Abstract: An elongated fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into wall, floor, ceiling and roof cavities of different widths formed by the framework of a building. The blanket has at least one, preferably two or three, series of cuts extending between major surfaces of the blanket with successive cuts of each series of cuts being separated by a series of separable connectors located intermediate the major surfaces of the blanket. Each series of separable connectors hold together adjacent sections of the blanket for handling, but are separable by hand so that the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a predetermined width or easily separated by hand into two or more sections at one or more of the series of separable connectors for insulating a cavity having a lesser width.

Abstract: A rupture panel for relieving an excess pressure differential between the interior and exterior of a vessel having a wall and an opening through the wall includes a first frame section connected to the vessel wall at the opening and a pair of pressure relief panels mounted to the frame, each panel having a stitched portion, the stitched portions providing opening capability on both vacuum and burst pressure control (or on either vacuum or burst pressure control). A pair of sealing members that sandwich the pair of pressure relief panels there between are provided, one of the sealing members engaging one of the pressure relief panels, the other sealing member engaging the other pressure relief panel. Each of the sealing members has a sealing surface that covers a stitched portion of an adjacent relief panel.

Abstract: A window sill cover includes a window sill cover body having a lower wall and an upper wall spaced apart from the upper wall. Preferably, the window sill cover body is a hollow, elongate member having internal support walls positioned between the upper and lower walls. The window sill cover body also preferably includes a convex, elongate terminal portion, which can be hollow and semi-cylindrical. A positioning wall having a retaining edge extends from the lower wall and defines an attachment recess. The retaining edge can be trimmed for positioning of the window sill cover on the window sill. An overhang extends from the lower wall, which can also be trimmed for proper positioning of the window sill cover.

Abstract: In a drywall-trimming accessory molded from a polymeric material, such as polystyrene, and having two flanges, which diverge from each other, each flange is adapted in an intended use to cover an edge portion of a drywall panel and to have a fastener driven through said flange. Each flange has a mosaic of break-away panes. Each pane being adapted to break away from the flange having such pane, along at least one of the grooves defining such pane, if such pane is struck by a fastener being driven through the flange having such pane. Preferably, each pane is defined by two elongate, parallel apertures and by two elongate, parallel grooves, which are formed in an inner surface of the flange having such pane.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sign post anchor system that provides omni-directional stabilization of a sign post. The inventive anchor system includes a tubular anchor sleeve having a square cross-section for receiving at one end the sign post and at the other end the tubular post anchor. The anchor sleeve includes a plurality of spaced apart holes located along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve for permitting selective mounting of the sign post. The anchor sleeve further includes a plurality of fins secured to the corners of the anchor sleeve and extending outward from the sleeve. The plurality of fins provide stabilization of the anchor sleeve and accompanying sign post.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for facilitating the removal of formwork for the end joint of a diaphragm wall panel, said formwork comprising a soleplate having two side edges. The device comprising: two substantially rectangular plates of substantially the same dimensions; spacer means secured to first longitudinal edges of each of said plates to hold them substantially parallel to each other at a spacing h; filler means for filling the volume defined by said plates, the spacer means, and a plane orthogonal to said plates located at a distance d from the second longitudinal edges of the plates; and temporary fixing means for fixing said plates to said soleplate.

Abstract: A wall system is disclosed including a covering member for covering a wall. A support structure is affixed to the wall for supporting the covering member. A support bracket is secured to the covering member and removably engages the support structure, in order to retain the covering member along a vertical wall.

Abstract: A rigid tubular member of variable length and rectangular cross-section formed from aluminum or sheet steel stock adapted to be sized, flared and conjoined with at least one other rigid member to create a variety of tubular member frameworks for greenhouse construction, and the like. Each member is provided with a plurality of elongate, linear groovings, either located proximal to, or coincident with, the external and/or internal elongate seams of the member, with the inscribed sets of groovings are such being of a depth sufficient to facilitate separation under manual force of at least one, up to four, of the end sidewall segments, providing flared end segments, either disposed at right or acute angles, which segments are adapted to be fastened to another rigid member in any of several locations, along it, in the course of a framework erection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for manufacturing concrete dual blocks where the concrete block is separated into two individual blocks during the manufacturing process without an additional separating step after curing.

Abstract: A connector frame for use as a support member for mounting grilles at ventilation openings in a building structure. The connector frame allows the grills to be mounted in slightly different locations to hide imperfections at the edges of the ventilation openings. The connector frame may include a pair of single connector frames that may be separated into two singly usable frames.

Abstract: A combined bed and shelter device is disclosed. The device is anchored through a plurality of parallel spaced joists to a base for protecting a user in the event of a natural disaster or the like. The device includes a housing defining an enclosure of generally rectangular configuration, the housing including a container having a floor defining a peripheral edge and a wall extending angularly relative to the peripheral edge. A lid is pivotally secured to the container and cooperates with the wall such that the container and the lid define therebetween the enclosure for occupancy by the user in the event of the disaster. A mattress is supported by the lid such that when the lid is disposed in a first location thereof, the mattress supported by the lid serves as the bed for the user thereof and when the lid is disposed in a second location thereof with the lid pivoted about the container, access to the enclosure is permitted so that protection of the user within the enclosure is afforded.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a void under a structural concrete slab which includes a body having a bottom surface with projections which deform and then collapse after a preset displacement in response to subgrade compressive stress.

Abstract: A rigid tubular member of variable length and rectangular cross-section adapted to be sized, flared and conjoined with at least one other rigid member to create a variety of tubular member frameworks for greenhouse construction, and the like. Each member is provided with a plurality of elongate, linear groovings, either located proximal to, or coincident with, the external and/or internal elongate seams of the member, with the inscribed sets of groovings are such being of a depth sufficient to facilitate separation under manual force of at least one, up to four, of the end sidewall segments, providing flared end segments, either disposed at right or acute angles, which segments are adapted to be fastened to another rigid member in any of several locations, along it, in the course of a framework erection.

Abstract: A one-piece, lightweight snow guard is made of clear plastic. The snow guard includes a base having a bottom and a top, a plate having a front wall and a back wall and extending upward from the top of the base, and support members having first edges connected to the top of the base and second edges connected to the front or back wall of the plate. The snow guard is preferably made of polycarbonate. The bottom of the base is connected to a roof using an adhesive. Preferably, the base includes lower side portions, a raised middle portion and upward and inward sloping portions connecting the middle portion to the side portions. The middle and sloping portions define a region for receiving a roof rib. Breakaway baffles extend from the bottom of the middle portion for retaining adhesive underneath the base. The baffles break away before adhesive application when the base is positioned over a rib.

Abstract: A breakaway sign post assembly (30) is disclosed as including a sign support post (32), an anchoring post (34) and a breakaway collar (100). The breakaway collar (100) includes a sidewall (102) which surrounds the sign support post (32). The sidewall (102) includes at least one substantially vertical line of weakness (120) configured to facilitate a portion of the sidewall (102) to give way. The sidewall (102) retains the sign support post (32) in a manner to define a fulcrum (134) about which the sign support post (32) turns when a vehicle impacts and exerts a lateral force at an impact location, with the fulcrum (134) being positioned below the impact location so that the support post (32) will swing generally away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for assembling a window is described including forming a lineal member having a cross-sectional profile, where the profile includes a sash portion and a frame portion, cutting the lineal member into lengths sized for forming the window, and joining the lengths of the lineal member to form a shape of the window. The sash portions form a sash and the frame portions form a frame. Then the sash is separated from the frame.

Abstract: An improved breakaway steel guardrail post for use in dissipation of impact energy upon impact of the post having an upper post member and a lower post member, a connecting joint, and a mechanism connected to the upper and lower post members for controlling the energy dissipation of the guardrail post about the connecting joint at a predetermined rate. A first embodiment utilizes a cable restraint lopped through openings in the guardrail posts. Other embodiments included straps and fasteners designed to distort or fail at predetermined rates or strengths and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A pole or the like formed by an anchoring member and a vertical member which are linked by a linking piece having a zone of lower resistance to force. Block members are provided at the opposite ends of the anchoring member and the vertical member each of which has a central bore for receiving the linking piece and at least one of the block members has a surface slopping from its center towards it periphery such that a space between the opposite block members is greater at the periphery of the pole than at its center.

Abstract: A baseboard saver tool for preventing damage to a baseboard during installation of a carpeting tacking strip. The tool includes an upright rectangular board with a support arm attached thereto. The support arm is hinged and locked in the open position or folded for storage or portage. A cushion strip along the bottom rear edge of the board protects the baseboard from any abrasion by the tool and functions as a spacing aid element.

Abstract: A plastic wedge shaped shim for leveling which is prescored to enable protruding section to be broken off. Parallel, straight, scores are formed at regular intervals on the top surface of the shim. These scores form teeth enabling stacked shims to interengage one another when one is placed inverted on another. The underside of the shim has recesses configured such that there exists a zone of constituent material which has equal localized thickness measurements along that portion of the length of the shim wherein scores and the recess formed in the underside of the shim are in overlying relationship. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the recesses form cleats for resisting sliding or other displacement of the shim.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for manufacturing concrete dual blocks where the concrete block is separated into two individual blocks during the manufacturing process without an additional separating step after curing.

Abstract: A footing connector has a first hollow leg and a second hollow leg integral therewith. The interiors of the two hollow legs are in fluid communication. The two legs cooperate to form, preferably, a T-shaped connector. The first leg has threading thereon, and, preferably, the second leg has threading thereon and protruberances therein, to enable connection to other elements of a drainage system. The second hollow leg may have end caps integral therewith at the ends thereof. The connector is used in a drainage network to drain water away from the outside of a building and to evacuate unwanted gasses from the inside of a building.

Abstract: A collapsible post structure having a fragile region that allows the post to collapse when the latter is struck. The post structure includes an elongated anchoring member. The anchoring member having an anchoring member hollow section that extends longitudinally into one longitudinal end thereof and defining an anchoring member inner surface. The post structure also includes an elongated supporting member. The supporting member having a supporting member hollow section that extends longitudinally into one longitudinal end thereof and defining a supporting member inner surface. The post structure further includes a connecting component, the connecting component having a connecting component first section and a connecting component second section. The connecting component first section and the connecting component second section are configured and sized so as to be respectively insertable into the anchoring member hollow section and the supporting member hollow section.

Abstract: A breakaway bracket assembly (10) for connecting two structural members, such as a sign post (12) and a base (14). The bracket (10) has a first end strap (20) configured for attachment to the post (12) and a second end strap (22) configured for attachment to the base (14). The first and second end straps (20, 22) are integrally formed with a central section (24) that comprises a pair of flanges (28, 30) having a preformed brake point (34) that will fail when the first and second end straps (20, 22) are subjected to a predetermined load.

Abstract: A strip shingle is manufactured with a perforation along a lengthwise centerline. The traditional headlap and buttlap areas are substantially identical to one another, each having a line of adhesive material near the shingle edge whereby breaking the shingle along the perforated center line yields two starter shingles which can be used with any type of roofing shingle.

Abstract: A double divisible connector frame for use as a support member for mounting return grilles and louvers in a building structure which is rectangular in shape and having a planar surface on one side and a pair of precisely-similar spaced-apart continuous rectangular flanged frames on the other side, and a lineal line of severance equidistant between said smaller flanged frames for dividing said double frame into a pair of similar smaller frames for mounting said grilles and louvers.

Abstract: A ventilating radiant barrier for reducing the solar or thermal load into a home through a rood while also providing ventilation beneath the exterior of the roof to protect the roof from moisture damage. The ventilating radiant barrier includes a panel has a pair of faces, a pair of end edges and a pair of side edges extending between the end edges of the panel. A first of the faces of the panel has a spaced apart pair of perforations rows extending between the end edges of the panel. The second face of the panel has a spaced apart pair of perforations rows extending between the end edges of the panel. The perforation rows of the second face of the panel are positioned between the perforation rows of the first face of the panel.

Abstract: A window or door includes a wood sash carrying at least one reinforced transparent panel. The wood sash includes a body portion and an integrally formed aesthetic sacrificial member extending outwardly therefrom to contact the transparent panel at an interface therewith. The body portion is spaced from an adjacent portion of the transparent panel to define a cavity beneath the aesthetic sacrificial member. Sealant material is positioned in the cavity. The aesthetic sacrificial member fractures during hurricane force winds to permit the transparent panel to move within the wood sash to absorb energy of pressure cycling that occurs during hurricane force winds. The aesthetic sacrificial member also covers the body of sealant material to provide a pleasing appearance consistent with the quality of the wood sash.

Abstract: A standardized block for forming a retaining wall, said block comprising a top and bottom and having disposed proximate the top thereof first, second and third abutment means, and having disposed proximate the bottom thereof fourth, fifth and sixth abutment means, said second and fifth abutment means abutting in a first abutting position when like blocks are placed course upon course to form a retaining wall having a substantially vertical alignment, said first abutment, said second abutment and said third abutment abutting with said fourth, fifth and sixth abutment in a second abutting position different from said first position when like blocks are placed one upon the other, course upon course, to provide a substantially set-back retaining wall construction, and wherein said first, second and third abutment means abut with said fourth, fifth and sixth abutment means in a third abutting position different from said second or first position when like blocks are placed one upon another, course upon course, to

Abstract: A rigid backerboard for replacement or substitution for a cementuous backerboard. The board is formed of a compression molded plastic material, preferably nylon which is relatively thin, yet rigid. The board is embossed on both of its principal (upper and lower) surfaces to maximize surface area for contact with adhesive materials. The embossment on at least one of the sides is rectilinear, facilitating the cutting of standard sized rectangular panels into smaller rectangles. The embossment on the opposite side is designed to maximize adhesive contact area, a diamond pattern being preferable.

Abstract: A lateral force resisting system includes a rigid structural panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The rigid structural panel may be a vertical truss or a rigid structural frame with a wooden panel covering one side and interconnecting the members of the rigid structural frame. The wooden panel may be made up of multiple panes to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin embodiment or self-tightening.

Abstract: A plastic shim or other workpiece useful in the construction industry. The shim or workpiece is an elongated tapered hard plastic body incorporating qualities of a shim lacking in wooden shims. Each shim has transverse break lines so that segments can be broken off to adjust its length. For handling, a plurality of such shims are molded in a sheet with adjacent shims being spaced along their thinner sections but separably joined by longitudinal, break lines extending along their thicker sections, whereby the shims can be detached from the sheet either individually or in multiples. The shims may have pockets defining nailing portions of reduced thickness which minimize the grasp of nails by the shim and allow removal of nails without damage to the shim or adjacent wood and etching to avoid uncontrolled slippage.

Abstract: The present invention is a clip used in the construction of suspended ceiling grid systems for the hanging of drywall or other panels. The clip provides a versatile means of joining two suspended grid beams at various points of transition between two grid beams, such as a transition in the ceiling surface, thus eliminating the need for a different means of joining in each situation.

Abstract: A trim strip has an angle strip with flanges meeting at an elbow and is covered with a paper strip having a tearaway wing extending laterally beyond one of the flanges at a line of perforations. The wing can be folded back at the perforations over the adjacent flange to project away from the elbow to provide a masking portion which can be severed at the perforations by pulling on the masking portion after the masking need is satisfied.

Abstract: An air return grille for an aircraft mounted below the passenger cabin sidewall comprises openings to allow return airflow from the air conditioning system. In a preferred embodiment, the grille openings are covered by a single thin baffle 32 with cutouts within its periphery that slip over and are held in place by fasteners on the molded grille 28. The thin baffle 32 is affixed to the molded grille 28 along one or more edges on the grille. All other thin baffle 32 attachments allow for the baffle to be disengaged upon the onset of a rapid decompression. During normal operation, the thin baffle 32 restricts flow through a small opening in the grille. During a sudden/rapid decompression of the cargo compartment/lower lobe, the baffle is dislodged from the fasteners and forced into a position parallel to the airstream. This allows the airflow to pass through all of the molded grille 28 openings in order to achieve rapid pressure equalization.

Abstract: An insulated framing system for providing improved thermal insulation in a building such as a home includes structural supports such as dimensional lumber studs or metal studs having a rigid insulator attached along at least one edge thereof. The resulting composite member provides a thermal break between the structural support and the sheathing, wallboard, or other structure supported thereby. Further, the addition of the insulator deepens wall cavities, permitting installation of more insulation material. One or more wings extending from the insulator into the cavities facilitates installation and retention of insulation material in the cavities prior to installation of sheet good finish materials such as gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: A roof angle attachment device (10) attachable to a vertical stud (14). The roof angle attachment device (10) having a left mount (12L) which has a left mount clip (12LA) positioned along a top distal edge functioning to hold a roof angle (16) to support exterior framing (18). The roof angle attachment device (10) further has a right mount (12R) securely attached along a left distal edge to a right distal edge of the left mount (12L). The right mount (12R) further comprises at least one right mount opening (12RA) wherein a fastener is positioned therethrough to securely attach the right mount (12R) to the vertical stud (14).

Abstract: A plastering fillet for building components used at the transition to plaster is disclosed. The plastering fillet includes a base portion having a base wall, which can be secured to the building component. The base portion also has at least one extension perpendicular to the base wall and extending out therefrom. The plastering fillet also has a front portion having at least one web, which also projects perpendicular to the base wall of the base portion. The connection between the base portion and the front portion of the plastering fillet permits relative movement between the portions thereby preventing plaster cracking or breaking.

Abstract: An interlocking prefabricated hardwood floor panel system in which multiple hardwood strips are secured together and attached to a substrate. The hardwood strips end at different locations such that a straight seam is not formed between adjacent floor panels. The substrate covers at least a portion of the floor panel and may extend past the edge of the hardwood strips such that hardwood strips from an adjacent floor panel can be secured to the substrate. Alternative embodiments provide hardwood strips that vary in color to allow designs to be inserted into a floor by using different woods or different stains. The substrate is secured to a target surface which may be the surface of the floor, a ceiling, or wall. The substrate can be attached to the target surface via any appropriate method, such as adhesive, nails, screws, etc.. A variety of flooring patterns can be used including hardwood strips, parquet squares, herringbone, etc.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes organic, resinous material and an inorganic filler material, the single having a top surface, two side surfaces, an upper end, and a lower or butt end, defining a cavity on the underside of the shingle, with ribs positioned within the cavity. When applied to a roof, the shingle has the appearance of wooden shake shingle and provides a Class A fire barrier when tested according to ASTM test E108-93 for flame spread, burning brand and intermittent flame.

Abstract: A building panel joint support including an elongate member having spaced apart raised surfaces defining a longitudinal recess.

Abstract: An improved frame and a method to install the frame is disclosed. The sub-base includes a first portion for coupling to a secondary glazing and a first portion for coupling to existing building material. A base includes a first portion having a first surface for coupling to the secondary glazing and a second portion for coupling to the sub-base. A snap cover is provided for removably coupling to the base and for hiding any anchoring employed to secure the base and sub-base to the existing building material. The snap cover also defines a curved surface for contacting with the second glazing so as to minimize marring of the second glazing. The sub-base includes a break-off groove that allows the base and sub-base to flexibly receive glazings of different thicknesses. The base employs a fillet along the length of the base to provide additional support for the secondary glazing.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into structural framework building cavities of different widths. The width of the blanket is substantially equal to the width of a standard cavity to be insulated by the blanket and the blanket has one or more longitudinally extending cuts in a first major surface of the blanket. The cut(s) have a depth greater than one half of the thickness of the blanket and less than the thickness of the blanket whereby the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a standard cavity width or easily torn apart at a cut by hand for insulating a cavity having less than a standard cavity width. The second major surface of the blanket may have a facing bonded thereto with one or more perforated lines in the facing aligned with the cut(s) to facilitate tearing apart the blanket by hand if required.

Abstract: An explosion vent (10) for covering an opening (12) in an enclosure (14) subject to the build-up of pressure is disclosed. The explosion vent includes a peripheral flange (16) configured for attachment to the enclosure around the opening, a pressure relief panel (18) positioned within and hingedly connected to the flange, and a plurality of connectors or rupture tab assemblies (19) connecting the unhinged portion of the pressure relief panel to the flange. The connectors break when the enclosure is subjected to pressure build-up for permitting the panel to shift outwardly from the enclosure for uncovering the opening in the enclosure.

Abstract: A coupling unit for connecting respective segments of a roadside post includes respective end portions (20a,20b) adapted to engage in or about the segments and an intermediate fracture zone (45) in which the coupling unit divides to cause the post segments to separate when the assembled post is subjected in situ to a vehicle impact greater than a predetermined severity.

Abstract: A new roof venting system for trussed and raftered roofs for improving ventilation in a structure. The inventive device includes a generally planar rectangular sheet positionable on rafters of a roof frame. The sheet has a plurality of upwardly extending recesses formed therein in an equally spaced relationship corresponding with spacing of the rafters. A plurality of stabilizer bars are secured to the sheet between the recesses thereof.

Abstract: In a break-away coupling for a highway and road side appurtenance, a controlled breaking region is provided which has at least two axial spaced necked-down portions co-axially arranged between the axial ends of the coupling which are configured to be attached both to the appurtenance, at one end, and to the support base, at the other end. Each necked-down portion essentially consists of two axially aligned conical portions inverted one in relation to the other and generally joined at their apices to form a generally hour-glass configuration having a region of minimal cross section at an inflection point having a gradually curved annular concave surface defining a radius of curvature. Each of the two necked-down portion has different radii of curvature that at respective inflection points to provide preferred failure modes as a function of the position and direction of impact of a force on the appurtenance.

Abstract: Load bearing capacity of a pile which is driven into the ground to support any of various structures is markedly increased following an initial period of pile driving. The pile includes a hollow pipe having a lower end region with longitudinal grooves which extend upward from an earth piercing shoe at the base of the pipe. An expansive force is exerted on the lower end region after the initial pile driving to rupture the pipe at the grooves and to bend strips of the pipe material outward for a first distance. Further pile driving bends the strips further outward as downward motion of the strips is resisted by the rim of the shoe and by ground which underlies the strips. This enables use of shorter piles and reduces driving time.

Abstract: Construction blocks having a generally octagonal configuration. The octagonal shape is defined by first through eighth external side portions respectively connected end-to-end to define an octagonal shape with respective first through eighth corners; a transverse chord portion extending from said first corner to said fourth corner; a perpendicular segment portion extending perpendicularly from said transverse chord portion to said third corner defining a right angled cutout; an angled segment portion extending from said second corner to said transverse chord portion defining a triangle cutout; and a middle cutout defined by said triangle cutout, said right angle cutout and said transverse cord portion.

Abstract: A deck plank comprised of a wood replacement material. The deck plank includes a top surface, a first leg, and a second leg. The top surface has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first leg is attached to the first end portion, and the second leg is attached to the second end portion. The first leg extends downward from the top surface, and it has a tongue and an outer surface. The tongue has a first limb and a second limb which are joined together to define a recess. The outer surface defines a channel that extends along the tongue. The second leg also extends downward from the top surface, and it has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion and the lower portion define a groove, and the tongue is adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent, substantially similar deck plank.