Abstract: Embodiments, apparatuses, and systems for improving the safety and reducing operating costs associated with owning and/or operating a pool. For example, the system may be configured as an above-surface grade deck or traversable and retractable cover for a pool basin or other yard obstruction. In some cases, the deck may include open positions to expose the pool basin and closed position to cover the pool basin.

Abstract: A tower (1) having equipment (3) mounted thereon is disclosed. The tower (1) has an ice shield assembly (2) for protection to of the equipment (3) against falling ice mounted thereon. The ice shield assembly (2) comprises a tower fixture arrangement (5) being secured to the tower (1) and an ice shield (4) connected 5 to the tower fixture arrangement (5) via a hinge (6). The ice shield (4) is configured for vertically overlapping the horizontal extends of the equipment (3). The ice shield assembly (2) further comprises at least one spring element (7), e.g. in the form of a curved rod, connected at one end to the ice shield (4) and at an opposite end to the tower (1), the at least one spring element (7) 10 being configured to allow the ice shield (4) to pivot relative to the tower (1) at the hinge (6) in order to ensure a gradual transfer of energy from falling ice, which collides with the ice shield (4).

Abstract: A two-piece trim assembly covers the ends of siding used on building exterior walls. The trim assembly includes an L-shaped base and L-shaped cover. The base is secured to the wall first, then the siding strips are attached to the wall such that the ends of the strips are in close proximity to the upstanding leg of the base. Then the cover is installed so that one leg overlies the upstanding leg of the base and the front leg overlies the corners of the siding strips. The inner surface of the base and the outer surface of the cover or color coordinated with the siding strip, with the non-colored surfaces of the base and cover being hidden from view when the base and cover are assembled.

Abstract: A mobile communications device includes a wireless communication transceiver to communicate commands or messages and to receive commands, measurements or messages, one or more memory devices, one or more processors, computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices, accessed from the one or more memory devices and executable by the one or more processors to cause the mobile device to communicate, via the wireless communication transceiver, commands, messages or instructions to a first umbrella to control some operations of the first umbrella and communicate, via the wireless communication transceiver, commands, messages or instructions to a second umbrella to control some operations of the second umbrella. The wireless transceiver may communicate utilizing a personal area network (PAN) communications protocol, a wireless local area network communications protocol or a cellular communications protocol.

Abstract: The window well cover is a cover that is placed on top of the window well. The window well cover is a screened frame that prevents debris from falling into the window well but allows light to pass into the window well in order to provide natural light to enter cellar environments. The window well cover is fitted with a first door and a second door that allows access into the window well for maintenance purposes. The first door and the second door are secured with a locking latch when closed. The window well cover comprises a first door, a second door, a master panel, and a locking latch. The first door and the second door are mounted on the master panel. The locking latch secures the first door and the second door in the closed position.

Abstract: The Panoramic Pet View is a new approach to allowing pets to look through a wall or a fence. It provides a 180 degree view for the pet, and the pet can turn its head inside of the Panoramic Pet View. The design of this device allows the pet to hear sound as well as seeing in all directions including up and down.

Abstract: A framework for a building structure. The framework is constructed of two open-walled structures, an inner core structure and an outer core structure. Each core structure is a six-sided cuboid structure formed by hollow horizontal and vertical conduits. The inner core structure is smaller than the outer core structure and interconnecting hollow conduit webs link the two cores. The inner core may be placed on a different horizontal plane than the outer structure, in which case, the interconnecting webs slope from one core to the other one. The conduits of the cores are dimensioned to house utility systems, such as plumbing, wiring, staircases, etc. Walls, windows, doors may be attached to the core structures, to achieve a residential or commercial space suitable for the intended purpose.

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: In one aspect, the present invention provides a “floating” shelf assembly that is configured for mounting on attic rafters or exposed wall studs. In at least one embodiment, the shelf assembly comprises a shelf that includes rotatable mounts at a first edge, which are configured to mount to adjacent rafters at a desired height above the attic floor or insulation. The shelf further includes flexible members which are configured to hang the opposing, second edge of the shelf from an overhead mounting point. The ability to rotate the shelf relative to its mounted first edge allows easy leveling of the shelf by adjusting the hanging length of the flexible members suspending the second edge of the shelf. The shelf assembly also permits direct use with wall studs, where the rotatable mounts are attached to the wall studs and the flexible members are pulled taught, diagonally back and above the shelf.

Abstract: A deck for positioning adjacent a structure may include a foundation configured for positioning relatively proximate to the structure, a frame extending from the foundation, and a deck system arranged about and supported by the frame, wherein the deck is adapted for positioning adjacent the structure and for cantilevering away from the structure.

Abstract: A concealable cantilever support has a first leg extending from an outward end to an inward end, and near its inward end at least one adjusting hole; and a second leg orthogonal to the first leg, and integrally joined at an inward end thereof to the inward end of the first leg, inward faces of the first and second legs facing each other without intervening material. A portion of the first leg distal from the adjusting hole is restrained flat to the hidden face of the wall, the second leg protrudes from a roomward face of the wall with its outward face upward and orthogonal to the wall, a portion of the first leg adjacent the adjusting hole is free to flex away from the hidden face of the wall by actuation of an adjusting screw inserted through the adjusting hole.

Abstract: A construction apparatus for use within an elevator hoistway is provided. The construction apparatus includes span members, each span member having a first end, a second end and a length. Sill attachments are connected to the first end of the span members. The sill attachments are configured to rotate about and seat against a building sill. A support member connected to the second end of the span members. The support members are configured to seat against a second side of the elevator hoistway. The length of the span members is longer than a horizontal distance from the building sill to the second side of the elevator hoistway such that the span members rest in an inclined orientation with respect to a substantially horizontal axis. One or more platforms is supported by one or more forms, the platforms arranged such as to provide a working platform within the elevator hoistway.

Abstract: A balcony assembly for attachment to a load-bearing structure of a building is provided. The assembly has a plate of low thermal mass composite material such as fiberglass. A supporting structure attached to the plate provides rigidity. An anchor is configured to attach one side of the balcony assembly to a floor of the building in a cantilevered arrangement. The balcony assembly is useful in minimizing heat transfer through concrete floor slabs, and has the added benefit of reducing the overall weight of the balcony, which in turn allows lighter construction of the building.

Abstract: The embodiments presented herein include systems and methods for mitigating fatigue and fracture in mast-and-arm supporting structures caused by wind and other excitation forces. In particular, the embodiments presented herein utilize pre-stressed devices to reduce tensile stresses in arm-to-mast connections and/or mast-to-foundation connections of the traffic signal supporting structures. Present embodiments may employ stressed cables, post-tensioned bars (e.g., DYWIDAG bars), threaded rods, and so forth, to mitigate fatigue and fracture in the traffic signal supporting structures.

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 balcony assembly for attachment to a load-bearing structure of a building is provided. The assembly has a plate of low thermal mass composite material such as fiberglass. A supporting structure attached to the plate provides rigidity. An anchor is configured to attach one side of the balcony assembly to a floor of the building in a cantilevered arrangement. The balcony assembly is useful in minimizing heat transfer through concrete floor slabs, and has the added benefit of reducing the overall weight of the balcony, which in turn allows lighter construction of the building.

Abstract: The invention is an assembly of elements to collect solar energy and rain water. Solar energy is converted to electricity by either photovoltaic film or laminate panels or sheets mounted atop arcuate, curved canopy structures that are formed and positioned like “wings”. Rainwater is collected by the low-incidence arcuate curved wings and directed to a central trough along the wings' structural spine, which conducts it through a support column to a water container or vessel. In a preferred embodiment the vessel is an underground container extending parallel to and as long as the above-ground structural spine of the assembly.

Abstract: A method of building a structure, the method including the steps of: 1. fabricating a generally longitudinal, non-steel sub-structure of the structure with a cable retainer attached to, or forming part of, the sub-structure and that extends substantially longitudinally therealong; 2. assembling the sub-structure into a structure; 3. inserting a cable into the cable retainer; 4. after step 2, applying a tensile force to the cable relative to the cable retainer; and 5. after step 4, bonding the cable to the cable retainer.

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 method of building a structure, the method including the steps of: 1. fabricating a generally longitudinal, steel sub-structure of the structure with a cable retainer attached to, or forming part of, the substructure and that extends substantially longitudinally therealong; 2. assembling the sub-structure into a structure; 3. inserting a cable into the cable retainer; 4. after step 2, applying a tensile force to the cable relative to the cable retainer; and 5. after step 4, bonding the cable to the cable retainer.

Abstract: A strong, aesthetically pleasing solar power structure comprising a hollow-beam frame, a plurality of photovoltaic panels, a sub-assembly for holding the PV panels, and a plurality of columns is provided. Also provided is a kit for making such a structure.

Abstract: A carport for a vehicle includes a roof, a concrete foundation, and a battery charging station. The roof is mounted to the concrete foundation via at least one support. The concrete foundation has a storage area therein. The charging station has a component for charging a battery of an electric vehicle parked underneath the roof next to the concrete foundation. The component of the charging station is positioned within the storage area of the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A carport for a vehicle includes a roof, a concrete foundation, and a battery charging station. The roof is mounted to the concrete foundation via at least one support. The concrete foundation has a storage area therein. The charging station has a component for charging a battery of an electric vehicle parked underneath the roof next to the concrete foundation. The component of the charging station is positioned within the storage area of the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A steel structural member is secured to a vertical cast concrete member or wall by a connector system including a fabricated steel receiver embedded within the wall. Embedded anchors are attached to the receiver which has upper and lower front wall portions flush with the concrete wall and define a front opening. A support bracket has a horizontal plate attached to the beam and a vertical plate which fits through the front opening within the receiver. The bracket is attached to the beam which is then elevated, and the vertical plate is inserted through the opening into the receiver. The beam and vertical plate are then shifted downwardly until opposite upper and lower edge portions of the vertical plate are blocked by the front wall portions of the receiver. In the illustrated embodiment, the front opening and vertical plate are generally rectangular with the opening wider than the plate.

Abstract: A foldaway balcony comprises a platform structure tiltably mounted on a wall and a rail structure mounted to the platform structure. The platform structure comprises a box-like support structure and a planar floor structure which are tiltable relative to the wall separately from each other. The rail structure comprises a plurality of rail elements, which are hinged at the edge of the support structure of the platform structure, and are tiltable between a stored position, in which they lay within the support structure, and a deployed position, in which they stand relative to the support structure. When the platform structure moves from the closed position to the open position, first the support structure is tilted, then the rail elements move from the stored position to the deployed position, and finally the floor structure is tilted.

Abstract: A structure for outdoor marquees, pergolas and the like, of the type that comprises at least one supporting post with a substantially vertical arrangement, which is associated with at least one beam which can have an even slightly inclined arrangement. The beam comprises two mutually opposite profiles having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, the first profile, which is superimposed on the second profile and faces it, accommodating elements for moving a marquee associated with the structure, the second profile constituting a path for collecting rainwater that drains off the marquee in order to convey it to a drainage path.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modular carport structure comprising one upright member (2), a cantilever roof structure (3) designed to be supported by this upright member (2), and star-like connecting means (4) designed to support and connect the cantilever roof structure (3) to the upright member (2).

Abstract: A deck for positioning adjacent a structure may include a foundation configured for positioning relatively proximate to the structure, a frame extending from the foundation, and a deck system arranged about and supported by the frame, wherein the deck is adapted for positioning adjacent the structure and for cantilevering away from the structure.

Abstract: A grommet closure device for sealing a cable opening in a raised floor, the device comprising: a frame structure defining an aperture; and a sealing member having flexible sealing means attached along its length in cantilever fashion, the sealing member being arranged to span the aperture such that unattached ends of the sealing means can extend away from the sealing member and rest on the frame structure, thereby covering the aperture.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a dual-skin flexible wall capable of interaction with at least one rigid mount, the device being mounted at the opposite edges of two skins to be retained by the rigid mount. The device includes a cord designed to interact with a groove formed in the rigid mount, and an inflatable bead capable of spacing the two skins away from and parallel to each other. Once inflated, the inflatable bead has a substantially cylindrical shape and remains confined outside the volume occupied by the rigid mount.

Abstract: A steel structural member such as a joist or beam is secured to a vertical cast concrete member or wall by a connector system including a fabricated steel receiver embedded within the wall. Embedded anchors are attached to the receiver which has front wall portions flush with the concrete wall and define a front opening. A support bracket has a horizontal plate attached to the beam and a vertical plate which fits through the front opening within the receiver. The bracket is attached to the beam which is then elevated, and the vertical plate is inserted through the opening into the receiver. The beam and vertical plate are then shifted until opposite edge portions of the vertical plate are blocked by the front wall portions of the receiver. In the illustrated embodiment, the front opening and vertical plate are generally triangular, and the support bracket has a welded reinforcing gusset.

Abstract: A steel structural member such as a joist or beam is secured to a vertical cast concrete by a connector system including a fabricated steel receiver embedded within the wall. Embedded anchors are attached to the receiver which has front wall portions flush with the concrete wall and define a front opening. A support bracket has an attachment plate secured to the beam and a vertical plate which fits through the front opening within the receiver. The bracket is attached to the beam which is then elevated, and the vertical plate is inserted through the opening into the receiver. The beam and vertical plate are then shifted until opposite edge portions of the vertical plate are blocked by the front wall portions of the receiver. In the illustrated embodiments, the front opening and vertical plate are generally triangular, and the support bracket has a vertical or horizontal attachment plate.

Abstract: Systems are provided for use in balcony structures. The system includes a joist comprising an upper chord and a lower chord separated by a web. One end of the joist is supported by a supporting member and a cantilevered balcony extends generally perpendicularly from the supporting member. The cantilevered balcony comprises a cementitious balcony slab extending from a cementitious floor slab. The cementitious floor slab includes a backspan region extending from the top of the supporting member opposite the cementitious balcony slab. A portion of the joist in the backspan region comprises a decking supporting member coupled to the web. The joist in the backspan region supports decking using the decking supporting member; however, the joist beyond the backspan region supports decking above the upper chord. In this way, the cementitious floor slab in the backspan region is thicker than the cementitious floor slab beyond the backspan region.

Abstract: Systems are provided for use in balcony structures. The system includes a joist comprising an upper chord and a lower chord separated by a web. One end of the joist is supported by a supporting member and a cantilevered balcony extends generally perpendicularly from the supporting member. The cantilevered balcony comprises a cementitious balcony slab extending from a cementitious floor slab. The cementitious floor slab includes a backspan region extending from the top of the supporting member opposite the cementitious balcony slab. A portion of the joist in the backspan region comprises a decking supporting member coupled to the web. The joist in the backspan region supports decking using the decking supporting member; however, the joist beyond the backspan region supports decking above the upper chord. In this way, the cementitious floor slab in the backspan region is thicker than the cementitious floor slab beyond the backspan region.

Abstract: A reflective light shelf includes a first wall including an outer surface exhibiting a combination of diffuse and spectral reflectivity adapted to reflect light into the associated building structure and an inner surface disposed opposite the outer surface. A second wall includes an inner surface disposed in facing relation to the inner surface of the first wall and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The second wall is disposed in spaced relation to the first wall such that a shelf height is defined between the outer surfaces of the first and second walls. An inner-core structure is operatively connected between the inner surfaces of the first and second walls. A reflective light shelf system and method are also included.

Abstract: Systems are provided for use in balcony structures. The system includes a joist comprising an upper chord and a lower chord separated by a web. One end of the joist is supported by a supporting member and a cantilevered balcony extends generally perpendicularly from the supporting member. The cantilevered balcony comprises a cementitious balcony slab extending from a cementitious floor slab. The cementitious floor slab includes a backspan region extending from the top of the supporting member opposite the cementitious balcony slab. A portion of the joist in the backspan region comprises a decking supporting member coupled to the web between the upper chord and the lower chord. The joist in the backspan region supports decking using the decking supporting member; however, the joist beyond the backspan region supports decking above the upper chord. In this way, the cementitious floor slab in the backspan region is thicker than the cementitious floor slab beyond the backspan region.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly is included that is capable of securing an associated rigid sunscreen on an associated building structure. The mounting bracket assembly can include a first bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated building structure and a second bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated rigid sunscreen. The first bracket can include a first interengaging feature, and the second bracket can include a second interengaging feature that is cooperative with the first interengaging feature of the first bracket. A sunscreen and mounting bracket assembly, a sunscreen and mounting bracket kit, and a method of assembly are also included.

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: An information display shelter includes at least a canopy, a supporting structure, a receiving device, and a signaling path. The canopy includes a display area on at least one surface thereof. The supporting structure is connected to and supports the canopy over a sheltered area defined by a width and a length of a parking space. The supporting structure is configured so as to permit substantially unobstructed access to the sheltered area and viewing of the display area. The receiving device is operable to receive and process a signal including images to be displayed. The signaling path couples the receiving device to the canopy and facilitates communication of the images to the canopy for display in the display area.

Abstract: A column borne building construction according to the present invention comprises a building and one substantially vertical column for bearing the load of said building construction. The building has a polyhedron shape, this polyhedron shape having a top face defining a polygon shape by means of N1 top edges and N1 top vertices. The polyhedron shape comprises additional faces other than said top face, which additional faces are defined by additional edges and additional vertices. The top face is substantially perpendicular to the column and encircling the column. Each of the N1 top vertices join two top edges and at least one additional edge of the polyhedron. The column has a top coupling point and at least 3 of the N1 top vertices are connected to the column by means of a tension member. The extensions of these tension members coincide in the top coupling point.

Abstract: An extendible shelter connectable to a building has an extendible frame and a plurality of covers, connected to an outermost frame end, for covering the frame. Adjacent covers are connected to one another at outermost edge ends of their adjacent edges, which are threaded through a fastener. As the frame is extended outwardly away from the building, the adjacent edges are drawn through the fastener, which fastens the edges together to automatically fasten the adjacent covers. When the frame is retracted, the fastener unfastens the edges and covers. Anchor for locking wheels for the frame in fixed position on a ground surface over which the shelter extends are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly is included that is capable of securing an associated rigid sunscreen on an associated building structure. The mounting bracket assembly can include a first bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated building structure and a second bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated rigid sunscreen. The first bracket can include a first interengaging feature, and the second bracket can include a second interengaging feature that is cooperative with the first interengaging feature of the first bracket. A sunscreen and mounting bracket assembly, a sunscreen and mounting bracket kit, and a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: A building barrier system wherein a portion of the building barrier system can transition between an erect position and a substantially flat position thereby allowing access to the interior of the structure without having to disassemble the building barrier system and associated method.

Abstract: A support or jack that hangs from the tabs of a poured concrete wall. The support may include a hook that engages in an opening in the tab, to connect the support to the wall. The support may include a slot in which the tab is received, to connect the support to the wall.

Abstract: A shelter is adapted to protect any prospective passengers of a bus from weather-related elements while he or she awaits arrival of the bus at a bus stop. The bus-stop shelter includes an upstanding post defining a first end thereof adapted to be installed below a surface of ground by which the shelter is supported and a second end of the post adapted to be disposed above the ground surface. A canopy defines a substantially central portion thereof and is adapted to be supported at a portion of the canopy off the central portion by the second end of the post and substantially over the prospective passenger such that the canopy protects the prospective passenger from the weather-related elements.

Abstract: A curb-mounted screen for roof-top equipment has wall structure spaced outwardly from the curb for concealing the equipment from view. Fasteners secured to generally horizontally extending support members are hooked over the curb to secure the screen thereto without attaching the screen to the underlying roof or the equipment thereon.

Abstract: A retractable cover for a surface includes a first section configured to be movably coupled to the surface and covering at least a first portion of the surface. The first section is movable relative to the surface between an open orientation in which said first portion of the surface is uncovered and a closed orientation in which the first portion of the surface is covered. The retractable cover further includes a second section configured to be movably coupled to the surface. The second section is movable between a lowered orientation relatively closer to a second portion of the surface and a raised orientation relatively more remote from the second portion of the surface.

Abstract: The cable bracket mechanism is extendable between a cleat or clamp mounted to a building and a part of a bay or bow window that is remote from the building. The mechanism includes an elongated bracket having a a flange at one end extending about right angles to the main body and a reversely curved hook portion at the other end that is joined to the main body and is extended into a second bracket opening, a cable having one end connected to a building and at its opposite end to a stud extended through an aperture in the flange, the second bracket being mounted to the window, and a fastener threadable on the stud to bear against the flange for adjusting the tension in the cable.

Abstract: A floor grommet for use in building and office structures supplied with air conditioning via under floor plenum. Directed flow of conditioned air is optimized by limiting the escape of air from the plenum into the space above the floor by leakage through floor openings provided for power cables, data cables and the like. Specialized floor grommets installed in the cable openings are comprised of a surrounding frame mounting sealing elements comprised of thin, flexible elements which are anchored at one end in the grommet frame and extend toward the center of the opening, from each side, to effectively close the opening against significant flow of conditioned air from the plenum below. Cables passing through the grommet opening cause minimal deflection of the flexible elements to limit the escape of conditioned air. Preferably, the resilient, flexible elements are filamentary in nature.

Abstract: A floor grommet for use in building and office structures supplied with air conditioning via under floor plenum. Directed flow of conditioned air is optimized by limiting the escape of air from the plenum into the space above the floor by leakage through floor openings provided for power cables, data cables and the like. Specialized floor grommets installed in the cable openings are comprised of a surrounding frame mounting sealing elements comprised of thin, flexible elements which are anchored at one end in the grommet frame and extend toward the center of the opening, from each side, to effectively close the opening against significant flow of conditioned air from the plenum below. Cables passing through the grommet opening cause minimal deflection of the flexible elements to limit the escape of conditioned air. Preferably, the resilient, flexible elements are filamentary in nature.