Abstract: A securing apparatus for securing a cover in a window opening, the securing apparatus engages fastening locations on opposite sides of a window opening. The securing apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. A connector is disposed on the tube at the first end. A precut tube is attached to the connector to engage one of the fastening locations. An end cap is rigidly fixed to the tube at the second end. A threaded shaft is disposed in the tube and projects from the second end through the end cap. A mounting tube is rigidly attached to the threaded shaft, the mounting tube engages another of the fastening locations. An adjusting nut is disposed on the threaded shaft between the end cap and the mounting tube, the adjusting nut adjusts a position of the mounting tube with respect to the tube.

Abstract: Greenhouse (1) provided with a roof element (2) having a multiplicity of transverse ribs (12, 13, 14, 15) or pyramids uniformly distributed over the roof element. The roof element can be constructed double-walled as a hollow-core sheet from transparent plastic and can comprise a base sheet with the rib-shaped or pyramid-shaped roof surfaces fixed thereon. The light yield in a horticultural greenhouse can be increased by the roof elements.

Abstract: A connection between a first structural member and a second structural member. The second structural member has a bottom surface that lies adjacent the first structural member, and the bottom surface is formed with opposed side surfaces 27 and 28. A connector attaches the second structural member to the first structural member in combination with fasteners 13, and is formed with a base member, and the base member receives a select number of the fasteners which are also received by the first structural member, making a positive attachment between the connector and the first structural member. The connector 1 is also formed with opposed side flanges that are disposed laterally of the base member and connect to the base member along parallel bend lines. The side flanges receive a select number of the fasteners which are also received by the second structural member, making a positive attachment between the connector and the second structural member.

Abstract: An improved connector formed with a seat member that is stiffened by first and second reinforcing flanges that extend around first and second corners at either end of a third edge of the seat member, the first and second reinforcing flanges being connected to the third edge and to first and second edges that intersect with the third edge, the fist and second edges also having side members connected to the seat member. When used as a hanger, the connector includes a seat member, first and second backwall members which are connected to the supporting girder and first and second side members connected to the supported trusses. A flange member integrally connected to the seat provides further connection when a jack truss is supported.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a post-style poultry house to a clear span style poultry house. The apparatus includes a truss assembly including a center truss section adapted to be mounted to the roof beams and first and second outer truss sections adapted to be secured to the center truss section. The trusses are installed without the removal of the roof and without removal of the drinker and feeder equipment of the existing post-style poultry house. In installing the trusses, first the center sections of the trusses are attached to the roof beams and then the upper ends of the outer sections are attached to the center sections. Then the lower ends of the outer sections of the trusses are secured to the poultry house footers. Once the truss sections are all secured to each other and secured to the footers, the posts are cut away and removed.

Abstract: Novel prefabricated modular structural members for use in low cost construction of relatively small residential, institutional and commercial buildings with high degrees of resistance to damage by fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, moisture, etc., are disclosed. A structural member of this class basically consists of two spaced shell panels and an intermediate core. The core is a triangulated wire frame composed of a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire trusses having their sets of top and bottom apexes anchored to associated sets of longitudinal and transverse chords and the respective proximate inside faces of the shell panels. A fixture is provided which includes posts for holding the wires before they are welded. The posts and a coupling member such as a welding gun can move with respect to each other to form the joints between the wires.

Abstract: A componentized, three dimensional, self-aligning, self-engineering building system for homes and similar constructions involving a plurality of individual, separately installable components of predetermined height selectively arranged, positioned and secured to each other in side-by-side relationship along the perimeter of and also secured on a previously prepared flat supporting surface for a home; and modeling blocks representing the components.

Abstract: There is provided a metal chord member for use in a building system which chord member is formed of two or more interlocked generally U-shaped chord tubes. The chord tubes are interlocked by means of the provision of a plurality of equisized, equispaced, longitudinal ribs formed along the length of the depending side arms of the U-shaped chord tubes defining elongated recesses therebetween, the ribs on one of the chord tubes being adapted to interlock into and mate with the recesses defined between ribs on the adjacent chord tube and vice versa.

Abstract: A componentized, three dimensional, self-aligning, self-engineering building system for homes and similar constructions involving a plurality of individual, separately installable components of predetermined height selectively arranged, positioned and secured to each other in side-by-side relationship along the perimeter of and also secured on a previously prepared flat supporting surface for a home; and modeling blocks representing the components.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: A modified A-frame shell building 10 with a cementitious foundation having a pair of upstanding opposing stub walls 16, 18 that engage and support a plurality of trusses 50 disposed in spaced-apart relation for supporting a roof 58. Each truss comprises a pair of rafter beams with 45° beveled corners at opposing distal ends. The rafter beams 52 rigidly join together at a 90° angle at abutted corners 75 at distal ends 72, which defines a notch 106 that receives a ridge beam 62 extending across the trusses 50. The trusses include a collar beam 56 oppositely beveled at opposing distal ends 83, 85 and connected to the rafter beams 52 intermediate the distal ends 70, 72 of the rafter beams. Base plates 84 attached to the distal end 70 of the rafters 52 receive fasteners to engage the trusses 50 to the stub walls 16, 18. A roof 58 is defined by a deck 92 of tongue and groove boards covered by a insulative panel 93 and roofing materials such as shingles 94.

Abstract: An improved building panel and attachment system for the production of structures with improved energy efficiency and fire safety characteristics. Panels are formed from a structural angle I beam with angles emerging from a web and forming dovetail shaped channels. The dovetail channels provide anchorage points for cross members within the panels as well as weather-stripping and mechanical joints between panels and a building frame. The unique assembly method allows the insulation value and fire safety of the building to be radically improved over conventional commercial structures. Fiberglass can be combined with low thermal conductivity gases such as Argon to improve R-Values by about 40% over existing building stock. Heat and smoke can be vented from the building during a fire to slow the onset of flashover and the safety of fire fighting personnel can be enhanced when they reach the fire scene.

Abstract: Roof bracing, and a braced roof structure including the bracing located at the junction of dihedral surfaces of the roof structure which meet at a dihedral angle determined by trusses in a roof framing system. The bracing includes a pair of elongate braces each having a web and a flange extending from an edge of the flange. The web is bendable relative to the flange. The braces can be applied with their flanges in back-to-back engagement and with the webs extending laterally outwardly generally at the dihedral angle for generally flatwise engagement of the webs with the trusses. The braces also function as beams to support the roofing against upward and downward loads on the roofing.

Abstract: A truss system utilizing braces to retain the trusses in spaced relation. The braces include a beam with retainers at opposite ends for forming a snap lock connection to adjacent trusses, fixing the spacing between the trusses. One retainer includes a yoke which will automatically position the brace in an orientation generally normal to the truss to which the brace is mounted. The other retainer is adapted to mount to an adjacent truss and form an interlock with a second brace extending to the next truss. The braces are lined in a row across a plurality of trusses positioned in generally parallel relationship.

Abstract: A hollow frame member is constituted by two face plates 11, 12 (21, 22) joined in a truss shape by ribs 13, 13A, 13B (23, 23A, 23B). End portions of one of the face plates 11 and 21 are positioned in the vicinity of an apex of the truss structure of the hollow frame member. End portions of the other of the face plates 12b and 22b have a projection extending toward the end portions of the face plates 11 and 21. The face plates 12b and 22b are joined by friction stir welding from an upper portion. Next, a connection member 30 is arranged between the ends of the face plates 11 and 21, and from an upper portion the friction stir welding is again carried out. Due to the presence of the ribs 13A, 13B (23A, 23B), the load during the friction stir welding time is easily supported. Since the truss structure is formed totally, a light weight structure with a high rigidity performance can be obtained.

Abstract: A building truss that is light weight, and easily manipulated yet provides superior strength for support is disclosed. The building truss is defined by a pair of parallel and spaced apart square tubing members, having joined between them, a lattice of cold rolled round reinforcing rod having a sinusoidal or zig-zag pattern. Additional spacers are provided to prevent twisting. Also, angled reinforcing pieces may be attached to the lattice for increased load bearing capabilities.

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 shelter may be readily assembled or disassembled from a plurality of identical shelter supports. Each shelter support is formed from an outer beam placed in a divergent relationship to an inner beam. The converging ends of each beam are capped by a first end member. The diverging ends of each beam are capped by a second end member. The second end member forms an acute angle with the horizontal when the first end member is placed on the ground. Thus, with the first shelter support placed as a column support the second end member is presented for engaging a second end member of a second shelter as a roof support. The truss thus formed from the two shelter supports is joined at an apex portion with other similar trusses in various arrangements conveniently to form shelters of different shapes which can be readily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A Lightweight Pre-engineered prefabricated modular Building System comprised of prefabricated structural members and three prefabricated spacer plates which create the entire building main frame system. A multiple use principal structural member is utilized as top and bottom cords as well as end rungs for trusses and truss legs. The spacer plates are used to construct steep pitch building frames. Trusses are interchangeable anywhere in system. Eave peak members, purlins and girts are used to attach sheathing to the structural frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a post-style poultry house to a clear span style poultry house. The apparatus includes a truss assembly including a center truss section adapted to be mounted to the roof beams and first and second outer truss sections adapted to be secured to the center truss section. The trusses are installed without the removal of the roof and without removal of the drinker and feeder equipment of the existing post-style poultry house. In installing the trusses, first the center sections of the trusses are attached to the roof beams and then the upper ends of the outer sections are attached to the center sections. Then the lower ends of the outer sections of the trusses are secured to the poultry house footers. Once the truss sections are all secured to each other and secured to the footers, the posts are cut away and removed.

Abstract: An elongate structural member of a steel truss. The structural member includes a web, a flange and a cap portion. The web includes a first web section and a second web section. The second web section extends angularly outwardly from a first surface of the web at a first longitudinal edge of the first web section. The flange extends laterally outwardly from the first surface of the web at a second longitudinal edge of the first web section. The flange is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the first web section. The cap portion extends outwardly from a second surface of the web at a distal longitudinal edge of the second web section. The cap portion is configured to be substantially parallel to the flange.

Abstract: A cross-bracing kit for laterally spacing and bracing open web structural supports comprises at least two clips wherein each clip includes an attachment portion for attaching to the truss member and has a first finger and a second finger extending from the attachment portion in a cantilevered fashion. The fingers define a channel therebetween and each finger includes a nib at a free end of the finger. The nibs face each other and define an opening between the ends of the nib that is narrower than the channel defined by the fingers. The kit further includes at least one cross-brace which has a channel-like cross section that includes a first leg and a second leg connected at their respective bottoms. The cross-brace further includes at least two notches in a bottom of the brace wherein a distance corresponding to a desired spacing of adjacent supports separates the notches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a post-style poultry house to a clear span style poultry house. The apparatus includes a truss assembly including a center truss section adapted to be mounted to the roof beams and first and second outer truss sections adapted to be secured to the center truss section. The out truss sections each comprise substantially upright portions and an inclined portion extending therefrom. The trusses are installed without the removal of the roof or beams of the existing post-style poultry house. In installing the trusses, first the center sections of the trusses are attached to the roof beams and then the upper ends of the outer sections are attached to the center sections. Then the lower ends of the outer sections of the trusses are secured to the poultry house footers. Once the truss sections are all secured to each other and secured to the footers, the posts are cut away and removed.

Abstract: Wooden roof trusses of the kind having a bottom chord (13) and at least one obliquely disposed upper chord (11) with webs connecting the chords by means of nail-pated joints, in which the webs are selected from a set of standard stock length webs (50), and the ends of the webs (49) are provided with a standard shape set without regard to the geometry of the particular web joints.

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: A gusset for joining first and second abutting support trusses wherein the gusset comprises a plate having a body portion and a finger portion. The body portion is adapted to be abutted against and fastened to a side of the first support truss at one end thereof and the finger portion is adapted to extend beyond the end of the first truss when the body portion is fastened to the first support truss. The finger portion is further adapted to hangingly engage at least one element of the second support truss for supporting the one end of the first truss thereon without fastening the first truss to the second truss.

Abstract: An eave connection assembly for a structural frame for a building which includes a sidewall stud having an outer vertical member and an inner vertical member. The eave connection assembly includes a truss with an end portion that has a generally vertically extending end member and a haunch plate secured to the end portion which has a predetermined vertical extent for attachment to the inner vertical member of the sidewall stud at a selective vertical position. An eave bracket is provided which has a generally vertically extending post having a predetermined vertical extent for attachment to the end member along a portion of the vertical extent of the post, and for attachment to the outer vertical member of the sidewall stud along another portion of the vertical extent of a post at a selective vertical position.

Abstract: A construction system for building a steel frame using steel members. Rafters form a roof portion of the steel frame, and a ceiling joist having two ends forms a ceiling portion of the steel frame. Compression webs and tension webs, disposed between the rafters and the ceiling joists, distribute the load between the rafters and the ceiling joists. The tension webs are disposed between the rafters, the ceiling joists, and the compression webs, and inhibit distortion of the roof. A peak bracket connects two rafters and a compression web together. Eave brackets connect the two unconnected ends of the two connected rafters to the ends of the ceiling joist, such that each end of the ceiling joist aligns with one of the unconnected ends of the two connected rafters. Compression brackets connect the compression webs to the ceiling joist. A center bracket connects two of the tension webs and one of the compression webs to the ceiling joist.

Abstract: A free-hanging metal canopy that can be attached to an existing building structure, or incorporated into one in its original construction. The canopy can extend up to twelve feet from a building structure, and is comprised of a framework, a covering, and an attachment means. The canopy framework height, ranging from 1 to 4 feet high, making the canopy visually appealing and useful with single-level building structures. In one embodiment, the canopy can be folded down from a raised to a lowered position.

Abstract: A building construction assembly comprises a plurality of vertical columns that cooperate with a plurality of horizontal beams to collectively define a substantially planar frame border of a building. The vertical columns are in the form of upright trusses having a first upstanding member formed with a pair of angle irons. Each of the angle irons has a first projecting leg and a second projecting leg. The first projecting legs extend inwardly relative to the border in spaced parallel relation and the second projecting legs extend in opposite directions along a common line. A support clip is attached to the first upstanding member for supporting an associated horizontal beam in such a position that the outer facing surfaces of the horizontal beam and the first upstanding member defines the substantially planar border. The support clip is defined by a plate for supporting the associated horizontal beam and a load-bearing flange for retaining the horizontal beam.

Abstract: A truss pitch break connector plate having a main body portion. A first stiffener flange projects generally perpendicular from one face of said main body portion along an arcuate first edge having an outer radius. A second stiffener flange projects generally perpendicular from the opposite face of the main body portion along a arcuate second edge having inner radius. The main body portion preferably is generally sector-shaped but alternatively it may be circular. The overall arrangement is such that the pitch break connector plate will accommodate top chords of different sizes; and is capable of maintaining the top chords at any one of a range of roof pitches.

Abstract: A modular, wooden, pool cover frame, designed to replace conventional floating supports with a frame that spans the area above the pool, providing rigid support that is not susceptible to the problems such as puncture, rupture, structural integrity failure or water sitting on the pool cover. An A-frame like wooden structure covers the entire pool area. The frame is modular in design and has a plurality of locking wheel assemblies on the bottom thereof making it easy to store and set up, even by a single person. Depending upon the size and shape of the pool, a number of vertically aligned, equally spaced A-frame assemblies are placed spanning across the pool and are connected to one another by multiple support beams. Additional support arms are angled from the A-frame components to the ground in order to provide additional support. With the pool cover placed over the frame, a tent-like shape results that allows debris and water to run off the pool cover.

Abstract: A building system and/or an erected building is based on a kit of parts including portable, prefabricated wall sections of a width of 4 feet and a height dependent on the room height desired. The sections include a metal frame having parallel members to be vertical in the erected building. These members are provided with a thermal break along their length. The thermal break may also serve as a water resistant connector between sections. Sections are aligned with abutting side edges to form walls of the building. Parallel abutting vertical members of adjacent sections form composite load bearing members for roof trusses which may be spaced apart by the width of a wall section. A hinged template for interior partitions may be provided which can be folded for transport. Ceiling panels may be connected to roof trusses through an adjustable linkage so that compensation for movement of the roof trusses is possible.

Abstract: A building frame structure has a plurality of frame members having tubular end portions, and a plurality of connectors of respective types having respective arrangements of lugs oriented and adapted for engagement with frame member tubular end portions for interconnection to assemble the frame structure.

Abstract: A collapsible building including a semi-trailer chassis. At each side of the chassis a pair of sidewalls are foldable between a collapsed position on the chassis for transport and an outwardly extended in-use position. Ground-engaging support legs are provided at an outer end of each sidewall. In the extended in-use position, a collapsible floor extends between each pair of sidewalls, the floor having a number of hinged panels which collapse onto the chassis sliding along the sidewalls. A folding roof is formed by a number of rafters movable from a nested position on the chassis to extend out along a top of the sidewalls, slidably engaging the sidewalls. An end wall extends between free ends of the sidewalls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structural material having a lattice configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural material is manufactured by weaving a continuous wire filament on a loom assembly. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the structural material is formed using substrate sheets that are machined or molded into a desired configuration. The structural material of the invention can be used alone or layered to form a multi-laminate material.

Abstract: A truss for use as support for a sloped roof of a building. The truss can be a collapsible metal truss. A method for assembling the truss is described. Each of the of the rafter and beam can include a metal chord all which chords lie in a first plane. Each of struts can include a metal chord located in a second plane parallel to the first plane. There are pivotal connections between various members. The chords of the truss can be moved into a collapsed position for storage and transport of the truss. The chords can be hollow tubes of generally rectangular cross section. The pivotal connections can be nut and bolt connections. The rafter and beam chords can be connected at an eave end to each other by a metal member, and the truss can include an eave extension member.

Abstract: A truss spacer and support device for installation between the chords of adjacent trusses includes an elongate, generally U-shaped channel member. There is a tongue on each end having at least one nail integrally formed thereon which is adapted to overlie the top of a chord with the integral nail embedded therein. Tabs extend from each side of the channel member at each end with at least one nail integrally formed thereon. The tabs are raked inwardly toward the opposite end sufficiently that the ends of the nails do not extend past the ends of the channel member sufficiently to interfere with positioning the device between the chord members of adjacent trusses. The tabs can be bent to overlie the sides of the chord, with their integral nails embedded therein. The devices are employed to accurately space and support trusses during construction of a structure, and to provide added support against in-service loads.

Abstract: An assembly of trusses fabricated of sheet metal wherein the lower chord of a supported truss is connected to the lower chord of a supporting truss by a connector formed of sheet metal with the supported truss at an angle to the supporting truss, and connectors for making the connection.

Abstract: A gusset for joining first and second abutting support trusses wherein the gusset comprises a plate having a body portion and a finger portion. The body portion is adapted to be abutted against and fastened to a side of the first support truss at one end thereof and the finger portion is adapted to extend beyond the end of the first truss when the body portion is fastened to the first support truss. The finger portion is further adapted to hangingly engage at least one element of the second support truss for supporting the one end of the first truss thereon without fastening the first truss to the second truss.

Abstract: An assembly for performing a header connection which includes a pair of vertically extending stud members each having a pre-determined depth and a side which includes two vertically extending edges, the stud members being oriented in space parallel relation with the sides opposed to each other. Each of the sides includes a pair of projecting generally parallel first flanges which are spaced apart from each other a distance less than the depth of the stud members, and which are positioned offset inwardly from the edges. A header member has two ends and a body portion which extends between the ends, and each of the ends has a pair of longitudinally projecting generally parallel space second flanges which are formed to engage the first flanges in lapping relation offset inwardly from the edges of the stud member sides.

Abstract: A generally triangular truss, comprising a horizontal chord and a pair of inclined chords. The inclined chords are joined at an apex, and the horizontal chord extends between the inclined chords to form a base of the generally triangular truss. A pair of vertical ties extends between the inclined chords and the horizontal chord, and a horizontal tie extends between the two inclined chords. The chords and ties define therebetween a space in which to construct a living area. The joints between the chords and ties are defined by holes extending through the chords and ties, with the pins extending through adjacent ones of the holes to create pinned joints.

Abstract: A novel, rapid assembly secure burglar resistant building construction. More particularly, this invention pertains to a unique and inexpensive prefabricated building which is constructed of unique wall panels, floor and roof truss systems, secure locking doors and secure locking windows. A building construction comprising: (a) a foundation; (b) a roof; and (c) a wall extending from the foundation to the roof, wall being constructed of an interior corrugated metal sheet, insulation covering both sides of the metal sheet, a wall covering on an interior surface of the insulation and a wall covering on the exterior surface of the insulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structural material having a lattice configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural material is manufactured by weaving a continuous wire filament on a loom assembly. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the structural material is formed using substrate sheets that are machined or molded into a desired configuration. The structural material of the invention can be used alone or layered to form a multi-laminate material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to building constructions which are relatively inexpensive and easy to assemble. Under a first embodiment, a building construction comprised of a lower portion and an upper portion wherein the lower portion includes a plurality of walls having a radially outwardly extending top plate which serves to support the upper portion of the building and assists in providing the building with an exaggerated eave is disclosed. Under a second embodiment, the building construction includes a plurality of inner and outer frame members wherein the outer frame members serve the additional function of a trim assembly. As the building constructions of the present invention are relatively easy to construct, the building constructions can be sold as a kit for construction by individuals having relatively little experience in the construction field.

Abstract: A portable steel framed building which can be rapidly assembled and disassembled. Components of a typical building include at least one ridge beam connected between two spaced ridge receivers with two rafters also secured to the ridge receiver. The rafters extend through hip receivers each of which is connected to a hip beam and a post. Thus, two identical ridge receivers and four identical hip receivers, plus a ridge beam, two hip beams and four posts are sufficient to construct a complete building. With additional identical components, the size of the building may be extended and other configurations, such as valley, shed or gable roofs may be constructed. If desired, purlins may be provided between rafters and crosspieces may be provided between posts. Fascia members may be fastened to the ends of the rafters, and may include a component for holding the ends of a fabric roof covering. The posts may be telescoping to allow building height to be varied or irregular foundations to be accommodated.

Abstract: A biarch consists of two coplanar arches, curved in the same direction and radially spaced with cross ties having shear rigidity in planes perpendicular to the cross section areal center curve of the arch pair. End ties resist relative tangential arch displacements. Biarch framing members are strong, stiff, durable and economical structural members for framing aesthetically pleasing, clear span arched structures capable of withstanding hurricane winds and mountain snows. The most efficient materials for constructing biarch framing members are hardwoods, aluminum and steel. Biarch frames spanning up to fifty feet can be assembled or disassembled by one or two persons using common hand tools.

Abstract: The roof assembly for a structure including a number of support elements including walls, columns and beams includes a plurality of complementary shaped roof panels which are selectively secured to each other as well as a support beam and the support elements of the structure. Also disclosed are standard designs for the support beam and roof panels which have modifyable perameters as well as methods of designing the roof assembly, assembling the roof and its constituate components, and manufacturing the roof panels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-level, earth sheltered structure having a foundation for supporting the structure and corresponding to the exterior shape of the structure. The teachings and techniques of the present invention are applicable to both commercial and residential structures. Two truss design embodiments are disclosed both producing a slanted outer wall which reduces some of the forces acting on the structure. Use of both earth covered and exposed roofs are accommodated. A thermal envelope may be utilized further maximizing thermal efficiency. Interior walls may be constructed in the conventional manner, the layout being dictated by personal preference or commercial requirements.

Abstract: A truss and tie-down strap assembly for use in conventional building structures are shown. The strap provides direct mounting of the truss to the wall studs to provide increased mounting strength for the roof assembly to the side walls of a structure. One leg of the flexible strap is mounted to the truss assembly and the other leg of the flexible strap is mounted to the top plate and stud assembly. The strap is formed of a flexible material such that it can be easily deformed to accommodate different truss structures and side wall configurations. A truss and tie-down strap according to the invention can be preassembled at one location and mounted to the top plate and wall stud assembly at a separate location.