Abstract: A fire assembly that can be used for installing recessed electrical fixtures into various structures such as wall assemblies is provided. The fire assembly includes an electrical fixture contained within a generally fire-resistant housing. The housing can enclose the electrical fixture in such a manner that the resulting fire assembly has an integral structure. In some instances, a support structure can be utilized to attach the housing to the electrical fixture. Furthermore, the housing can be a cube-shaped box have a variety of generally fire-resistant walls. These walls can be made from materials such as sheet rock.

Abstract: A portico assembly kit to install a portico construction around an existing entranceway to a home or building. The kit is installed quickly and efficiently by consumers with little or no construction experience and is manufactured in various aesthetic designs with quality architectural features.

Abstract: A roof ridge vent includes a receptacle adapted to receive a fastener and located in the top wall of the roof ridge vent. The fastener is embedded in the top wall and positioned in the receptacle.

Abstract: A rigid compensator device is provided for a shower screen (10) comprising a plurality of edge support elements (12) having channels (116) and a panel element (14) 5 having edges (26, 28) receivable in the channels (116) of the edge support elements (12). The compensator device (34) is folly positionable or positioned within the channel (116) of one or each said edge support element (12) of the shower screen (10) and comprises a narrow support portion (20) for receiving and directly or indirectly supporting a portion of the panel element (14) at or adjacent to the edge (26, 28) of the 0 panel element (14), a body portion (40) which is wider than the support portion (20) and which includes a panel stop element (22) at or adjacent to a rear edge or edges (50) of the compensator device (34) and spaced from the narrow support portion (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion between a masonry element at least partially defining a perimeter of an opening in an architectural structure and a frame surrounding the perimeter and having at least one surface includes a sponge structure adapted to rest against the frame and having at least one surface. The apparatus further includes a rigid member affixed to the sponge structure and adapted to rest against the masonry element and a coupling element affixed to the sponge structure and adapted to be coupled to a surface of the frame. In another aspect of this embodiment, the surface of the sponge structure is adapted to adhere to a sealant. The sponge structure may include closed cell blended EPDM neoprene.

Abstract: Methods for installing a door assembly in a rough opening at a job site include performing the following steps at a location remote from the job site where the door is to be installed: positioning a door frame around a perimeter edge of a door panel; attaching the door panel to the door frame with a plurality of hinges to comprise a pre-hung door; retaining the door frame square with respect to the door panel; attaching a plurality of mounting brackets to the pre-hung door. The method also includes inserting the pre-hung door into the rough opening at the job site and attaching the mounting brackets to the rough opening to support the door panel for opening and closing before the door frame is attached to the rough opening.

Abstract: A preformed niche assembly and method of forming a niche include attaching the niche assembly in a stud cavity before a wall covering is installed. The preformed niche assembly includes a body that is constructed to be received in a stud cavity and a flange that extends about a perimeter of the body. The flange includes a first surface constructed to engage a stud and a second surface generally aligned with the first surface. The second surface of the flange is constructed to engage a non-exposed surface of a wall covering. The preformed niche assembly simplifies niche formation and allows positioning of a niche prior to installation of the wall covering.

Abstract: A crane to be fitted in a window opening or the like, between two opposing surfaces, has a strut (14) which is first braced between the surfaces (20a, 20b), and a boom (13) which extends away from the strut. A winch (5) on the crane winds up a lifting cafe (12) which runs over a pulley (3) at the outer end of the boom (13). The top and bottom ends of the strut have end plates (15, 7) which are designed to hold the crane rigidly between the two surfaces, but without damaging any surface finish on either surface. The boom (13) can be swung about the axis of the strut (14) to bring the load carried by the crane in towards the position of the operator.

Abstract: A fire assembly that can be used for installing recessed electrical fixtures into various structures such as wall assemblies is provided. The fire assembly includes an electrical fixture contained within a generally fire-resistant housing. The housing can enclose the electrical fixture in such a manner that the resulting fire assembly has an integral structure. In some instances, a support structure can be utilized to attach the housing to the electrical fixture. Furthermore, the housing can be a cube-shaped box have a variety of generally fire-resistant walls. These walls can be made from materials such as sheet rock.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for installation within a garage door having front and rear exposed surfaces and one or more window openings. The assembly includes front and rear window frame members of injection molded plastic which are installed within the door opening on the front and rear exposed surfaces. The window frame members have engagement elements located about their peripheries which snap together in mating fashion to mount the frame members within the window opening. The engagement elements are also disenageable with a hand tool to separate the frame members and remove the members from the window opening.

Abstract: Molded skins and methods of making molded skins are disclosed. An embodiment of a skin includes a sheet having first and second surfaces, a first arcuate portion integral with the sheet, and a second arcuate portion integral with the sheet and adjacent to the first arcuate portion. The sheet includes a cellulosic material. The first arcuate portion includes a first surface and a second surface, each having an arc. The second arcuate portion includes a first surface and a second surface, each having an arc. An angle forming the arc of the first surface of the first arcuate portion is greater than 110 degrees and an angle forming the arc of the first surface of the second arcuate portion is less than 102 degrees.

Abstract: A method of modifying a thermal barrier assembly that includes a channel, the method including exposing a surface of a channel to a plasma that includes metal moieties and depositing the metal moieties on the surface of the channel.

Abstract: Combining ceiling framework and structural members of skylight plenum enclosures in daylighting applications wherein the light shaft enclosures are designed to be suspended over a ceiling framework. Only the light reflective fabric of the light shaft connects to the ceiling. The light shaft thus floats above the ceiling framework and thereby has minimal impact on it. The light shaft is supported by the framework of the roof aperture by the rigid corner material that forms the light shaft.

Abstract: A method of providing precut trim pieces for a structural sliding door includes a vertical trim piece with one end that fits over a rail lip of a vertical rail, instead of under the rail lip. The rail lip terminates a trim extension of the vertical rail. Attaching the vertical trim piece over the rail lip enables the vertical trim piece to have horizontal adjustment relative to the trim extension. The manufacturer is able to supply precut lengths of horizontal and angled trim pieces, because the vertical trim piece may be horizontally adjusted to compensate for an out-of-square door.

Abstract: A retrofit casing head filler member has a front face, a rear face, an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposite side edges, and is designed for installation over a conventional arched casing head so as to cover any drywall regions exposed by removal of a rectangular casing head. The lower edge of the filler member has a predetermined radius of curvature matching the radius of curvature of the upper edge of the casing head. The filler member may be of reduced height in its central region and has a maximum height at its side edges to provide increased area in these regions to cover any exposed unfinished corners of the underlying drywall.

Abstract: A method and system of forming a fire door core. Hydraulic binder and resin are supplied from raw material bins and mixed to provide a submixture. Exfoliated vermiculite is then mixed with the submixture to provide a mixture that is deposited into a plurality of compression molds. Each of the filled molds are pressed in a press at a predetermined temperature at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined period of time sufficient to harden the mixture into a hardened slab. The hardened slabs are then removed from the molds, impregnated with water or steam in a water impregnation assembly and dried in a drying assembly.

Abstract: The installation of a garden window which encloses an opening in the wall of a building is effected by installing a support structure above the wall opening from which the garden window can be hung, then hanging the garden window from this structure in opening closing position and then permanently securing same to the wall. Also included in the invention are the garden window itself and its hanger support to facilitate such installation.

Abstract: A support for a window, includes a plurality of edge parts defining an opening to receive a window wherein at least one of the edge parts includes a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface, the first abutment surface being substantially planar and the second abutment surface being curved, each abutment surface being adapted to engage a window of a corresponding configuration.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for curtain wall assembly utilizing a sill subassembly which is adapted for direct structural interconnection with oppositely disposed portions of vertical mullions. The oppositely disposed mullions and underlying sill subassembly are configured for direct mounting upon a pre-installed flashing secured to a structural mounting surface of a building. In this manner, threaded fasteners may be utilized to directly interconnect the vertical mullion to the sill subassembly and the mounting of panels, such as glass, to the sill subassembly is facilitated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing hollow metal frames having a grout filled interior is disclosed. An apparatus includes a substantially planar body having an upper and lower surface. The upper surface includes at least one grip. The lower surface includes a gasket and a number of protrusions. The protrusions are placed into holes on the hollow metal frame into which additional components such as hinges are to be added. Grout is added to the frame and allowed to harden. Once the grout is hardened, the grout guard is removed and air spaces are retained. Screws and other components are typically filled into the air spaces.

Abstract: A heat block (28) is positioned between the upper lateral flange (24) of a purlin (14) and the roof panel (16) supported by the purlin. The heat block is in the shape of a barbell in that it includes opposed side portions (33 and 34) that are sized and shaped to extend laterally beyond the purlin (14) out into the hot zone adjacent the upper portion of the purlin and the roof panel (16). The heat block is of greater stiffness than the adjacent blanket insulation so that the heat block reliably occupies the space in the hot zone. Phase change material (64) can be incorporated in the opposed side portions (33 and 34) of the heat block.

Abstract: A free-standing window screen fabrication system for releasably mounting a screen fabric or other pliable sheet material on a free-standing screen frame in such a manner as to self-tighten the fabric or material during installation. A screen is disposed and held securely in place between a screen frame extrusion member and a trim mold. The screen frame extrusion defines a mounting surface disposed below and parallel to an exterior face. The screen frame extrusion further defines an interior channel for receiving one end of a connector, a plurality of screen frame extrusions being secured in an end-to-end fashion to define a free-standing screen frame. A mounting rib extends along the mounting surface and terminates below the exterior face in the preferred embodiment. A bead is defined at the terminal edge of the mounting rib to serve as a locking mechanism. The trim mold defines a channel opening on the bottom surface thereof to closely receive the mounting rib of the screen frame extrusion.

Abstract: An aperture guide that facilitates alignment of masonry blocks to construct opposing walls of an aperture is disclosed and claimed. Apertures so formed typically are used for placement of windows, doors, and the like. The aperture guide is formed of components that form a parallelogram of varying angles owing to the rotatability of four junction points. When positioned for use, effectively linear edges guide the placement of blocks to result in greater accuracy and precision, with increased worker efficiency. Methods of use also are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A reverse molded fiberboard panel; a wainscot kit comprising a plurality of differently sized reverse molded panels, and a planar finishing or spacer panel, adapted to completely cover any size wall between a wall base board and a wall chair rail; and a method of reverse molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, raised panels without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The reverse-molded panels are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press, in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching items such as solar shading to curtain walling mullions of the kind defined, comprises a bracket having a generally U-shaped formation at one end for fitting over the generally U-shaped formation of the glazing bar of a mullion, a substantially planar portion which, when the bracket is fixed to the mullion, projects forwardly of the glazing bar and in use between two adjacent glazing units and a seal locating formation projecting laterally of the substantially planar portion. The generally U-shaped formation comprises a web portion and two parallel or substantially parallel side portions. The web portion has an aperture therein above and/or below the substantially planar portion for receiving a self-tapping screw which can, in use, extend through the aperture and engage with the groove in the U-shaped formation of the glazing bar.

Abstract: An adjustable support rack for supporting firestop material in a through-penetration includes a frame sized to fit within the through-penetration, at least one adjustable support member movably connected with the frame for supporting the firestop material, and an adjustable mounting mechanism connected with the frame for securing the frame within the through-penetration. A method of fire stopping the through-penetration using the adjustable support rack is also described.

Abstract: A building fixture protection apparatus that covers and quickly connects and disconnects from an existing building fixture, such as windows and doors, to protect the building fixture from damage due to vandalism, hurricanes, tornados, high winds, or other types of dangerous storms. The building fixture protection apparatus comprises a panel member that is sized to cover a portion or all of the building fixture, and a plurality of connecting members provided at select portions of the panel member. The plurality of connecting members quickly connect and disconnect the panel member to and from a plurality of mating connecting members provided in the periphery around the building fixture. The building fixture protection apparatus easily fits over the building fixture in a minimal amount of time, facilitating the process of safeguarding a building fixture prior to the arrival of vandals or a dangerous storm.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method house building by using the construction elements prepared outside of the building site. The method consists of preparing the construction elements including beams, studs, and boards outside of the building site. The elements are then mounted onto a foundation at the building site to form a housing structure.

Abstract: A door assembly structure with glass according to this invention is formed from one door leaf, which is rectangular shape with an opening for glass installed therein; two identical glass injected-frames, which is provided with inside frame and outside frame which is at a position bevel to inside frame, and which outside frame has a flat surface inside on which has a recess, and at inside frame an inner rib with flat surface is formed along its inner edge and a middle rib with flat surface is also formed at a distance parallel to inner rib so that a recess formed in between inner rib and middle rib and a space formed beside middle rib, wherein at a certain distance to middle rib several tenons and several slot mortises in interval with symmetrical position is formed so that by tenon and slot mortise joint one of two identical glass injected-frames may be jointed to the other which is turned in half circle; and at least one piece of glass, which size is smaller than opening of said door leaf and which appearanc

Abstract: Procedure for the installation of a landing door, in which a threshold module is mounted on the lower edge of a door opening of the elevator shaft, whereupon side posts are mounted at the edges of the opening and a lintel connecting the side posts as well as an overhead supporter for the suspension of the door panels are mounted in the upper part of the opening. The equally long side posts are mounted on top of the threshold module while the side posts are connected to each other by the lintel mounted on top of them. The overhead supporter is lifted up onto the lintel and fixed to the wall by its ends.

Abstract: Shutter for windows, and relative method to fit said shutter, comprising a rim (12) consisting of vertical uprights (14) and horizontal cross-pieces (13), an outer assembly box (11) suitable to be anchored at the sides (20) of a window opening, and a plurality of blades (15) attached transversely between the vertical uprights (14) and suitable to selectively obstruct the light filtering through the rim (12), wherein the assembly box (11) consists of a plurality of profiles (17) of equal section and substantially quadrangular comprising, on one side, a coupling tooth (16) defining substantially plane supporting surfaces (19a, 19b) able to cooperate with mating surfaces of the sides (20) defining the window opening and/or with mating surfaces of the profiles (13, 14) defining the rim (12) of the shutter (10).

Abstract: A suspended acoustical ceiling access panel system includes a door frame for supporting a standard ceiling tile and hanger assemblies in the form of pivot brackets that are pivotally attached at each of opposite sides of the door frame near one end of the frame. The pivot brackets are formed to be easily slid over standard ceiling grid members and releasably clamped to the grid members while pivotally supporting the door frame. The door frame is also provided with latch members at an end of the frame opposite from the end pivotally attached to the pivot brackets and ceiling grid members. The latch members can be manually positioned to engage a ceiling grid member when the access panel system is in a closed position.

Abstract: A window case includes a main frame formed of a pair of vertical sections and a pair of horizontal sections. Each section has an outwardly open U-shaped channel extending longitudinally along the section, each channel having a front sidewall, an inner bottom wall and a rear sidewall opposite the front sidewall. A limb extends longitudinally along each of the sections and frontwards from an outer edge portion of the front sidewall thereof. The limbs of each of the vertical sections and the horizontal sections together define an intermediate window frame. A pane frame securing a window pane is mounted on the intermediate window frame.

Abstract: An elongate gasket material for sealing a skylight to a curb has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape and dimensions along its length, and one or more compliant members extending therefrom to the skylight and curb. The compliant members are adapted to accommodate a predetermined range of spacings between the skylight and the curb. The compliant members are angled with respect to their points of contact with the skylight and the curb so that wind pressure applied to the compliant members increases the effectiveness of sealing.

Abstract: Window drain comprises, in general, a base having a horizontally extending lower surface and a sloping downwardly and outwardly upper surface. To the base are connected: a front flange, an upstanding rear rib, an end flange at each end, window supports and spacers attached on the front flange. In one embodiment, the window drain is made for a window of a specific width. In another embodiment, the window drain, is versatile so it can be used for windows of different widths. In a third embodiment, the window drain can be made, in situ, for different window widths.

Abstract: A cladded door frame system protects exterior surfaces of door frame members from the elements. The system includes spaced left and right frame members orthogonally joined at upper portions thereof to a header, thus defining a door opening having exterior and interior sides. Each of the frame members includes a side jamb (or header) and a brickmold orthogonally extending along an exteriorly disposed surface of the side jamb (or header). The system also includes first, second and third cladding strips, each of which frictionally engages a respective frame member. Each of the cladding strips includes a U-shaped inner flange that engages three surfaces of one of the jambs (or header) and a U-shaped outer flange that engages three surfaces of one of the brickmolds. The inner flange is joined to the outer flanges at an orthogonal orientation. The inner flange includes a second leg that engages most of the surface area of a door jamb surface of the respective side jamb (or header).

Abstract: A door framing apparatus and method wherein a pad member permits easy securing of the door and jamb to the king stud. The pad member maybe injected with an adhesive material to form a bond between the door/jamb assembly and the king stud. The pad member is formed of a compressible cellular foam material. A reservoir is formed within the pad to hold adhesive material which serves to attach the jamb to the king stud. A fill slot is provided in the pad to allow injection of the adhesive material into the reservoir. A channel is formed in the pad to allow the adhesive material within the reservoir to extend outside of the pad to form a bonding surface between the jamb and king stud. An adhesive layer is provided on a lateral edge of the pad member to allow initial attachment to either the jamb or king stud prior to installation of the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure and an apparatus for gluing a facing component (6) designed to be mounted onto the raw door panel (1) of an elevator car or landing to the raw door panel (1). The facing component (6) is fitted into cut-outs (23) in the installed raw door panel (1) by fastenings (11).

Abstract: A spacer frame bar for insulated windows or other insulated glass panels. The bar includes a tubular spacer member having first and second side webs for engaging the spaced apart glass panes, and upper and lower webs spanning between the side webs. The upper web is provided with a series of vertical corrugations, which serve to increase the length of the thermal conductive path across the upper web. The corrugations are also arranged so that only the upper edges thereof are exposed to sunlight passing through the window, thereby minimizing thermal gain due to absorption of solar radiation. Staggered rows of slits may be formed in the channels of the corrugations to as to further increase the length of the conductive path. The channels may also be filled with an insulating material, such as a resilient foam material. The invention also provides a two-piece construction in which the top web clips onto the upper edges of the side webs.

Abstract: The installation of a garden window which encloses an opening in the wall of a building is effected by installing a support structure above the wall opening from which the garden window can be hung, then hanging the garden window from this structure in opening closing position and then permanently securing same to the wall. Also included in the invention are the garden window itself and its hanger support to facilitate such installation.

Abstract: A door frame has hinge and latch jambs extending from opposite ends of a header jamb. Each jamb has an inside section for extending into a doorway opening in a wall and having a molding section extending laterally outwardly from the respective inside section for overlying a face of the wall adjacent the doorway opening. Each molding section includes an inner end extending from the inside section, an outer face extending generally perpendicularly from the inner end and an outer free end extending generally perpendicularly from the outer face. A jamb securing and sealing flange is joined to a jamb. The flange has first and second end sections coupled by a centered section. The first second is substantially parallel to and affix to a inner surface of the outer face of one jamb. The second end section extends substantially parallel to the first end section and laterally outwardly beyond its outer free end.

Abstract: A roof window assembly adapted to be mounted to cover an opening in a roof structure of a building and method of installing and removing the roof window. The assembly includes a glass unit and a sash member operatively connected to the glass unit. A frame member is adapted and configured to be secured to the roof proximate its opening. A detent arrangement is on the frame and the sash, wherein after the frame is secured to the roof, the sash is placed on the frame and the detent arrangement mechanically secures the sash to the frame.

Abstract: A door hanging system that utilizes a plurality of metallic elongated U-shaped clips that span the area between the edge of the door opening and the door jamb. These metallic clips also serve to support the weight of the pre-hung door or door jamb during the adjustment phase of the installation and to permanently anchor it once the proper orientation of the door has been achieved. Additionally, the clips are designed in a fashion that they can be concealed behind the door finishing trim commonly used in construction today.