Abstract: A fire-rated component for a fire-rated joint, such as a head-of-wall assembly, includes an elongate body having at least a first layer, which can be in the form of a polymer profile. A second layer can be or include a foil lining and a third layer can be or include an intumescent material. The elongate body, such as the first layer, defines an air gap. The foil lining and/or the intumescent material can be positioned within the air gap. A planar lower portion of the first layer of the elongate body is positioned between a header track and a wallboard in the fire-rated joint. A non-planar upper portion of the first layer of the elongate body is positioned at least partially within a deflection gap of the wall assembly and sealingly engages the ceiling.

Abstract: A prop head assembly is configured to be fixedly connected to a vertically-extending construction column, and also configured to support a horizontal construction beam assembly once the prop head assembly is fixedly connected to the vertically-extending construction column. The prop head assembly includes a first beam-locating feature and a second beam-locating feature. The first beam-locating feature is configured to selectively receive, at least in part, a beam-reference portion. The second beam-locating feature is also configured to receive the beam-reference portion once the beam-reference portion is inadvertently displaced away from the first beam-locating feature and from the vertically-extending construction column and toward the second beam-locating feature.

Abstract: A storage system includes a storage grid structure and multiple remotely operated storage bin handling vehicles. The storage grid structure includes a first and a second type of vertical storage column profiles defining multiple storage columns in which storage bins can be stored one on top of another in vertical stacks. The storage column profiles are interconnected at their top ends by rails forming a horizontal rail grid upon which the bin handling vehicles may move in two perpendicular directions. The first type of storage column profiles has a cross-section comprising a hollow centre section and four corner sections. Each corner section includes two perpendicular bin guiding plates for accommodating a corner of a storage bin. The second type of storage column profiles has a cross-section comprising a hollow centre section having at least two connecting elements, and at least one corner section. The corner section includes two perpendicular bin guiding plates for accommodating a corner of a storage bin.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display including a screen and a housing frame to which the display is attached. The housing frame includes a plurality of frame members that surround the screen and a corner member to join two of the plurality of frame members with double-sided adhesive tape. Each frame members includes a joint portion, to be coupled with the corner member, including a first wall portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the screen; a second wall portion on a center side of the screen relative to the first wall portion, extending in a direction parallel to the screen; and a corner portion including a curved center-side face connecting a center-side face of the first wall portion and a center-side face of the second wall portion on the center side of the screen.

Abstract: A self-centering damper has an elongated damping body and at least one returning device. The elongated damping body has at least one first wing plate and a supporting element connected to and extending from the first wing plate. The at least one returning device is connected to the damping body and has two holding rib plates respectively connected to the end segments of the damping body, a supporting rib plate securely connected to the damping body between the holding rib plates and at least one pre-stressed stay wire extending through the supporting rib plate and connected the holding rib plates in a tension condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for reinforcing adjacent parallel spaced apart wooden structural members wherein each of the structural members has opposed first and second edges. The apparatus comprises a rigid member being sized to extend between the first edge of a first structural member and the second edge of an adjacent second structural member. The apparatus further comprising first and second sockets connected to first and second ends of the rigid member each sized to receive and edge of one of the structural members therein. The method comprises engaging the first socket around the first edge of the first structural member and locating a second structural member with the second edge of the second structural member within a second socket. The method may also comprise rotating the rigid member between the first and second structural members until the first and second sockets are engaged around diagonally opposed edges the structural members.

Abstract: A connecting fitting includes a vertical frame attachment section 15a that can be attached to an inner surface of a vertical web 7a of a vertical frame 7A, 7B by way of bolts B2 in a state where the vertical frame attachment section 15a is disposed along the vertical web 7a, a brace attachment plate 14, connected to the vertical frame attachment section 15a, which enables attachment of an end of a brace 10A, 10B at a position inward of the vertical frame 7A, 7B, and a fixing plate 11, welded to the vertical frame attachment section 15a, which can be fixed to a beam member 4 or a foundation 2 in a state where the fixing plate 11 is disposed along an outer surface of a lateral frame 8A, 8B facing outward in a state of being disposed to make up a frame shape.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid assembly including parallel spaced main runners and pairs of cross runners on opposite sides of a main runner, the main runners having vertical slots spaced along their lengths, the cross runners having end connectors mutually inter-engaged in a common main runner slot, a brace stabilizing the pair of cross runners against relative hinge action in a vertical plane, the brace being a thin metal body having a cross section complimentary to a cross section of the cross runners, the brace abutting sides of the cross runners and being rigidly attached thereto.

Abstract: A cast structural connector connects a structural member, such as a hollow structural section (HSS) or wide flange (W) section member, to a structural frame. The connector is particularly suited for lateral bracing and includes a first end configured to receive the structural member and be welded to the structural member, a second end for connecting to the structural frame, and an intermediate portion. The first end includes beveling allowing compatibility with structural members of varying sizes and enabling complete joint penetration welding thereby developing the full axial strength of the structural member. The intermediate portion provides for transmission of forces as the frame deforms, for example, under severe seismic conditions, and can include a flexural plastic hinge portion. The connector can be welded to the structural frame or connected by a standard fabricated end connection, such as a gusset plate. Casting manufacturing allows for mass production of the connector.

Abstract: A multilayered netlock girder system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of brace members positioned in a predefined multilayered network pattern, whereby positioning the plurality of brace members in the predefined multilayered network pattern enable the formation of a rigid network between at least two chord members comprising a plurality of insertion provisions for enabling a secured insertion of the plurality of brace members into the at least two chord members, a plurality of structural interlocks formed as a result of predefined multilayered network pattern configured for a secured interlocking of the plurality of brace members together at the plurality of interlockable junctions.

Abstract: A building structure comprising a support structure having upper portion extending to adjacent a floor structure above the support structure and adapted to receive stand-off fasteners there along, a plurality of stand-off fasteners each having a lower portion and an upper portion, where the lower portion of the stand-off fasteners comprises a self-drilling end portion and an adjacent thread-forming portion and, when installed into the upper portion of the support structure, at least a portion of the upper portion of each stand-off fastener extends significantly above the upper portion of the support structure, a cementitious wall structure formed above the upper portion of the wall structure with the upper portions of the stand-off fasteners encapsulated in the cementitious wall structure.

Abstract: A method of making and utilizing a column assembly module for a building framework includes providing an elongate column member for being vertically disposed as part of a vertically elongate column assembly of a building framework. And securing to the elongate column member a spaced apart pair of horizontally elongate and vertically and horizontally extending side plates. The step of securing includes locating an inner surface of at least one side plate member and an outside opposing vertical edge of the column member so that a vertical interface plane lies at an interface of the inner surface of the at least one side plate member and the outside opposing vertical edge. During erection of the building framework a full-length beam assembly is disposed at an end portion thereof between the pair of projecting side plates to be connected thereto providing a beam-to-column joint assembly of the building framework.

Abstract: A diagonal brace connector and method is disclosed. The connector includes an upper planar member and a lower planar member connected by a rigid webbing. A center screw boss is disposed continuously and laterally along the webbing. The screw boss is adapted to receive a screw fastened through a structural member and into the screw boss. A corner screw boss is along the corner between the webbing and the lower flange. The corner boss is similarly designed to accept a screw fastened through a structural member and into the screw boss. A pair of parallel grooves are formed in the webbing to provide a visual guide for the locations to install permanent fasteners. The alignment grooves are disposed such that the screw bosses of adjoining members do not interfere with the permanent fasteners.

Abstract: A wind turbine lattice tower structure includes a plurality of structural members connected together to define an open lattice tower, with the structural members including vertical leg members and diagonal braces extending between the vertical leg members. Pairs of the diagonal braces form cross braces having an intersection point therebetween. A damping bolt connection assembly is provides at the intersection point of the cross braces and is configured to attach the cross braces together at the intersection point while providing for relative movement of each individual cross brace along a defined longitudinal section of the other respective cross brace.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system is disclosed for affixing a column to a beam in a construction. The lateral bracing system includes a pair of buckling restraint blocks, one each affixed to a top and bottom flange of a beam. Each buckling restraint block includes one or more bores formed through a center of the block. The lateral bracing system further includes at least one yield link for each buckling restraint block. Each yield link includes a first end affixed to the column, and a second end fit through a bore in a buckling restraint block and affixed to an end of the buckling restraint block.

Abstract: A construction panel for use in erecting structures comprises a pair of vertical support members and at least one lower horizontal member, extending between lower ends of the vertical support members. At least one header member extends between upper ends of the pair of vertical support members. At least one horizontal purlin member braces the vertical supports intermediate the lower horizontal member and the header member. At least one intermediate vertical member extends between the at least one horizontal purlin member and one of: another horizontal purlin member; the header member; and the at least one lower horizontal member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for reinforcing adjacent parallel spaced apart wooden structural members wherein each of the structural members has opposed first and second edges. The apparatus comprises a rigid member being sized to extend between the first edge of a first structural member and the second edge of an adjacent second structural member. The apparatus further comprising first and second sockets connected to first and second ends of the rigid member each sized to receive and edge of one of the structural members therein. The method comprises engaging the first socket around the first edge of the first structural member and locating a second structural member with the second edge of the second structural member within a second socket. The method may also comprise rotating the rigid member between the first and second structural members until the first and second sockets are engaged around diagonally opposed edges the structural members.

Abstract: A wall module for the construction of a housing module comprises two beams, two primary studs, two bracing members, primary reinforcements and a plurality of secondary studs. The two beams are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. The two primary studs are perpendicularly connected between different extremities of the two beams so as to define four wall corners. The two bracing members are connected substantially diagonally between two different opposed wall corners. The primary reinforcements are located at the wall corners and are connect one of the two beams to one of the two primary studs and to one of the bracing members. The secondary studs are attached to the two beams and to at least one of the two bracing members. The wall module may further comprise a sheathing attached to the secondary studs and a finishing sheet attached to the sheathing in between the secondary studs.

Abstract: A system for connecting panels of framing members utilizes five types of monolithic, elongate connectors. A first connector has a cross-section defined by an L-shaped portion and a straight portion extending from a bottom tip of the foot of the L-shaped portion at an angle. A second connector has a cross-section defined by an L-shaped portion and a straight portion extending from a top tip of the leg of the L-shaped portion at the same angle as the first connector. A third connector has a cross-section defined by a U-shaped portion and two straight sections extending away from the U-shaped portion. A fourth connector has a cross-section defined by two equal-length straight portions meeting at a right angle, and a fifth connector has a cross-section defined by a single straight portion.

Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies interconnected by plural full-length beam assemblies, with the union of the column assemblies and beam assemblies forming beam-to-column joint assemblies according to this invention. The column assemblies include pairs of side plates spanning the column members of the column assemblies and projecting toward another column assembly of the plurality of such column assemblies. The full-length beam assemblies include beam members for being received between column assemblies to be interconnected and defining an end gap with respect to each column member. Additionally, the full-length beam assemblies include at each opposite end portion thereof a pair of cover plates, including an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which cover plates are sized and configured to be united with the side plates of a column assembly, as by welding applied at a construction site.

Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies interconnected by plural full-length beam assemblies, with the union of the column assemblies and beam assemblies forming beam-to-column joint assemblies according to this invention. The column assemblies include pairs of side plates spanning the column members of the column assemblies and projecting toward another column assembly of the plurality of such column assemblies. The full-length beam assemblies include beam members for being received between column assemblies to be interconnected and defining an end gap with respect to each column member. Additionally, the full-length beam assemblies include at each opposite end portion thereof a pair of cover plates, including an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which cover plates are sized and configured to be united with the side plates of a column assembly, as by welding applied at a construction site.

Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies supporting plural beams supporting floors of the building, with the union of the column assemblies and beams forming beam-to-column (or beam-to-column-to-beam) joint connection assemblies according to this invention. The joint connection assemblies inventively include novel features which remarkably and surprisingly improve the distribution of strain and plastic deformation in the joint connection structure when subjected to extreme load challenges to the building structure (as may occur during earthquake, explosion, progressive collapse load conditions, or massive impact.

Abstract: A device (1) for separating regions of a space, with at least one ceiling rail (3) for pressing on the ceiling (4) of the space, with at least one wall rail for making contact with the wall (7) of the space and with at least one floor rail (8) for resting on the floor (9) of the space. In order to prevent passage of dust through the separated region of the space, there is least one diagonal brace (36) for detachable mounting on the wall rail (5) and the floor rail (8) outside of the corner region (37) between the wall rail (5) and the floor rail (8) and for applying pressure to the middle region (38) of the wall rail (5) and that the diagonal brace (36) has a length which is greater than half the length of the wall rail (5).

Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies interconnected by plural full-length beam assemblies, with the union of the column assemblies and beam assemblies forming beam-to-column joint assemblies according to this invention. The column assemblies include pairs of side plates spanning the column members of the column assemblies and projecting toward another column assembly of the plurality of such column assemblies. The full-length beam assemblies include beam members for being received between column assemblies to be interconnected and defining an end gap with respect to each column member. Additionally, the full-length beam assemblies include at each opposite end portion thereof a pair of cover plates, including an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which cover plates are sized and configured to be united with the side plates of a column assembly, as by welding applied at a construction site.

Abstract: An improved building structure and method for making steel frame buildings includes a beam-to-column or beams-to-column joint or connection which is most preferably shop fabricated (as opposed to on-site fabrication) and which offers a considerable savings in both steel requirements (i.e., material savings) and labor to make the joint connection. Also, because material utilization is improved in the connection, the new structure is more resistant to damage by seismic events (i.e., earthquake), by severe weather, and to damage from blast effects (i.e., terrorist attack or accident), than was the prior technology. The improved building structure also mitigates against progressive collapse of the building.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace is for connection between two connecting plates of a framework, and includes a restraining unit and an axial member. The axial member includes a middle section surrounded by the restraining unit, two first coupling sections, and two second coupling sections. The first coupling sections are connected respectively and perpendicularly to opposite longitudinal end portions of the middle section. Each first coupling section has a portion exposed from a respective one of longitudinal ends of the restraining unit, and is formed with a first coupling groove for engaging a respective one of the connecting plates. The second coupling sections are connected respectively and perpendicularly to the opposite longitudinal ends of the middle section. Each second coupling section has a portion exposed from a respective one of the longitudinal end portions of the restraining unit, and is formed with a second coupling groove for engaging a respective one of the connecting plates.

Abstract: A sliding door arrangement includes a plurality of door units; at least one upright post connecting adjacent door units; a lower beam located at the bottom of and connected with the upright post; and a plurality of cross rod assemblies disposed at one side or both sides of the door units respectively to adjust the tightness of the sliding door arrangement. The sliding door arrangement of the present invention can be packaged and transported in separate parts and then quickly and conveniently assembled on site. In addition, the sliding door arrangement of the present invention is perfectly integral and decorative and provides sufficient strength.

Abstract: A boot assembly for securing a bracing strap to a wall in a light steel frame building. The boot assembly includes an elongated channel-shaped strap connector and a stud connector. The stud connector is adapted such that a stud may be connected thereto. The strap connector includes a seat for receiving a base of the stud connector and a pair of stops. One or more stops is disposed on each of two end portions of the strap connector. Each stop includes a stop surface to abut a portion of the base and to prevent or limit fore-and-aft movement of the base relative to the strap connector. The strap connector is adapted to be secured with the stud connector and a track, included in the wall, to an underlying support. The strap connector includes a flange adapted such that an end portion of a bracing strap can be connected thereto.

Abstract: Connection plates for constructing buildings are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a connection plate includes a generally planar insert member and a support member. Insert member has a first side configured for receipt in a slot defined by a structural member and a second side configured for receipt in a slot defined by another structural member. First and second sides collectively define inner and outer edges. Support member is coupled to first and second sides is generally perpendicular to insert member in two directions. Either (1) a portion of inner edge corresponding to first side is angled relative to a portion of inner edge corresponding to second side and support member is coupled to inner edge; or (2) a portion of outer edge corresponding to first side is angled relative to a portion of outer edge corresponding to second side and support member is coupled to outer edge.

Abstract: An upright space-dividing wall panel having an inner rigid frame. The frame is of an open ring-shaped construction utilizing detachable corner gusset structures for rigidly joining the transverse frame rails together, thereby providing the frame with a high degree of flexibility with respect to assembly thereof.

Abstract: A wall strap tensioner for tensioning a wall strap of a metal wall. The wall strap tensioner includes first and second links pivotally connected together. A fastener is secured to each of the first and second links for engaging and fastening to the wall strap. Disposed about the opposite end of the tensioner is a flexible cable adapted to be secured to a portion of the metal wall. A connector connects to the flexible cable and a handle is pivotally connected to the connector and movable between first and second positions. Once the handle assumes the second position, the metal strap is tensioned and can be fastened to an appropriate area of the metal wall.

Abstract: A bracing panel 1 for bracing a wall having a wall frame 100 defining an internal space, wherein the bracing panel 1 includes a first bracing frame, a sheet panel 1a having a flat planar portion dimensioned to have at least the same height or width as the first bracing frame; and a second bracing frame adapted to retain and hold the sheet panel between the first and second bracing frames wherein the bracing panel is adapted to be positioned and secured within the internal space of the wall frame of the wall to be braced such that bracing panel is dimensioned to fit within the wall frame.

Abstract: Cost-effective reinforcement system for frames walls helps support against failure from violent lateral forces. Strips of resin-impregnated textile in crossed pairs are attached to frame members. Attachment of ends of strips is ductile due to use of multiple fiber anchors.

Abstract: A method of attaching an installed concrete roof is disclosed. The installed concrete roof consists of rectangular panels positioned along a grid. The concrete panels are supported by metal beams. Smaller metal panels, having a hole in each corner, are positioned over the joints formed by the corners of the rectangular panels. A hole is drilled through the concrete panels and into the supporting beams. A self-tapping screw is positioned through the hole and fixedly attaches the concrete panels to the supporting beams.

Abstract: The invention is a framed opening bracing system. The invention features frame bracing devices which attach to the framed opening and to the flooring or other surface of a construction job site. The devices attach to the frame via a versatile clamp unit or a corner support unit and extend to the floor via bracing arms. The corner support unit attaches via pressure applied at an angle to the frames corner and the versatile clamp unit attaches via pressure applied to the facings of the frame. The arms feature two levels of adjustment, a relative distance adjustment and a fine tune distance adjustment, which can be manipulated to set a framed opening to plumb and to keep the frame securely in place during wall construction.

Abstract: A freezer door, adapted to be slidably attached to a refrigerator cabinet, includes a metal outer door pan defining an internal cavity, a plurality of plastic corner brackets positioned in the internal cavity, and an inner door liner attached to the outer door pan. A pair vertical support brackets, used to connect the freezer door to slide support members of the refrigerator cabinet, are attached to the outer door pan with mechanical fasteners extending through slots formed in the inner door liner and being secured to the corner brackets.

Abstract: A bracket for use in fabricating steel structural panels has a first passageway for accepting a connecting member secured to a diametrically opposed bracket to introduce tension between the opposing brackets in the panel. The brackets each have an additional second passageway to accept a connecting member for securing the brackets to a horizontal structural slab or other floor systems. By mating pairs of structural panels with a plurality of horizontal structural slabs or other floor systems, a building may be fabricated.

Abstract: A wall structure adapted to be fabricated in sections or modules and comprises an upper member, a lower member, a plurality of studs interconnected between the upper and lower members with respective studs including openings therein, and at least one diagonal brace member or strap extending diagonally across the wall structure. In one embodiment the strap is extended to opposed corner areas where opposed end portions of the strap are fastened to a portion of the upper or lower member and to a portion of an adjacent column or stud.

Abstract: A unitized corner brace for attachment to the corner of a structure. The unitized corner brace comprises a central portion having an edge and a right angle; two spaced apart tabs extending from the edge, each tab having a stepped portion proximal to the edge and stepped towards each other, the right angle being between the spaced apart tabs such that the tabs are perpendicular to each other; and, opposed bracket portions extending from the central portion. A method of manufacturing a unitized corner brace from a single piece of material and a stackable structure made using a unitized corner brace are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sandwich panel including a core material sandwiched between plate members, and an insert member locally replacing the core and having a profile so as to intermesh with an appropriately profiled member on the unit to which it to be connected as well as a method of connecting sandwich panels by inserting an insert member having a profiled side so as to interlock with an appropriately profiled member on the unit to which it is to be connected.

Abstract: A unitized corner brace for attachment to the corner of a structure. The unitized corner brace comprises a central portion having an edge and a right angle; two spaced apart tabs extending from the edge, each tab having a stepped portion proximal to the edge and stepped towards each other, the right angle being between the spaced apart tabs such that the tabs are perpendicular to each other; and, opposed bracket portions extending from the central portion. A method of manufacturing a unitized corner brace from a single piece of material and a stackable structure made using a unitized corner brace are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floor panel (20L) or (20R) comprises a first plastics sheet (5) edge lit by a light source in a space (8), a second plastics sheet (6) being provided above the first sheet and below an upper sheet (7) of glass. A floor may be formed by placing a number of panels together, and the floor panels may be mounted on a matrix of beams (22) which are themselves mounted on height adjustable pedestals.

Abstract: A refrigerator door has reinforcing corner brackets that structurally complete the corners of the door. The corner brackets are located at the door corners adjacent vertical and horizontal side walls of the outer door skin of the door. At least one reinforcing member such as a sheet or rectangular collar, for example, or preferably reinforcing cross brace members are connected to the corner brackets. To achieve this connection and restrict heat transfer through the door and or adjacent the inner liner or in-turned flange of the outer door skin, the corner brackets have connecting tab portions that extend into the cavity of the door away from one of the side walls of the door and spaced from the other side wall of the door. The connecting tab portion is also spaced from the outer skin sheet and the inner door liner.

Abstract: A truss joint reinforcement plate (10) for reinforcing a pitch break in a truss, so as to substantially limit flexion of the truss at the point of the pitch break. The truss joint reinforcement plate (10) is defined by a substantially planar member (15) having a first end (20) and a second end (25) adapted so as to allow the first and second ends (20, 25) to be bent across a first fold region (30) such that the first and second ends (20, 25) are disposed at a selectable angle to one another allowing the truss joint reinforcement plate (10) to be adapted to a wide range of pitch angles. The truss joint reinforcement plate (10) also includes a first and second panel members (35, 40) each having an inboard end (36, 41) and a distal end (38, 43). The first and second panel members (35, 40) are bendable at a second fold region (45) disposed at the junction of the inboard ends (36, 41) and the planar member (15).

Abstract: A refrigerator door has reinforcing corner brackets that structurally complete the corners of the door. The corner brackets are located at the door corners adjacent vertical and horizontal side walls of the outer door skin of the door. At least one reinforcing member such as a sheet or rectangular collar, for example, or preferably reinforcing cross brace members are connected to the corner brackets. To achieve this connection and restrict heat transfer through the door and or adjacent the inner liner or in-turned flange of the outer door skin, the corner brackets have connecting tab portions that extend into the cavity of the door away from one of the side walls of the door and spaced from the other side wall of the door. The connecting tab portion is also spaced from the outer skin sheet and the inner door liner.

Abstract: A refrigerator door has reinforcing corner brackets that structurally complete the comers of the door. The corner brackets are located at the door corners adjacent vertical and horizontal side walls of the outer door skin of the door. At least one reinforcing member such as a sheet or rectangular collar, or preferably reinforcing cross brace members are connected to the corner brackets. To achieve this connection and restrict heat transfer through the door and or adjacent the inner liner or in-turned flange of the outer door skin, the corner brackets have connecting tab portions that extend into the cavity of the door away from one of the side walls of the door and spaced from the other side wall of the door. The connecting tab portion is also spaced from the outer skin sheet and the inner door liner.

Abstract: A refrigerator door has reinforcing corner brackets that structurally complete the corners of the door. The corner brackets are located at the door corners adjacent vertical and horizontal side walls of the outer door skin of the door. At least one reinforcing member such as a sheet or rectangular collar, for example, or preferably reinforcing cross brace members are connected to the corner brackets. To achieve this connection and restrict heat transfer through the door and or adjacent the inner liner or in-turned flange of the outer door skin, the corner brackets have connecting tab portions that extend into the cavity of the door away from one of the side walls of the door and spaced from the other side wall of the door. The connecting tab portion is also spaced from the outer skin sheet and the inner door liner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible frame for a loading dock shelter. The flexible frame utilizes open channels that are clinched together to serve as supports. The supports are used in side frames that form part of the flexible frame. Each side frame includes a back support, a front support, and in a preferred form, one or more lateral supports that are pivotally connected to both the front and back supports. At least one of said supports is formed from open channels which are secured together, preferably by clinching. The back supports of the flexible frame are mounted to a loading dock wall. The pivotal connection between the lateral support and the front and back supports allows the front support to move relative to the back support when a vehicle comes into contact with the side frame as the vehicle enters the loading dock shelter. The present invention also provides an improved method of making a flexible frame for a vehicle shelter and mounting the flexible frame to a loading dock.

Abstract: A moveable structural reinforcement system is described including a moveable panel adapted to substantially close a building opening, the panel including variable shear load resistance means for regulating the shear stiffness of the building when the panel is in a closed position.

Abstract: A pre-manufactured reinforcement structure comprising elongate side, top and bottom members connected by metal comer connectors into a rectangular frame and elongate brace members extending between the side members and forming, with the side members, adjacent triangular structures along the entire lengths of the side members.