Abstract: A skylight solar reflective system for increasing the input of solar radiation into a skylight during low sun angles typically occurring within early morning and later afternoon and for decreasing the input of solar radiation during high sun angles typically during the middle of the day. The skylight solar reflective system includes a main bracket attachable to a frame of a skylight, a pair of end brackets attachable to an opposing side of the frame, a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to the main bracket with the distal portions of the arms slidably received by the pair of end brackets, a first reflector attached to the first arm, a second reflector attached to the second arm, and a cross brace attached between the first reflector and the second reflector. In an alternative embodiment a third reflector may be utilized that extends between the distal portions of the first reflector and the second reflector.

Abstract: A roof window assembly is composed of a window component, a main frame component and, optionally, an integrated flashing component. The window component may be used independently and without modifications for a roof window installation employing a curb-frame. The window component features a novel design with an glazing element fitted in a profiled sheet metal frame, which can be made from a single continuous sheet metal profile bent into a polygonal frame shape with corner junctions. In both fixed and ventilating versions of the roof window assembly identical connecting members into open mutual engagement at the top side of the window and main frame components provides for easy mounting and dismounting of the window component with respect to the main frame component.

Abstract: A collapsible awning having an automatic extending flounce is divided into a first portion spanning an awning casing and a primary front section, and a second portion spanning a flounce area between the primary front section and a secondary front section. Awning cloth suspended at one end by the awning casing extends across both the primary and the secondary front sections. Articulated arms connected to the awning casing in the primary front section maintain the front section spaced away distally from the casing when the awning is unfolded and the main part of the awning is stretched. Spring elements connected to the primary front section and the secondary front section maintain the secondary front section located outward away from the primary front section at an angle relative thereto and the flounce portion of the awning cloth between the primary front section and the secondary front section is maintained stretched as well when the awning is extended.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preventing insertion from the outside of instruments that could pivot the control bar situated on the inside of the skylight. The device is constituted by a box and two narrow strips positioned in an offset manner so as to form a baffle preventing any instrument being inserted while leaving a free passage for ventilation air. Spacers serve to stiffen the assembly. A cap protects the control lever for opening the lock of the skylight, and a fork enables the latch existing on the skylight to be moved.

Abstract: An enclosure for sheltering a small aircraft, provides an arcuate roof frame supported by a base frame. The roof frame has a fixed roof portion engaging a movable roof portion and a crank system for adjusting the position of the movable roof. Wing cushions contact the wings of the small aircraft as it is backed into the enclosure and assure that the craft is properly placed. The fixed and movable roof portions are mutually engaged by a rolling clamping system enabled for directing arcuate motion of the movable roof portion relative to the fixed roof portion. A spring-biased awning is engaged with the movable roof portion and extends forwardly. A fabric cover is mounted between the fixed and movable roofs so as to deploy the fabric cover when the movable roof portion is extended.

Abstract: A method and an adjustable roof curb are provided that enables the mounting of an appliance onto a roof of a building. More specifically, the adjustable pitch roof curb includes a base curb section, a support curb section and at least one pin operating as a fulcrum to adjustably position the support curb section to a desired pitch relative to a pitch of the base curb section, and further operating to effectively bear a load of the appliance (e.g., fan, air conditioner) mounted on the support curb section.

Abstract: The sash profiles of the top-hung sash structure have substantially L-shaped cross sections with small wall thickness, and the insulating pane (4) is manufactured with dimensions corresponding to the exterior dimensions of the frame structure and is secured to the sash profiles (5-7) by adhesive sealing (21, 22). A resilient gasket profile (11-13) is secured to the outwards facing edge surfaces (17-19) of the top, bottom and side members of the frame structure as abutment for the interior side of the insulating pane.

Abstract: A split-sphere observatory enclosure includes an antrum and a rotor including an oculus. The oculus is covered by an oculus window, which is rotatably mounted to the rotor. As an instrument housed by the enclosure moves to track an object or point across the sky, the oculus window is rotated to maintain a fixed orientation with respect to the instrument.

Abstract: A window comprising a frame structure and a relative to the frame structure openable, top-hung sash structure with an insulating pane (4), a pivoting hinge provided at the top members (1, 5) of the frame and sash structures, the axis of which pivoting hinge is defined by engagement between a hook member (39) integral with the metal sheet profile of the sash top member and a hinge pin forming member (38) of a fitting member (37) connected with the frame top member, the hook member (39) being substantially V-shaped and the fitting member (37) substantially L-shaped.

Abstract: The window comprises a frame structure and relative to the frame structure an openable, top-hung sash structure with an insulating pane (4) enchased between top, bottom and side members (5-7) of metal or plastic profiles. The insulating pane (4) is manufactured with dimensions corresponding to the exterior dimensions of the frame structure for direct abutment on a gasket (11-13) fastened to the exterior edge surfaces (17-19) of the top, bottom and side members of the frame structure, and the top, bottom and side members of the frame structure are made from a thermally well insulating material and on the interior side facing the light admitting area of the window covered by metal sheet profiles (31) for providing a good heat transmission to border areas of the insulating pane (4). The frame structure may consist of wood profiles (23) connected in profiled mitre joints (24).

Abstract: A drop-out fire vent for a building has a plastic dome that softens and loses structural integrity with increasing temperature. However, the dome is prevented from dropping out by an internal trap door controlled by a fusible link that will release at a precise temperature. This allows the vent to be used in combination with sprinkler systems such as ESFR systems that require opening of the vent at a precise temperature after the sprinklers have been triggered.

Abstract: An enclosed structure for housing large telescopes and other scientific equipment. The enclosed structure includes a circular base and a dome-shaped cover. The sides of the structure are provided by overlapping cylindrical sections which are vertically movable in telescope fashion with respect to one another. The cylindrical sections are supported by vertical posts disposed around the perimeter of the structure and can be vertically displaced by electric motors operating drive shafts disposed within the vertical posts.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle has a base at ground level and a rigid cover member having a downwardly facing mouth and movable between a lowered position and a raised position. A support is connected to and extend upwardly from the base and are arranged to support the cover member in its raised position. A resilient device is provided for urging the cover member to its raised position. In the lowered position, the mouth of the cover lies at ground level and defines with the base an enclosed storage area. In the raised position, both ends of the cover are raised above the base and access is permitted to the storage area.

Abstract: A retractable roof panel for selectively permitting light and air to enter through an opening in the roof. The retractable roof panel includes a pair of opposed side rails that are coupled to an upper surface of the roof structure and extend along the side edges adjacent the opening of the roof structure. A panel member has a pair of opposed panel sides, an upper end and a lower end and is slidably disposed between the side rails. The panel member is positionable between a closed position and an open position. The panel member substantially closes the opening of the roof structure when in the closed position. The opening of the roof structure is substantially open when the panel member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A roof structure for enclosures for swimming pools, spas, or patios and the like includes a plurality of laterally spaced angled roof beams each having a plurality of vertically spaced tracks on facing sides of adjacent beams for sliding receipt of one roof panel in each opposed set of tracks. The trailing ends of each higher panel is releasably latched to the leading end of each succeeding lower panel within their respective tracks, whereby the succeeding lower panels can be successively used to push or pull the preceding higher panels by hand along their respective tracks during assembly and removal of the panels from the roof structure.

Abstract: A roofing device is described for attaching a roofing membrane to a roof having a curb or a parapet wall comprising a cap flashing, a top flange connected to the cap flashing and extending outward therefrom, a wall flange extending downward from the top flange. The wall flange and the top flange defining a filler channel with the curb when the cap flashing is attached to the curb. A drip edge flange extends outward from the wall flange. The roofing membrane is wrapped over an elongated resilient filler piece which is snugly inserted into the filler channel. A plurality of tabs integral with the wall flange and co-terminus with the drip edge flange, are bent towards the curb securing the filler piece and roofing membrane in the filler channel. The tabs have a tab flange which extend outward at an angle away from the curb allowing for ease of unbending the tabs to remove the filler piece when repairing or replacing the roofing membrane.

Abstract: A system for flush mounting an object like a solar panel to a roof. The system uses a frame which is coupled to an outer circumference of the object. The frame is used to support and hold the object flush to the roof. An overhang member is coupled to an outside section of the frame. The overhang member is used for supporting roof flashing which is placed under the overhang member. This allows the object to be directly flashed to the roof flashing and further prevents water from seeping in between the object to be flush mounted and the roof flashing.

Abstract: A deck structure is assembled of a plurality of modular panels including one or more hinged, openable access panels. The panels, comprised of extruded deck planks and framing channels are interconnected at edges. At each access panel a gear hinge connects the panel with the adjacent fixed panel, through the width of the panels. Hinge gears are integrally formed on edges of a hinged plank and a fixed plank of the adjacent hinged and fixed panels, with a keeper member holding the gears enmeshed during opening and closing of the panel. In a preferred embodiment a gas tight seal is formed when the access panel is closed. The gear hinge comprising the hinged and fixed planks is the same width as other planks in the deck structure thereby allowing interchangeability and modularity in building the deck structure and allowing the hinge to be placed anywhere in the deck structure. An articulated, sliding cover using similar gear hinge components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valley construction for a conservatory roof comprises a pair of wing members connected together, each wing member providing at opposite sides of the valley locations for attachment of glazing bars.

Abstract: Adjacent backdrop panels and a suspended canopy comprising a stage shell, wherein the backdrop panels include angular alignment devices for readily and accurately aligning adjacent panels to present a pleasing, uniform appearance and tilt aligning devices to readily align the angle of tilt of the backdrop panels. The suspended canopy formed of individual canopy panels having rotatable hinge devices for storing the canopy panels in a substantially vertical position and having a readily engageable stay assembly for accurately fixing the relative angle of the canopy panels when deployed in a performance position above the backdrop panels.

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

Abstract: A radiosonde balloon launching system including a silo for housing an array of radiosonde balloon modules and for sheltering radiosonde balloons during inflation, a base for containing radiosonde balloon inflation and launch apparatus and a device for shielding the radiosonde balloons until they are ready to be launched.

Abstract: The invention comprises a ridge beam apparatus which is adjustable to receive roof halves in a variety of roof pitches. Such adjustability results from inner and outer sleeves which may rotate about each other through a reasonable range of pitches. The apparatus is suitable for manufacture through the extrusion process.

Abstract: A self-contained workstation defined by a multi-panel divider wall which defines a workstation area and is closeable by a door assembly hingedly connected thereto. The workstation is readily movable and accessible so as to facilitate repositioning of the workstation as well as opening and closing of the door assembly. The workstation further includes an overhead canopy which is pivotally connected along one edge to the divider wall and extends forwardly therefrom so as to overlie the workstation area which canopy is raisable to adjust vertical clearance within the workstation.

Abstract: A rain deflector for a vehicle roof vent consists of a pair of like panels one of which is fastened to the cap of the roof vent and moves therewith, and is hinged to the second panel which has the end remote from the hinge connected to slide along tracks on the vehicle roof. Each panel is substantially larger than the vent cap, to extend beyond the edges of the vent and prevents rain from entering the vent while permitting ventilation of air through the vent.

Abstract: A combination roof louver that ventilates an attic and an attic access hatch for providing entry by a person into the attic. The device consists of two main parts, a base and a cover. The base of the device provides an entrance into an attic, and has a flange around its periphery which is to be installed under a roof covering. The cover has ventilating apertures in a soffit located underneath an outside edge. The cover pivots to open and close. The cover can also be removed.

Abstract: An openable skylight apparatus covering a roof opening having a raised curb around its perimeter. The skylight including glazing that substantially covers the opening. A frame assembly surrounds the glazing and has a depending skirt that opposes outer surfaces of the curb. A hinge, joining one side of the frame to the curb includes a bearing within a cradle that allows the frame assembly to pivot to open the skylight. The cradle has a lower and a higher end and extends by an arc greater than 180 degrees and less that a full circle between the ends. The bearing has a periphery that includes a convex surface, two chordal flat surfaces converging toward a lower convex surface and a higher convex surface diametrically opposite the other. When the bearing is rotated to a position in which the lower convex surface is at a higher elevation than the lower end of the cradle, the bearing may be pulled out of the cradle to separate the frame assembly from its hinged connection with the curb.

Abstract: A device is provided with a substantially rigid sheet having a pair of parallel opposite edges; and a holder for holding the sheet at a position in stable equilibrium at a predetermined location; the sheet and the holder being so constructed and arranged that the sheet can be moved easily to and away from the location by a person without a need for equipment.

Abstract: A skyhatch or skylight having a case to which one or more wings are pivotably attached whose opening and closing is accomplished by using a combination cable system and pneumatic spring opening and closing mechanism such that the wings can be opened to any desired position between their fully closed and fully opened position on a continuously variable basis.

Abstract: The facility for preparing and deploying atmospheric sounding devices of the present invention, makes use of a structure with a retractable cover and a wind deflecting member circumscribing the shelter, to provide a transportable, reliable, and cost effective facility to prepare and deploy lighter-than-air balloons as the vehicle for carrying sounding devices. The facility permits preparation and deployment in any weather condition including, but not limited to, light to heavy winds that would otherwise cause down drafts through the roof opening in the structure.

Abstract: Openings such as those for attic staircases may be covered with a multipocket member having top, side, and end pockets in which insulation can be placed. The side pockets are of longer length than the top pocket. When the side and end pockets are pivoted downwardly from the top pocket and provided in box-like configuration, the insulation at the pivot edges is compressed thereby filling up these edges.

Abstract: Adjacent backdrop panels and a suspended canopy comprising a stage shell, wherein the backdrop panels include angular alignment devices for readily and accurately aligning adjacent panels to present a pleasing, uniform appearance and tilt aligning devices to readily align the angle of tilt of the backdrop panels. The suspended canopy formed of individual canopy panels having rotatable hinge devices for storing the canopy panels in a substantially vertical position and having a readily engageable stay assembly for accurately fixing the relative angle of the canopy panels when deployed in a performance position above the backdrop panels.

Abstract: A roof window has a locking device (1) for locking the sash (4) in open positions relative to the casing (3); a device for opening the sash including spring arms (2) extending at a right angle to the window casing (3) at least in the closed condition of the roof window, and the spring arms (2) support the window sash (4) on said casing (3) in the open position thereof, the spring arms (2) are operatively connected both to the casing (3) and the window sash (4) by pivot bearings (5, 6), and one of the pivot bearings (6) is disposed on a spring-operated slide (8) movable in a guide (7). The slide being lockable by the locking device (1) which is operatable by a handle (9, 9').

Abstract: An adjustable skylight assembly adapted to suit a variety of roof pitches includes a domed structure having an upper transparent portion and a base by which it is secured to the roof. Within the domed structure, there is an adjustable collar to which is connected a duct for communicating sunlight from the domed structure to a room beneath the roof. The collar can be rotated with respect to the domed structure so that the axis of the collar and the duct can assume a predetermined position regardless of the pitch of the roof.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering and uncovering a skylight opening. The apparatus has a parallel guide pair mounted on the outside of a framing surrounding the opening, a carriage with skylight movably mounted on the guides, and an actuator for moving the carriage over the guide's length. The guides extend a distance beyond the framing's right side sufficient to displace the skylight completely away from the opening. One end of a screen, large enough to cover the opening, is connected to the carriage's left side. The other screen end is mounted on a storage roller rotatably supported by the framing's left side. The roller's spring maintains screen tension so that, when the carriage is displaced away from the framing's left side, the screen is tautly pulled over the space between the framing's left side and the carriage's left side. One end of a shade, large enough to cover the carriage's opening, is positionable adjacent the carriage's left inside wall.

Abstract: A garage (10) generally comprises a pair of side walls (20, 40) that are vertical, parallel and semi-circular, and a peripheral wall (60) spanning between the periphery of the side walls (20, 40) to form an enclosure. The peripheral wall (60) includes a front door (61) and a rear door (71). Front and rear door support paths (30, 35) are located on the inside (28) of each side wall (20, 40) near the wall's peripheral edge. Each door path is parallel, semi-circular and supports a side edge of a door. The front and rear door paths (30, 35) are of different radius such that the door panels may overlap. Latching mechanisms (80), located at approximately midway up on the marginal side (38, 58) of each side wall (20, 40) are moveable to a latching position connecting a door to sidewalls (20, 40) such that the door cannot slide and such that the door prevents the side walls from outward movement at that location.

Abstract: A window for installation in an inclined roof has a main frame and a bottom-hinged lower window frame which opens outwards to a substantially vertical position to form a breast wall. Each of two handrails forms the upper edge of a side railing between the lower window frame and a side portion of the main frame when the window is in the open balcony position. Each handrail has a length which is sufficient to form the upper side edge of the side railing when the window is installed at the lowest roof inclination within a specified angular range and can be cut to adapt its length to the actual roof inclination after the handrail is connected to the lower window frame and the associated side portion of the main frame. Vertical rail bars in each side railing are connected to the associated handrail by pivotal joints that are longitudinally displaceable in relation to the handrail and can be fastened in arbitrary positions along the handrail.

Abstract: A skylight system and method of making the same for use on metal roofs, such as those of the standing seam variety, in which the edges of the light-admitting opening are folded back away from this opening to form a lip surrounding the opening. The system further includes a bubble-shaped cover which completely covers the opening and lip and a retaining ring which is bonded to the cover and the roof to form a watertight seal around the opening.

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

Abstract: A joint, in one embodiment, between adjacent panels of sheet encased insulating material in which one lateral edge has an essentially frustoconical nose, and the other edge has a frustoconical pocket is disclosed. In an alternative embodiment, essentially frustoconical noses are at both lateral edges and the two adjacent panels are joined by means of an I beam embodying the interlock of the present invention. In both embodiments, the interlocking relationship is a function of the lateral edges of the cladding sheet, or in the flange of an I beam, in which one edge has a sealant pocket, and the opposite edge has a locking sealant press which engages the sealant pocket and thereby interlocks the panels as well as presses the sealant in the sealant pocket to compress and secure the same and to form a sealant gasket between the lateral edges of the sealant pocket and the locking sealant press.

Abstract: A skylight construction having a wooden base frame extending about a roof opening and secured thereto. The skylight construction is illustrated as a step flash skylight including a rigid plastic curb frame having a base frame and overlying sash frame. A retainer is provided for supporting glazing plates over the sash frame. The PVC base frame is firmly secured to the wooden base frame by interlocking therewith. The PVC base frame has a peripherally disposed counterflashing piece extending downwardly therefrom and having flashing seal means disposed intermediate the counterflashing piece and the wooden base frame.

Abstract: A door closing mechanism, preferably mounted on a counterbalanced door assembly, which provides a mechanical advantage to close the door and overcome the forces of friction, inertia and any counterbalancing forces. A slot plate with a curved control slot is mounted to the door. A control arm, pivotally mounted at one end to the door frame, has a handle and slot engager mounted at the other end. The slot engager slides along the control slot and pulls the door closed as the handle is pulled. The control slot is preferably curved only along a first portion and straight in a second portion to provide greater mechanical advantage at the beginning of its motion.

Abstract: A skylight assembly includes pultruded fiberglass sash members (11-14) operatively connected by means of corner locks (20). A frame (35-36) is operatively connected to the sash member and the frame is operatively connected to a roof structure. A gasket (50) is operatively connected to the frame. The sash member has an attachment flange positioned proximate the inside surface of the frame, wherein the window and sash member of the skylight assembly may be replaced from the inside of the building. The sash member is a multifunctional sash member.

Abstract: A skylight construction having a wooden base frame extending about a roof opening and secured to the roof. The skylight construction is illustrated as a step flash skylight including a rigid plastic curb frame having a base frame and overlying sash frame. A retainer is provided for supporting glazing plates over the sash frame. The PVC base frame is firmly secured to the wooden base frame by interlocking with the wooden base frame. Hinge members interconnect a base frame and sash frame of the rigid curb frame providing water tight sealing between the hinge members.

Abstract: A dome shaped structure, and the method of constructing it, are described using curved gore-shaped construction panels which have grooves in their side edges. Rectangular tubular joining members are placed in the grooves, secured therein, and serve to join adjacent panels together. This provides a level surface where the panels are joined so that such adjacent edges of joined panels are even making the interior surface suitable for use as a projection surface.

Abstract: The present invention presents a movable sky light assembly used on a opening of a roof comprising a fixed frame, a wing frame with a lighting member supported on the fixed frame, said fixed frame being equipped with a driving device to operate said wing frame capable of opening and closing by connecting members for the frames. The fixed frame is provided with a detecting device for rainfall and the detecting device comprises a detecting sensor and its protecting means, and the sky light is constructed so as, when the wing frame is open, the detecting sensor of the detecting device is in the working posture and, when the wing frame is closed, the detecting sensor is protected by the protecting means. As the sky light is used also for ventilation, the connecting members of the frames are formed as a operating member of the wing frame and various aspects of the rain detecting device to close the wing frame in the rain is disclosed in relation to the operating member.

Abstract: A mobile accommodation unit comprises a vehicle body with side walls which pivot downwardly to provide an expanded floor area, having side-roof support members which pivot upwardly, and which carry canopy structures which unfold upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An openable skylight assembly covers a roof opening having a raised curb around its perimeter that extends substantially perpendicularly from the roof surface. The skylight includes glazing means that substantially covers the opening. A frame assembly surrounds the glazing means, and has a depending skirt portion that opposes the outer surfaces of the curb. A hinge, joining one side of the frame to the curb so that the skylight frame may be pivoted to open the skylight, includes a generally circular bearing that is received in a cradle, which is an integral part of the frame assembly that holds the glazing means. The internal curved cradle surface has an arc exceeding 180.degree. such that the bearing and cradle cannot be separated except when flat surfaces provided on the bearing align with the opening between the ends of the curved cradle surface. Then, by transverse motion relative to the longitudinal axis of the hinge, the frame assembly separates from the curb.

Abstract: A window, particularly designed to be installed in an inclined roof, comprises a top-hinged sash which via a lifting arm is connected with a slide shoe displaceable along a guidance of a lateral frame member. An intermediate member is provided with a transverse pin adapted to be connected with a pocket in the top side of the slide shoe, and the intermediate member is loaded or biased in a direction towards the lower end of the guidance by means of a spring. A spacer serves to hold the intermediate member ready for engagement. When the window has been installed in the roof, the appropriate pocket to be engaged by the transverse pin is selected with due regard to the roof inclination, i.e. the pocket resulting in a desired opening force acting on the sash, which is then swung open until the transverse pin engages the selected pocket, whereupon the sash is swung slightly in its closing direction to release the spacer for removal.

Abstract: A skylight assembly for a sloping roof is mounted so that the upper end may be tucked beneath the roof covering so that rain water will drain onto an outer skylight panel; the panel is concave and its lower end extends over the roof covering so that rain water will drain from the panel onto such covering; within and beneath the skylight there is an inner skylight panel mounted for movement to permit ventilation of the room beneath.