Abstract: A factory made building such as a mobile home (10) utilizing a connector (32, 60) attached to each of a plurality of outrigger beams (18) for stabilizing the mobile home (10) against strong winds. The mobile home (10) includes a structural support beam such as an I-beam (16) and a plurality of outrigger beams (18). An outrigger connector (32, 60) with an L-shaped portion (34) including a slot (46) and a protruding portion (56) extending outward from the L-shaped portion (34) at a substantially perpendicular angle is attached to each outrigger beam (18) at the protruding portion (56). A hurricane strap (48) is attached to the slot (46) and to a ground anchor (88) to secure the mobile home (10).

Abstract: A method and structure for forming a small building includes a continuous curved wall forming a semi-arcuate arch, the wall comprised of lightweight cellular material such as foamed blocks. The blocks may be identical and interchangeably secured in place by adhesive to form the wall, so that the arch is easily constructed. The arched wall comprises both the longitudinal sides and the top of the structure. In addition, the structure includes an outer skin which covers the entire exterior of the arched wall. The outer skin is both a weatherproof layer and a tension member to apply a compressive force uniformly to the outer surface of the arched wall and significantly augment the load strength of the arch, resulting in a structure that is made very strong with a minimum mass of material.

Abstract: A fabric made up of multiple cables and multiple panels is provided for roofs, ceilings, and wall hangings. The cables are arranged in sets of three over the area to be covered, and the panels are suspended between the cable sets to complete the fabric. Specifically, each panel has four attachment points and is suspended between two adjacent cable sets such that it attaches to two of the three cables in each set on either side of it. More specifically, each panel attaches to the middle cable of the two sets on either side, and to the top cable in one set and the bottom cable in the other set. This particular arrangement creates overlapping rows of overlapping panels that viewed from one perspective resembles overlapping shingles on a conventional roof, but when viewed from another perspective reveals that the individual panels are held apart by the cable sets to allow air and light to diffuse through.

Abstract: A structure stabilizing system that includes a length of cabling and a number of joist and rafter reinforcing cable guides. Each of the joist and rafter reinforcing cable guides includes an L-shaped joist securing plate assembly, a rafter securing plate, and a cable guide tube assembly. The structure stabilizing method includes the steps of a) providing a number of joist and rafter reinforcing cable guides as described above; b) attaching one each of the joist and rafter reinforcing cable guides to a number of sets of ceiling joists and rafters along each side of the building; c) threading a length of cabling through each of the cable guide tubes of each of the attached joist and rafter reinforcing cable guides; and d) anchoring the ends of the cable to the foundation of the structure to be stabilized.

Abstract: A tie-down strap frame connector (10) for use in a stabilizing foundation system for a manufactured home which comprises a frame including at least one flanged support beam. The tie-down strap frame connector comprises a clamp assembly (26) that includes a base plate (30) and at least one wedge plate (45), and a swivel plate (28) that includes a tie-down strap slot (54). The wedge plate, base plate, and swivel plate each can be pivotally connected to each other with a coupling member (52) such that the swivel plate can pivot about the base plate to avoid the creation of undue torsional stress concentrations within the tie-down strap.

Abstract: An arrangement for anchoring a roof of a building so that it can resist wind forces captures each roof truss, or other roof framing member, under a wire rope passed through a sequence of eyebolts protruding above a top plate of one of the walls of. Each of the eyes is the upper portion of one of a plurality of rod assemblies, each of which is connected to a respective one of a plurality of anchors disposed beneath the wall. A turnbuckle connecting each rod assembly to a respective eyebolt is used to draw the eyebolt down against the top plate and hence apply tension to the wire rope. A connecting nut at the bottom of each rod assembly attaches the rod assembly to a threaded upper end of an anchor set in the foundation of the building. Thus, tightening the turnbuckles firmly ties down the roof to the foundation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially box-shaped cover for enclosing an outdoor air conditioning unit. The cover includes four vertical side walls and a top horizontal wall each constructed with a mesh type, solar screen material which allows air to flow therethrough while refracting sunlight. The box-shaped container is formed of two detachable, foldable components allowing the device to be disassembled and compactly folded for storage. Adjacent one or more bottom peripheral edges of the cover is a latch means for securing the device to the concrete foundation on which the outdoor air conditioner is typically supported. Furthermore, a decorative design element may be embossed or imprinted on the top wall or one or more sidewalls.

Abstract: A roofing structure assembly comprises elongate roofing material support members including means for attachment to roofing scaffold members and a flexible roofing material engageable with said support members, in which the support members include means for tensioning the roofing material between adjacent support members in use.The roofing material is preferably supported above the scaffold members and is tensioned by applying invented channel section capping members over the support members to apply out-of-plane deformation to the roofing material.

Abstract: Relatively heavy electrical equipment, such as a computer mainframe or server unit, is provided with a mechanism which prevents and/or mitigates damage to the equipment caused by seismological or other activity. In particular, the mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.

Abstract: A turnbuckle mechanism having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle is employed together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts. There is provided an easily assemblable and economical apparatus which preferably includes a multiplicity of energy absorption points which help to prevent damage to the expensive computer frame and which further assists in maintaining computer operations at peak levels even during certain seismological activity.

Abstract: Relatively heavy electrical equipment, such as a computer mainframe or server unit, is provided with a mechanism which prevents and/or mitigates damage to the equipment caused by seismological or other activity. In particular, the mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.

Abstract: The outdoor barbecue cooking grill cover of the present invention includes a free standing cover which is designed to fit over the grill with an air space between the grill and the cover. The cover is designed to rest on the ground or a platform sitting on the ground; and is intended to cover the entire grill including the legs of the grill, and prevent the effects of whether from attacking the grill. A presently preferred outdoor barbecue cooking grill cover is made of heat resistant molded rigid plastic, has integral handles, is weighted at the bottom, includes at least one horizontal surface which can be used as a counter, and is vented in a manner to allow air to circulate between the cover and the grill but will still keep out rain and snow. According to another embodiment of the invention, tie down loops are provided on the cover so that it may be tied down to a deck, retaining rings or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric, consisting of multiple cables and multiple panels, for roofing applications. The cables are arranged in sets of three over the area to be covered, and the panels are suspended between the cable sets to complete the fabric. Specifically, each panel has four attachment points and is suspended between two adjacent cable sets such that it attaches to two of the three cables in each set on either side of it. More specifically, each panel attaches to the middle cable of the two sets on either side, and to the top cable in one set and the bottom cable in the other set. This particular arrangement creates overlapping rows of overlapping panels that viewed from one perspective resembles overlapping shingles on a conventional roof, however, when viewed from another perspective reveals that the individual panels are held apart by the cable sets to allow air and light to diffuse through.

Abstract: A cable braced, open air chapel or meeting hall is formed from a series of cables interconnected to each other in countertension to provide a rigid structural support to provide basic definition for the building structure. One set of cables is preferably tensioned through weights or spring assemblies imparting tension in the downward direction in turn transmitted to the second set of cables in countertension. The second set of cables may extend upwardly in a curved configuration for connection to the upper end of a support tower. The cables slidably pass through the tower through a series of passageways formed in a honeycomb-like mounting structure enabling the back ends of the cables to be anchored to the ground in a spread, fan-like configuration. The weighted or spring tensioned ends of the first cables and the ability of the second cables to pass slidably through the tower support enable the cabled arrangement to breathe as a result of thermally induced expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A roof tie-down arrangement for preventing damage to a roof during high wind conditions of the type in which force is applied to hold down the roof via at least one cable and at least one support member. The support member has a pair of support legs for resting upon a roof surface which are connected by a channel-forming portion having a channel which runs lengthwise along the support member. This channel has a diameter that is appreciably greater than the diameter of the cable, has at least a portion which is open from above and is constructed for preventing the cable from lifting out of said the channel.

Abstract: A tie-down strap frame connector (10) for use in a stabilizing foundation system (12) for a manufactured home (14) which comprises a frame including at least one flanged support beam (16). The tie-down strap frame connector comprises a hook portion (40) adapted to latch about a flange (58) of the manufactured home support beam, a strap slot (52) adapted to receive a tie-down strap (26) of the stabilizing foundation system, and means for altering the orientation of the strap slot relative to the hook portion so that the tie-down strap can be arranged in non-perpendicular orientations with respect to the manufactured home without creating a torsional stress concentration within the tie-down strap.

Abstract: A slatwall display system is provided for retaining at least one article holder thereon. The system includes a mounting member having a series of spaced projecting ears formed with upwardly projecting surfaces defining slat panel supports. The system further includes a multiplicity of slat panels interconnected together, one on top of another, at spaced slatwall panel joints to define a slat panel assembly. Each of the slat panels has a plurality of coplanar forward wall portions, a plurality of coplanar rearward wall portions spaced rearwardly of the forward wall portions, and a plurality of central wall portions joining the forward wall and rearward wall portions. The rearward wall portions are separated from each other by projecting ear recesses formed between the forward wall and rearward wall portions. The projecting ear recesses include a series of spaced, inverted, generally V-shaped notches receiving the upwardly projecting surfaces of the projecting ears.

Abstract: A garage door decorative cover assembly for use on an exterior surface of a garage door made of a plurality of door panels permitted to rotate relative to each other when the garage door moves from a closed position to an open position includes at least one flexible cover panel, a fixing component, and a weighted holding mechanism. The flexible cover panel has a first end, a second end, a front surface and a back surface. The fixing component fixedly attaches the first end of the cover panel to the surface of the garage door, and the weighted holding mechanism couples the second end of the cover panel to the surface of the garage door such that the cover panel is coupled to the garage door is in both open and closed positions. The weight of the holding mechanism maintains the cover panel in a taut state whether the garage door is open or closed. The cover panel is provided with fanciful holiday, seasonal, or other celebratory indicia.

Abstract: A plurality of self-supporting first and second panels are disposed in alternating arrangement along the length of an open tank. A seal is provided around the perimeter of the cover and along the joint between each of the first and second panels. Each of the first and second panels is provided with a handle at the end of each of the panels that, when in a stored position, lies flush with a walking surface provided on the top of the cover.

Abstract: A new gutter covering system for keeping debris from accumulating in a gutter. The inventive device includes a length of net dimensioned for covering a gutter. The length of net is positioned over an open upper end of the gutter. The length of net has a long inboard edge, a long outboard edge, and opposing side edges. The inboard edge has a plurality of loops secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom in a spaced relationship therealong. A plurality of side hooks are provided each having an elastic cord extending outwardly therefrom. Free ends of the elastic cords are secured to the outboard edge of the length of net in a spaced relationship therealong. The side hooks are extendable under a long outer side wall and a closed bottom end of the gutter and securing to a long inner side wall of the gutter. A pair of end hooks are provided with each having an elastic cord extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An anchor 14 for a building roof structure tie-down strap 12 comprises a rectangular hollow steel box 27 having a keyhole 26 formed at one end of one surface, which slips over the head 24 of an anchor pin 17 permanently fixed in the foundation 19 of a building, and a pair of bolt holes 29 formed at an opposite end in a pair of adjacent surfaces to receive a bolt 30 for fastening a strap-tightening ratchet 13 to the box 27.

Abstract: A kit of readily assemblable parts to protect computer equipment and the like against destructive seismological motions. In particular, a turnbuckle mechanism having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle is employed together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.

Abstract: An apparatus for a wind resistant fastener for fastening a roof structure of a building to an upstanding exterior wall comprising a substantially vertical securing mechanism disposed adjacent to the wall to serve as an auxiliary fastener between the roof structure and the wall. Two primary preferred embodiments which may be employed separately or together include continuous vertical batten strips disposed on the wall and extending to the roof structure and the foundation, and a high tensile strength wall covering connecting the roof structure, the wall and the foundation.

Abstract: An attic opening cover and a process for forming the cover are provided. The cover includes a first composite end element including a protective layer bonded to a thermally insulating layer. A second composite end element is provided including a protective layer and a thermal insulating layer. A first composite side element is provided including a protective layer bonded to a thermal insulating layer. A second composite side element is provided including a protective layer bonded to a thermal insulating layer. A composite top element is provided including a protective layer bonded to a thermal insulating layer. A fastening arrangement is provided including fasteners extending through the first composite end element, fasteners extending through the second composite end element, fasteners extending through the first composite side element, fasteners extending through the second composite side element and fasteners extending through the composite top element.

Abstract: A construction for and method of building a tie-down type ground anchor for securing a structure to supporting ground. A cylindrical block formed from recycled plastic waste has a longitudinal bore and receives a tether through the bore. The tether is knotted at one end. The tether is pulled through the block until the knot lodges thereagainst, thus preventing the tether from being pulled free of the block from the unknotted end. The block is lowered into a hole dug beneath the structure being secured. The block is disposed with the free end of the tether facing away from the structure. The free end of the tether is then tied to the structure after being adequately tightened. The hole is then filled.

Abstract: The apparatus can secure a building having a roof, with a plurality of lines and a plurality of ground anchors, which are planted around the building peripherally. The lines are adapted to be attached to the ground anchors and routed over the building. Netting material spans the lines at the roof. The apparatus may also have at least one cinch transversely spanning the lines at the roof of the building. At least one lashing may be directed transversely to the predetermined azimuthal direction and may be connected between one of the lines and one of the anchors. A plurality of tubular boots may separately encircle corresponding ones of the anchors for providing peripheral clearance around the anchors.

Abstract: The ground engaging restraint device (2) comprises a ground spike (4) and a clasp (6). Comprising the clasp is a head (48), a pin (50) and a pair of arms (52) having teeth (64). The ground spike has a receiver (12) having a bore (20) and circumferential notches (24), an elongated shaft (16) having a ground-engaging stop (18). In one embodiment the shaft has a plurality of interconnected webs (36), and in another embodiment the shaft has a helical blade (72) fixed concentrically about the shaft. A portion of an article (14) is placed over and inserted into the bore by placing the clasp over the receiver, causing the pin to enter the bore and frictionally engage the article between the pin and the bore. Teeth of a pair of arms engage a plurality of notches (24) on the receiver, removably retaining the clasp on the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a structure and its roof against damage from high winds. A harness of a plurality of strap-like elements runs from or over the roof of a structure to anchors in the ground, with a coarse fabric such as shadecloth attached to and running between the strap-like elements. As the wind velocity increases, the wind pressure against the shadecloth in the area between the eaves of the roof and the ground increases, thus increasing the downward tension on the harness and further securing the roof and structure against damage.

Abstract: An underground emergency shelter system for sanctuary during emergency weather conditions. A tubular entranceway allows access to the underground structure. Air intake vent stacks are positioned along with air output vent stacks to provide on top of the shell member which forms the shelter. Battery powered blowers serve to circulate air flow into and out of the shelter. Spaced stabilizing feet are provided underneath the shell member with T-shaped anchors lying on either side of the shell member to hold the shelter in place beneath the ground. Steel cable members are fitted within channels formed circumferentially around the upper portion of the shell member and are each attached to a pair of anchors thus serving to hold the shell in place. A waste holding tank is provided within the shell member along with a potable water holding tank.

Abstract: A tie connector for joining a modular type building or the like to the ground. One version of the tie connector having a substantially L-shaped body with an elongated slot through one side. The elongated slot provides an attachment site for a hurricane type strap to be inserted and coupled to a buckle. The opposite end of the tie connectors are attached to horizontal support members around the perimeter of the modular building. The hurricane straps are then inserted through the elongated slots and secured to a ground anchor. Another version of the tie connector provides a Substantially L-shaped body with an additional vertical flap that can be affixed to vertical support members giving additional stability. The elongated slot has the unique feature of rounded edges of sufficient radius thereby omitting any type of cutting effect that might occur when the straps are under high stress conditions.

Abstract: A lockdown system for a low rise building including a roof structure with sheathing disposed over a plurality of roof rafters, the roof structure forming eaves around the periphery thereof, the system comprises a loop of rafter cable for being secured around the eaves of the roof; and a plurality of anchor cables operably secured to the rafter and to the ground, the anchor cables being adapted to exert a downward force on the rafter such that lift forces generated during high winds are counteracted.

Abstract: A roof anchoring apparatus includes roof-pressing assemblies for placement on a roof of a building structure. The roof-pressing assemblies are arrayed on the roof from one edge of the roof to another edge of the roof. Each roof-pressing assembly includes a roof-pressing portion which has a top side and a bottom side. One or more cable locking assemblies project upward from the top side of the roof-pressing portion. First cables are connected between neighboring roof-pressing assemblies. Second cable assemblies are provided, and each second cable assembly has a first end and a second end. The first end of each second cable assembly is connected to one of the roof-pressing assemblies located at an edge of the roof. Ground-engaging assemblies are provided, and each ground-engaging assembly is connected to a second end of a second cable assembly. The roof-pressing portions may be in the form of plates or L-shaped brackets. Crosspiece members may be placed between the L-shaped brackets and the roof.

Abstract: A cover for tank is formed from a plurality of panels attached together by cross members. The cover includes means for sealing the panels to the cross members, and means for sealing the panels and the cross members to the tank. The panels are constructed from a multiplicity of edge-to-edge planks. The planks may be connected together without welds, and the panels may be connected to the cross members without welds. The cover may be in the shape of an arch, or the shape of a dome. In another embodiment a dome-shaped cover may be formed from a plurality of panels each having the shape of a section of a circle. Each panel is connected between an adjacent pair of a plurality of radial members arranged in a radial pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire isolation device for a free standing structure. This device includes a left tarp and right tarp fabricated from a fire resistant material. The left tarp and right tarp are of a size to completely enclose the free standing structure. Attached to the left tarp and right tarp is a support structure, which is capable of moving from an upward position where the left tarp and the right tarp completely enclose the free standing structure to a downward position where the left and right tarp expose the free standing structure. This device also includes a moving mechanism for moving the plurality of support members from the downward position to the upward position.

Abstract: A roof stabilization system for securing the roof of buildings to prevent loss during storms and other natural disasters. A plurality of metal bands are provided which extend across the roof of the building and down the sides to be secured in or near the foundation of the building. For installation in new constructions utilizing footers, an anchor is embedded in the foundation and extends through the sill. The metal bandings are attached to the anchors between the foundation and the sill. For installation in new structures which do not utilize footer, for example, buildings with cinderblock walls, the anchors are embedded into the foundation and extend through the bottom of the wall. In this case, the metal bandings are secured to the anchors between the wall and the foundation. For installation onto existing structures, footers are buried below the ground level running the length of the building with anchors embedded therein which extend above ground.

Abstract: Method for shielding, anchoring and containing an object such as a trailer or motor home in gale-force winds. A wind-permeable perforate sheet extends downwardly and outwardly from the top of the object or the roof of a home at an acute angle so as to surround a substantial portion of each of the sides with an inclined wind-permeable planar surface. The sheet is anchored to helical ground anchors via mechanical attachments which may also be used to tighten the sheet over the object or home. Apparatus for shielding, anchoring and containing an object such as a trailer or motor home in gale-force winds is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a building having a roof with multiple spaced rafters sitting on side walls, this is apparatus for holding the roof on the side walls both vertically and horizontally during high side wind forces. There are plurality of attachment fixtures carried by respective ones of opposite ends of adjacent rafters along a length of the roof. A plurality of ground anchors are disposed at respective ones of ends of the rafters opposite the opposite ends carrying the plurality of attachment fixtures. Finally, a plurality of straps are connected between respective ones of the plurality of attachment fixtures and the plurality of ground anchors. The straps are releasably attached so that they can be stored and only be attached when a hurricane or the like is likely. The attachment fixtures distribute forces to the whole rafter end and avoid rafter-splitting forces.

Abstract: A system for collecting gas generated in an anaerobic pond which is covered by an insulated cover. The system includes a series of gas collection pipes which are laid on top of and are secured to the panel units of the insulated cover and a solid cover which fits over the top of the collection pipes.

Abstract: An apparatus for strengthening building structure against hurricanes and wind storms. Several support beams are removably mounted adjacent to the building structure. A net member is positioned over the roof of the building structure. Cables are used to interconnect the support beam members and to keep the net in place. Anchorage assemblies keep support beam members in place. Tension adjusting devices are used to tighten the cables against the structure being protected.

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

Abstract: A cover devised to be positioned over and to overlay an opening contiguous to a swimming pool such as a stairwell opening. The cover is a preformed modular plastic unit. The cover may comprise a single molded piece or a plurality of pre-molded sections that are secured side-by-side to form a rigid unit. The cover is preferably slightly domed and provided with integrally formed strengthening ribs or channels. The dome shape facilitates flowing of water which may accumulate on the cover surface, to the rear and to the sides of the cover. Suitable means, such as pliable plastic water filled tubes, or other hold down means, function to retain the cover in place when in position, against undesirable dislocation from its covering position. The cover also facilitates the installation of a flexible vinyl liner in a swimming pool by providing means to hold the liner over, and to seal, the opening during the installation of the liner.

Abstract: An insulated removeable pond cover for settling ponds. The pond cover comprises a plurality of sealed panel units containing insulation. The panel units are linked together by means of a system of cables which pass through grommets in the panel units.

Abstract: A system for securing a building structure, and various components of a building structure, to one another and/or to the building foundation or ground, is provided. The system includes apparatus for securing shingles against wind damage on a sloped, shingled roof; apparatus for securing the roof structure of a building to the adjacent upper wall structure; and apparatus for securing the roof structure directly to the foundation of the building or to the ground. The system is particularly adaptable to single and two story residential dwellings, such as single family homes and townhouses, and their related structures, such as garages and sheds, having sloped, shingled roofs. Installation of the complete system of the present invention provides substantial additional security for a structure against storm damage, particularly due to high winds.

Abstract: A system for securing a building structure, and various components of a building structure, to one another and/or to the building foundation or ground, is provided. The system includes apparatus for securing shingles against wind damage on a sloped, shingled roof; apparatus for securing the roof structure of a building to the adjacent upper wall structure; and apparatus for securing the roof structure directly to the foundation of the building or to the ground. The system is particularly adaptable to single and two story residential dwellings, such as single family homes and townhouses, and their related structures, such as garages and sheds, having sloped, shingled roofs. Installation of the complete system of the present invention provides substantial additional security for a structure against storm damage, particularly due to high winds.

Abstract: A roof having an underlayment of sheathing attached to rafters and a group of discrete roofing elements attached to and substantially covering the underlayment. The roof also includes a net having an open weave and a multiplicity of openings. The openings are smaller than at least one dimension of the discrete roofing elements. The net is secured to the roof in contact with the group of discrete roofing elements and covers at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: A method for securing residential and low rise commercial structures during periods of high wind employing mooring apparatus having a mooring cable (20), a ground anchor (22), and a tightening means (24). One end of the mooring cable (20) is permanently attached to a structural roof member, the remainder being stowed with the tightening means (24) in a roof housing (26). The ground anchor (22) is strategically installed exterior to the structure. Prior to the onset of a hurricane or other high wind condition, the mooring cable (20) is released from its roof housing (26), detachably fastened to the ground anchor (22), and made taught using the tightening means (24). A number of mooring apparatus are used to secure a given structure. Different ways of housing the stowed mooring cable in different types of structures are described.

Abstract: A storage vessel for storing grain or other natural products comprises a gas-impermeable enclosure having a water-vapour-permeable membrane to allow the grain to breath and dry, and to prevent condensation and mould growth. The membrane is impermeable to oxygen gas to allow a reduced oxygen atmosphere (e.g. 3 to 7%) to be established as oxygen is used up by insect pests within the grain. The insects are unable to survive at such low levels of oxygen. Thus the grain is protected against pests without the use of chemical pesticides.

Abstract: The present invention entails an attic stair insulating cover made of a strong, lightweight insulating material such as polyurethane having a first insulating section and a second insulating section that are attachable to form a main insulating section. The insulating cover includes hinge assemblies that mount the insulating cover at the attic stair opening for positioning the attic stair insulating cover between an open and closed position. Each hinge assembly includes a partially hollow hinge arm that is molded onto the insulating cover. A removable axis pin connects the hinge arm to a block mounted adjacent to the attic opening. The hinge assembly axis is horizontally spaced from the main insulating cover and is also vertically spaced above the attic floor. A gasket recess extends along a bottom edge of the insulating cover with a gasket fitted into the recess and extending therefrom.

Abstract: A tie extends from the lower end of a roof rafter to the building and temporarily supports the roof rafter during times of expected high loads, such as during hurricanes. The tie is a metal strap having ends which are fastened respectively to the lower end of the roof rafter and to the building, either to a vertical wall or to the foundation.

Abstract: An anchor structure for fixedly securing a mobile home or trailer tongue relative to an underlying ground support is provided, wherein the organization includes respective right and left parallel legs mounted to a base arranged for subsequent mounting in a subterranean orientation relative to the associated trailer, with each leg pivotally mounting a respective right and left pivot leg and the pivot legs arranged for latching an upper and lower support plate relative to one another, wherein the upper and lower support plates each include a mirror image concave semi-cylindrical recess arranged to receive the trailer tongue therethrough. A modification of the invention includes spaced confronting members, each mounted to a central plate arranged for securement, or alternatively bedding within a cementious or other suitable base material.