Abstract: An up-tight surface covering system for attaching a facing of a panel member to a support structure comprises an adjustable hanger bracket for attaching a grid member to the support structure and a clip for attaching the panel member to the grid member. The adjustable hanger bracket comprises an arm rotatably attached to a support. The arm includes a first section extending substantially parallel to the support and a second section extending substantially perpendicular to the support. The second section has at least one slot for receiving a mechanical fixing member. The clip comprises a main body portion having an attachment member extending from a substantial center thereof. The main body portion has engagement members extending from opposing sides of the main body portion and substantially perpendicular thereto. The engaging members have abutment members extending from side surfaces thereof substantially perpendicular to the main body portion and the engaging members.

Abstract: An adhesive bonded attachment assembly is provided for supporting and retaining an insulation blanket on a substrate such as aircraft engine nacelle or the like. The attachment assembly includes a stud attachment having a base for adhesive bonded affixation to the nacelle substrate and a fastener element such as a threaded stud extending from the base at least partially into a grommet-lined mounting port formed in the insulation blanket. A radially enlarged, insulated cap fastener is secured to the fastener element to retain the insulation blanket on the nacelle substrate in a manner shielding surrounding structures and components from heat generated during engine operation. The insulated cap fastener projects radially beyond the associated grommet for improved heat-shielding of the adhesive bonded stud attachment, thereby safeguarding against debonding of the attachment base in response to high temperature exposure.

Abstract: A building panel subject to interior condensation of moisture and exterior wind-driven moisture includes a sheet having an inner surface onto which condensed moisture forms. An open upper reservoir is positioned proximate a bottom portion of the inner surface of the sheet to receive the condensed moisture. A lower chamber having at least one drain port is positioned below the upper reservoir. A wicking port connects the upper reservoir to the lower chamber. The wicking port weeps the condensed moisture from the upper reservoir to the lower chamber to drain the upper reservoir. The condensed moisture drains from the lower chamber via the drain port. The wicking port blocks the upward flow of wind-driven moisture that enters the lower chamber via the drain port.

Abstract: A roofing membrane retainer is provided having a cylindrical plate. The cylindrical plate has a central aperture for receiving a fastener. The plate also includes a pair of concentric inner and outer raised reinforcing ribs and a plurality of scoop-shaped projections. The scoop-shaped projections extend downwardly from the plate in concentric inner and outer cylindrical arrays. The inner cylindrical array of projections and the outer cylindrical array of projections are radially outward of the inner rib and the outer rib, respectively. The projections each comprise a scoop with a base periphery having an open mouth edge and a remaining peripheral portion contiguous with the plate. The projections in each array are spaced equidistance about the plate. The mouth edge of adjacent projections are oriented in alternating radial inward and outward directions.

Abstract: A clip for use in acoustically isolating a wallboard support channel from a frame member includes a first portion positionable between a first surface of the channel and a frame member, and a second portion positionable in contact with a second surface of the channel. The first and second portions are joined together along a common edge and configured for sandwiching a portion of the channel therebetween and acoustically isolating the channel from the frame member.

Abstract: According to various aspects of the present disclosure, there are provided various exemplary embodiments of covers, systems and methods for covering boards and deck components. In one exemplary embodiment, a cover generally includes an upper portion and generally downwardly extending side portions. The cover's upper and side portions are configured to generally cover at least the top and sides of the outdoor deck component. The cover's side portions may include through-holes to allow venting of moisture from an area between the cover and the outdoor deck component when the cover is positioned on the outdoor deck component.

Abstract: Retaining rail (1) for holding down roofing membranes of flat roofs comprises a web (13) and lateral edge folds (14,14?). The web (13) is provided with openings (11) for attaching fastening means (10). Each of the lateral edge folds (14,14?) forms bearing-side shoulders (21,21?). The web (13) lies above the bearing plane (26) defined by the bearing-side shoulders (21,21?).

Abstract: A stud system for supporting spray insulation to an exterior surface of a concrete structure is disclosed. The stud includes a wall abutting surface, and a laterally extending web for promoting adherence of foam insulation when applied to either side of the stud. The stud is attached to the structure by anchoring to one or more form ties protruding from the structure, or by driving fasteners into the structure. The stud also includes a second surface which can be used for attachment of exterior finishes such as vinyl siding or stucco.

Abstract: A system includes a back up wall and a veneer wall spaced from the back up wall. An anchor shaft has a first end secured to the back up wall, and a second free end of the shaft projects into a space between the back up wall and the veneer wall. A wing nut has a central barrel disposed on the shaft proximate the free end. The wing nut is spaced apart from a surface of the back up wall. A first generally planar side wing extends laterally from the central barrel of the wing nut. A second generally planar side wing extends laterally from the central barrel. The first side wing includes a first opening for receipt of a first wire tie leg, and the second side wing includes a second opening for receipt of a second wire tie leg. The wing nut is independently rotatable relative to the shaft to angularly orient the wings and thus the openings as desired.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fastener for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least one other board running adjacent and parallel to the first board. The fastener includes a body portion, first and second prongs, and a flange. The first prong extends outwardly from the body portion for driving into a first board. The second prong extends outwardly from the body portion for penetrating a second board. The body portion of the fastener includes an opening for receiving a connector. When installed, the connector passes through the opening in the body portion and into the supporting member, which supports and underlies the first and second boards. The flange extends outwardly from the body portion in order to maintain a desired gap between the first and second boards. The prongs may have concave insertion ends as defined by two spaced-apart insertion points.

Abstract: Exterior facing panels for outer walls of the buildings including plural panels, each of the panels having a top face; side faces connected to the top face and bent downwardly from the edge of the top face; inward-bent end portions connected to the side faces and bent inwardly to the panel in a substantially right angle with respect to the side faces, and the inward-bent end portions supporting and holding an adiabatic material filed with the panels, engaging holes extending laterally across some parts of the side faces in a manner that the adjacent engaging holes of the adjacent side faces of the adjacent panels do not face oppositely with each other; and a clip having a claw for engaging with the engaging hole, a holding portion for engaging with the inward-bent end portion of the panel, a connecting portion for connecting the clip with a frame which is used for structurally holding and supporting the exterior facing panels, and an adiabatic plate attached to a bottom of the connecting portion for preventin

Abstract: A shutter assembly having a foam insert or core enveloped by a cementitious shell is provided with integrated spaced and opposed top and bottom hanger members that allow the shutter assembly to be mounted to an exterior wall of a dwelling or other structures via spaced and opposed brackets affixed to the exterior wall. The shutter assembly can be mounted to an exterior wall of a dwelling or other structure by selectively engaging the top and bottom hanger members with corresponding top and bottom bracket members mounted to the exterior wall of the dwelling or other structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for maintaining a composite glass pane. Glass components are assembled and a fixing element is provided for fixing by force or positive engagement to a support structure. The safety elements form a receiving plane.

Abstract: A panel-type subfloor assembly for an anchored/resilient floor includes a plurality of elongated panels laid end-to-end in parallel rows along a first direction, the panels having elongated slots formed therein that are oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first direction. For the entire floor, this results in a plurality of aligned rows of elongated slots oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first direction. Each slot cooperates with an elongated fastener, namely an elongated dual flanged channel held by at least one pin. The fastener is positioned within the respective slot and adapted to hold the respective panel to the base along two longitudinal edges of the slots, in a manner that limits upward movement of the panel while permitting downward deflection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting anchor sheets to each other and/or to a floor. The approach includes using attachment pieces which fit into an area of reduced thickness of the anchor sheet which surround a cut away of the anchor sheet. In one embodiment, the attachment pieces are corner pieces which overlap areas of reduced thickness on a number of anchor sheets.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a system of interconnecting notched composite articles so as to create a surface therefrom. A joint segment having an edge configured to be received into a plurality of notches within juxtaposed composite articles and a fastener engaging the joint segment so as to anchor the joint segment to a support system underlying the joint segment interconnects the composite articles. Further disclosed is a method of installing composite articles involving fastening a first joint segment having opposing edges to a structural support system, aligning a composite article having a first notch on at least a portion of a first surface of the composite article and a second notch on a second surface of the composite article such that the first joint segment edge is received into the first notch, and fastening a second joint segment having edges to the structural support system such that the second joint segment edges engages the second notch on the second surface of the composite article.

Abstract: Covers, systems and methods for covering boards and deck components, such as the floorboards, side rails, among other elongate structural deck components. In one embodiment, a system for covering a board includes at least one cover and at least two couplings. Each of the couplings is adjacent a corresponding one of the pair of opposed sides of the board. The couplings each define a channel adapted to receive and retain therein a corresponding portion of the cover when the cover is positioned on the board.

Abstract: Covers, systems and methods for covering boards and deck components, such as the floorboards, side rails, among other elongate structural deck components. In one embodiment, a cover generally includes a top portion and a pair of opposed side portions downwardly depending from the top portion to frictionally receive and grip the board between the side portions when the cover is positioned on the board. Each of the cover's side portions define at least one slot adapted to extend around portions of another board or joist positioned below the board when the cover is positioned on the board.

Abstract: A skirting system for placement around a manufactured or modular home is provided wherein said system comprises a plurality of panels with upper and lower ends wherein the panels abut each other side to side to form a perimeter around the home. A plurality of base pads are provided and placed on the ground for supporting the lower ends of the panels. A plurality of two part channel clips are provided for securing the upper ends of the panels to the home in a manner that allows for vertical movement but provides for substantial support of the panels in a direction transverse to the length of the panels.

Abstract: A panel-type subfloor assembly for an anchored/resilient floor includes a plurality of elongated panels laid end-to-end in parallel rows along a first direction, the panels having elongated slots formed therein that are oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first direction. For the entire floor, this results in a plurality of aligned rows of elongated slots oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first direction. Each slot cooperates with an elongated fastener, namely an elongated dual flanged channel held by at least one pin. The fastener is positioned within the respective slot and adapted to hold the respective panel to the base along two longitudinal edges of the slots, in a manner that limits upward movement of the panel while permitting downward deflection. The slots are longitudinally and transversely oversized relative to the flanges of the fastener, and preferably each fastener is secured to the base via only a single pin.

Abstract: A building glass facade having glass panes that are mounted to a mounting structure, such as a building. The glass panes are mounted using clamp fittings or clamping arrangements for fastening glass panes with two clamping elements that clamp the glass pane between them, whereby one clamping element is realized in the form of a conical nut or taper nut that is set into a boring of the glass pane and has a detachable cover. The invention teaches that a clip closure is integrated into the cover or is an integral part of the cover.

Abstract: A lining (10) for a furnace the lining (10) having insulating material (12) attached to an inside wall (11) of the furnace, the insulating material (12) in use having a hot face (20) which faces inwardly of the furnace, and a cold face at or adjacent the furnace wall (11) characterized in that a protective element (26) is provided at least partially to cover the hot face (20), and/or the cold (C) face, the protective element (26) being secured relative to the face by a securing means (27, 27b), which co-operates with a member (25, 25a; 25b; 25c) which is embedded in the insulating material (12).

Abstract: A curtain wall (ACM) system has vertical mullions and horizontal supports which provide a dry as well as a structural system for non-sequential construction of curtain wall exteriors. Internal gutters offer a failsafe moisture proof system. The horizontal and vertical framework members may be mounted in the reverse orientation for special exterior wall configurations. Individual panels can be replaced without sealants or tear down of neighboring panels. A face support for the thin ACM panels is provided. Thermal expansion is addressed with a floating panel on a track design. Alternate embodiment includes transition frame members having glass and metal panel integral supports, freestanding X-Y sub-frame assemblies, fiber optic outboard channels and novel methods of assembly.

Abstract: A curtain wall (ACM) system has vertical mullions and horizontal supports which provide a dry as well as a structural system for non-sequential construction of curtain wall exteriors. Internal gutters offer a failsafe moisture proof system. The horizontal and vertical framework members may be mounted in the reverse orientation for special exterior wall configurations. Individual panels can be replaced without sealants or tear down of neighboring panels. A face support for the thin ACM panels is provided. Thermal expansion is addressed with a floating panel on a track design.

Abstract: A structural panel has a structural frame of interconnected structural members of cold-rolled steel material. EPS insulation is integrally moulded around the structural members to a combined depth of the members and wall tie brackets extending outwardly. There is minimal surface area contact between each bracket and a structural member to minimise cold bridging. Wall ties connect to the brackets by engagement of hooks on the wall ties with slots in the brackets, again with minimal area of contact.

Abstract: A clip for siding panels installed on a wall of a structure includes a substantially planar nailing face and a seat extending from a bottom edge of the nailing face disposed to receive the bottom edge of an overlapping siding panel. A hook member extends from a top edge of the nailing face and is disposed to hang the clip from a top edge of a siding panel overlapped by the overlapping siding panel. The nailing face is sized to provide a partial overlap of the overlapped siding panel by the overlapping siding panel when the clip is attached to the overlapped siding panel by the hook member and the overlapping siding panel is seated in the seat.

Abstract: A seam plate for use in connection with securing membrane sheets to underlying roof decking substructure comprises a substantially rectangular plate having a central aperture for receiving a bolt fastener. Upstanding rib structure is provided upon the plate so as to provide different regions thereof with different rigidity, flexibility, and bendability properties. The rib structure can have, for example, a substantially diamond-shaped configuration or an X-shaped configuration for respectively providing corner regions of the plate with increased or decreased flexibility. A plurality of downwardly extending projections, having substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configurations, are provided upon the underside of the seam plate so as to engage the membrane sheets and retain the same at their desired locations upon the underlying roof deck substructure assembly.

Abstract: A paneling system for ceilings of a building structure in which the panels are suspended by hook shaped flanges, on opposite sides of each panel from flat arms of L- or Z-shaped panel carriers or support rails. One flange of each panel extends over the flange of a neighboring panel atop the horizontal arm of a panel carrier.

Abstract: A siding panel is supported by a hanging guide while that siding panel is being maneuvered into a desired position with respect to a support surface. The hanger is attached to the support surface and includes a pocket which accommodates an edge of the siding panel. Once the siding panel is supported by the hanging guide, the siding panel is fixed to the support surface. Once the siding panel is fixed to the support surface, the hanging guide is removed.

Abstract: The assembly of the present invention provides a number of deployable wedges, each of which may incorporate a brightly colored, reflective surface to make the wedge easily locatable visually. Each wedge provides a series of alternating notches and ridges that are formed in opposing faces of each wedge to ensure positive engagement between a door and a doorframe. This notched configuration also ensures that one wedge, used in tandem with another wedge, is highly resistant to slippage of any kind between the two wedges. Each wedge utilizes a structural configuration that maximizes strength of the wedge while minimizing any extra weight, something that is to be avoided by firefighters who are already heavily burdened with other firefighting equipment and protective gear. This structural configuration allows each wedge to be used as a tool for turning a valve when such is desired or required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling panels to a structure. A coupling assembly includes a first coupling member depending from a face of one of the panels and adapted to deflect a relatively large amount in a plane of rotation of the first coupling member and a second coupling member depending from the corresponding face of the second panel. A coupling mechanism is provided between the coupling members provides for transmitting a force between the coupling members over a range of deflection of the first coupling member, permitting large relative movement between the panels.

Abstract: A device for releasably fastening a cover slab to the opening of a crypt or niche extending back from a vertical support wall. Each device is positioned at a common point of adjacency of a plurality of slabs. Each device has a rotatively mounted locking plate for engaging slots in the sides of each of the slabs. The plate has a cutaway sized and dimensioned to allow for the passage of one of the slabs through the cutaway when the cutaway is rotated into proper alignment. A keyed tool may be used for turning the plate indicating the positioning of the cutaway. The plate is mounted to allow minor axial, pitch and yaw movement and is biased toward an axially perpendicular orientation.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastening plate for securing a membrane to a substrate. The membrane has an inner side to be positioned adjacent to the substrate and an outer side disposed opposite to the inner side, and the membrane also has a dimpled portion including an array of dimples and a substantially smooth top portion. The dimples form depressions on the outer side and corresponding projections from the inner side. The fastening plate has a mating portion including a contact side to be positioned adjacent to the outer side of the membrane, a biasing portion extending from the mating portion. The mating portion includes an array of locator elements projecting inwardly from the contact side for cooperating with a corresponding number of the dimples to position the mating portion on the dimpled portion. The mating portion is adapted to receive at least one fastener.

Abstract: A seam plate for use in connection with securing membrane sheets to underlying roof decking substructure comprises a substantially rectangular plate having a central aperture for receiving a bolt fastener. Upstanding rib structure is provided upon the plate so as to provide different regions thereof with different rigidity, flexibility, and bendability properties. The rib structure can have, for example, a substantially diamond-shaped configuration or an X-shaped configuration for respectively providing corner regions of the plate with increased or decreased flexibility. A plurality of downwardly extending projections, having substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configurations, are provided upon the underside of the seam plate so as to engage the membrane sheets and retain the same at their desired locations upon the underlying roof deck substructure assembly.

Abstract: An attachment device for panes of glass. The attachment device includes retainers arranged between each pane and a support structure. The retainers include structures to compensate for the dimensional differences, deformations and displacements between the pane and the support structure. Degrees of freedom of rotation of the structure include uni-axis pivot joints. Strung together degrees of freedom in translation may be produced within the joints or by installing the joints in such a way that they can move. Panes can be mounted in a statically determinate manner by virtue of an appropriate combination of degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting anchor sheets to each other and/or to a floor is described The approach involves using attachment pieces which fit into an area of reduced thickness of the anchor sheet which Surround a cut away of the anchor sheet In one embodiment the attachment pieces are corner pieces which overlap areas of reduced thickness on a number of anchor sheets

Abstract: A glass tile system and a method of installing glass tiles on a subsurface, such as a floor, wall, counter top, table top, or ceiling, by forming a grouting frame around the glass tiles with rods of solid flexible plastic or polymer material, which are removably fastened to the subsurface with a plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: A prestressed or post-tensioned concrete slab indicating device for indicating a presence of a prestressed or post-tensioned slab of concrete includes a plate member having a front surface and a back surface, a visible indication on the front surface, the visible indication communicating and warning of the presence of a prestressed or post-tensioned slab of concrete, at least one concrete penetrating projection having a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end being attached to the back surface, the projection having a flared portion at the distal end, the at least one concrete penetrating projection being at least partially embedded within a partially cured prestressed or post-tensioned concrete slab to affix the indicating device to the partially cured prestressed or post-tensioned concrete slabsuch that the front surface of the indicating device is flush with the concrete surface, the flared portion keeping the device securely attached to the slab when the prestressed or post-tensioned concrete slab is

Abstract: A fastener for securing insulation panels to a structural substrate. The fastener comprising an integral cover and a brim connected to a funnel terminating in a hole. The hole allows a screw to pass through so as to connect the fastener to the structural substrate. The cover in the closed position creates a reservoir which facilitates bonding of the fastener to a surface coating applied over the fastener. The funnel has at least one hole which secures the fastener to the insulation panels and helps prevent rotation of the fastener.

Abstract: A siding system including an improved siding strip and a starter strip for assisting in attaching a first siding strip to a side of a dwelling or other stable mounting structure is provided. The siding strip includes at least one integral portion having the simulated appearance of grout or chinking. When two or more siding strips are placed adjacent to each other, this integral portion remains exposed such that the appearance of grout or chinking between the siding strips is simulated. The starter strip is provided with a C-shaped channel that receives a fastener portion or other part of a first siding strip in snap-fit engagement. As a result of this engagement, the starter strip may be inverted to begin installation of the siding strips at the top of a wall or other stable mounting structure while fully retaining its functionality.

Abstract: An attachment implement, for use in connection with the mounting of a relatively thin, highly dense insulation panel upon an underlying structural substrate, comprises a washer plate portion and an integral lower body portion which has a substantially inverted dome-shaped or bell-shaped configuration. The axial depth dimension of the implement is relatively shallow or small, and the inverted dome-shaped or bell-shaped configuration advantageously distributes or disperses the compressive forces attendant the mounting of the insulation panel upon the underlying structural substrate whereby desired compression of the insulation panel, and its rigidifying or strength-enhancing membrane, occurs without tearing or cutting of the insulation panel and its membrane so as not to adversely affect the strength, rigidity, and structural integrity of the insulation panel.

Abstract: An assembly and method for attaching insulation material includes a frame member having a generally vertically-extending flange. A clip has a pair of resilient grabbing members that define an aperture for receiving the flange. A plate member extends generally perpendicular relative to the grabbing members. The plate member includes an opening. A pin having a sharp end extends through the opening in the plate member. A set of washers is connected to the pin to retain insulation material pierced by the pin and to retain the pin in the opening in the plate member.

Abstract: An external wall panel construction includes a furring member which is held on a rear surface of an external wall panel via a fixing plate. The fixing plate is provided on the rear surface of the external wall panel and is fixed to the external wall panel via a set screw.

Abstract: A fastener clip for use in constructing a security wall system, and a security wall system so constructed are disclosed. The fastener clip has an elongate smooth surfaced planar body, a counter-sunk fastener recess formed s centrally within the body, a fastener opening defined within the recess and extending therethrough, and at least two spaced prongs formed as a part of the body which extend away from the body in a common direction. The fastener recess is sized and shaped to fit within an opening of a rigid mesh wall panel placed in registry with at least one structural frame member of a building. A threaded fastener is passed through the fastener opening and driven into the frame member to seat a bottom portion of the recess and a driving head of the fastener against the frame member.

Abstract: A clip for a siding panel includes a planar sheet of material, a first leg, and a second leg. The first leg extends outwardly from the planar sheet, and bends downwardly and inwardly toward the planar sheet to form a U-shaped flange defining a channel opening toward the planar sheet. The second leg extends outwardly from the sheet at a position below the first leg. The first leg is configured to mate with a channel nailing hem of a siding panel. The second leg is configured to mate with a channel formed in a top lock of the siding panel. In some preferred embodiments, another first leg is spaced apart from the first leg, with the second leg being positioned between the two first legs.

Abstract: An assembly and method utilizing a clip and pin configuration is provided for attaching insulation material in a building. A clip (25) having a pair of grabbing members (45, 50) with an aperture (55) defined therebetween receives a flange (20) of a frame member (15). A pin (80) is inserted into an opening (75) in one of the grabbing members (50), and is used to pierce the insulation material (110). A set of washers (100, 105) is connected to the pin (80) to retain the pin (80) in the opening (80) and to retain the insulation material (110) in the pin (80).

Abstract: An assembly and method utilizing a clip and pin configuration for attaching insulation material in a building includes a clip (25) having a pair of grabbing members (45, 50) with an aperture (55) defined therebetween receiving a flange (20) of a frame member (15). A pin (80) is inserted into an opening (75) in one of the grabbing members (50), and is used to pierce the insulation material (110). A set of washers (100, 105) is connected to the pin (80) to retain the pin (80) in the opening (80) and to retain the insulation material (110) in the pin (80).

Abstract: A wall bracket (10) for aiding in attaching a ceiling panel (90) to ceiling structure (80) next to a wall (70); ceiling panel (90) having a thickness and peripheral edges (98). Bracket (10) generally comprises a vertical, wall-abutting member (20) for attachment to wall (70) and a shelf (50) for receiving and supporting edge (98) of ceiling panel (90). Vertical member (20) includes a lower portion (30) and an upper portion (40). Lower portion (30) is temporarily attached to the wall and includes an aperture (32) for aiding in removal. Upper portion (40) spaces shelf (50) from ceiling structure (80). Shelf (50) has an outer end (56) having an outwardly downwardly slanted portion (57) for facilitating entry of edge (98) of panel (90) onto shelf (50).

Abstract: An articulating plate assembly for retaining sheets of roofing material on a roof surface includes a plate defining (i) a generally hemispherically-shaped recess in a central portion of a first surface thereof, and (ii) an aperture disposed in the recess and extending through the plate, and a fastener having (i) a shank portion configured to pass through the aperture and to engage the roof surface, and (ii) a head portion having an underside of a curved configuration generally complementary to the recess.

Abstract: Assembly and method for attaching insulation material are provided. The assembly includes a frame member having a generally vertically-extending flange. A clip has a pair of resilient grabbing members that define an aperture for receiving the flange. A plate member extends generally perpendicular relative to the grabbing members. The plate member includes an opening. A pin having a sharp end extends through the opening in the plate member. A set of washers is connected to the pin to retain insulation material pierced by the pin and to retain the pin in the opening in the plate member.