Abstract: A reversible window shutter includes a frame and reversible panel inserts. The panel inserts can be attached to the frame in a first position in which a first side of the panel inserts are visible through the frame, and a second position in which a second side of the panel inserts are visible through the frame. Each side of the panel inserts can have a different design or style, giving the user the ability to change the visible style of the window shutter. Each panel inserts may be a two-part insert, with each panel insert part having an outer surface with a decorative design, and an inner surface with connection features configured to engage the connection features of the other panel insert part.

Abstract: Column assemblies for work environments that support the acoustical, lighting, and cabling needs for the environment.

Abstract: A sun louvre formed by a structure supporting an interweave of metal sheets is provided. The sun louvre includes a plurality of structural profiles and a plurality of supporting plates. The supporting plates have two perforations which are passed through by an outer tube and an inner tube. The sheets pass by a front portion of the outer tube and by a rear portion of the inner tube immediately precedent or previous with respect to the outer tube. Adjacent sheets are interwoven in an alternate manner with respect to the outer and inner tubes. Ends of the sheets have reinforcement plates from which a hook is gripped. The hook has a stud fixed thereto that is enclosed by a spring that tensions the sheets.

Abstract: A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis.

Abstract: A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis.

Abstract: Passive solar wire screens mount vertically on an edifice. The screens have rods vertically arranged parallel to one another and have wires horizontally arranged parallel to one another. The wires attach to the rods and have first surfaces facing away from the edifice in an upward direction from vertical. The wires also have second surfaces facing toward the edifice in a downward direction from vertical. When the sun has a summer elevation on the horizon, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto away from the wire screens. When the sun has a winter elevation on the horizon, however, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto toward the second surfaces, which in turn passively reflect the solar energy toward the edifice. A concave surface on the wires can also reflect thermal energy back to the edifice.

Abstract: A push-pull chain and actuator. The push-pull chain has lateral flexibility in two opposite directions. The actuator in which the chain is used can be mounted with either side of the chain up with substantially equally lateral flexing capacity. The push-pull chain bends sidewards in both opposing directions without being forced to assume a straight-line configuration.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a light shelf of the present invention includes at least one panel assembly for reflecting daylight into a space; and at least two structural elements for holding the panel assembly, wherein the structural elements include a spine component having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a first mounting component for installing on a structural member and for engaging the proximal end of the spine component; a second mounting component for engaging the distal end of the spine component; and a sleeve component having at least one indentation for holding a side of the panel assembly.

Abstract: A solar-shading assembly for fastening to a support mullion, comprises an elongate louver member having longitudinal front and rear edges, an elongate cap element for extending along and covering the rear edge, a bracket which is connectable to the support mullion, and a fastening device for connecting the bracket to the rear edge of the louver member. The in use fastening device is coverable by the cap element so as to hide the fastening device from view. Preferably, at least part of the bracket is also coverable by the cap element so as to hide the said part of the bracket from view.

Abstract: A louvered housing for an air conditioning unit includes a base structure with a plurality of openings and elongated bodies with a V-cross-sectional shapes and being connected to the base structure at their ends. The louvers are formed in a two-step process including first a stamping and then a forming process, with neither step resulting in scrap material.

Abstract: A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a modular light shelf assembly in which individual light shelf units are substantially prefabricated. For example, in various embodiments, the assembly includes pre-fabricated support arms that are secured adjacent an interior wall of a building adjacent a window opening. Each of the support arms define at least one channel, and each light shelf includes at least one protrusion extending from each of a first side and a second side of the light shelf. The protrusion on the first side of the light shelf slidably engages the channel of the support arm adjacent the first side of the light shelf, and the protrusion on the second side of the light shelf slidably engages the channel on the support arm adjacent the second side of the light shelf to secure the light shelf between the adjacent support arms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air conditioner cover having at least two posts, a plurality of slats, and a plurality of obstructions used to properly distance the slats from the ground. The air conditioner cover also has connectors disposed between said posts and said slats in some embodiments. The air conditioner cover is designed to surround an air conditioner unit in order to hide it from sight and to protect the air conditioner unit from various types of damage. The present invention is specifically designed to ensure appropriate ventilation, as the uniquely shaped slats have in order to provide a spacing gap for ventilation purposes, while still providing a barrier to the air conditioner unit.

Abstract: A lightweight, molded plastic canopy has a sloped or peaked roof and mounting flanges that enable the canopy to be attached to an exterior wall above a door. The canopy is configured so that several canopies can be nested together for display and shipment.

Abstract: A patio-style roof system and method. The roof system utilizes a trusses, to which are coupled a plurality of louver panels. To facilitate such coupling, the trusses may have notched louver panel supports, to which the louver panels may be attached in a preferably tools-free manner. The trusses may be coupled to a structure utilizing upper and lower truss attachment brackets.

Abstract: A mounting bracket to be used in connection with securing sunshades to a wall mullion. The mounting bracket including a pair of bracket elements matingly engageable with each other with one bracket element being securable to one mounting arm of one of the sunshades and the other bracket element being securable to one mounting arm of an other of the sunshades and with each bracket element being removably securable to the mullion, such that each bracket element is disengageable from the other bracket and removable from the mullion. A plurality of the mounting brackets may be used to secure a plurality of the sunshades in a side-by-side manner to a plurality of wall mullions.

Abstract: A bang-bang servo system controls motors which provide drive for trucks on each end of a fabric support beam structure. A plurality of such truck/beam/fabric units comprise a retractable roof Separation of inner and outer truck guiding tracks/support platforms may be wide and somewhat variable. The radius of curvature of the inner and outer tracks may vary widely over the beam excursion path between open and closed roof conditions. Individual beam motion sequencing and stop position are commanded through a central control unit. These features allow great flexibility and adaptability in application of this invention.

Abstract: A shutter assembly mounts to a building and includes a right stile and a left stile disposed in spaced opposing relationship with one another. A first bar is mounted to the right stile and presents at least one recess facing outwardly away from the right stile for receiving a decorative member. A second bar opposing the first bar is mounted to the left stile and presents at least one recess facing and opposing the recess of the first bar for receiving the decorative member. The first and second bars each have at least one biasing device extending into the respective recesses of the first and second bars and engage the decorative member for biasing the decorative member outwardly away from the respective stiles to prevent movement of the decorative member relative to the stiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Abstract: A reinforced storm shutter for protecting doors and windows of buildings from high winds of severe storms and hurricanes. The shutter is comprised of heavy-gauge components, including tubular members having a plurality of aligned, slotted openings and louvers mounted in the aligned openings. The louvers are welded to the tubular members, preferably on the inside surface of the tube, with the weld completely sealing each slotted opening. The tubular members are then welded around the entire periphery of the tube ends to the remaining frame members of the shutter to hermetically seal the tubular members and protect the welds securing the louvers from continuous weathering conditions. The tubular members are formed of mating channel members that are sealingly secured together after the louvers have been welded in place.

Abstract: A sunshade for shading window exteriors includes at least one connecting bracket for attachment to a window mullion, a blade support strut attached to the connecting bracket at a first joint, and a plurality of louvered blades supported by the blade support strut at a second joint. The pivot angle at the first joint may be varied to extend the louvered blades a desired distance from the window mullion. The louvered blades are positioned at a preselected fixed profile angle on the second joint in order to optimize shading at the latitude where the sunshade is installed. In a preferred embodiment, the louvered blades have top walls supporting photovoltaic cells and the sunshade includes electric cables for connecting the photovoltaic cells to an electric circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

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: The invention is an improved rigid awning structure which permits some regulation of pass-through light and which may be constructed attached to a building or free standing. The invention provides slated louver sets arranged one above the other in banks of at least two sets. At least one of the louver sets in each bank is slidably movable to achieve the regulation of pass through-light. The invention may be constructed utilizing many conventional frame building methods and materials.

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 concrete slab is arranged to be provided with threaded bores, or alternatively internally threaded anchor plugs directed into the concrete slab. A plurality of hanger members are arranged for reception within spaced bores, wherein each hanger member includes a first and second support rod threadedly directed into the bores, with a connecting rod slidably received through the second rod and threadedly received within the first rod orthogonally oriented relative to the first and second support rods.

Abstract: Formable sheet metal or other formable material having similar characteristics, such as poly vinyl chloride, constitute practically the only components required to fabricate a light-weight, packageable and easily transportable building herein described. Being light-weight, the building structure does not require a massive, expensive foundation. The entire structure can be quickly erected by unskilled labor using a simple pair of pliers. All components can be fabricated in most cases without special machinery and they are all then snapped together or connected with integral pre-formed or formable fasteners, with only one exception: toggle screws used to fasten the combination ventilation/illumination panels to the standing seams of the roof panels and to fasten rain caps to the ridges of gabled roofs. The finished structure is rigid, self-supporting, resistant to high wind forces, water-tight and protective from the elements.

Abstract: An assembly for shielding a concrete structure from solar radiation comprising a plurality of heat-reflective, heat-insulative panels suspended above the surface of the concrete. The surface of the panels proximal to the concrete surface is non-planar.

Abstract: Rolled or extruded box beams and rafters are supported from an existing wall or other structure with the aid of added posts. The beams and rafters extend trasversely to each other, the rafters being secured at the wall by an anchor fascia. A front fascia is fixed to the rafters and also defines a gutter. Roof panels on the rafters are joined along their edges. Each roof panel has a shaped cup edge and an opposite shaped hook edge. The hook of one panel fits into the cup of the adjoining panel. A fastening flange on each cup edge affords means for fixing the panels to the rafters.Preferably the visible bottoms and sides of the rafters and the beams are covered by decorative sheaths, each being an open channel with means for attachment to the rafters and beams. The beams and related rafters are configured to approximate the nominal sizes of conventional wooden structural members, and the exterior surfaces of the fascia, sheaths and anchor fascia are finished in a wood pattern.

Abstract: A parking platform for automobiles in which the flooring is supported by cross members secured at each end to struts having vertical walls, the ends of the struts of which the flooring is comprised are turned down into slits in the transverse members. The flooring is held down by a plate which bridges the ends of adjacent flooring strips the plate being secured to a stirrup within the transverse members.