Abstract: An adaptor for connecting a ground screw to an upright beam of a solar panel support assembly includes (a) a cylindrical connector having an open ground-screw receiving bottom end and a top end, the cylindrical connector having an inner circumferential surface with a diameter slightly larger than that of the ground screw and at least two sets of bolt holes, each set of bolt holes including at least three bolt holes uniformly distributed circumferentially about the cylindrical connector at an axial level, and the at least two sets of bolt holes being axially distanced from one another; (b) an intermediate plate having a top surface and a bottom surface fixed to the top end of the cylindrical connector; and (c) an upright beam connector fixed to the top surface of the intermediate plate and extending upward from the intermediate plate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hanging device that can be removably installed between the boards of a support surface, such as siding boards. The hanger comprises a main body with first and second ends and a length therebetween. A flange is positioned at the first end of the main body, and functions to retain the hanger in between adjacent slats of a support surface. The second end of the main body includes a retention element that can be used to support the weight of an object, such as a hanging plant, artwork, shelving unit, and the like.

Abstract: The decking anchors may have a primary portion and a secondary portion that are operatively coupled together, such as through a fastener. The primary portion may comprise one or more primary projections (e.g., first and second primary projections) and/or the secondary portion may comprise one or more secondary projections (e.g., first and second secondary projections). In a first position adjacent projections may be retracted towards each other. In the first position the anchor may be installed into a cavity of the decking panel. The anchor may be rotated into a pre-installed position, and a force is exerted on the anchor such that the projections contact the webs of the decking. In response to continued force the projections move with respect to each other such that the anchor is moved into an installed position (e.g., the adjacent projections extend with respect to each other).

Abstract: An adaptor for connecting a ground screw to an upright beam of a solar panel support assembly includes (a) a cylindrical connector having an open ground-screw receiving bottom end and a top end, the cylindrical connector having an inner circumferential surface with a diameter slightly larger than that of the ground screw and at least two sets of bolt holes, each set of bolt holes including at least three bolt holes uniformly distributed circumferentially about the cylindrical connector at an axial level, and the at least two sets of bolt holes being axially distanced from one another; (b) an intermediate plate having a top surface and a bottom surface fixed to the top end of the cylindrical connector; and (c) an upright beam connector fixed to the top surface of the intermediate plate and extending upward from the intermediate plate.

Abstract: A fuse and a method of using the fuse to removably couple a structure to an anchor preferably partially embedded in concrete. The fuse is configured to be removably coupled to the anchor so that the fuse is positioned in a load path between the anchor and the structure. The fuse is configured to deform in a ductile manner when the structure exerts a force on the fuse that causes a stress in the fuse which exceeds an elastic limit of the fuse. The fuse may be decoupled from the anchor without altering the concrete, the anchor, and the structure. If the structure exerts a force on the fuse that causes the fuse to deform in a ductile manner, the fuse may be decoupled from the anchor and replaced with another fuse.

Abstract: A building facade consisting of a building wall, an insulating layer comprising insulating elements, having a surface and disposed on the building wall, a facade cladding which is disposed at a distance from the building wall and from the insulating layer to form a rearventilation gap between insulating layer and facade cladding and a lock element provided for fire protection, which is disposed between neighbouring insulating elements of the insulating layer. In order to further develop a building facade in such a manner that it can be manufactured simply and therefore cost-effectively without additional structural elements being provided, the invention proposes a generic building facade where the lock element is formed in one piece from fibre material, extends over the surface of the insulating layer in the direction of the facade cladding and exhibits a compressibility and/or flexibility aligned at least predominantly between building wall and facade cladding.

Abstract: A break away connector system is provided for coupling together structural elements, such as a firewall and a floor or ceiling. The break away connector system comprises a support member and a fusible member. The support member is connectable to a firewall for securing a floor or ceiling to the firewall. The break away connector system further comprises at least one securing member for connecting the floor or ceiling to the support member. The fusible member has a lower melting point than the support member. The support member is configured such that when the fusible member is weakened by heat, the floor or ceiling is slidably releasable from the support member. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for constructing a firewall connection system.

Abstract: A device raises drywall off of a flooring surface. The device cooperates with a track which is connected to the flooring surface, the track having a side wall. The device includes a rod to which are connected a plurality of spaced apart clips. The clips are shaped and dimensioned to connect to the side wall of the track so that the rod resides outside the track and rests upon the flooring surface. The drywall is then placed upon the rod and thereby is spaced apart from the flooring surface.

Abstract: A wall lining of industrial ovens for protecting from corrosion, in particular, a heat-resistant wall made of concrete, steel, sheet metal, or the like. The lining of the wall is made of at least two layers, wherein a layer is pressurized as a blocking layer.

Abstract: A method of erecting a pylon of a wind power installation is provided. The method includes providing a foundation and placing a plurality of height adjusting units on the foundation. The height adjusting units are made substantially from a plastic material. A load distribution ring is placed on the plurality of height adjusting units. The load distribution ring is straightened and leveled by adjustment of the height adjusting units. A gap between the foundation and the load distribution ring is filled with a grouting material. A pylon segment is placed on the load distribution ring after the grouting material has reached a predetermined strength. The height adjusting units are configured to jointly bear the weight of the load distribution ring, and are configured to yield under a selected load that is greater that a weight of the load distribution ring.

Abstract: A non-metallic explosion vent is provided for protecting a confined space from a high overpressure condition. Reinforcing material having greater tensile strength than the resin, such as glass fiber roving, mesh or fabric, is embedded in the panel. An elongated, overall U-shaped groove extends inwardly from one of the surfaces of the panel through only a portion of the thickness of the panel. The groove interrupts the reinforcing material and defines a line of weakness that presents a relief area of the panel that opens under a predetermined overpressure condition. A plurality of spaced reinforcing components preferably overlie the groove, and optionally may extend across the relief area of the panel, transversely thereof and at an angle to one another. The reinforcing components contribute to control of the burst pressure of the vent and assist in preventing separation of the vent area from the body of the panel and/or fragmentation of the vent area during opening thereof.

Abstract: A baffle system that can be used to provide ventilation to attics and roofs at the time of new roof construction or retrofit and further provides for solar thermal energy control and harvesting systems in conjunction or combination with the baffle systems. According to one embodiment, the baffle vents are made from a resilient material and are designed and configured to be flexed into a deformed shape, positioned between adjacent roof rafters and released whereupon the baffle vents become wedged between adjacent roof rafters. The baffle vents can function as radiant barriers by providing the baffle vents with a reflecting coating(s) or reflective surface(s). The baffle vents can function as radiant collectors by positioning solar thermal collectors in the air flow channels defined by the baffle vents and darkening the lower surface of the roof sheeting plane.

Abstract: The end of a transversely extending beam mates to a wall structure by a self-releasing structural assembly. It has a first portion anchored to the wall. A second, fireproof and non-thermally degradable, portion sticks out from the wall. It defines a seat for receiving vertical shear loads from the beam. The assembly also includes a thermally degradable member keyed to the second portion. Both portions have slots for beam end fasteners. The beam fasteners squeeze the end of the beam, the support bracket seat, and the consumable, thermally degradable member in compression. When exposed to heat or flame the consumable, thermally degradable member softens, releasing the tension in the beam end fasteners, and releasing the compression in the parts. The end of the beam can then move away from the wall. The consumable member can be inspected, replaced, and the beam fasteners re-tensioned, without unseating the beam end.

Abstract: The end of a beam is joined to a wall structure by a self-releasing structural assembly. The self-releasing structural assembly has a first portion that is anchored to the wall. A second portion sticks out from the wall. This portion is fireproof and non-thermally degradable. It defines a seat for receiving the beam end. The assembly also includes a thermally degradable member mounted to the second portion. In normal use the beam fasteners squeeze the end of the beam, the support bracket seat, and the consumable, thermally degradable member in compression. When exposed to heat or flame the consumable, thermally degradable member softens, releasing the compression in the structural sandwich of parts. The end of the beam is then able to translate away from the wall structure. The consumable member can be inspected, replaced if necessary, and the beam fasteners re-tensioned, without removing the beam end from the seat.

Abstract: A utility pole comprises a hollow elongate body (1) formed from a composite material including reinforcing fibres embedded in a matrix material and an energy-absorbing region comprising at least one elongate weakened zone (2, 4, 12) formed in the hollow elongate body (1), the at least one weakened zone promoting delamination of the fibres and the matrix material if a vehicle strikes the utility pole.

Abstract: A break away connector system is provided for coupling together structural elements, such as a firewall and a floor or ceiling. The break away connector system comprises a support member and a fusible member. The support member is connectable to a firewall for securing a floor or ceiling to the firewall. The break away connector system further comprises at least one securing member for connecting the floor or ceiling to the support member. The fusible member has a lower melting point than the support member. The support member is configured such that when the fusible member is weakened by heat, the floor or ceiling is slidably releasable from the support member. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for constructing a firewall connection system.

Abstract: The end of a beam is joined to a wall structure by a self-releasing structural assembly. The self-releasing structural assembly has a first portion that is anchored to the wall. A second portion sticks out from the wall. This portion is fireproof and non-thermally degradable. It defines a seat for receiving the beam end. The assembly also includes a thermally degradable member mounted to the second portion. In normal use the beam fasteners squeeze the end of the beam, the support bracket seat, and the consumable, thermally degradable member in compression. When exposed to heat or flame the consumable, thermally degradable member softens, releasing the compression in the structural sandwich of parts. The end of the beam is then able to translate away from the wall structure. The consumable member can be inspected, replaced if necessary, and the beam fasteners re-tensioned, without removing the beam end from the seat.

Abstract: A baffle system that can be used to provide ventilation to attics and roofs at the time of new roof construction or retrofit and further provides for solar thermal energy control and harvesting systems in conjunction or combination with the baffle systems. According to one embodiment, the baffle vents are made from a resilient material and are designed and configured to be flexed into a deformed shape, positioned between adjacent roof rafters and released whereupon the baffle vents become wedged between adjacent roof rafters. According to another embodiment the baffle vents have side edge portions that are configured to extend over the upper portions of roof rafters and thereby support the baffle vents between adjacent roof rafters. The baffle vents can function as radiant barriers by providing the baffle vents with a reflecting coating(s) or reflective surface(s).

Abstract: A conduit sleeve for a concrete pass through includes a tubular member having an inside diameter for receiving a cylindrical conduit at a forward end thereof. A flange is coupled to a rearward end of the tubular member. The flange is for coupling to a concrete form. A flexing structure is coupled to one or more of the tubular member and the flange for allowing the flange to be angled relative to the tubular member when the flange is installed on a concrete form. The tubular member is configured for receiving a conduit and the flexing structure allows the conduit to remain horizontal when there are variations in the angle of the form. Another conduit sleeve includes a coupling part, a flange, and a plurality of tabs that extend outwardly from the flange.

Abstract: A construction connector incorporating one or more fasteners can be formed by a plate including a plurality of openings, at least one fastener aligned with a corresponding opening in the plate and oriented substantially perpendicular to the plate, and a breakable connection coupling the fastener to the plate. The breakable connection further can comprise a weld. A second fastener also can be aligned with a second corresponding opening in the plate such that it is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plate, and a breakable connection can be used to couple the second fastener to the plate. Additionally, a second plate can be coupled to the plate, wherein the second plate includes at least one opening.

Abstract: A one piece flexible sanitary seal 16 of uniform cross-section is provided for over pressure vent structure that protects a confined space meeting hygienic standards. The seal 16 has an elongated body 38 provided with a central section 40, a C-shaped terminal end 42 having a main lug portion 46 and a secondary lug segment 48 that project away from each other with a cavity 50 therebetween, and a long tail portion 44 cooperating with the central section 40 to present a longitudinally extending angular groove 62. The seal 16 is adapted to be mounted between a vent membrane unit 14 and a frame component 18 of the vent structure. Lug portion 46 and lug segment 48 sealingly engage the inner surface of the vent membrane 14 inboard of a line of weakness therein defined by a series of slots. A rectangular projection 52 extends from the central section 40 in disposition to engage the vent membrane unit 14, outboard of the line of weakness.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for protecting pipe ends that project upwardly during building construction and for reducing the safety hazard posed by such pipe ends. The devices include a rigid body suitable for positioning on a base on which concrete will be poured, having two opposed end walls, two opposed side walls, a recess therebetween, a top end, a bottom end, and a lateral tab extending from at least one end wall. A shield is securable to at least one side wall for protecting the pipe ends during later construction. In two embodiments, a plate positioned at the bottom end has an opening dimensionally and spatially configured to correspond to each pipe end requiring protection.

Abstract: Unitary one-piece frameless overpressure vent panel assembly (10) includes a rigid, generally planar primary support member having a central relief opening (26), a rigid, generally planar secondary support member (44) provided with a central relief aperture (46), and a frangible vent panel (30) between the support members in full closing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture. A sealant element (48) may be provided between the vent panel and at least one of the support members in circumscribing relationship to the relief opening or aperture. At least one line of weakness (34) may be provided in the vent panel. A flexible gasket (58) secured to the secondary support member assures a fluid tight seal between the vent panel assembly and the structure defining a protected zone. Alternatively, a knife blade or the like may be provided adjacent the vent panel to effect severing thereof under a predetermined overpressure in lieu of a line of weakness in the panel.

Abstract: A molding includes an attaching portion to be bonded to an interior side of a peripheral edge of a glass plate and an elastic portion capable of being in close contact with a window opening. The molding is made of thermoplastic resin and has an electrically conductive member insert-molded therein, the electrically conductive member extending substantially parallel to a surface of the glass plate and generating heat by bringing an eddy current generator near thereto. The eddy current generator is brought near a surface of the transparent plate to generate heat in the electrically conductive member, thereby softening or melting the molding, and an external force is applied to the transparent plate to disassemble the transparent plate from the window opening of an automobile.

Abstract: Unitary one-piece frameless overpressure vent panel assembly (10) includes a rigid, generally planar primary support member having a central relief opening (26), a rigid, generally planar secondary support member (44) provided with a central relief aperture (46), and a frangible vent panel (30) between the support members in full closing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture. A sealant element (48) may be provided between the vent panel and at least one of the support members in circumscribing relationship to the relief opening or aperture. At least one line of weakness (34) may be provided in the vent panel. A flexible gasket (58) secured to the secondary support member assures a fluid tight seal between the vent panel assembly and the structure defining a protected zone. Alternatively, a knife blade or the like may be provided adjacent the vent panel to effect severing thereof under a predetermined overpressure in lieu of a line of weakness in the panel.

Abstract: A service shut off device which is a selected length of a composite body adapted to be formed into a shape to fit in use around a service line. The composite body has a flexible casing (20) and a body of intumescent material (28) received in the casing. The body of intumescent material (28) may be continuous. The composite body has means (32) associated with the casing to contain the intumescent material within the casing and means (36) to retain the collar in a selected shape around the service line. Mounting brackets (36) can clip onto the body or be part of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving one end of a utility conduit sleeve within a concrete form. The apparatus has a tubular body with an interior surface intersecting first and second ends. The tubular body receives one end of the sleeve through one end and has a flexible flange at its opposite end. The flexible flange is secured against an inside surface of the form. A breakable, thin cover extends over the opposite end of the tubular body to prevent material from entering the tubular body.

Abstract: A support pole including a baseplate attached to a footing and having a central opening formed therein. A hollow shaft has its lower end received by the central opening in the baseplate. The lower end of the shaft is shaped to provide one or more deformations which facilitate the shaft to baseplate connection.

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: 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: An improved waterproofing membrane comprising a preformed waterproofing adhesive layer, releasable sheet liner, and a string or plurality of strings operative to cut the release sheet liner into smaller portions for selective removal to expose portions of the adhesive layer for installation onto a building surface or civil engineering surface.

Abstract: A multiple ply composite structure used to reinforce, seal and shape concrete structures has a first ply formed of unidirected continuous filament reinforcements which are bonded together by a thermosetting polymeric resin matrix. A second ply comprises a plurality of separately spaced protuberances, each of which is individually coated with a hardenable thermosetting polymeric resin. The hardenable thermosetting polymeric resin of the second ply bonds the first ply to the second ply by forming a concave resin meniscus which anchors each of the protuberances of the second ply to the first ply.

Abstract: A self-contained device for filling voids in structures with insulating material is described. In particular, the present invention is useful for filling the weight pockets adjacent to windows in older buildings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ductile-failure anchor (2, 32) for concrete elements (3, 39) used in construction. Each anchor (2, 32) includes a plug (4, 34) attached to a securing element (5, 5a or 55) and secured within each concrete element (3, 39). The securing element may included folded bars or a strap 5a. The securing element (5, 55) is placed about the plug (4, 34) and either secured in place (a first option) or held in position about the plug (4, 34) by supports 38 (second option). Each securing element (5, 55) includes at least two regions (10), each region (10) being of a pre-determined length and cross-sectional area. When the anchor (2, 32) is overloaded each region (10) fails in a ductile manner before the burst strength of any part of the concrete element (3, 39) is reached.

Abstract: Concrete inserts are disclosed which are preferably embedded in the rear surface of a concrete wall panel and used to mount and support the wall panel from a building frame. The insert preferably comprises a U-shaped metal housing defining a longitudinally extending channel, the housing comprising two side members in spaced, facing relation to one another and a bight portion between the side members, the bight portion having a longitudinally extending slot therethrough. The insert is adapted to be embedded in the rear surface of the wall panel with the bight portion flush with the rear surface and the side members embedded in the concrete of the panel. The side members are preferably of a trapezoidal shape which provides the insert with high resistance to withdrawal from the concrete.

Abstract: A segmented, encapsulated insulation assembly preferably includes a blanket of fibrous insulation having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending cuts therein. The cuts divide the fibrous insulation into segments and weaken the fibrous insulation to permit the fibrous insulation to be selectively separated at any of the cuts. The fibrous insulation is encapsulated within an envelope having weakened transverse tear lines that divide the envelope into envelope segments. The transverse tear lines in the envelope overlay the cuts in the fibrous insulation to permit the envelope to be separated at the cuts thereby forming a plurality of encapsulated fibrous insulation modules. One or more of the encapsulated fibrous insulation modules can be selectively separated from the segmented, encapsulated fibrous insulation assembly to form an insulation panel of a desired length to insulate a cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides a releasable adhesive joint between two elements. The two elements are fixed to each other by means of an adhesive bead or by means of two or more adhesive beads. The adhesive joint comprises a heatable separating member closely fitting the adhesive bead or embedded in the adhesive bead, or closely fitting or embedded in one of the adhesive beads. The heatable separating member looses the adhesion to the closely fitting parts of the adhesive joint or is destroyed upon heating the heatable separating member to a temperature at which the adhesive bead is not yet damaged, thus releasing the parts of the adhesive bead closely fitting the heatable separating member. This releasable adhesive joint is especially useful in fixing vehicle glass panes to a vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A breakaway post coupling with a hollow, tubular sleeve which accomodates a ground-mounted stub post and a top, sign-supporting post. The sleeve is held onto the posts by a plurality of pins which engage a corresponding plurality of slots in the sleeve. Collars slidably engage the sleeve and force the pins into the post material as the collars are drawn over the sleeve and pins. A plurality of cutouts in the sleeve define a shear point in the coupling. When the top post is struck by a vehicle, the coupling breaks at the shear point, leaving an intact stub post upon which a new top post can be joined.

Abstract: A wallboard package having edge protective tape which connects two wallboards face-to-face, with an adhesive film on the tape inner surface adapted for use in affixing the wallboards to wall studs.

Abstract: A shock absorbing assembly having sections for controlling the modal deformation of collapse and capable of absorbing the dynamic energy of impact caused by the rapid deceleration of heavy masses is provided. The shock absorbing assembly has a plurality of arcuate steel sections sandwiched between steel plates with an elastomeric rubber compound secured to and covering at least one surface of one plate. Each of the arcuate steel sections are provided with a groove in its soffit.

Abstract: A breakaway support structure for a sign, light, or mailbox. A foundation post is anchored in the ground and has a projection extending from an upper end. A support post has a sleeve on a lower end which receives the projection. The sleeve and projection are interconnected by at least one linking member which has a preferentially breakable portion. The linking member in one embodiment may be an eyebolt which receives a shear pin. In another embodiment, the projection is a coil spring which is secured on one end to the foundation post and is connected to an annular housing on the lower end of the support post by two spaced fasteners having preferentially breakable portions. In another embodiment, a conventional sign post is retained in a cup-shaped housing that is connected to the projection of the foundation post by at least one linking member which has a preferentially breakable portion.

Abstract: A composite metal/concrete floor system and method of installation. The system includes a novel decking profile; snap-in cover plates to provide longitudinal cells for three services; a lateral trench with sheet metal rails and bottom plates; and cooperating preset inserts.

Abstract: An improved window assembly of the type that has a molded frame adhesively joined to the flange of the vehicle window opening includes means allowing it to be easily removed without significant damage and with access from only interior of the vehicle, as well as to be reinstalled easily. A cutting wire held in a groove surrounding the location of the adhesive bead has its terminal ends accessible from inside the vehicle. To remove the window, the wires are pulled from the interior of the vehicle, pulling the wire from the retention groove, past a flexible adhesive dam, and cutting completely through the adhesive bead. The window assembly may be combined with removable and reusable mechanical fasteners to both temporarily retain the window assembly as the adhesive cures, and to be reused to reinstall the window after its removal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing elongated siding panel members in an overlapping fashion to a building or the like. A clip is utilized for fitting over each end of a first lower panel and extending downwardly therefrom to form a self for receiving, holding and properly spacing the overlap of a second panel to be installed next. Consequently, a panel can be held in place and nailed on one end thereof to a stud or the like of the building and the other end will remain in position until such time that the installer can move to the other end to nail or otherwise secure such siding panel on the other end thereof. The clip also serves to space the sliding panel members apart so that the material thereof can breath to reduce or eliminate swelling and buckling of the siding after it is installed.

Abstract: A connection device for building structures preventing progressive collapse. A pull means (1) incorporated in the device is adapted to be connected to a part of the structure by means of a cast compound that allows controlled slippage of the pull means at a tensile stress in the pull means which is below its ultimate tensile strength. The pull means is provided with an anchoring means (2) which after abutment against a stop means (3) stops slippage after a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A pressure releasable safety antenna for off-road vehicles comprising an antenna mounted within the upper portion of a pressure releasable mounting assembly, the lower portion of the assembly being mounted on the vehicle and the upper portion being snapped within the lower portion, the upper portion releasing from within the lower portion upon the application of a lateral force on the antenna.

Abstract: In the particular embodiment described in the specification, a window pane mounting for a vehicle includes a flange on the vehicle forming a window opening, a cement bead extending between the flange and a window supported in the opening, and a resilient molding mounted on the flange and having a support structure including wire loops embedded in the resilient member joined to wire loops projecting through the cement bead, and a continuous wire joining the portions of the loops projecting through the cement bead so that the cement bead will be severed when the molding is removed from the flange.

Abstract: A partially separable attachment device for sheet metal screed and stake assemblies of the type used in forming concrete ground slabs serves to hold top portions of the sheet metal screed and its supporting screed stakes in interassembled relation for use in the screed-forming of concrete slabs of large area in smaller slab sections. The attachment device has a head portion projecting upwardly of the assemblage which serves as the screeding upper edge. This head portion is torn away after setting of the adjacent slab sections to provide recesses for the placement of caulking material protecting against the entrance of moisture.

Abstract: The insulation panel (26) includes a corrugated sheet (28) having a fibrous blanket of insulation (32) secured thereto and an end cap (41) secured to an upper portion of the corrugated sheet (28). The end cap (41) provides a means by which an upper portion of the panel (26) may be anchored to a vertical structural wall (11) to be insulated and a means by which a panel (26) in a next upper row may be supported. After installation, fastening means (43) between the end cap (41) and the corrugated sheet (28) is removed to allow the upper portion of the corrugated sheet (28) to float in the end cap (41) and compensate for thermal expansion and contraction. In another embodiment of the panel (26a), the fastening means (43a) between the end cap (41) and the corrugated sheet (28) is frangible and shears in two upon expansion and contraction of the corrugated sheet (28).

Abstract: This invention relates to energy conserving structural elements, commonly called window or door frames with outer framing being adapted to be installed in building wall rough openings, said framing has a strip of compressible expandable thermal insulation fastened in a recess in said framing and an enveloping means maintains said thermal insulation in a compressed state until said structural element is installed in said building wall, said enveloping means is of tearable material that can be rendered inoperative allowing said thermal insulation to expand and fill said air gap, reducing heat transfer either direction through said air gap.This invention relates to all objects constructed to be inserted into other objects creating an air gap that should be sealed and thermally insulated.