Abstract: A building component for forming a roof. The component includes an ETFE foil cushion comprising sheets of ETFE foil which are held in a frame about their periphery, and which are inflated. The cushion includes a liquid retaining means to suppress rain noise.

Abstract: A pre-stressing sheath for preventing wet concrete from penetrating between the sheath and strands being debonded, and for covering sections of reinforcing strands in pre-stressed concrete beams such that any potential strand tension transmitted to a beam is nullified by allowing the strands to slide freely within the pre-stressing sheath. The pre-stressing sheath is made up of a first hollow cylindrical sheath section having a longitudinal slit that allows the first sheath section to be opened and placed about the concrete reinforcing element, and a second hollow cylindrical sheath section having a longitudinal slit that allows the sheath section to be opened and placed about both the concrete reinforcing element and the first sheath section. The first sheath section further includes an integral outwardly projecting ridge for interlocking with the longitudinal slit of the second hollow cylindrical sheath section.

Abstract: The present invention is a transportable weather shield having a sheet, first and second supports, first and second tensioners, and first and second stakes. The first support has an upper portion that is connected to a first end of the sheet and a generally arcuate-shaped lower portion. The first tensioner is connected to the first end of the sheet and to the first stake. The second support has an upper portion that is connected to the second end of the sheet and a generally arcuate-shaped lower portion. The second tensioner is connected to the second end of the sheet and to the second stake. The weather shield, upon erection, is compliant. A position of the sheet is adjustable by an angular displacement of the first and second supports.

Abstract: A panel structure including a flexible panel, at least one edge strip and mounting hardware is provided. Also provided is a method of configuring the panel structure. The edge strip has at least one mounting member receiving area provided thereon. The mounting member receiving area is dimensioned to receive the mounting hardware therein. The mounting hardware cooperates with the edge strip to suspend and mount the flexible panel.

Abstract: Unitary one-piece frameless overpressure vent panel assembly (10) includes a rigid, generally planar primary support member having a central relief opening (26), a rigid, generally planar secondary support member (44) provided with a central relief aperture (46), and a frangible vent panel (30) between the support members in full closing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture. A sealant element (48) may be provided between the vent panel and at least one of the support members in circumscribing relationship to the relief opening or aperture. At least one line of weakness (34) may be provided in the vent panel. A flexible gasket (58) secured to the secondary support member assures a fluid tight seal between the vent panel assembly and the structure defining a protected zone. Alternatively, a knife blade or the like may be provided adjacent the vent panel to effect severing thereof under a predetermined overpressure in lieu of a line of weakness in the panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of sheet cladding and other thin surfaces to structural frame members such as in space frames and other lattice structures. A batten assembly may be either partially integrated into an elongated structural member or attached by fasteners. A batten receiver provides a pair of sheet margin receiving channels and a fastener guide channel. The batten receiver may be integrated into the surface of the elongated structural member which for example, may be a tubular member or I-beam. The mating batten comprises shoulders which are essentially congruent to the receiving channels. Between the shoulders, an elongated recess mates with a pair of guide walls in the receiver. A fastener such as a metal screw having a cutting tip, may be installed through the recess and the guide channel and into the wall of the elongated structural member to provide secure connection of the batten members to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a tensioned structure, essentially for use as a temporary shelter, comprising at least one unit (100), said unit comprising a net of longitudinal elements (1), said net consisting of:

Abstract: A storm protection device (20) to be attachable over a window (21) or other opening of a building (22) includes a header (26), a bottom sill (25) and side frames (23, 24) extending between the ends of the header (26) and the sill (25). The header (26) carries a tube (53) which has one end of a curtain assembly (27) attached thereto. The curtain assembly (27) is biased by a spring (54) to be normally coiled on the tube (53), but the curtain assembly (27) may be manually moved along the frames (23, 24) to the sill (25) to cover the window opening (21). A bar (31) is formed at the other end of the curtain assembly (27), and the bar (31) carries a guide and lock assembly (110) which rides in and can engage at least one of the side frames (23, 24) to guide and selectively hold the curtain assembly (27) at any selected position along the side frames (23, 24).

Abstract: An injection molded skin has an edge which is substantially thicker than the major surface of the skin which is adapted to be fitted within a slot in a skin-receiving substrate, such that it forms a seal when cushioned urethane foam material is injected behind the skin between the skin and substrate. The method of manufacturing the panel includes the steps of providing a substrate having a slot formed therein for receiving a peripheral edge of a skin of material, introducing a peripheral edge of a skin material having a thickness greater than the overall thickness of the skin into the slot, and injection molding a foam polymeric material behind this skin with a pressure which seals the peripheral edge of the skin to the slot for completing the decorative panel so formed.

Abstract: An outdoor modular shelter shell with simplified connection system comprises a flexible covering having a central portion which overlays a supporting frame. Four displaceable/connectable side panels extend from the central portion to form an enclosure. A tail fastener/wall fastener connection system allows the user to completely displace walls and connect a plurality of shells to form a one room weather proof outdoor shelter with no restrictions between connected shells. Various individual wall panels may be added to transform the shelter from a fishing shelter to a hunting blind. The simplified connection system is very easy to use even with a gloved hand under low light conditions and provides a strong, weather tight, aesthetically pleasing, economical joint between the walls of an individual shelter or a plurality of connected shelters.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed herein for adjusting the length of a frame to fit a canopy tied onto and stretched over the frame. Each end of the frame includes a mounting bracket which is slid into an open end of a side tube with a friction fit. A sleeve is secured over the side tube with a flange engaging the outer end of the bracket. An adjusting nut and bolt engages both the flange and the bracket such that rotation of the nut against the flange causes the bracket to be moved axially within and of the side tube thereby lengthening the overall length of the frame relative to the canopy.

Abstract: A free-standing window screen fabrication system for releasably mounting a screen fabric or other pliable sheet material on a free-standing screen frame in such a manner as to self-tighten the fabric or material during installation. A screen is disposed and held securely in place between a screen frame extrusion member and a trim mold. The screen frame extrusion defines a mounting surface disposed below and parallel to an exterior face. The screen frame extrusion further defines an interior channel for receiving one end of a connector, a plurality of screen frame extrusions being secured in an end-to-end fashion to define a free-standing screen frame. A mounting rib extends along the mounting surface and terminates below the exterior face in the preferred embodiment. A bead is defined at the terminal edge of the mounting rib to serve as a locking mechanism. The trim mold defines a channel opening on the bottom surface thereof to closely receive the mounting rib of the screen frame extrusion.

Abstract: A shelter has a frame assembly (12), and a roof assembly (14) and flexible sidewall assembly (16) releasably connected thereto. The frame assembly (12) has a plurality of upright frame members (18) laterally spaced relative to each other, and a plurality of lateral frame members (20) extending laterally between and interconnecting the upright frame members (18). The flexible sidewall assembly (16) has a first sidewall frame (22), a second sidewall frame (24), and at least one flexible sidewall (26) connected at one end to the first sidewall frame (22) and connected at another end to the second sidewall frame (24) and extending therebetween. The flexible sidewall assembly (16) further has at least one tensioning device (68) connected to the flexible sidewall (26) for securing it in a taut condition to the frame assembly (12).

Abstract: A screened patio enclosure is provided with primary and secondary structural members for retaining screening fabric and decorative inserts that are available in a variety of pleasing colors and patterns thus improving the aesthetic appearance of the interior of the enclosure. Additionally, the primary members include integral recesses for receiving load carrying insert members thus allowing the load capacity of the primary structural members to be increased incrementally by varying the number of metallic inserts added to the primary structural members. The primary structural members include post/columns and beams while the secondary structural members include horizontal and diagonal purlins and base anchoring members.

Abstract: A portable fire curtain system to provide a cloak to cover a vented opening. When deployed it will alleviate the incoming wind, which is fueling the fire. The fire curtain is made of one sheet of a fire resistant or fire proof material that is folded and sewn together. Encapsulated within the fire curtain are 6 bars of high-tempered aluminum running laterally. Each corner of the fire curtain has holes that are drilled through the top and bottom bars. Four 5 foot cable leaders with loops, (one to each corner) will be secured to these holes. Two 40 foot ropes with snaps on all ends will be connected to these cable leaders to be used in the deployment. The ropes are packed in two rope deployment bags in order to prevent the ropes from tangling.

Abstract: A method of assembling a frame assembly for a partition system is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a partition panel, a fabric covering the panel, and a frame component. The frame component automatically and evenly tensions the fabric about the panel. The frame component provided according to this method includes a support element, a lockable element, and an integral hinge defined between the support and lockable elements. The support element defines a cavity for receiving and supporting the panel. The lockable element extends from and is moveable relative to the support element. The panel is inserted into the cavity, and the fabric is mounted to the lockable element. Next, the lockable element is moved about the integral hinge such that the fabric mounted to the lockable element is automatically and evenly tensioned about the panel. A backing strip may be mounted to the frame component to protect the fabric from the integral hinge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of sheet cladding and other thin surfaces to structural frame members such as in space frames and other lattice structures. A batten assembly may be either partially integrated into an elongated structural member or attached by fasteners. A batten receiver provides a pair of sheet margin receiving channels and a fastener guide channel. The batten receiver may be integrated into the surface of the elongated structural member which for example, may be a tubular member or I-beam. The mating batten comprises shoulders which are essentially congruent to the receiving channels. Between the shoulders, an elongated recess mates with a pair of guide walls in the receiver. A fastener such as a metal screw having a cutting tip, may be installed through the recess and the guide channel and into the wall of the elongated structural member to provide secure connection of the batten members to one another.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.

Abstract: A storm panel is formed of a film material for providing protection to the frangible portions of a structure during extreme weather conditions, especially protecting the frangible portions against debris carried by high winds. The panel comprises at least two laminated sheets of the film material, and in one embodiment further including a layer of reinforcing fibers disposed therebetween, and further comprising supporting track members on opposing sides of the laminated sheets. Installation as the extreme weather approaches is relatively easy as the storm panel is light and readily attached to the structure adjacent the frangible portion using the track members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passable closing system for a door or window opening, comprising a length of a first flexible material, which is fixed to supporting members that can be connected to a door or window casing surrounding said opening. The supporting members are made up of at least one strip-shaped member of a second flexible material, which is fixed to said length of material, and which can be detachably connected to the casing. Preferably, a strip-shaped member fitted near the upper side of said length of material is connected to said casing at a point located near one end of said strip-shaped member and at a point located between the ends of said strip-shaped member.

Abstract: A method of assembling a frame assembly for a partition system is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a partition panel, a fabric covering the panel, and a frame component. The frame component automatically and evenly tensions the fabric about the panel. The frame component provided according to this method includes a support element, a lockable element, and an integral hinge defined between the support and lockable elements. The support element defines a cavity for receiving and supporting the panel. The lockable element extends from and is moveable relative to the support element. The panel is inserted into the cavity, and the fabric is mounted to the lockable element. Next, the lockable element is moved about the integral hinge such that the fabric mounted to the lockable element is automatically and evenly tensioned about the panel. A backing strip may be mounted to the frame component to protect the fabric from the integral hinge.

Abstract: A fabric wall panel system includes wall panels mounted on a wall by means of a releasable hanger. Each fabric wall panel comprises a frame and a flat filler insert covered by a fabric. Each frame member has a flat spine, an outside web, an inside web, and a front web. Together the outside web, the inside web, and the front web form a hollow channel along the edge of the frame member with internal protrusions to engage the hanger and hold the fabric wall panel in place on the wall. The hanger comprises a resilient material with a flat base affixed to the wall with two forked tongues extend perpendicularly therefrom. The forked tongues engage the protrusions within the hollow channel to hold the frame member securely to the hanger and thus to the wall. The hanger with its resilient forked tongues assures proper spacing between the adjacent fabric wall panels mounted on the hanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to building structures of the type comprising arched frame members supporting panels of flexible materials such as weather resistant fabric. Problems accompanying the use of separate panels extending between frame members are overcome by providing connecting members on the frame members, and panels having means for attachment to the connecting members and flaps of flexible material adjacent to but spaced from the side margins of the panels, the connecting members slidably engage the means for attachment and have a channel to receive the flaps. The flaps are secured in the channel to provide weatherproof connections between the panels.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a roller seal rotatably mounted to a support for rotation about an axis. The roller seal is movable in at least a vertical direction from a first position in the path of a vehicle entering the parking area, to a second position wherein the roller seal is disposed adjacent the top of the vehicle. Preferably, a curtain is suspended distally of the roller seal such that, when the roller seal is in the second position, the curtain forms a first seal with the top of the vehicle and the roller seal forms a second seal with the top of the vehicle. The curtain is semi-rigid and, in some instances, defines a ramping surface to facilitate movement of the roller seal over the leading edge of a vehicle approaching the loading dock.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method of erecting a tent comprising two or more beam assemblies is provided. Each of the beam assemblies comprises a roof portion and a pair of legs for supporting the roof portion. A number of base members are secured to the ground at predetermined locations. The roof portions are pivotally connected to the base members and rotated upwardly from the ground while maintaining the connection to the base members. A first side of each of the roof portions is disconnected from an associated one of the base members and raised above the base member. A first leg is connected to the first side. The first leg is then connected to the base member. A second side of each of the roof portions is disconnected from an associated one of the base members and raised above the base member. The second leg is connected to the second side. The second leg is then connected to the base member.

Abstract: An acoustical panel assembly for a suspended ceiling comprising a rigid frame, sound absorbing material, sound transmission attenuation material and a face fabric. The frame is an assembly of extruded members secured together in a polygonal pattern such as a square or a rectangle. The fabric is secured to the frame by gripping elements integral with the frame. Marginal portions of the fabric are captured and hidden in receiving chambers formed by the frame members.

Abstract: A holder for supporting insulation in a building has an elongated supporting section for the insulation to rest on. Two arms extend in parallel from the two ends of the supporting section, and each arm carries a U-shaped member which can be pushed onto a stud or beam by elastically spreading apart the legs of the U-shaped member. Each U-shaped member is provided with at least one hook-like portion which is elastically urged onto the respective stud or beam to anchor the holder thereto.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.

Abstract: This invention relates to wall hanging systems in general, and particularly to a new single body device which embodies the seam between two adjacent fabric panels and overcomes the problems inherent in wall hanging systems in use presently for the installation of fabric or acoustical panels.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.

Abstract: A wall and roof structure primarily for buildings that are partly under ground. In the roof structure, sheets of steel are placed in an upward concave position supported by beams and columns with compression members positioned between the beams. In the walls, a similar arrangement is used with sheets of steel in a concave outward position supported between the columns. This provides a free span suspension design with no columns or bearing walls needed inside the basic structure.

Abstract: A bullnose cladding system is provided which gives an outward appearance of a generally arcuate or semi-circular surface extending from an otherwise planar surface. The bullnose cladding system is constructed using a pair of parallel mounting rails which hold one or more outwardly bowed flexible plastic panels. The longitudinal edges of the plastic panels are folded under to create a hem which releasably secures the panel within the longitudinal rails. Various corner members and expansion joints may be utilized to provide a finished look to the bullnose cladding system.

Abstract: A window screen installation system for releasably mounting a screen fabric or other pliable sheet material in such a manner as to self-tighten the fabric or material during installation. Moreover, the screen frame and trim mold are designed to allow for the mounting of the fabric or material without damaging the same such that it may be removed and reused as required. A screen is disposed and held securely in place between a screen frame extrusion member and a trim mold. The screen frame extrusion defines a mounting surface disposed below and parallel to an exterior face. A mounting rib extends along the mounting surface and terminates below the exterior face in the preferred embodiment. A bead is defined at the terminal edge of the mounting rib to serve as a locking mechanism. The trim mold defines a channel opening on the bottom surface thereof to closely receive the mounting rib of the screen frame extrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat and/or backrest covering for a chair, in particular an office chair, having a frame-tensioned mesh-like fabric (3), which is penetrated by a large number of pins (4) provided on the periphery of a load-bearing frame (1) that surrounds the seat or backrest, and is held by means of a covering frame (2) fitted onto the load-bearing frame (1).

Abstract: A portable shelter includes a frame having front and back arches joined by two skids at their bottom ends and a set of braces extending between the arches. A cover over the frame has a water impervious top panel and end and back panels that are an air pervious mesh. The shelter is particularly useful in sporting installations, for example golf driving ranges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circular building structure which comprises a plurality of columnar structures, each of which extends from a point below ground level to a desired height above ground level and wall structures positioned between the columnar structures and forming a substantially circular exterior wall with the columnar structures. The wall structures and the columnar structures enclose a substantially circular inner space. The building structure further includes a central hub positioned above the inner space. A plurality of trusses for supporting a roof are provided. Each of the trusses is joined to a respective one of the columnar structures and to the central hub. The inner space is divided into a perimetric space and an interior space by an interior wall which is concentric with the exterior wall. The perimetric space, in a preferred construction, is divided by walls into at least one passageway and a number of rooms.

Abstract: A multiple peak tent (1) structure which is mechanically simple and easy to assemble. The tent structure of this invention can span relatively large areas without inhibiting mobility under the tent through the use of ground extending support poles. The canopy (3) of the multiple peak tent (1) structure is supported by multiple masts (8) resting on a cable network (11). The cable network (11) is attached to the upper corners of the frame structure resulting in a tent having no supporting poles that extend to the ground in the covered area. The multiple peak tent (1) structure may be expanded modularly to span larger areas.

Abstract: In a roof construction (10) with several erected support arches carrying a tentered roof skin (15), both ends of which support arches are held with a fixed distance to one another in the carrying state, each support arch (11)is constituted by several sections (12; 12a, 12b) each connected to one another via joints (13), where a lock is assigned to each joint (13), which limits the unfolding of neighboring sections (12a, 12b) to about their straightened position. In the carrying state of the support arch (11) all its joints (13) are bridged underneath by tensioned pulling connections (16), which engage on both sides of the bridged joint (13) on a section (12a, 12b). Furthermore, in the region of each joint (13)a spacer (19)is provided acting between the support arch (11) and the corresponding pulling connection (16), which spacer (19) directs the pulling connection inwards past the connecting line defined by the two points (18a, 18b) of engagement.

Abstract: A solarium includes window panel frames for supporting a plurality of window panels. Each window panel frame comprises a set of frame members defining a first surface, a diametrically opposed second surface, and a pair of third surfaces extending therebetween. The third surfaces define a third surface connecting recess positioned adjacent their corresponding intersection with the first surfaces. The window panels are made of thin and flexible sheets of material, such as heat shrinkable polymeric resin. A panel locking component is attached to the marginal edges of the window panels. The panels are undersized relative to the window frames when not mounted thereto, are secured to the window panel frame using the panel locking components, and then heat shrunk to a tensed state.

Abstract: A jointing device (10) is provided for joining elongate members (106, 110), and 108, 112) in a building (100). The device (10) is formed form a blank (11) of sheet material and comprises a gusset portion (12) and spaced flange portion (14 and 16) each extending from an edge of the gusset portion (12) and forming a cavity there between. The device (10) further comprises a first opening (24) arranged adjacent to one end of the gusset portion and in communication with the cavity and a second opening (26) arranged adjacent to the opposite end of the gusset portion and in communication with the cavity. In use, one elongate member (106) is positioned in the cavity through the first opening (24) and a second elongate member (110) is positioned in the cavity through the second opening (26) for joining by fixing to the jointing device (10). The blank (11) has foldlines (70) and the blank (11) is configured with sections bendable along the foldlines to form the gusset portion (12) and the flange portions (14 and 16).

Abstract: A wall system is disclosed including a covering member for covering a wall. A support structure is affixed to the wall for supporting the covering member. A support bracket is secured to the covering member and removably engages the support structure, in order to retain the covering member along a vertical wall.

Abstract: A flexible material is included within a structure to prevent wind borne missiles or debris from penetrating the confines of the structure. The flexible material may be included within the confines of a building in a free standing form or incorporating one or more interior walls of the building or structure. The flexible material may be attached to the exterior of a structure to cover openings in the structure.

Abstract: A window screen system is described in which the screen or mesh periphery has secured to it a strip of hook and loop fastener material and the corresponding window frame has secured to it a mating strip of similar fastener material. The strip of fastener material on the outer edge of the mesh is aligned with and placed against the mating fastener strip which has been previously secured to the appropriate location on the window frame. Each side edge of the mesh can be stretched and then applied against the window frame, whereupon the mesh is held tightly in place on the window frame. No separate frame for the mesh is required. The mesh can be easily removed for cleaning, transport or storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides the incorporation of a sheet locking device, a small gutter, and a mesh attachment device in a single unit. In another aspect of the present invention, a device for active multi-locking of sheets and surfaces made of plastic, nylon, paper, similar sheets, or thin surfaces is provided. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a right angled shape serves as an angle for the frame of the structure to which the device is attached. Further, the present invention also incorporates the use of a small gutter that can collect and drain water vapor that may accumulate on the roof of a hothouse.

Abstract: The invention relates to building structures of the type comprising arched frame members supporting panels of flexible materials such as weather resistant fabric. Problems accompanying the use of separate panels extending between frame members are overcome by providing connecting members on the frame members, and panels having means for attachment to the connecting members and flaps of flexible material adjacent to but spaced from the side margins of the panels, the connecting members slidably engage the means for attachment and have a channel to receive the flaps. The flaps are secured in the channel to provide weatherproof connections between the panels.

Abstract: Retainer arrangements for removably attaching flexible tops to sports utility, convertible, and other vehicles. The arrangements include a belt or flange which is sewn or otherwise attached to the flexible top and a U-shaped channel which is formed on the vehicle body. In the preferred embodiments. the belt or flange is received in the U-shaped channel and a mating protuberance and recess arrangement is provided to removably lock the flange in the channel.

Abstract: A structural system and methodology for erecting a shading structure. The system and methodology provides for a rapid and fool proof installation of the shading element over a canopy structure. The shading element is coupled into a locking mechanism on a perimeter beam which rotates to increase effective the effective surface area of the canopy structure thereby providing the correct amount of tension to the shading element, thereby completing the installation process.

Abstract: A combination of versatile and inexpensive elements are combined on site to create an impermeable assembly which collects water falling through a grating or cracks between adjacent boards of a deck and completely drains it to one or more points at a selected edge. The impermeable assembly is comprised of a plurality of peaks and valleys configured to simplify installation, conserve headroom and provide an aesthetically pleasing finished surface. In a first embodiment, a collector collects the water falling through cracks between boards spanning the space between adjacent joists from which it drains transversely to a gutter positioned beneath the joists. The gutter drains the water longitudinally to the perimeter of the deck.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a roller seal rotatably mounted to a support for rotation about an axis. The roller seal is movable in at least a vertical direction from a first position in the path of a vehicle entering the parking area, to a second position wherein the roller seal is disposed adjacent the top of the vehicle. Preferably, a curtain is suspended distally of the roller seal such that, when the roller seal is in the second position, the curtain forms a first seal with the top of the vehicle and the roller seal forms a second seal with the top of the vehicle. The curtain is semi-rigid and, in some instances, defines a ramping surface to facilitate movement of the roller seal over the leading edge of a vehicle approaching the loading dock.

Abstract: An aesthetic pool enclosure of modular design includes cover members that hide from view various utilitarian structural components such as bolts, screws, rubber splines for holding screens, and the like. The structure is made of extruded posts and beams and interlocking members for interlocking the posts and beams to one another to reduce the number of fasteners needed and to provide enhanced strength of the finished assembly. The extruded pieces include corner posts for ninety and sixty degree corners, doorjambs, bottom door sweeps, and other specialized parts for completing the assembly. Many of the parts are snap fit to one another to further reduce the number of fasteners required to assemble the enclosure and to facilitate the construction process.