwardly of the riser portion and underlying the tread portion of the lower module.

Abstract: A precast stair system is disclosed, including a plurality of individually precast steps. Each step includes a tread portion and a riser portion that is integrally connected to the tread portion and extends generally downwardly therefrom. One or more elongate stringer elements are precast independently of the steps for supporting the steps and the steps are releasably fastened to each stringer element.

Abstract: Stair apparatus and method of manufacture, wherein the stair apparatus has concrete tread pads and landings which are poured and set during manufacture so that pouring and setting of the concrete does not have to be done in the field, thereby saving much labor and time. The method includes a unique step of clamping the step elements between the stringer elements so that the step elements are firmly held in proper position during welding thereof to the stringer elements. The landings are supported in a novel manner in a stairwell, and the stair assemblies are supported between the landings.

Abstract: A stair supporting frame made of a pair of stringers and a set of triangular blocks slidingly fitted in a groove provided in upper surface of the stringer. The groove has a uniform width defined by parallel sidewalls and the width of the blocks corresponds to the width of the groove. The blocks can slide into and along the groove. The degree of penetration of the blocks in the groove does not affect the outer appearance of the blocks relative to the stringer.

Abstract: Stair apparatus and method of manufacture, wherein the stair apparatus has concrete tread pads and landings which are poured and set during manufacture so that pouring and setting of the concrete does not have to be done in the field, thereby saving much labor and time. The method includes a unique step of clamping the step elements between the stringer elements so that the step elements are firmly held in proper position during welding thereof to the stringer elements. The landings are supported in a novel manner in a stairwell, and the stair assemblies are supported between the landings.

Abstract: A device in U-shape has two plates, one lower one upper, by which the vertical bar of a handrail can be welded. It can increase the stability of the handrail on the one hand, and the plates can be adjusted to match the location of the lower end of the vertical bar on the other hand.

Abstract: A storm cellar or the like is disclosed composed of a pair of portable upper and lower pre-cast concrete sections one of which seats in an inverted position on the other to define a closed compartment. Each section includes a portion of a stairway of conventional configuration, the portions matching when the sections are assembled to extend from the lower level of the top of the assembled cellar to near its floor through aligned openings in the walls of the sections, thus permitting the cellar to be fully buried in the ground while at the same time providing ready access to the cellar from ground level without requiring that any portion of the cellar itself protrude above ground level.

Abstract: Pie shaped stairtreads are mounted to a vertical column with spacers to provide a desired riser height. Each tread includes a tubular sleeve with a T-shaped frame welded to the sleeve. The frame extends peripherally of the pie shaped tread and includes two radially sides and a short arcuate segment welded to the outer radial ends opposite the tubular sleeve. The tread includes a perforated steel plate welded to the frame, which plate and frame are covered by a polyurethane foam. A railing rod can be mounted to the outer arcuate frame segment by bracket means clamped to the web of the T in either one of two positions for left hand or right hand stairway installations.

Abstract: A precast concrete stairway module comprising a concrete wall assembly which is C-shaped in plan view, providing a side wall and two end walls, a concrete stair flight extending from an edge of one side wall to a mid-height position of the other side wall. The stair flight assembly is moulded integrally with the wall assembly and comprises a landing at each end and a flight of stairs therebetween. An access opening is provided in the wall assembly.

Abstract: Stair construction and process for producing same are provided wherein at least one wooden plate is provided to form a wooden shell which constitutes the stair outer surface. A reinforcement member and filler material are disposed within the interior stair space, and a resin sealing layer is provided between the wooden plate and the filler material to seal and protect the wood from the filler composition.

Abstract: A truss hanger for trusses in which the top chord consists of a pair of parallel wood members and the end web is a metal member such as a tube formed with a flattened end. The hanger is fabricated from flat sheet metal using standard punch-press operations. The ends of the metal webs are connected to the hangers so that the web load is transferred directly to the hanger via metal-to-metal contact.

Abstract: A small reinforced structural building component, in particular a step, comprises a solid block of rock or the like with at least two longitudinal bores and at least one transverse bore intersecting the longitudinal bores, and reinforcing means extending throughout the system of bores. The reinforcement may comprise metal rods, wire rope, glass rovings, or glass fiber-loaded plastics, and pre-stresses the block.

Abstract: A flight of steps, stairs and the like heated by means of a heating medium passing through a pipe means located within the steps, stairs etc. The pipe means is located totally within the confines of the step structure and extends in a tortuous path generally longitudinally of the flight of steps. The pipe is permanently pre-shaped so as to present interconnected, generally arcuate looped portions and is made to conform to the step configuration substantially solely by being twisted at selected regions along its length.

Abstract: An inclined pair of stringer beams carries a plurality of transverse steps supported on saddles secured to the stringers. The upper tread surfaces of the steps are planar whereas the lower surfaces are arcuate, with a predetermined radius of curvature matching the corresponding arcuate shape of the subjacent supporting saddles.By angularly tipping each of the steps to or fro in the respective pair of saddles, the upper tread surface of the steps can be leveled despite variations in the angle of inclination of the stringers.The step is ordinarily constructed of precast concrete and includes metal reinforcements as well as metal inserts affording anchor points for attachment to the saddle, as by threaded fastenings or by welding.

Abstract: A prefabricated stair construction consisting of a pair of spaced, parallel stair stringers, either one or both being a free span member between support beams with developed strength of a rigid truss by the joining of stair rails, balusters and stringer into a single unit. The stringers are joined together by a plurality of precast treads secured at each end to the stringer by two welded flanges, the treads having a reinforced nose portion and riser to decrease the bending moment of the tread.