Abstract: A protective device to reduce risk of injury from a protruding object a base member has a first surface adapted to face outward from the protruding object and a second surface adapted to face inward toward the protruding object. A first sidewall defines a space. The first sidewall has a first end connected to the second surface of the base member and a second end, which includes an opening adapted to receive the protruding object. The first sidewall extends perpendicularly from the base member. At least one fin is positioned within the first space. A second sidewall defines a second space. At least one finger is positioned within the second space. The at least one finger is connected to and extends from the second sidewall into the second space.

Abstract: A safety cap is to be used on linear members to provide a greater surface area on the end of the linear members. The cap has a platform and an attachment portion that is coupled to the platform. The attachment portion has two or more engagement members and two or more joint portions. Each joint portion couples two of the two or more engagement members together, and the two or more engagement members extend inward from the two or more joint portions.

Abstract: A fence cap system, comprising a cover, a cap claw, a securing screw, wherein the cover includes an upper portion that is pyramid-shaped with an apex and a base, the apex including a cover hole designed to receive the securing screw, wherein the cap claw includes a center portion that includes a claw hole designed to receive the securing screw, and wherein the securing screw secures the cap claw to the cover when it is received through the cover hole and the claw hole.

Abstract: A framing system includes a first connection assembly that engages with a substrate. The first connection assembly includes a first connector and a track. At least one spring flange defined by the first connector engages with a fastener positioned along the substrate to maintain the first connection assembly in a fixed position relative to the substrate and to interconnect the substrate with the track. The framing system further includes a second connection assembly defining a second connector engaged to a stud. The second connection assembly engages with the first connection assembly to interconnect the stud with the track.

Abstract: A modular connector is disclosed that comprises of a middle-plate, a plurality of sectioned-base-plates, and a plurality of locking-plates. The middle-plate and the plurality of sectioned-base-plates have a plurality of slotted holes to enable faster construction and deal with construction tolerances efficiently. Also, a plurality of grooved surfaces on the sectioned-base-plate and the locking-plate provide a system so that bolted-connected modules do not slide and remain at initially its aligned position. Disclosed is also a method for assembling a modular building.

Abstract: A rafter bracket configured to connect a vertical post to a rafter and beam(s) is described herein. The rafter bracket may include lower vertical side plates, a horizontal plate, and upper vertical side plates. The horizontal plate may be perpendicular to the upper and lower vertical side plates and may separate the upper vertical side plates from the lower vertical side plates. The horizontal plate and lower vertical side plates may create a lower cavity that receives the vertical post. Meanwhile, the rafter may be positioned on one of the upper vertical side plates and positioned between two of the upper vertical side plates and may be angled at an acute angle relative to the vertical post as well as the upper and lower vertical side plates. One or more of the lower vertical side plates may receive lateral plates that define a lateral cavity receiving the beam.

Abstract: A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall.

Abstract: A safety cap is to be used on linear members to provide a greater surface area on the end of the linear members. The cap has a platform and an attachment portion that is coupled to the platform. The attachment portion has two or more engagement members and two or more joint portions. Each joint portion couples two of the two or more engagement members together, and the two or more engagement members extend inward from the two or more joint portions.

Abstract: A multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve that provides a low cost, simpler method to form strong concrete columns for constructing buildings and other structures. The braided reinforcement sleeve provides structural support and the rebar normally embedded to provide structural support in concrete can be eliminated, preventing the possibility of rebar oxidation which might otherwise undermine the structural integrity of the column. The reinforcement sleeve is lightweight, easy to transport, and can be greatly reduced in size to facilitate transportation. The reinforcement sleeve and construction method can be utilized in many implementations, and can be particularly useful for constructing buildings or other structures in geographic areas that are subject to earthquakes and where low cost is important.

Abstract: A rebar cover includes a shaft having a first end and a bottom end with a central bore therethrough. A bar tie is extended into the central bore through one or more openings in a sidewall of the shaft. When inserted into the central bore, a looped portion of the bar tie may loop around the rebar. The bar tie includes a ratcheting mechanism to secure the rebar to the rebar cover. The ratcheting mechanism includes a release lever to place the ratcheting mechanism in an open position, thereby allowing the bar tie to be loosened and the rebar cover removed from the rebar.

Abstract: A method of covering an end of a post involves engaging respective portions of a plurality of guides of a first cover body with respective ones of a plurality of vertex regions adjacent respective ones of a plurality vertices at the end of the post, wherein the plurality of guides surround a central axis of the first cover body, and wherein engaging the respective portion of at least one of the plurality of guides comprises engaging the respective portion of at least one of the plurality of guides with the respective at least one of the plurality of vertex regions along a respective at least one range of positions extending obliquely to the central axis of the first cover body. Apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A top mounted column placement element includes a plumb bob hanging element to allow a plumb bob to hang from the top mounted column placement element and identify a corresponding portion of a bottom mounted column placement element. The top mounted column placement element defines a column perimeter. The bottom mounted column placement element also defines a column perimeter. Once the top mounted column placement portion and bottom mounted column placement element are in place, the column can be placed and set to conform to both defined column perimeters, ensuring the column is properly positioned.

Abstract: A steel pipe pile and a steel pipe column is connected using a steel pipe socket. The connection method may include preparing the steel pipe socket including a socket supporting portion that covers an upper end surface of the steel pipe pile, and inserting a plurality of socket insertion portions extended downward from the socket supporting portion and having a plurality of socket grooves at a lower end portion thereof and a plurality of fastening members installed on the socket supporting portion. The method may also include inserting the socket grooves of the steel pipe socket into an upper end portion of the steel pipe pile and mounting the steel pipe column on the socket supporting portion. The method may further include fastening the steel pipe column and the steel pipe pile using the plurality of fastening members of the socket supporting portion.

Abstract: A post cap assembly for covering an upper end of a post is provided. The post cap assembly may include a post cap body having an internal post cavity that is sized and shaped to receive the upper end of the post and having a topper receiving aperture extending at least partially through the post cap body. An interchangeable topper may be positioned within the topper receiving aperture and projecting from the top side of the post cap body. Other post caps and related systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar array column cap that includes a main body extending between a left side and a right side to define a channel, the channel configured to at least partially receive a vertical column of a solar array support structure such that the main body surrounds the vertical column. The main body further includes a left flange extending radially outwardly from the left side of the channel and right flange extending radially outwardly from the right side of the channel. Further, the main body includes an left upper flap extending from a top edge of the left flange, and a right upper flap extending from a top edge of the right flange, the right upper flap and left upper flap being co-planar.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering an end of a reinforcing bar is provided. In some aspects, the protective cover includes a collar having a first end, a second end, and an impact absorbing portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the collar is configured to receive the end of the reinforcing bar. The impact absorbing portion of the collar is configured to withstand an impact without penetration of the reinforcement bar through the protective cover and is further configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact. The impact absorbing portion resides solely within the collar. The protective cover further includes a cap disposed at the second end of the collar. The cap has a surface area of about sixteen square inches.

Abstract: A building is reinforced by bonding a foundation slab to piles driven into the earth. Each pile has a cap attached to it at a height selected so that at least a portion of the cap can be captured within the foundation slab when it is poured. Before pouring, reinforcing cables are connected horizontally between selected attachment points on the pile caps and are set to a selected tension. Roof reinforcing cables may also be run from a pile cap upwardly through a wall, generally horizontally so as to capture roofing members, and down through another wall to be attached to a second pile cap.

Abstract: There is provided an impalement prevention apparatus for use with a plurality of spaced-part bars. The apparatus includes an elongate top portion shaped to extend overtop of exposed ends of the bars. The apparatus includes a pair of elongate spaced-apart side portions connecting to the top portion and extending downwards therefrom. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart end portions each connecting to and extending between the side portions. The top portion, the side portions and the end portions form an enclosure extendable around the exposed ends of the bars.

Abstract: A protective cover for an exposed end of a rebar has a collar with a closed end and an open end and a cap disposed within the collar. The cap has a closed end and an open end that is exposed to the open end of the collar such that an end of a rebar that is introduced into the open end of the collar will extend into the open end of the cap.

Abstract: A water-tight, rigid plastic, domed, sphero-cylindrical protective cap is configured to be removably fitted over the convex head of a steel tent stake. The protective cap defines a sphero-cylindrical interior compartment that has a substantially flat circular base with an axial aperture. The protective cap is bilaterally hinged so that the interior compartment can be opened and the axial aperture bifurcated so as to accept the stake head for insertion through the base and enclosure within the interior compartment when the cap is closed. The bilaterally hinged structure of the cap enables it to be easily attached and removed from the tent stake, so that it can be taken off and replaced when the tent is being moved. This avoids a major problem of non-removable stake caps, which become deformed when the stakes are pulled up and hammered back into the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a post (129) for a shaft scaffold (102) of an elevator system (103), said post comprising at least two supports (236) on its exterior sides which extend approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft scaffold (102), to which at least one traverse strut (201) can be connected. The aim of the invention is to produce and design the device, the post and/or the associated connecting elements of the post for a shaft scaffold of an elevator system in such a cost-effective manner that an easy and rapid assembly of a shaft scaffold can be ensured. According to the invention, said aim is achieved by providing, apart from the two supports (236), at least one additional support (236) for the connection of at least one guide element (220).

Abstract: A rebar cap assembly, for use in connection with a rebar rod with a free end includes a metal casing and a circular metal disc independent of the casing. The casing has a side wall with a cylindrical shape extending between an open end and a closed end with a top wall for receiving the free end of the rebar rod. A shoulder extends annularly about and radially from the side wall into the closed end. The side wall has an outer surface with a plurality of retaining tabs to secure the rebar cap to the rebar rod. The disc extends to a circular perimeter in a cantilevered fashion radially outwardly from the closed end of the casing. A bond is sandwiched between the top wall of the casing and the disc for securing to the disc to the casing.

Abstract: A rebar cap assembly, for use in connection with a rebar rod with a free end includes a metal casing and a circular metal disc independent of the casing. The casing has a side wall with a cylindrical shape extending between an open end and a closed end with a top wall for receiving the free end of the rebar rod. A shoulder extends annularly about and radially from the side wall into the closed end. The side wall has an outer surface with a plurality of retaining tabs to secure the rebar cap to the rebar rod. The disc extends to a circular perimeter in a cantilevered fashion radially outwardly from the closed end of the casing. A bond is sandwiched between the top wall of the casing and the disc for securing to the disc to the casing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar array column cap that includes a main body extending between a left side and a right side to define a channel, the channel configured to at least partially receive a vertical column of a solar array support structure such that the main body surrounds the vertical column. The main body further includes a left flange extending radially outwardly from the left side of the channel and right flange extending radially outwardly from the right side of the channel. Further, the main body includes an left upper flap extending from a top edge of the left flange, and a right upper flap extending from a top edge of the right flange, the right upper flap and left upper flap being co-planar.

Abstract: An adjustable, universal screed guide/control joint clip for positioning screed guide/control joints utilized in the placement of concrete in concrete slabs, the adjustable universal screed guide clip allowing for the exact adjustment of the height of the screed guide attached thereto for the placement of the concrete slabs, the adjustable universal screed guide clip allowing the installation of the screed guide in applications heretofore not allowable, the adjustable, universal screed guide/control joint clip capable of accommodating both large and small profile screed guides.

Abstract: A pole cap apparatus to prevent birds from nesting on top of high power electric poles, and a method of installing the apparatus on the pole. The pointed hat conical apparatus fits poles of various diameters. The apparatus is held in place on the hollow pole primarily by the tension of unitary flexible legs.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering an end of a reinforcing bar is provided. In some aspects, the protective cover includes a collar having a first end, a second end, and an impact absorbing portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the collar is configured to receive the end of the reinforcing bar. The impact absorbing portion of the collar is configured to withstand an impact without penetration of the reinforcement bar through the protective cover and is further configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact. The impact absorbing portion resides solely within the collar. The protective cover further includes a cap disposed at the second end of the collar. The cap has a surface area of about sixteen square inches.

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

Abstract: A column includes a shaft, a capital assembly, and a base assembly. The capital assembly has an indexing member that attaches to an overhead support. The indexing member aligns the capital, which in turn, vertically aligns the shaft. The base assembly includes a retaining ring that attaches to an underlying support surface. The retaining ring has a plurality of notches arranged to form a cross-hair with an intersection located at the center of the retaining ring. The column also includes an alignment mechanism configured to be suspended from a center of the indexing member. When being aligned, the alignment mechanism is suspended below the indexing member substantially over the center of the retaining ring.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a protective device for covering the tip of beams, especially beams used to install air conditioning units. It comprises a plastic hollow piece with an external smooth surface protection and an internal chamber into which the tip of a beam is fitted. The internal chamber includes upper and lower channels into which the flanges of a beam are inserted, and a central longitudinal partition. Holding means like screws or the like may be used to attach the device to the beam.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering an end of a reinforcing bar is provided. In some aspects, the protective cover includes a collar having a first end, a second end, and an impact absorbing portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the collar is configured to receive the end of the reinforcing bar. The impact absorbing portion of the collar is configured to withstand an impact without penetration of the reinforcement bar through the protective cover and is further configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact. The impact absorbing portion resides solely within the collar. The protective cover further includes a cap disposed at the second end of the collar. The cap has a surface area of about sixteen square inches.

Abstract: A post cover for engaging with a fence post and supporting at least one strand. The post cover may include an extrusion portion supporting a strand-carrying portion, the strand-carrying portion formed of an electrically resistant material. In addition, the post cover may include a top portion supported by the strand-carrying portion, wherein the extrusion portion and strand-carrying portion each have a longitudinal cavity configured to admit the fence post; the top portion formed contiguous to the strand-carrying portion and comprising an extension to close the cavity from above.

Abstract: A hollow core post anchor includes a base plate and a post mounting protrusion. The base plate has two mounting holes adjacent opposing corners of the base plate, and L-shaped stabilizing supports at or adjacent to the other two opposing corners of the base plate. The post mounting protrusion includes a post mounting hole therethrough for receiving a carriage bolt. The two mounting holes in the base plate are each operable to receive a lag screw to secure the base plate and post anchor to a surface (e.g., a concrete pier or foundation). A hollow core post is then positioned on the post mounting protrusion, and securing a carriage bolt through the hollow core post and post mounting hole in the post mounting protrusion secure the hollow core post to the post anchor and thus to the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A column includes a shaft, a capital assembly, and a base assembly. The capital assembly has an indexing member that attaches to an overhead support. The indexing member aligns the capital, which in turn, vertically aligns the shaft. The base assembly includes a retaining ring that attaches to an underlying support surface. The retaining ring has a plurality of notches arranged to form a cross-hair with an intersection located at the center of the retaining ring. The column also includes an alignment mechanism configured to be suspended from a center of the indexing member. When being aligned, the alignment mechanism is suspended below the indexing member substantially over the center of the retaining ring.

Abstract: A dowel supporting device that includes a substantially hollow tube having a top end and a bottom end. An opening may be formed at the top end and a base may be formed at the bottom end. The base of the dowel supporting device may be fastened to a concrete deck. Concrete may be poured into the concrete deck. When dowels are ready to be used, the dowels may be inserted and secured to the dowel supporting device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tower element for a tower, preferably for a wind power plant, where several tower elements with an outer surface and an inner surface are mounted on top of each other, where the periphery of the tower element is made up of a number of segments provided with inwardly facing flanges at the longitudinal sides, the flanges being connected to corresponding flanges on laterally arranged segments. The individual segments are made with an overlap on the outer surface in the transverse joints and with a butt joint at the inwardly facing flanges. By the invention there is achieved flexibility in production and during transport and mounting. With an overlap on the outer surface between two segments, mechanical joining can be performed between two segments in transverse direction. This mechanical joint between two segments results in a more stable construction and a rigidity substantially corresponding to the rigidity that may be achieved in segments joined by welding.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for installing a post mount. In one embodiment, a support block for use in securing a post mount includes a body having a first end and a second end and an adjustment mechanism formed integrally with the first end of the body, by which a vertical orientation of a post mount incorporating the support block can be adjusted.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps with a core and composite sleeves to be coupled to structural members of a foundation, such as an installed radial array of batter angled micropiles. These structural caps with sleeves are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites. Once at the sites, operators may fixedly couple these caps to the micropiles or other structural members to form a foundation for a structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: A column assembly includes a shaft, a capital, an opening formed in the capital, and a retaining member. The capital has a lower surface and a substantially planar upper surface. The opening is sized to receive the shaft therethrough, and extends from the lower surface to the upper surface. A channel is formed in a surrounding wall of the opening. The length of the channel may, for instance, extend at least partially around the perimeter of the opening. Regardless, the retaining member advantageously holds the capital at a fixed vertical position along the shaft by engaging the channel and the shaft. The retaining member may be a resilient member (e.g., foam) that seats within the channel and frictionally engages the outer surface of the shaft. Alternatively, the retaining member may be a spring member that mounts onto the upper end of the shaft and engages the channel.

Abstract: A cover for posts, bollards, and the like, includes an integral or attached cigarette receptacle. A sleeve for covering a post includes an open bottom, a closed top, and an outer sidewall, and a cigarette receptacle attached to the sidewall of the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably cylindrical. The sleeve has a height in the range of two to 10 feet and an inner diameter in the range of 2 to 10 inches. The sleeve may be plastic, and may feature a hemispherically shaped top. The cigarette receptacle may be temporarily or permanently attached to the sidewall of the sleeve. The cigarette receptacle preferably includes a lower portion and an upper, removable cap. The cigarette receptacle may be plastic with an inner, non-flammable liner, or may be composed of metal. The cigarette receptacle preferably includes a small hole into which cigarettes are placed.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a wood hybrid light pole with an internal wireway for electrical wires and a base with anchoring bolts and space for electrical connections.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the length of a support column which comprises an elongated pipe. A cap plate is affixed onto a top end of the elongated pipe. The cap plate has a plurality of mounting holes. A base assembly is removably retained to a bottom end of the elongated pipe, utilizing an expandable chuck sleeve, after a lower portion of the elongated pipe is cut away, thereby to properly size the length of the elongated pipe.

Abstract: A column assembly includes a shaft, a capital, an opening formed in the capital, and a retaining member. The capital has a lower surface and a substantially planar upper surface. The opening is sized to receive the shaft therethrough, and extends from the lower surface to the upper surface. A channel is formed in a surrounding wall of the opening. The length of the channel may, for instance, extend at least partially around the perimeter of the opening. Regardless, the retaining member advantageously holds the capital at a fixed vertical position along the shaft by engaging the channel and the shaft. The retaining member may be a resilient member (e.g., foam) that seats within the channel and frictionally engages the outer surface of the shaft. Alternatively, the retaining member may be a spring member that mounts onto the upper end of the shaft and engages the channel.

Abstract: A bicycle parking structure that is adapted to be mounted on and affixed to a vertical post wherein the mechanism for affixing the parking structure to the post includes a security rod that is hidden and inaccessible.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering an end of a reinforcing bar is provided. In some aspects, the protective cover includes a collar having a first end, a second end, and an impact absorbing portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the collar is configured to receive the end of the reinforcing bar. The impact absorbing portion of the collar is configured to withstand an impact without penetration of the reinforcement bar through the protective cover and is further configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact. The impact absorbing portion resides solely within the collar. The protective cover further includes a cap disposed at the second end of the collar. The cap has a surface area of about sixteen square inches.

Abstract: An integrated mounting pole system for communication and surveillance infrastructures includes a plurality of stackable sections, which are rotationally attached to a system cabinet of the system and one another. The sections include arms supporting antennas, video cameras, and other functional devices. A conduit and/or wiring raceway thereof coupling electronic equipment disposed in the system cabinet and the functional devices propagates through interior of the sections and the arms. The system may be disposed on a trailer and may include an autonomous source of electric power.

Abstract: A substantially flat roof has elongated log-shaped members arranged horizontally in adjacent, side-by-side relation. Each log-shaped member has a contoured upper surface, and the contoured upper surfaces of adjacent members define a space between them that tapers from a maximum width at the highest elevation of the contoured surfaces to a minimum width where the contoured surfaces of adjacent log-shaped members are closest together. Elongated inserts are arranged between the contoured upper surfaces. Each insert has a wide portion that abuts an adjacent pair of the contoured upper surfaces at a relatively high elevation, and tapers to a narrow portion that abuts the contoured surfaces at a relatively low elevation substantially at the ends of the adjacent pair of log-shaped members. Rain falling on the roof drains by gravity from the contoured upper surfaces to the inserts and along the inserts towards their narrow portions and falls from the roof.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete wall panel may include a concrete top beam, a concrete bottom beam, studs interposed between the top and bottom beams and a concrete exterior interposed between the top and bottom beams. Water-impervious protective end caps may be placed on ends of the studs to preclude contact between the studs and the concrete of the beams.

Abstract: Top and bottom packing brackets for supporting respective smaller top and larger bottom ends of a tapered architectural column during shipment and storage. Each of the packing brackets includes a ring portion and a surrounding frame portion joined together by webbing extending therebetween. The ring portion of the respective top and bottom packing brackets are sized to closely receive the smaller top and larger bottom ends of the columns.