Abstract: Structure (1) for mounting, on a building wall, at least one frame (50) consisting of a rectangular framework (51), comprising a carcass (2) made of at least two uprights (3) and at least two crossbars (4) assembled so as to form at least one rectangular underframe (15) adapted for receiving a frame (50), and means for fixing at least one frame on the carcass, each upright (3) having a central core (31) bordered by two side wings (32, 33) comprising recesses (38, 39) for receiving the crossbars (4). Each crossbar (4) has a central core (40) and side wings (41, 42) comprising recesses in line with the uprights (3) at the intersections between the crossbars (4) and the uprights (3) in such a way that the wings of the uprights (3) and the crossbars (4), extending on the inner periphery of the rectangular underframe (15), form a projecting border on which a frame (5) may be fitted. Wall provided with a structure of this type on which panel-holding frames are mounted.

Abstract: A method includes substantially filling with joint sealant first and second kerfs in upper and lower ends, respectively, of a curtain wall member. A locating-and-retaining member of a latching member is embedded in the first kerf's sealant. A receiving-and-retaining member of a first bracket is embedded in the second kerf's sealant, the wall member initially extending upwardly and angularly outwardly relative to the first bracket. The wall member is pivoted inwardly such that an end of a nominally horizontally-disposed portion of the latching member slides along a lower surface of a supporting member of a second bracket causing the latching member to rotate downwardly, compressing foam tape beneath the horizontally-disposed portion. The end of the latching member moves past a locking member until a latch comes into latching engagement with the locking member, the foam tape decompressing and maintaining the latching member in engagement with the lower surface.

Abstract: A window frame features solar electric cells on its exterior side that provide solar electricity for buffer storage in rechargeable batteries housed also in the window frame. Also integrated in the window frame are light emitting diodes that are activated during absence of daylight and powered from the solar electricity stored in the batteries. In that way a simple and compact system is provided for solar powered interior lighting that may be easily maintained and retrofitted in existing buildings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an installation structure of exterior wall decorative sheet (1) possible for easily installing a wall surface (W) of the exterior wall decorative sheet (1), preventing the exterior wall decorative sheet (1) from moving upwards. It includes a plurality of solar panels (3), which is an exterior wall decorative sheet (1), a lower runner (2) holding the plurality of solar panels (3) at a lower side thereof, and an upper runner (2) holding the plurality of solar panels (3) at an upper side. The upper runner (2) includes a fixed portion (21) fixed to the wall surface (W), a rotating portion (22) attaching a base side thereof vertically and rotatably to the fixed portion (21), and an upper engaging portion (23) provided in a tip side of the rotating portion (22), engaged with the solar panel (3) by rotating the rotating portion (22) downwards, and disengaged with the solar panel (3) by rotating the rotating portion (22) upwards.

Abstract: Methods are described for integrating a UL compliant power generating system within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade, and are adapted to be UL compliant.

Abstract: A suspension system secures thin, light-weight, monolithic panels which appear as adjacent courses of brick to be suspended adjacent a substrate in a manner permitting sliding movement in the x-direction while inhibiting motion in the y- and z-directions, and, such that air can circulate behind the panel to prevent mold growth. The primary suspension hardware is an H-shaped channel with two vertically extending arms which secure the panels at the desired spaced position from the substrate.

Abstract: A modular wall system 10 includes a number of decorative panels that are received in an extruded panel frame 22. The panel frames 22 are positioned by connecting them to a wall rail 16 that is attached to the building. The wall rail 16 and the panel frame 22 each have a groove 52, 62 that accepts a fastener or clip 18 by interference or snap fit to attach the panel frame 22 to the wall rail 16. The grooves 52, 62 have a dove-tail shape that permits a snap fit to secure the panels 12 yet permit the panels to be easily removed or reconfigured.

Abstract: A translucent wall panel includes a single body of translucent polycarbonate material having skin walls and a multiwall support extending between the skin walls. The skin walls include an outer weather wall, an inner liner wall, a longitudinally extending first side and a longitudinally extending second side opposite to the first side. The first side has outer projecting and recess parts and the second side has outer projecting and recess parts. The projecting and recess parts of the first side are of mating form with corresponding recess and projecting parts respectively of the second side for engagement between the first side of one panel and the second side of another like panel. The sides have additional spacer recesses which are aligned so that when two similar panels are aligned adjacent to one another a spacer element bridges a gap between the panels and a support frame element such as a purlin.

Abstract: A wall panel system includes at least one wall panel, each edge of the panel having a flange. At least one flange, and preferably two opposing flanges, have at least one slot therein. Each slot is mated with a clip having two extensions laterally spaced from one another, one of said extensions having a latch member protruding in a direction toward the other of said extensions, such that the clip is secured to the flange by virtue of the latch member mating with the slot. The clip may then be attached to a building surface or intermediary mounting apparatus by a fastener to secure the wall panel thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a masonry support system and method, suitable for bearing the load of a course of brick-work or defined brickwork panels, comprising a horizontal support section (2) in the X-plane for supporting said load; a vertical support section (3) in the Y-plane for affixing to a support structure; characterized in that there is provided integrated Z-axis adjustment means (61) for adjusting said relieving angle system forward or backwards relative to the support structure. The advantage of the present invention is that the system provides integrated Z-axis adjustment. This feature provides a unique level of tolerance compensation for unforeseen site variances. The invention provides a uniquely adjustable and easy to install angle brick masonry support system.

Abstract: A building element includes a glass panel defining an outer circumferential rim including at least two rectilinear segments, a first one of which defines a first length and a second one of which defines a second length. The glass panel is made of hardened glass and has a specific coefficient of thermal expansion. The building element further includes a first pultruded element having a length corresponding to the first length, and a second pultruded element having a length corresponding to the second length. The first and second pultruded elements are adhered in a high strength integral adhesion to the hardened glass panel along the first and second rectilinear segments, respectively, and the pultruded elements have a content of reinforcing fibers for providing a coefficient of thermal expansion of the pultruded elements substantially corresponding to the specific coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A façade system for buildings provides supports for glass having less surface area, whereby a more undisturbed view to the outside is provided. The equipping is conducted by fastening the used insulating transparent pane units in two steps. The weight of the used glass pane elements is supported by bearings that may be arranged at any position of at least one substantially horizontal or substantially vertical structure element. Due to their substantially horizontal or vertical alignment the bearings do not influence the size of the visible portion of the faced structure. To keep the panes tight on the building, pressure structure elements are mounted from the outside of the building to fasten the panes tight on the building structure or a carrying element of the building.

Abstract: A seal plate for building panels includes an elongate body having a first side and second side. The first side of the elongate body includes first and second seals and a recessed channel. The first and second seals and the recessed channel extend at least a portion of the length of the elongate body. The recessed channel is positioned between the first and second seals.

Abstract: A building facade including an exterior envelope including facade elements, a rain barrier, profiled holding and supporting elements fixed vertically to floor edges, a thermal insulation system including a first insulating element in front of floor edges and a second insulating element on the inside, between floors, a vapor barrier, and an interior lining. The first insulating element is basically continuous across the surface of the facade, or is essentially free of air pockets, two adjacent breadths of the first insulating element being separated by a flat surface of the profiled elements projecting forwards of the floor edges.

Abstract: A panel assembly for mounting to the façade of a building which includes a panel member having a longitudinal axis, at least one opening through the panel member for receiving a fitting which is operatively engaged to a connection assembly, and an anchoring assembly receiving the connection assembly and securing the same to the façade.

Abstract: A fastening device for curtain wall units includes a first clamping plate, a second clamping plate fixed to the first clamping plate and spaced apart from the first clamping plate, a first support plate positioned between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate, and a second support plate hinged to the first support plate and configured to support the curtain wall units.

Abstract: An architectural panel system including a plurality of architectural panels, a first mounting extrusion attached to a first architectural panel, and a second mounting extrusion attached to a second architectural panel, as well as a first anchor clip including a first attachment configuration that enables the first mounting extrusion to be slidably attached thereto, and a second anchor clip including a second attachment configuration that enables the second mounting extrusion to be slidably attached thereto. The system also includes a panel joint filler strip. The first mounting extrusion includes a first pocket portion, and the second mounting extrusion includes a second pocket portion that is shallower than the first pocket portion. The first and second pocket portions cooperate with each other to seat the panel joint filler strip. Also disclosed are methods of installing the panel system and of replacing a damaged panel of an installed array of panels.

Abstract: Wall panel systems are provided. The systems use interlocking brackets to attach photovoltaic (PV), ceramic, or other rigid wall panels to an exterior wall of a building. The interlocking components include a plurality of wall mounting brackets configured to carry the dead loads of the respective wall panels, and a plurality of panel brackets that may be quickly hung from the wall mounting brackets. The wall mounting brackets are configured to be operatively fastened to an exterior wall surface, while each of the panel brackets is adhesively attached to the rear surface of a respective panel. Each of the wall mounting brackets and the nested panel brackets is substantially similar in dimension and configuration. Further, the system is configured to allow wall panels to be attached to the bracket assemblies in any sequence. A method for attaching architectural wall panels is also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention is a wall panel assembly for securing a protective and/or decorative panel to a wall, such as the exterior wall of a building. The panel includes a rail and channel arrangement along each edge of the panel designed to slideably engage panel clips having a cooperative guide rail and channel. The clips are used to secure the panel to a wall using common fasteners, such as screws.

Abstract: A building element includes a glass panel defining an outer circumferential rim including at least two rectilinear segments, a first one of which defines a first length and a second one of which defines a second length. The glass panel is made of hardened glass and has a specific coefficient of thermal expansion. The building element further includes a first pultruded element having a length corresponding to the first length, and a second pultruded element having a length corresponding to the second length. The first and second pultruded elements are adhered in a high strength integral adhesion to the hardened glass panel along the first and second rectilinear segments, respectively, and the pultruded elements have a content of reinforcing fibers for providing a coefficient of thermal expansion of the pultruded elements substantially corresponding to the specific coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A method includes substantially filling with joint sealant first and second kerfs in upper and lower ends, respectively, of a curtain wall member. A locating-and-retaining member of a latching member is embedded in the first kerf's sealant. A receiving-and-retaining member of a first bracket is embedded in the second kerf's sealant, the wall member initially extending upwardly and angularly outwardly relative to the first bracket. The wall member is pivoted inwardly such that an end of a nominally horizontally-disposed portion of the latching member slides along a lower surface of a supporting member of a second bracket causing the latching member to rotate downwardly, compressing foam tape beneath the horizontally-disposed portion. The end of the latching member moves past a locking member until a latch comes into latching engagement with the locking member, the foam tape decompressing and maintaining the latching member in engagement with the lower surface.

Abstract: A curtain wall system is assembled by a plurality of panels supported by a curtain-wall supporting mullion. The panels comprise one or more functional types of panels: transition panels and adjacent panels that can be joined at the top or/and bottom side of the transition panels because each of the panels has a male frame member is used to engage with the adjacent panels each having a female frame member. In each transition panel, a frame is assembled by a jamb frame member connecting with the upper frame member and the lower frame member. As a result, the curtain wall system can be easily erected in a bottom-up procedure, a top-down procedure, or the combination of the two.

Abstract: A wall panel system includes at least one wall panel, each edge of the panel having a flange. At least one flange, and preferably two opposing flanges, have at least one slot therein. Each slot is mated with a clip having a unique shape that allows the clip to be inserted into the slot and secured therein without the use of fasteners and strictly due to its shape. The clip may then be attached to a building surface or intermediary mounting apparatus by a fastener to secure the wall panel thereto.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a plurality of curtain wall members positioned in a horizontal array, a first curtain wall member separated from an adjacent second curtain wall member by a gap. The system further includes a gap-filling member positioned in the gap separating the adjacent first and second curtain wall members, the gap filling member comprising one or more vents.

Abstract: An unitized curtain wall unit houses energy conversion devices (such as photovoltaic modules), and includes integrated wiring conduits for routing signal and power cables within a building façade or exterior shell structures.

Abstract: A power generating system is manufactured, integrated and operated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The system components—energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and operated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade including both in vision and spandrel areas.

Abstract: A glass wall configured to be used as a wall or partition wall includes at least two insulating glazing units. Each glazing unit includes at least two sheets of glass spaced apart by an air gap and assembled by at least one substantially flat insert that is secured by one of its faces to the edge faces of the sheets of glass. The glazing units are secured together by a securing mechanism that collaborates with the inserts placed facing each of the glazing units.

Abstract: A suspension device for façade elements of a façade of a building. The suspension device includes suspending elements engaging in receiving regions of elements of the suspension device that are arranged on the building side. The elements of the suspension device arranged on the building side include at least one base element that is fastened to the building and an adjusting device that is adjustable on the base element.

Abstract: A dry joint wall panel attachment system is provided. The system uses interlocking components to attach aluminum (or other) wall panels to an exterior wall. The system is held together non-adhesively.

Abstract: Wall panel systems are provided. The systems use interlocking components to attach photovoltaic (PV), ceramic, or other rigid wall panels to an exterior wall of a building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cladding system which includes a plurality of cladding means (26) interlocked with a plurality of the brackets (10). Each bracket (10) includes a support means (12) and means (22 & 24) for interlocking the brackets with the cladding means. The support means (12) is adapted to be fixed to a frame or an exterior of a building. The support means (12) is also adapted to support one or more cladding means (26). The interlocking means (22 & 24) is connected to or forming an integral part of the support means (12). The cladding means (26), when interlocked with the bracket (10), are capable of providing cladding without use of a substrate.

Abstract: A modular wall system (10) includes a number of decorative panels that are received in an extruded panel frame (22). The panel frames (22) are positioned by connecting them to a wall rail (16) that is attached to the building. The wall rail (16) and the panel frame (22) each have a groove (52, 62) that accepts a fastener or clip (18) by interference or snap fit to attach the panel frame (22) to the wall rail (16). The grooves (52, 62) have a dove-tail shape that permits a snap fit to secure the panels (12) yet permit the panels to be easily removed or reconfigured.

Abstract: A cladding system (1; 100) for external walls of buildings is disclosed, comprising a support element (2) designed to be fixed to a masonry wall (P), a finish panel (3) designed to be fixed to the support element (2) at a certain distance from the masonry wall (P), in such a way to generate at least one air space (I1, I2, I3), at least one insulation panel (6) arranged between the masonry wall (P) and the finish panel (3), and spacing elements (25) provided on said support element (2) to space out said at least one insulation panel (6) from wall (P) and finish panel (3), in such a way to generate at least two air spaces (I1, I2, I3).

Abstract: The system includes a concealed, glazing retention method and system for use with a fire rated structurally glazed curtain wall. In one embodiment, a pressure plate is configured to be coupled to a building structure and positionable between an outer face of the fire rated glazing unit and an inner face of the glass unit. A plurality of retaining members can secure the pressure plate to the building structure.

Abstract: A connecting device for curtain wall units is disclosed. The connecting device comprises: a claw arm having a horizontal arm for carrying the curtain wall units; a plurality of clamping plates, each two clamping plates fixed on the horizontal arm to clamp the curtain wall units; and a claw base connected to the claw arm and a supporting structure of the curtain wall units. The weight of curtain wall is supported by the claw arm of the connecting device, and point-supported type clamping of the curtain wall is realized by the clamping plates on the end of the claw arm, which enables the stability and security of the structure of curtain wall. The claw arm is hidden in the space between the curtain walls, and thus the whole appearance of curtain wall is beautified. Furthermore, it is unnecessary to provide through holes on the glass wall units.

Abstract: In regards to the invention titled “External Wall Panel Unit for Saving Energy and External Wall Structure System Using the Same,” there are an external wall panel unit and an external wall structure system for saving energy. The external wall panel unit is attached to an external wall structure (1) of a building to form an external wall of the building, and includes: an external frame (10); a frame rainwater tube (20); a frame duct (30); and a window (40). The external wall structure system using the external wall panel units is installed in such a way that a plurality of the external wall panel units are arranged and mounted vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: A system for mounting wall panels to an existing wall structure, includes wall panels, each having a main panel section and hook walls at edges thereof which define a U-shaped configuration therewith; fastening extrusions, each including a securing section for securing the fastening extrusion to the existing wall structure, and a female connecting section including a recess and connected with the securing section; a frame extrusion connected to each hook wall, each including a securing section connecting the frame extrusion to a hook wall, a male connecting wall engaging within a recess of one female connecting section, and a spacer wall connecting the male connecting wall to the securing section so as to define a gap between the female connecting section and the hook wall when the male connecting wall is engaged within the recess; and a cover panel inserted in the gap.

Abstract: A glazing system for a building comprising a glazing panel, a support and an attachment assembly for attaching the glazing panel to the support is disclosed. The attachment assembly comprises a mounting secured to the support and a glazing fitting secured to the glazing panel. The mounting comprises a mounting member and the glazing fitting comprises a hook portion and the mounting is connected to the glazing fitting by a connection between the hook portion and the mounting member. The attachment assembly further comprises a shock absorber that allows the attachment assembly to move relative to the support upon applying an impact to the glazing panel, thereby improving the impact resistance of the glazing panel. Mountings and fittings for use in such glazing systems are also disclosed, as are methods of improving the impact resistance of a suspended glazing panel.

Abstract: A U-shaped rigidifying member cooperates with parallel metal “logs” each usually extending horizontally. A curved portion of the U wraps halfway around a first log, and first and second legs respectively descend in parallel from opposite sides of the curved portion. The legs are substantially tangent to a second log. This structure is repeated with the U-shaped members overlapping and inverted or otherwise oriented to shed rain, and forms all or part of a wall or sloping roof of a building. The U-shaped members are secured to each other and to the logs to form a continuous structural ensemble that is aesthetically pleasing, even without additional interior and exterior sheathing. It is moreover strong and highly resistant to an external force having a horizontal component parallel to the plane of the wall or roof. The rigidifying members can alternatively be J-shaped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toggle assembly that can be used with a curtain wall system to retain infills of panel members. A toggle assembly of the present invention is sufficiently designed to simultaneously retain in place a first infill of a first panel member and a first infill of a second panel member on both sides of a mullion, wherein at least a portion of the toggle assembly directly engages at least a portion of the first infill of the first panel member and at least a portion of the first infill of the second panel member.

Abstract: Interlocking glass setting block supports are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an interlocking glass setting block support includes a setting block chair; and a setting block, wherein the setting block chair comprises a lower face having at least one locking nub sufficiently designed, when positioned in a groove of a horizontal member of a curtain wall, to fit within a recess of the groove, wherein the setting block comprises a lower face and a back edge, wherein the back edge has at least one locking nub sufficiently designed, when positioned in the groove of the horizontal member of the curtain wall, to fit within a space created between the upper face of the setting block chair and an entry site of the groove, and wherein the lower face has a pressure sensitive adhesive, the pressure sensitive adhesive sufficiently designed to adhere the setting block to the setting block chair.

Abstract: A window lighting system for a building structure curtain wall is provided with a housing sized to be received upon a structural member, with an opening facing the window. A refracting lens is mounted adjacent the opening. A plurality of longitudinally spaced discrete light sources are positioned in the housing, each oriented towards the refracting lens such that the light is conveyed to the refracting lens and subsequently out of the housing opening for illuminating the window. A lighting system is provided with the housing sized to extend along the window upon a cover of a structural member between a pair of sequential structure members. A lighting system cover is supported by the housing for concealing the light source and providing an ornamental appearance similar to that of the cover of the underlying structural member without obfuscating an ornamental appearance of the window and the structure members.

Abstract: A curtain wall system and method comprises supporting channels including vertical receiving and retaining members which engage kerfs formed in the lower edges of curtain wall members. Latching members have locating and retaining members which are received in kerfs form in the upper edges of the curtain wall members. The curtain wall members are rotated inwardly causing the latching members to slide along the under surfaces of the supporting channels and into engagement with locking members. A second embodiment comprises supporting channels and latching members having spaced apart vertically disposed locating members which receive the opposite ends of the curtain wall members. A third embodiment comprises gap filling members which are received between adjacent curtain wall members and comprise hooks located adjacent to the lower ends of the gap filling members for engagement with vertically disposed receiving and retaining members extending upwardly from supporting channels.

Abstract: A window panel adapted for installation relative to a structure. The panel includes a single piece of generally transparent injection-molded material configured to span one or more openings in the structure. The panel has panel attachment inserts for attaching the panel relative to the structure. The inserts are embedded in the material alongside at least one edge of the panel. The panel has a curvature that essentially continues a curvature of the structure surrounding the opening(s) when the panel is installed relative to the structure. This panel can be single-pane and can provide an essentially continuous window along an aircraft fuselage.

Abstract: A modular curtainwall system and a method for forming a curtainwall unit are provided. The modular curtainwall system comprises a unit frame and a cassette. The cassette comprises a subframe and an interior portion. The stick unit frame and cassette may be assembled into a curtainwall unit at an offsite facility.

Abstract: A curtain wall unit includes a frame composed of a casting material, which define at least one infill area for receiving and retaining an infill element, and a connector assembly operatively engaged to the frame for attaching the frame to a standing structure. A method of making the curtain wall unit and a curtain wall assembled from the same is also described.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a fastening member excellent in strength of fastening a decorative external panel and capable of constructing an external wall surface excellent in design appearance, and an external wall structure. The fastening member 1 is used for fastening the decorative external panel 6 to a plurality of the underlying panels 5 disposed in front of the construction frame 3 of a building. This fastening member 1 has a base plate portion 11, a supporting portion 13, an upper panel engaging portion 131, and a lower panel engaging portion 132. The base plate portion 10 has, at its portion above the supporting portion 13, a first screw hole 110 and a second screw hole 120 differing in the distance from the supporting portion 13.

Abstract: A wall panel system including a mounting bracket, a wall panel, and a clip attached to the wall panel, the clip having an engaging element that secures it to the mounting bracket. The wall panel system also includes a slot in the clip facing outwardly from the wall panel, a spline slidably positioned in the slot of the clip, and a sealing insert positioned between the mounting bracket and the spline. The sealing insert may be in the shape of an X, and may be made from polypropylene foam. The sealing insert may also have a gasket tape on one side to provide an improved seal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a window which treats effectively dew-water generated on a window glass to prevent dust, stain and bad smell from being generated and capable of storing dew water in a means for treating dew-water for a certain time to maintain properly an indoor humidity and enhance the air-tightness, water-tightness and adiabatic property. The window according to the present invention comprises a window frame including a vertical frame for supporting a vertical side of a window glass and a horizontal frame for supporting a horizontal side of the window glass; and a dew-water treating means including a dew-water flow passage provided on the horizontal frame and a drainage trap provided on the window frame for discharging dew water introduced from the dew-water flow passage and stored therein to an outside.

Abstract: A blast-proof window and mullion system for sustaining and mitigating an explosion and/or blast to the window and mullion system on a multi-storied building or structure. The window and mullion system includes a blast-resistant mullion having a mullion housing with mullion walls with outer surfaces; and a pressure bar member having a pressure bar housing with an interior wall and a pair of outer walls being connected to the interior wall to form a center channel opening. The outer walls are angled for reducing the space between the angled walls and for reducing the size of the center channel opening for reduction of bullet and/or blast penetration to the interior wall of the pressure bar member. Also, one of the mullion walls of the mullion housing includes a mullion tongue thereon having a pair of tongue extension arms for forming a vertical bolt receiving channel therebetween.