Abstract: A multiple skylight guttering system 20 includes a plurality of first channels 22 and a plurality of deeper second channels 24. The first channels 22 are received in appropriate apertures 42 of the second channels 24 with a securing mechanism 56 and a sealing mechanism 44 which does not require welding. The channels 22, 24 are received in apertures 86, 87 of a perimeter sill 32 using the same fastening mechanism 56 and sealing mechanism 44. The channels 22, 24 are mounted so that the channels can be sloped to afford appropriate drainage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wall system having vertical and horizontal panel gripping members connecting a plurality of panel members. The vertical and horizontal panel gripping members are covered by a veneer cap extending over the vertical and horizontal panel gripping members and being bonded to the panel members providing a panel-to-panel seal about the panel gripping members on the exterior of the wall system.

Abstract: A safety device is provided for combatting "wind load" on ceiling constructions in both upward and downward directions, particularly in ceilings of the type wherein flanged panels are supported from tee shaped panel carriers which are suspended from the ceiling. The safety device comprises an inverted U-shaped clip or wire which fits over the panel carrier so that the central portion of the clip bears against the horizontal upper surface of the associated panel carrier and the legs of the clip engage and support the corners of four panels which meet a point beneath the central portion of the clip. The free ends of the clip preferably include bent-up portions which engage in holes provided in the corresponding flanges of the panels.

Abstract: An understructure for a panel lining, such as a panel false ceiling, and for securing the lining panels to the building surface to be lined, including a first set of parallel elongate rails and a second set of parallel elongate rails extending transversely thereto, the two sets of rails being of same or similar cross-section and the rails of the first set overlying the rails of the second set at cross-over points, cross-over connections being provided to secure the rails of the first set to the rails of the second set. These connections include an upper connecting part engagable over the rail of the first set and a lower clamping part engagable over the rail of the second set at the associated cross-over point to hold the cross-over connection to the rail of the second set.

Abstract: An intersection spacer is disclosed for use in a subceiling structure of a grid of open-ended runner beams and intersecting open-ended cross beams, the intersection spacer being generally square in horizontal cross section with inverted vertical corner edges forming four outwardly directed protrusions adapted to engage within the beam ends. A top plate on the spacer bears the weight of the ceiling. A bottom cap on the spacer carries a decorative panel. The spacer may be made of two identical mating halves. A method of assembling a subceiling with such intersection spacers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grid, the size of which is selectable to conform to a window opening, or the like, comprising(a) multiple couplings, and(b) elongated grid members having slidable telescopic interfit with said couplings to define(i) peripheral frame members, and(ii) other members which extend between the frame members.

Abstract: A spring steel clip for suspended ceiling grids may be used both as an edge molding attachment starter clip and also as a clip for holding intersecting tee bars together with the intersection being horizontally adjustable with simple finger pressure. The one piece clip includes a orizontal portion and a right angle vertical portion. The horizontal portion includes an offset portion with slots in the lower edge of such offset portion to accommodate the bulb of the stem of a tee. When the offset portion is compressed with finger pressure the angle of the slots with respect to the tee change permitting the tee bulb to be inserted or removed or horizotally adjusted. When released the edges of such slots lock against and capture the bulb of the tee. The vertical portion includes a downwardly extending planar tab adapted to fit behind the edge molding and at least one offset tab which includes barbs extending toward the planar tab to capture and retain the hemmed upper edge of the molding.

Abstract: A construction method is disclosed which utilizes entirely squared-end framing members to build a pitched roof building.

Abstract: A modular frame arrangement suspendable from the ceiling of a room is proposed for receiving filters having fluid seals for clean room ceilings, which consists of structural rails having U-section channels for receiving the fluid, the rails being provided with a central web. Lying parallel to the ceiling, the webs of the rails and the central webs are constructed as hollow sections, the hollow section of the web being formed of two hollow chambers and a T-section groove lying between these hollow chambers. For connection of the rails, connection members are provided which have a square central part and integral arms offset in height at the lower side. The connection members are inserted with their arms in the rails so that the respective U-section channels are extended around the corner.

Abstract: Honeycomb floor panels for use in elevated floors or the like are disclosed. The honeycomb structure provides similar metal strips providing lateral cuts along one edge providing angulated tabs. The angulation of the tabs provides an angulated throat having a width substantially greater than the thickness of the strips so that the strips can be assembled in an interfitting relationship while the strips of the two arrays are angulated with respect to each other. After assembly, the arrays are moved to a substantially perpendicular position, and in such position a tight fitting relationship is achieved to eliminate looseness. Such honeycomb is provided, in accordance with one embodiment, with upper and lower metal sheets which are welded or otherwise fastened to the honeycomb itself. In such embodiment, an additional upper surface sheet is provided to prevent denting and to distribute concentrated loads to prevent crushing of the honeycomb. Sound deadening is provided between the two upper sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for constructing buildings and the like, and particularly for constructing multistory structures. Adapters are disclosed which can be rapidly attached to girder members by attachment structure. The adapters are preferably prefabricated with flanges to form at least two receiving channels of uniform width and cross-section. Channel members preferably of C-shaped cross-section define studs and other building components which are interconnected by means of the adapters. The adapters and channel members are attachable to one another at repetitive patterns of connection holes.

Abstract: A clean room having provision for supplying filtered air vertically therethrough under substantially laminar flow conditions is disclosed, and which includes a filter bank comprising a supporting latticework composed of a plurality of interconnected members which define rectangular open areas, and a plurality of high efficiency air filters positioned on the supporting latticework. The interconnected members of the latticework include a plurality of parallel, laterally spaced apart lengthwise members, and a plurality of cross members extending laterally between the lengthwise members, and with the ends of the cross members abutting an intermediate length of the lengthwise members. In one embodiment, each of the members of the latticework includes an integral, upwardly extending post, which is adapted to be engaged by a retainer for interconnecting the members, and also by a support bracket for supporting the latticework from an overhead ceiling.

Abstract: A clean room having provision for supplying filtered air vertically therethrough under substantially laminar flow conditions is disclosed, and which is characterized by the substantial absence of migration of dust or dirt particles laterally through the room. The clean room includes a filter bank comprising a supporting latticework composed of a plurality of interconnected members which define rectangular open areas, and a plurality of high efficiency air filters positioned on the supporting latticework. Each of the members of the latticework has a generally V-shaped outline in cross section with the angular extent of the V-shaped outline being adapted to provide a substantially laminar flow therealong, and so as eliminate any substantial turbulence below the members of the latticework. Such turbulence has been found to entrain dust or dirt particles and move the same laterally through the room, and the elimination of such turbulence effectively eliminates the lateral migration problem.

Abstract: A reinforcing unit for aerated concrete components. At least two spaced apart welded reinforcing mats are made up of longitudinally extending main bars and transversely extending crossbars, the crossbars being welded at their intersections with the main bars. The two mats are spaced apart from each other by connector bars which are bent into a C-shape from weldable steel bars, each connector bar having a pair of opposed legs and a spacer portion connecting those legs. The connector bars have openings to allow the passage of lifting rods. A device for forming the connector bars includes a straightening device, a device for adding small flags with holes therethrough, a bending device and a cutting device for cutting the bent connector bars and then a welding device for welding the connector bars to the mats.

Abstract: A grid ceiling comprising a set of first parallel channel section elongate members and a set of second parallel channel section elongate members, the first members being so arranged transverse to the second members as to form a grid with polygonal spaces therein. Each channel shaped member includes a lower portion and two spaced side flanges extending upwardly therefrom. At least one integral hook is formed at each of the ends of the second members and co-operating first openings are formed in at least one side flange of the first members at first position situated at regular, spaced intervals therealong, so that the hooks of the second members can be engaged in said first openings to form said grid ceiling. A series of one or more second openings are formed in at least one side flange of the second member at second position situated at regular, spaced intervals therealong.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling, made up of a perfect framework of simple sheets, which from the esthetic and useful latticework covering the ceilings; these are long rectangular plastic or metal strips, with transversal semigrooves, spaced at modular dimensions and which enable the crossed assembly of the sheets themselves, thus forming the latticework; this latticework can be more or less dense, according to the distance between the semi-grooves. With this formation of the latticework, in the contour sheets of each covered surface there is a lengthwise series of small holes, through which the suspension hook rods are inserted. These rods are simple cylindrical wires with curved ends, like hooks, and with a bend in their longitudinal half, to ensure better suspension assembly between the latticework and the upper frame or contour support section.

Abstract: A grid ceiling comprising a supporting grid (10,20) with rectangular openings therein, grid panels (30) mounted within said openings. The grid panels may be in the form of grid units including perpendicular hollow interior primary and secondary panels (40,50). The grid panels (30) are secured in place by longitudinally movable clips (60) which engage the carriers, e.g. in apertures or recesses (24). Each clip is slidable longitudinally from a forward position in which can occur and a retracted position in which the tongue is sufficiently within its associated panel to enable the grid panel to be removed.

Abstract: A known grid suspended ceiling has a removable panel. A clip will be captive on a ceiling member at the margin of the opening and will also hold an end of a panel ceiling member securely in position with proper location without requiring a tool for removing the panel. The clip has two securing portions which snap into openings in the margin ceiling member. The clip has jaws connected at their lower ends to wings which can be moved to open the jaws. The jaws have detent portions with horizontal upper surfaces. The panel is merely pushed up into the opening, the detent portion being cammed back and then snapping home into position. To remove the panel, the appropriate wing is pushed, withdrawing the detent portion and allowing the panel to drop down.

Abstract: The suspended woodbeam ceiling is formed of a plurality of beams which lie spaced from each other and at right angles from each other to receive drop-in ceiling panels therebetween. These beams are supported and interconnected by means of various clips and are secured to the wall rail with the wall attachment clip of this invention. The wall attachment clip engages on a beam by dimples engaging in the body of the wood and has turned-out flanges which have screw holes through which screws connect it to the wall rail.

Abstract: The ceiling disclosed herein is a dropped ceiling which is formed of crossing and edgewise positioned crosspiece elements, which engage one another, for example, by a cross-lap or similar joint, at the crossing locations with corresponding apertures which, respectively, extend in opposing sense and over approximately half the height of the respective crosspiece elements. The crosspiece elements are formed as hollow chamber profiles of a plastic/synthetic material, and the chambers extend in the longitudinal direction of the elements. At least the top edge of each crosspiece element is slotted in the central plane. The slots can be separate slots arranged in series, or one continuous slot can be provided. The slots serve to enable insertion, in the manner of either hooks or snap locks or snap fasteners, of the adapters or attachment elements of bridging members, support or carrying members, or cover plates, into the respective upper chambers of the crosspiece elements.

Abstract: A clip for securing or holding a frame member to a perimeter member of a suspended ceiling system characterized by a one-piece member having a flap for engaging a back side of the perimeter member, and a transverse portion for connecting an engaging flange to the flap. The engaging portion includes opposed tabs bent angularly inward toward the flap and which tabs are placed on either side of the frame member so that the frame member is secured to the perimeter member.

Abstract: A grid system for suspension ceilings is disclosed having an end connector providing an inverted, U-shaped end portion adapted to nest over the upper edge of an associated web of a runner extending through the intersection. An integral tongue is bendable through an aperture formed in such associated web to releasably lock the connector to the through runner. The end connector is mounted between opposed, parallel, vertical webs on the associated runner by tabs which extend through web slots. The separate connectors and the runners can be formed of materials having different thicknesses so that the material forming the web and the material forming the connector can be selected to provide the required strength without excessive use of materials. The connectors can be used both in main run cross-run systems, and in basket weave systems.

Abstract: Device for assembly of profiles by a groove, tongue fitting, with locking by key, which avoids the risks of tongue and key sliding along groove. The device consists of making one of the male elements, tongue or key, longer than the other, in the direction of the generatrices of groove, and making one of the side surfaces of the longer element concave along the generatrices of groove. The invention allows realization of trellis constructions having oblique bars.

Abstract: A fixture support clip is disclosed for use with a suspension ceiling grid system. Such grid system provides transversely interconnecting runners having a central web and opposed ceiling support flanges for supporting ceiling members such as ceiling tiles or lighting fixtures. The clip provides shelf means for supporting a corner portion of a ceiling member. The shelf means is supported at the lower end of two posts. The posts carry hook means at their upper end which are removably attached to the upper extremities of the transversely interconnecting runners near the corners thereof. The lengths of the posts are selected so that the shelf means lies substantially parallel with and vertically adjacent to the support flanges and provides a greater support area to a corner portion of a ceiling member than provided by the flanges.

Abstract: An improved ceiling attachment member is provided for attaching flanged ceiling panels having flanges along both lateral edges thereof to a ceiling structure to form a ceiling. The attachment member comprising an elongate support element which is secured to the ceiling structure and which provides for attachment of a plurality of such flanged ceiling panels thereto so that the ceiling panels are supported thereby and are thus suspended from the ceiling structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a slot in the runner and lugs on a clip to allow sliding contact between the runner and the clip. This allows for expansion of the runner during a fire condition. The clip is fastened to the vertical web of an adjacent runner to fasten the runner structures together. Normally, a clip is provided on each end of one runner structure and it is mounted between two rigidly positioned other runner structures and the runner with the clips is capable of expansion and contraction under fire conditions without buckling.

Abstract: A clip is disclosed for joining fiberglass reinforced plastic grid members in order to provide a corrosive resistant frame work for a suspended ceiling. The grid members are of an inverted T configuration with an enlarged protrusion at the base of the T running the length of the member. The clip is resilient and generally U-shaped in cross-section with interiorly directed teeth which are able to engage and retain the protrusion on the grid members. Some clips are used to join grid members in end to end relation and others are provided with outwardly directed flanges and are used to hold ceiling panels in place.

Abstract: An improved connector for a supporting filter bank framework is disclosed which comprises a body member defining at least two extensions radiating from a common central location. Each of the extensions has a U-shaped cross sectional configuration so as to define a bottom wall and two opposite side walls. A threaded coupling member may be disposed at the central location for securing the connector to a supporting tie rod, and a protuberance is disposed within each U-shaped extension at a predetermined distance from the central location. Adjacent connectors are adapted to be joined by an interconnecting channel of predetermined length, with the ends of the channel being positioned within aligned extensions of adjacent connectors, and with the ends of the channels abutting the respective protuberances. A supporting latticework is thereby constructed which defines a plurality of rectangular open areas, and the length and width dimensions of each open area is automatically established.

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed for joining fiberglass reinforced plastic grid members in order to provide a corrosive-resistant frame work for a suspended ceiling. The grid members are of an inverted T configuration. The flanges of the cross members are cut back so that the web of each cross member rests on the flange of a support member with the flanges of the support and cross members flush. The keepers of an integrally formed stainless steel clamp extend through holes in the web of the support member on either side of the web of the cross member. The legs of the clamp straddle the web of the cross member and a cross piece of the clamp is received in a notch in the top of the web. In this position the clamp is stressed and so provides a force holding the cross member on the flange of the support member.

Abstract: A first tubular member having an axially extending central cavity with opposed substantially flat walls receives through its open end a connector which is adapted to be clamped against the opposed flat walls and to secure the end of the first tubular member against an exterior wall of a second tubular member which has a laterally directed undercut recess in a side wall thereof for engagement by corresponding portions of the connector. The connector has first and second substantially rigid legs with respective head portions with inclined surfaces which engage in the undercut recess in the side wall of the second tubular member so as to pull the tubular members together and hold them in the desired position; the rigid legs have respective tail portions at the opposite ends thereof from the head portions, and a connecting element has means for biasing apart the rigid legs and interconnects said tail portions and by virtue of recesses for receiving in push fit interengagement said tail portions.

Abstract: A T-shaped construction element for use in combination with an open web joist to support spanner bars, and a composite open web joist and concrete slab construction which results from the use of that combination.

Abstract: A ceiling insulation system for commercial buildings. The present invention provides an attractive ceiling panel system with a functional insulation and water vapor barrier system with an insulating R-value of 44 and a perm rating of 0.4. A hat-shaped channel is suspendable from bar joist, steel purlin, or wood joist by using one of three different suspension fasteners. A C-shaped clamp with locking ring, a cylindrical rod and two spring clamps complete the suspension subassembly. Channel junction clips and board edge clamps are used to insure the integrity of the system and enable a high insulation value and a low perm value.

Abstract: A self-supportable cable clamp for attaching a cable transversely across inwardly directed flanges of a U-shaped support channel includes an elongate base having a rigid lower portion adapted to reside within the channel and a pair of flexible, cantilevered arms adapted to lie exteriorly of the channel. The base lower portion has a pair of longitudinally spaced engagement surfaces that together with opposed contact surfaces on the flexible arms define a pair of openings for resiliently receiving the inwardly directed channel flanges. The base is adapted to be installed by insertion thereof into the channel and rotation thereabout until the channel flanges are received in the base openings. A cable strap of the self-locking type is supported by the base for attachment to a cable and for securing such cable to the base as mounted on the channel.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system employs an array of stringers suspended from an overhead building support. Ceiling panels are positioned by the stringers and each panel interlocks with a plurality of stringers so that it resists upward or downward displacement relative to the stringers. If the system employs rectangular panels, they are attached to the stringers from above. If it utilizes linear wooden panels, they are attached to the stringers from below.

Abstract: A screw slot runner system for suspension ceiling grids is disclosed. The system provides runners having a central web, an enclosed bulb at the upper edge of the web, and a downwardly opened channel at the lower edge of the web. Opposing, inturned lips define the channel opening and permit insertion of T-bolts or the like to support accessories from the grid system. The runner connections are structured to provide a mitered type joint appearance even though a full miter joint is not provided. In one embodiment, separate end connector clips are provided to join main run runner modules, and the connector clips are provided with openings through which cross run end connectors project to interconnect the cross runs and main runs.

Abstract: To deal with the annoying problem of deck board rot and warping, an anchor bracket is provided for installation in newly constructed decks to resist warping or in existing decks where warping has already occured to rectify the situation. The bracket includes a plate body portion which transversely spans abutting end portions of deck boards, and a pair of depending bifurcated extensions on each end of the plate body portion which straddle the underlying support beams or joists of the deck structure and are anchored thereto by nailing. Several embodiments of the bracket are disclosed.

Abstract: The suspended woodbeam ceiling is formed of a plurality of beams which lie spaced from each other and at right angles from each other to receive drop-in ceiling panels therebetween. These beams are interconnected with each other with the attachment clip of this invention. The attachment clip engages on one beam by spring teeth engaging in the body of the wood and connects it to an adjacent beam by hooking thereover.

Abstract: In a ceiling system wherein a plurality of horizontal C-shaped panels are carried by stringers extending above the panels, a device for securing a panel to a stringer at any desired angle relative thereto. The device includes a carrier member grippable in a fixed angular position between the side flanges of the panel and a hanger member, mountable in a fixed angular position on the stringer, for supporting the carrier member beneath the stringer for unobstructed rotation relative to the stringer about a vertical axis, thereby to suspend the panel from the stringer at a selected angle.

Abstract: A separate connector piece for use in constructing a suspended ceiling grid system is provided. The grid system is of the type consisting of a series of parallel longitudinal beams interconnected with a series of perpendicular cross runners. The connector piece is selectively attached to the ends of the cross runners, and forms the interconnections when the cross runners are aligned on opposite sides of a longitudinal beam. The connector pieces of the opposing cross runners extend through a slot located in the longitudinal beam and may be attached to the opposing cross runner, thus forming the interconnection.

Abstract: A clamping system for "temporarily" fixedly joining together two "I" beam or girder type structures on for example an offshore oil rig to set up for example a portable crane on the platform structure. The system uses four sets of opposed pairs of clamping elements, each set of which includes two related pairs of clamping elements which grip the beams and are bolted together, the clamping system being used in place of welding the beams or girders together. When it is time to move the structure, the clamping elements are merely unbolted, allowing the removal or replacement of the portable crane on the platform structure. The four clamping elements of each set include two pairs of side-by-side members which are positioned along side one another to grip the opposite edges of the top flange of the bottom, support beam and bear down on the upper surface of one side of the bottom flange of the upper, crane girder.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid having removable grid members is disclosed. Such grid is of the basketweave type and includes a plurality of grid assemblies interconnected to form a grid. Each assembly is provided with a similar first or male connection at its ends and second or female connections at its center. In the grid, the assemblies are interconnected so that the male connections of adjacent grids meet with and connect with the female connections at the center of the assemblies to provide a basketweave type system. Each grid assembly includes two similar grid members each having a first connection at one end and one-half of a second connection at its other end. In the assembly, a removable clip provides a semipermanent connection between adjacent ends of the two members and the two halves of the second connections cooperate to provide one full second connection. Individual grid members may be removed from an existing grid and replaced without creating the situation in which the grid is unstable.

Abstract: A clip for securing two T-bar grid beam members in generally perpendicular relation to one another in the formation of a ceiling grid for use, for instance, in a suspended ceiling. A plurality of clip embodiments are disclosed, each comprising a resilient fastener portion adapted for securing the clip to a primary T-bar beam member in generally snap-fastened relation, by forcing such resilient portion down over the head of the beam, and also another resilient fastener portion projecting laterally of the first fastener portion in generally perpendicular relation with respect thereto, and comprising resilient means for connecting a secondary T-bar beam member to the first mentioned beam member and in said perpendicular relationship. The clips may be formed of sheet material, such as sheet metal, and are adapted to be mass produced. The clips can be utilized with both the type of T-bar having a rectilinear head portion, as well as the type having a generally round head portion.

Abstract: The suspended woodbeam ceiling is formed of a plurality of beams which lie spaced from each other and at right angles from each other to receive drop-in ceiling panels therebetween. These beams are interconnected with each other, are supported from the overhead, and join the wall rail with the several hardware structures of this invention. The hardware structures engage on one beam and connect it to adjacent structure. Engagement is by lips engaging in grooves and spring teeth engaging in the body of the wood.

Abstract: A connector for the interconnection in generally perpendicular array of generally C-shaped elongate structural members having a pair of flanges integrally and perpendicularly connected with the web portion thereof in which said flanges each include a flange return edge which extends inwardly of the generally C-shaped channel, which connector, upon the assembly of said interconnection, provides strengthening of the webs of each said C-shaped structural member, and a floor assembly comprising said connector and said generally C-shaped elongate structural members.

Abstract: A skylight structure having a condensate removal system and constructed employing rafters and purlins in interconnecting relationship. The rafters have side condensation gutters formed by an upright wall upon which ends of adjacent purlins rest. The purlins rest upon the upright wall of the rafter. Adjacent purlins are secured by means of a purlin locating clip secured to the center support of the rafter and having side extending wings each engaging in a respective purlin groove.

Abstract: The suspended woodbeam ceiling is formed of a plurality of beams which lie spaced from each other and at right angles from each other to receive drop-in ceiling panels therebetween. Each beam comprises a beam center to which is secured a beam side on each side thereof. Each beam side has a lip which is engaged by the drop-in ceiling panel for the support of the panel. Crossbeams have locking clips formed thereon for engaging on and locking on the main beam. The beam contours and textures provide especially aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A plurality of metallic or plastic strips or flats or bars with a certain types of notches and holes disposed along the length of said strips or flats or bars in a regular interval, which are used together with a plurality of rods in assembling a variety of self-interlocking grilles, are disclosed.

Abstract: A clip for attachment of metal planking to a T-bar, which comprises an elongated main body having parallel sides, a generally trapezoidal projecting portion, and an intermediate portion integral with and joining the longer base of said trapezoidal portion to a side of said main body portion, all of said portions being coplanar and the bases of said trapezoidal portion being parallel to said main body sides, said intermediate portion being shorter than said longer base to define a pair of opposed open slots between said projecting portion and said main body portion for receiving the edges of the metal plank; and an elongated ear normal to and integral with said trapezoidal portion at each inclined side thereof and extending from the longer base to the shorter base thereof, each said ear being operable, when one edge of a plank is secured in a slot and the free edge of the plank is manually pushed against said ear, to cam the free edge of a plank across said ear and into said slot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for slip-connector structural joint which joins a horizontal beam and a vertical stud of a structure, such as a commercial building. A plate spans the beam and stud and is attached to the beam and has an opening therein which snugly receives an edge of the stud which is generally channel-shaped, and the connection with the stud permits a vertical slip joint. Thus, the stud is retained against lateral movement while vertical movement is available to present the desired slip joint.

Abstract: The shaft of a harrow tine is clamped to a crosswise extending support rod or frame by means of an angular holder comprising a first leg to be threaded onto the shaft of the harrow tine until it abuts one lateral edge of the support rod, and a second leg to overlie the support rod and presenting at its free end an integral bolt to be inserted through a hole in the harrow tine shaft and to abut the other lateral edge of the support rod.